Early Summer Columbia River: Shad, Bass, and Sturgeon in the Portland Stretch

This is Artificial Lure with your Columbia River Portland fishing report. We’re sliding into that early summer pattern on the big river. Overnight lows sat in the mid‑50s with daytime highs pushing into the low to mid‑70s under mostly clear skies and just a light west breeze. Local forecasts call for another stable, dry day, which usually means consistent fishing rather than on‑fire or dead slow. Sunrise hits a little after five in the morning and sunset lands close to nine in the evening, so you’ve got a long window to work with. The most productive bites have been in that first two‑hour gray light and again the last hour before dark, especially when that low‑angle sun lines up with a moving tide. Tidewise, even this far upriver we still feel the push. Expect a modest morning flood, peaking mid‑morning, then an ebb sliding into the afternoon. That outgoing water has been the ticket for getting fish to stack on current breaks, especially around mid‑river humps and the ends of wing dams. Fishing pressure’s shifted. The main spring Chinook push has tapered, but there are still a few late springers and early summer Chinook caught in the deeper travel lanes. Most recent reports from local shops and marinas say the action now is dominated by **shad**, **smallmouth bass**, and some **oversize and keeper sturgeon** in the deeper slots. Shad are thick below Bonneville and still very catchable through the Portland stretch. Folks swinging light darts and tiny spoons on 1/8‑ to 1/4‑ounce heads are putting big numbers in the boat when they find that sweet conveyor of current. A chartreuse or hot pink shad dart has been money. Scale down your gear and you’ll stay hooked up. Smallmouth are waking up on the rocks from Kelly Point up past Sauvie and into the sloughs. Best reports are coming from anglers working 8–18 feet of water off riprap and rocky points. For lures, think classic Columbia: **3–4 inch green pumpkin or brown tube jigs**, **Ned rigs in natural baitfish colors**, and small crankbaits in craw or shad patterns. When the sun’s high and the wind lays down, a finesse drop‑shot with a 3‑inch minnow plastic can really clean up. Sturgeon anglers soaking bait around the deeper bends and ledges are finding a mix of shakers and some decent keepers where open. Fresh **sand shrimp**, **anchovy chunks**, and smelt have been the top baits. Make sure to double‑check current regs for retention, slot limits, and closed areas before you drop anchor. A couple local hot spots to circle for today: • **Government Island area** – Work the drop‑offs and rocky edges for smallmouth with tubes and Ned rigs, and slide into the mid‑river lanes with small spoons if you’re chasing shad. • **Kelly Point down to the Interstate Bridge** – Good current seams for shad and the occasional Chinook in the deeper slots, plus plenty of structure tight to shore for bass when the boat traffic picks up. If water clarity stays decent, run **natural greens, browns, and smoke** for bass. If the wind kicks up sediment or boat wake muddies things, don’t be shy about switching to brighter chartreuse, orange, or something with a bit more flash. For bait anglers on the bank, **nightcrawlers**, **sand shrimp**, and small **anchovy pieces** under enough lead to hold bottom are still putting fish on stringers, especially early and late. That’s the word from the Columbia around Portland. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a report. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai. Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn