Late Season Fishing Bounty on the Columbia River Near Portland

As of December 7, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite vibrant, despite the late season. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect: ### Weather and Tides Today, the weather is expected to be partly cloudy with a high of around 48°F and a low of 38°F. The winds are light, coming in from the southeast at about 5 mph. Tides are not as crucial for the Columbia River as they are for coastal areas, but for reference, the high tide is at 9:15 AM and the low tide at 3:15 PM. ### Sunrise and Sunset Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset is at 4:20 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing. ### Fish Activity This time of year, the primary targets are sturgeon, steelhead, and some late-season coho salmon. Yesterday, there were reports of decent sturgeon catches in the Columbia River Gorge, particularly around the Bonneville Dam area. Steelhead are also active, with some anglers reporting catches near the mouth of the Willamette River. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught Yesterday saw a few sturgeon landed, with the largest being around 7 feet long. Steelhead catches were moderate, with most fish ranging from 6 to 10 pounds. There were also some coho salmon caught, though in smaller numbers, mostly in the areas above the Hood River Bridge. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, using smelt, anchovies, or even nightcrawlers can be very effective. Steelhead are often caught using jigs with a pink or orange worm trailer or spin-n-glos. For coho salmon, try using spinners or spoons, especially those with a silver or copper finish. ### Hot Spots - **Bonneville Dam Area**: This spot is excellent for sturgeon and steelhead. The structure around the dam creates ideal habitats for these fish. - **Columbia River Gorge**: The gorge offers stunning scenery and is a hotspot for sturgeon fishing. Look for areas with deep holes and structure. - **Willamette River Mouth**: This area is great for steelhead and the occasional late-season coho salmon. Overall, the fishing on the Columbia River near Portland remains promising, especially for those targeting sturgeon and steelhead. Make sure to check the latest fishing regulations and catch limits before you head out. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.