Late Season Columbia River Fishing Update: Coho, Chinook, and Free Fishing Day Opportunities

As of November 29, 2024, here’s the latest fishing report for the Columbia River around Portland: Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 52°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be light, coming in from the southeast at about 5 mph. Tides are relatively mild, with a high tide at 9:04 AM and a low tide at 2:34 PM. Sunrise is at 7:18 AM, and sunset will be at 4:28 PM. The fall salmon season is winding down, but there is still some activity to be found. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of coho and Chinook salmon, although the numbers are not as high as they were earlier in the season. In the Bonneville Pool, weekly checks showed one jack Chinook and 13 coho kept, along with one coho released for four boats. For salmon, using barbless hooks is mandatory. Trolling slowly with herring close to the bottom has been effective. Lures like spinners and spoons, especially those in silver or copper, can attract both coho and Chinook. If you're targeting steelhead, try using small jigs or flies, as bait is no longer allowed as of November 1. One of the best spots right now is the area around Hood River. This section has seen consistent catches of coho and Chinook, with anglers reporting multiple fish caught per day. Another good spot is the lower Columbia River near the Davis Bar area across from the mouth of the Willamette River. However, be aware that sea lions can be a nuisance here. Remember, wild coho must be released if caught below the Hood River Bridge, but hatchery coho can be kept throughout this section. Also, keep an eye on the fish consumption advisories issued by the Oregon Health Authority due to high levels of mercury and PCBs in some fish. Today is also one of Oregon's Free Fishing Days, so it's a great time to introduce a friend or family member to fishing without needing a license. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.