Fishing the Columbia River Near Portland in Late December

As of December 28, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite vibrant, despite the winter season. ### Tidal and Weather Conditions Since we are not in the immediate coastal area, tidal changes are less significant here, but it's always good to note the general water conditions. However, for those interested in the broader tidal context, the nearest coastal areas would have tides that are not directly impactful here. The weather today is expected to be cool and partly cloudy, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to low 50s Fahrenheit. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at around 7:48 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 4:29 PM, giving anglers a good window of daylight to hit the water. ### Fish Activity In late December, the primary focus shifts from salmon to other species like sturgeon, steelhead, and walleye. Yesterday's fishing was productive, especially for sturgeon and steelhead. Anglers reported catching several steelhead in the lower Columbia River, particularly around the Hood River area and below Bonneville Dam. Sturgeon fishing remains excellent, with many catch-and-release opportunities in the Columbia River Gorge. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Steelhead are the main target this time of year, with reports of multiple catches per day. Sturgeon, though catch-and-release only, are also plentiful and offer an exciting challenge. Walleye fishing is still viable, especially in the deeper pools below Bonneville Dam. ### Best Lures and Bait For steelhead, using lures like spinners, spoons, and flies is highly effective. Bait such as nightcrawlers, eggs, and smelt can also yield good results. For sturgeon, a sturdy setup with bait like anchovies, herring, or even squid is recommended due to their strong fighting nature. Walleye can be caught using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows. ### Hot Spots - **Columbia River Gorge**: This area is a hotspot for sturgeon and offers breathtaking scenery. - **Below Bonneville Dam**: This region is excellent for both steelhead and walleye due to the deep pools created by the dam. - **Hood River Area**: Above the Hood River Bridge, this spot is known for good steelhead and occasional sturgeon catches. If you're looking to get out on the water, these spots are your best bets for a productive and enjoyable day of fishing on the Columbia River near Portland. Give me a call at 503-314-5087 to plan your trip. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.