Episodes

  • Late Season Salmon on the Columbia - Finding Fall Fishing Opportunities Near Portland

    Late Season Salmon on the Columbia - Finding Fall Fishing Opportunities Near Portland
    Nov 10 2024
    As of November 10, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up the fall season, but there are still some opportunities to catch some fish.

    ### Tides and Weather
    Today, the high tide is at 9:17 AM and the low tide at 3:04 PM, providing moderate tidal conditions which should be favorable for fishing. The weather is typical for this time of year in the Pacific Northwest, with partly cloudy skies and a mild temperature, possibly with some light rain.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:34 PM, giving you a good window to get out on the water.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall salmon season is winding down, but there are still some fish to be caught. Yesterday, in the areas around Portland to Longview, there were 25 salmonid boats counted, with some success reported. In the Bonneville Pool, two Chinook, 71 coho, and three jack coho were kept, along with five Chinook and 12 coho released[4].

    ### Types of Fish Caught
    The primary catches are now coho salmon, with some Chinook still present. Coho must have a clipped fin to be kept below the Hood River Bridge. There are also reports of sturgeon being caught, although retention is currently closed[4][5].

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For coho and Chinook salmon, trolling slowly with herring close to the bottom is a good strategy. Using barbless hooks is mandatory on the Columbia River. For those targeting sturgeon, using smelt or anchovies can be effective, though it's currently catch-and-release only[1][5].

    ### Hot Spots
    - The area below Bonneville Dam has been very productive for both Chinook and coho salmon. Anglers have been having success here, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
    - The Hood River area above the bridge is another hot spot, particularly for Chinook salmon and wild coho. This area has seen consistent catches in recent weeks[5].

    Overall, while the peak of the fall season has passed, there are still good opportunities to catch some quality fish on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulation updates before you head out.
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia: Catching Chinook and Coho Before the Season Ends

    Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia: Catching Chinook and Coho Before the Season Ends
    Nov 9 2024
    As of November 9, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up the fall season, but there's still some action to be had.

    **Weather and Tides:**
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The tide is currently in its ebbing phase, with low tide at 10:05 AM and high tide at 4:17 PM. Sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 4:43 PM.

    **Fish Activity:**
    While the peak of the fall salmon run has passed, there are still some fish to be caught. Yesterday, anglers reported catching both Chinook and coho salmon, although the numbers are not as high as they were in October. According to recent reports, the areas around Bonneville Dam and the Hood River were productive, with some boats limiting out on coho and catching a few Chinook[3][4].

    **Types and Amounts of Fish:**
    In the Portland area to Warrior Rock, anglers caught a mix of Chinook and coho salmon. Specifically, in the Bonneville Pool, there were reports of two Chinook, 71 coho, and three jack coho kept, along with several released[4].

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For this time of year, using herring or anchovies as bait is highly effective. Trolling slowly close to the bottom with these baits can increase your chances of catching salmon. If you prefer lures, spinners and plugs like the Kwikfish or Mag Lip can also be productive.

    **Hot Spots:**
    - The area below Bonneville Dam has been very productive for both Chinook and coho.
    - The Hood River area above the bridge is another good spot, especially for Chinook salmon.
    - The lower Columbia River near Buoy 10 is also worth a try, especially for coho salmon[3][4].

    Remember to check the latest regulation updates, as they can change frequently, and ensure you are using barbless hooks as required by local regulations. Good luck on the water
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    2 mins
  • Columbia River Salmon Fishing: Late Fall Opportunities

    Columbia River Salmon Fishing: Late Fall Opportunities
    Nov 8 2024
    As of November 8, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up the fall salmon season, but there are still some opportunities to be had.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and the sunset will be at 4:34 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:17 AM and a low tide at 3:17 PM, which can affect fish activity.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday's fishing was decent, especially for those targeting salmon. In the Portland area to Warrior Rock, anglers reported catches of both Chinook and coho salmon, although the numbers were not exceptionally high. For instance, in the Bonneville Pool, which is between the Bonneville Dam and The Dalles Dam, 34 boats with 84 anglers managed to keep two Chinook, 71 coho, and three jack coho, while releasing five Chinook and 12 coho.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For salmon, using lures like spinners, spoons, and plugs can be effective. Specifically, the Blue Fox Vibrax spinner and the Luhr-Jensen Krocodile spoon are popular choices. Bait-wise, herring and anchovies are always good options, especially when used with a bobber or downrigger setup. For those after sturgeon, which are currently closed for retention, baiting with smelt, shad, or even nightcrawlers can be productive, though be sure to follow the current regulations.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best spots right now is the Hood River area, where you can still catch Chinook and coho salmon. The area above the Hood River Bridge is particularly productive for keeping wild coho, while below the bridge, you'll need to release any wild coho caught. Another good spot is the Bonneville Pool, where the fish are more concentrated near the dams.

