Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia: Sturgeon, Steelhead, and Stray Salmon Opportunities

As of December 6, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite different from the peak salmon seasons, but there are still some exciting opportunities. ### Tidal and Weather Conditions Today, the tides at Point Adams, a key reference point for the Columbia River, are as follows: High tide at 7:44 AM with a height of 7.02 ft, low tide at 1:11 PM with a height of 4.04 ft, and another high tide at 7:00 PM with a height of 8.57 ft[2]. The weather forecast indicates southeast winds at 5 to 10 kt, with seas around 6 to 7 ft. There is a chance of showers in the afternoon, so be prepared for some rain[3]. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise today is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 4:29 PM. ### Fish Activity While the salmon runs are largely over for the year, there are still some fish to be caught. This time of year, you might encounter late-run coho or some stray Chinook. However, the main focus shifts to other species like sturgeon and steelhead. ### Recent Catches In recent weeks, anglers have reported catching coho and Chinook salmon, although the numbers are significantly lower than during the peak season. For example, on October 13, there were reports of good catches of coho and some Chinook in the Hood River area and below Bonneville Dam[1]. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, which are active in the Portland Harbor area from December to March, use bait like anchovies, herring, or even nightcrawlers. For steelhead, which start to appear in the winter months, try using small jigs, spinners, or flies. If you're still after salmon, trolling with herring or using a jet diver with a quick fish can be effective[5]. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots to fish in the heart of Portland is between the I-5 and I-205 bridges on the Columbia River. This area is great for spring salmon but can also yield some late-season fish. Another hotspot is the Bonneville Dam area, where anchoring with spinners can be very productive. For sturgeon, head to the Portland Harbor, particularly around the docks and grain barges near the mouth of the Willamette River[5]. Overall, while the fishing is not as frenetic as during the peak salmon seasons, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some great fish on the Columbia River near Portland. Just be sure to check the latest regulations and adjust your tactics accordingly. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.