Podcast Episode Title: Navigating the Dynamic Columbia River Fishing Scene After Sturgeon Quota Closure

As of today, January 5, 2025, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite dynamic, despite some recent changes in the sturgeon fishing regulations. ### Tidal Report This morning, the high tide at the Columbia River entrance was at 4:33 AM with a height of 7.61 feet, and the low tide is expected at 10:21 AM with a height of 2.5 feet. The next high tide will be at 4:19 PM, reaching 6.8 feet, and the final low tide of the day will be at 10:22 PM with a height of 0.96 feet[2]. ### Weather and Daylight The sunrise today is at 7:58 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:45 PM. The weather is typically cool and misty this time of year, but it's perfect for a day on the water. ### Fish Activity Yesterday, January 4, saw an abrupt end to the sturgeon keeper season in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools due to high angler success on New Year's Day. Despite this, catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still an exciting option. For those looking to keep their catch, other species like salmon, steelhead, walleye, and bass are still available[1][3][5]. ### Types and Amounts of Fish Caught On New Year's Day, sturgeon fishing was excellent, with many anglers catching their keeper sturgeons. However, due to the rapid filling of the quota, the fishery was closed after just one day in the Bonneville and The Dalles pools. For other species, salmon fishing has been good in the Hood River area, with coho and chinook salmon being caught in decent numbers[1]. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, even though the keeper season is closed, catch-and-release trips can be very rewarding. Use large bait like anchovies, herring, or even squid to attract these giants. For salmon, try using spinners, spoons, or plugs. Walleye can be caught using jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows[3]. ### Hot Spots One of the best spots for sturgeon fishing is the Columbia River Gorge, which offers stunning scenery and the chance to reel in massive sturgeons. For salmon, the Hood River area and below Bonneville Dam are highly productive. If you're after walleye, the areas around the mouth of the Willamette River and the Bonneville Pool can be very fruitful[1][3]. Given the current conditions and regulations, it's a great time to explore the diverse fishing opportunities the Columbia River has to offer, even if it means opting for catch-and-release sturgeon fishing. Enjoy your time on the water This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.