Spring Fishing on the Columbia River with Artificial Lure

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 31, 2025. Let me tell you, the spring fishing season is heating up and there's plenty of action to be had out on the water. First things first, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide of 2.95 feet at 7:57 AM and a low tide of 0.34 feet at 4:19 PM. The sun's coming up at 6:52 AM and setting at 7:38 PM, giving us plenty of daylight to work with. Weather-wise, it's looking like a typical spring day in Portland. Expect some clouds with a chance of showers, but nothing too heavy. Temperatures should be in the mid-50s, so layer up and bring a rain jacket just in case. Now, onto the good stuff - the fish! Spring Chinook are starting to show up in decent numbers. We've been seeing some nice catches below Bonneville Dam, with anglers reporting success using herring and sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. If you're bank fishing, try tossing out some cured eggs or sand shrimp. Steelhead fishing has been steady, with both wild and hatchery fish in the mix. Drift fishing with yarn and eggs has been productive, especially in the Gorge area. Don't forget to check the regulations, as some spots are catch-and-release only for wild steelhead. For you bass anglers, the smallmouth bite is picking up as the water warms. Jigs and soft plastics in crawdad colors have been working well, especially around rocky structure. As for hot spots, I'd recommend trying your luck around the I-5 Bridge or heading up to the Multnomah Channel. The Warrior Rock area has also been producing some nice catches. Bait-wise, you can't go wrong with fresh sand shrimp or cured eggs for salmon and steelhead. If you're targeting sturgeon, try using fresh smelt or pickled squid. For those who prefer artificial lures (like yours truly), I've been having good luck with green label herring helmets for salmon and marabou jigs for steelhead. Don't be afraid to experiment with different colors and retrieves. Remember, folks, the spring Chinook season is closely regulated, so make sure you're up to date on the latest rules and closures. And as always, practice good river etiquette and pack out what you pack in. That's all for now, anglers. Get out there and tight lines to ya! This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.