Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia - Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead Action

As of November 7, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is transitioning into the late fall season, which can be quite productive for certain species. **Weather and Tidal Conditions:** Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph. Tides are not as critical for river fishing, but for those fishing near the mouth, the high tide is at 10:03 AM and the low tide at 3:45 PM. **Sunrise and Sunset:** Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips. **Fish Activity:** While the spring Chinook salmon season has wrapped up, the fall Chinook run is still active, although it is nearing its end. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a few fall Chinook salmon, particularly in the areas around Hood River and below Bonneville Dam. Coho salmon, especially the "B" run, are also present and can be targeted. **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:** Yesterday saw a mix of fall Chinook and Coho salmon being caught. The numbers were not as high as during the peak season, but there were still some notable catches. Steelhead fishing remains good, especially in areas like the McKenzie River above and below Leaburg Dam. **Best Lures and Bait:** For targeting fall Chinook and Coho salmon, spinners and spinfish have been effective, especially when fished upstream in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam. Using herring close to the bottom while trolling slowly can also yield results. For steelhead, using bait such as eggs or small jigs is recommended. **Hot Spots:** One of the best spots right now is the Hood River area above the bridge, where you can keep wild Coho and have a good chance at catching fall Chinook. Another productive area is below Bonneville Dam, where the fish tend to congregate. The Wind River, although past its peak for spring Chinook, can still offer some late-season action for fall species. Overall, while the peak fishing season has passed, there is still plenty of action to be had on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulations and ensure you have the necessary endorsements for targeting salmon and steelhead. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.