Spring Chinook Bonanza on the Columbia: Your Guide to Catching Hatchery Salmon Before Season's End

The Columbia River around Portland is offering anglers some promising spring fishing action today, April 4, 2025. Here's an overview of the key fishing details: The weather today is mild, staying in the mid-50s with a mix of clouds and sunshine, accompanied by light winds. Sunrise was at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 7:43 PM, giving ample daylight for fishing. Tides near Portland are moderate, typical for this time of year, providing steady current conditions that are ideal for salmon fishing. The spring Chinook salmon season has been lively with hatchery springers being the main catch. Recent reports indicate better fishing outcomes in areas like Davis Bar and near the I-5 Bridge. The Columbia's season is set to close on April 7 below Bonneville Dam, so this weekend is your best opportunity to land a spring Chinook before regulations shift. Upstream in the Willamette River, you’ll find additional chances for Chinook as its season stays open year-round. Today, anglers have had success using cut-plug herring paired with 360 flashers near the bottom in slow troll setups. Popular lures include Simon Spin Dawgs and Simon Cut Plugs, which mimic baitfish effectively. On brighter days, experiment with brined herring in blue or green hues to match lighting conditions. If salmon are slow to bite, sturgeon catch-and-release action near the lower Willamette River is heating up. These prehistoric giants are a thrilling alternative and accessible from boats or banks. On the other hand, walleye enthusiasts are finding luck with nightcrawlers on jigs in 20 to 60 feet of water near Bonneville Pool. Recent catches in the lower Columbia have included a handful of Chinook per day among the larger fishing community, with some nice-sized hatchery springers reported. Fishermen targeting steelhead have seen moderate success, particularly near Rainier. For prime fishing hot spots, consider these locations: - **Davis Bar:** Productive for spring Chinook with a mix of boat and shore fishing success. - **Lower Willamette River:** Great for both salmon and sturgeon, especially near the head of Multnomah Channel. As always, dress warmly and in rainproof layers, as weather conditions can shift suddenly. Don’t forget to double-check fishing regulations, including allowable species and daily limits, with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Now’s the time—get out there and enjoy some of the Pacific Northwest's best spring fishing! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.