Tides, Temps, and Trophies: Fishing the Columbia River Gorge in Winter

As of December 22, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite different from the peak salmon seasons, but there are still some exciting opportunities. ### Tidal Report Today, the high tide at the Columbia River entrance (N. Jetty) is at 5:55 AM with a height of 6.93 feet, followed by a low tide at 11:45 AM with a height of 3.23 feet. The next high tide will be at 5:40 PM with a height of 5.5 feet, and the final low tide of the day will be at 11:34 PM with a height of 2.13 feet[2]. ### Weather and Daylight Sunrise is at 7:57 AM, and sunset will be at 4:33 PM, giving you a decent window for daytime fishing. Check the local weather forecast for any updates, but generally, this time of year can be quite chilly and possibly rainy. ### Fish Activity While the salmon season has wrapped up, other species are still active. This time of year is great for targeting sturgeon, steelhead, walleye, and bass. Sturgeon fishing in the Columbia River Gorge is particularly good, with fish ranging from 20 inches to 12 feet long. However, note that keeping sturgeon is regulated, so check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife for specific rules[3]. ### Best Lures and Bait For sturgeon, use large bait like anchovies, herring, or even nightcrawlers. Steelhead can be caught using jigs, spinners, or flies. Walleye are often targeted with jigs tipped with nightcrawlers or minnows. Bass fishing can be successful with soft plastics, crankbaits, or spinnerbaits. ### Hot Spots The Columbia River Gorge is an excellent spot for sturgeon fishing, offering both scenic beauty and the chance to reel in a massive fish. Another hot spot is the area around the Hood River Bridge, where you can catch steelhead and coho, although coho must be released if caught below this point during certain times of the year[1]. ### Recent Catches While specific catches from yesterday are not available, the general trend suggests that sturgeon and steelhead are the primary targets this time of year. The fishing remains good, especially in areas like the Gorge and around the Hood River Bridge. If you're looking to get out on the water, consider the changing tides and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly. The cooler weather might make the fish a bit more sluggish, but the right bait and lure can still yield some impressive catches. Give me a call or text at 503-314-5087 if you need more detailed guidance or want to book a guided trip. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.