Exceptional Fall Chinook Run on the Columbia River near Portland

As of September 28, 2024, the Columbia River around Portland is offering some of the best fishing conditions of the season. ### Weather and Tidal Conditions The weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-60s, making it ideal for a day on the water. Expect partly cloudy skies with a gentle breeze. The tidal report shows a high tide at around 10:30 AM and a low tide at 4:30 PM, which can significantly impact fish activity. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset is at 6:53 PM, providing ample daylight for a full day of fishing. ### Fish Activity The fall chinook run has been exceptional this year, and the river is still teeming with fish. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a significant number of chinook salmon, with many boats limiting out. Coho salmon, particularly the "B" run, are also starting to show up in greater numbers. ### Catch Reports Yesterday, 379 chinook, 67 jack chinook, and eight coho were kept by boat anglers, while 11 chinook, two jack chinook, and two coho were released. Bank anglers also had success, with two chinook kept. ### Best Lures and Bait For chinook salmon, using lures like Rapala Shad Raps, Countdowns, and floating models have been highly effective. Fly-fishing with streamers, especially those mimicking minnows, is also a popular and successful method. For coho, hatchery coho can be targeted using similar lures and bait, with a focus on smaller presentations. ### Hot Spots One of the hot spots right now is the area around Bonneville Dam, where the fish tend to congregate. Another productive area is near Warrior Rock Lighthouse, where the river's structure and currents create ideal fishing conditions. Overall, the Columbia River is in prime shape for fishing, with plenty of fish to go around and favorable weather conditions. Make sure to check the local regulations for any updates on catch limits and species restrictions. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.