    ### Additional Tips
    Keep an eye out for jumping fish, as this can indicate active schools of salmon. Also, be mindful of the fish consumption advisories issued by the Oregon Health Authority due to high levels of mercury and PCBs in some areas of the Columbia River.

    Overall, while the fall salmon season is winding down, there are still some great fishing opportunities on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulation updates and enjoy the beautiful scenery and wildlife the river has to offer.
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    3 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia - Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead Action

    Late Fall Fishing on the Columbia - Chinook, Coho, and Steelhead Action
    Nov 7 2024
    As of November 7, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is transitioning into the late fall season, which can be quite productive for certain species.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be moderate, blowing at about 10 mph. Tides are not as critical for river fishing, but for those fishing near the mouth, the high tide is at 10:03 AM and the low tide at 3:45 PM.

    **Sunrise and Sunset:**
    Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset is at 4:43 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing trips.

    **Fish Activity:**
    While the spring Chinook salmon season has wrapped up, the fall Chinook run is still active, although it is nearing its end. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a few fall Chinook salmon, particularly in the areas around Hood River and below Bonneville Dam. Coho salmon, especially the "B" run, are also present and can be targeted.

    **Types and Amounts of Fish Caught:**
    Yesterday saw a mix of fall Chinook and Coho salmon being caught. The numbers were not as high as during the peak season, but there were still some notable catches. Steelhead fishing remains good, especially in areas like the McKenzie River above and below Leaburg Dam.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For targeting fall Chinook and Coho salmon, spinners and spinfish have been effective, especially when fished upstream in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam. Using herring close to the bottom while trolling slowly can also yield results. For steelhead, using bait such as eggs or small jigs is recommended.

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the best spots right now is the Hood River area above the bridge, where you can keep wild Coho and have a good chance at catching fall Chinook. Another productive area is below Bonneville Dam, where the fish tend to congregate. The Wind River, although past its peak for spring Chinook, can still offer some late-season action for fall species.

    Overall, while the peak fishing season has passed, there is still plenty of action to be had on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulations and ensure you have the necessary endorsements for targeting salmon and steelhead.
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    3 mins
  • "Columbia River Salmon Fishing: A Promising Fall Season Ahead"

    "Columbia River Salmon Fishing: A Promising Fall Season Ahead"
    Nov 3 2024
    As of November 3, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is shaping up to be quite interesting, especially with the fall salmon season in full swing.

    **Weather and Tidal Conditions:**
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. The sunrise was at 7:28 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:14 AM and a low tide at 3:04 PM, which should provide decent fishing conditions.

    **Fish Activity:**
    The fall salmon fishing has been a bit spotty but still productive. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of Chinook and coho salmon. In the area from Portland to Longview, 25 salmonid boats were counted, with some boats reporting catches of Chinook and coho.

    **Catch Reports:**
    In the Bonneville Pool, which includes the area upstream from Bonneville Dam to The Dalles Dam, anglers kept two Chinook, 71 coho, and three jack coho, while releasing five Chinook and 12 coho. This indicates a healthy presence of salmon in the river.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For this time of year, spinners and SpinFish have been bringing in the strikes. Anglers have had success using these lures, especially when fishing upstream in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam. Live bait such as herring or anchovies can also be effective for catching both Chinook and coho salmon.

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the best areas to fish right now is the Columbia River Gorge, particularly below Bonneville Dam. This area has seen very good fishing for both Chinook and coho salmon. Another hot spot is the Hood River area above the bridge, where you can keep wild coho and have been reporting good catches of Chinook salmon as well.

    Overall, the conditions are favorable, and with the right gear and knowledge of the hot spots, you should have a productive day on the water. Make sure to check the latest regulation updates before you head out, as they can change frequently.
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    2 mins
  • Late Fall Fishing Heats Up on the Columbia River Near Portland

    Late Fall Fishing Heats Up on the Columbia River Near Portland
    Nov 2 2024
    As of November 2, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is shaping up to be quite interesting, despite the late fall season.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be light, blowing at about 5 mph. Tides are crucial for fishing here; today's high tide is at 10:04 AM, and the low tide is at 3:47 PM.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 5:00 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fall salmon season is still active on the Columbia River. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of Chinook and coho salmon. According to recent reports, the area below the Hood River Bridge saw some action, with anglers catching a few Chinook salmon and releasing wild coho.

    ### Catch Reports
    In the area from Bonneville Dam to Tongue Point, there were 291 salmonid boats and 11 Oregon bank anglers counted on Saturday. The Buoy 10 area saw two Chinook and 32 coho kept, along with 17 coho released for 67 boats. The Bonneville Pool had 27 Chinook, eight jack Chinook, 21 coho, and two jack coho kept.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Chinook salmon, using herring or anchovies as bait is highly effective. Lures such as spinners, especially those with a red or pink blade, can also attract these fish. For coho, try using smaller lures like coho killers or even flies if you're fly fishing.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around the Hood River, where you can keep wild coho above the bridge. Another good spot is the Buoy 10 area, which has seen consistent catches of both Chinook and coho salmon. The Columbia River Gorge, particularly around the White Salmon River mouth, is also worth checking out due to the high fish activity in this area.

    Overall, with the right conditions and gear, today should be a good day to catch some salmon on the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest regulation updates before you head out.
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    3 mins
  • Columbia River Fishing Report: Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead Bites Heating Up

    Columbia River Fishing Report: Coho, Chinook, and Steelhead Bites Heating Up
    Nov 1 2024
    As of November 1, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is quite active, despite the transitioning seasons.

    **Weather and Tides:**
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The sunrise is at 7:30 AM, and sunset will be at 5:00 PM. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 9:04 AM and a low tide at 2:34 PM, which should provide decent fishing conditions.

    **Fish Activity:**
    Yesterday saw a mix of fish activity, particularly with coho and Chinook salmon. Although the Chinook salmon fishing has been extended in some areas until October 13, the focus is now shifting towards coho salmon. Coho fishing remains open through October 31 in most stretches of the river, and anglers have been reporting good catches, especially above the Hood River Bridge where wild coho can be kept.

    **Catches:**
    Anglers reported catching several coho and a few Chinook salmon yesterday. The area around Hood River continues to be productive, with multiple boats landing their limits. Steelhead fishing is also good, particularly in the upper sections of the river.

    **Best Lures and Bait:**
    For coho and Chinook salmon, spinners and spinfish have been bringing in the strikes. Using lures like these, especially when fishing upstream in the Columbia River Gorge below Bonneville Dam, has proven effective. For steelhead, using lures and artificial flies is recommended, especially since bait use is restricted starting November 1.

    **Hot Spots:**
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around Hood River, where you can keep wild coho above the bridge. Another productive area is below Bonneville Dam, where anglers have been finding good numbers of both coho and Chinook salmon. The Middle Fork Willamette River is also worth a visit, especially for summer steelhead and coho, with the temporary rule allowing coho fishing from October 1 to December 31.

    Overall, it's a great time to be on the Columbia River, with plenty of fish to target and favorable conditions. Just remember to check the latest fishing regulations and any emergency rule changes before you head out.
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    3 mins
  • "Columbia River Fishing Report: Steady Catches, Promising Conditions Near Portland"

    "Columbia River Fishing Report: Steady Catches, Promising Conditions Near Portland"
    Oct 31 2024
    As of October 31, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is showing some promising signs, despite the spotty conditions lately.

    ### Weather and Tidal Conditions
    Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 58°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be light, coming in from the southeast at about 5 mph. Tides are relatively mild, with a high tide at 7:47 AM and a low tide at 2:14 PM, which should provide decent fishing conditions.

    ### Sunrise and Sunset
    Sunrise is at 7:38 AM, and sunset will be at 5:02 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and afternoon fishing.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been steady, though not spectacular. Yesterday, in the lower Columbia River between Rocky Point/Tongue Point line upstream to Bonneville Dam, anglers reported catching several salmon. In Section 1 near Bonneville Dam, 48 bank anglers kept five Chinook and three coho, while 29 boats with 74 rods caught 31 Chinook, five Chinook jacks, and four coho.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For Chinook salmon, using 360 flashers with Brad’s Super Baits has been effective. Spinners with a coon shrimp are also a good choice. For coho, fin-clipped coho can be targeted using similar lures, but ensure to check the local regulations regarding wild coho releases.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots right now is the area around Davis Bar on the Washington side near Vancouver. This section has seen consistent catches of both Chinook and coho. Another productive area is the Hood River section above the Hood River Bridge, where you can keep wild coho and have been seeing lots of jumping fish.

    Overall, while the fishing isn't red hot, there are still plenty of opportunities to catch some quality fish in the Columbia River near Portland. Make sure to check the latest local fishing regulations and enjoy your day on the water.
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    2 mins