As of October 9, 2024, the Columbia River around Portland is still buzzing with activity, making it an excellent time to get out on the water.
### Weather and Tides
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 62 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 50 degrees. Sunrise is at 7:24 AM, and sunset will be at 6:14 PM. The tidal conditions are favorable, with a high tide at 8:47 AM and a low tide at 2:34 PM. The changing tides, especially around the low slack, tend to trigger active feeding among the salmon.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw a good number of salmon caught in the area. In the Hood River area, anglers reported catching several Chinook salmon, with some boats limiting out on both Chinook and Coho.
### Types and Amounts of Fish
The fall Chinook run has been exceptional this year, and October is proving to be one of the most productive months. Anglers are catching a mix of Chinook and Coho salmon. In the lower Columbia River, between Rocky Point and Bonneville Dam, boats were keeping significant numbers of Chinook, Chinook jacks, and Coho.
### Best Lures and Bait
For Chinook salmon, using plugs like the Kwikfish or Mag Lip, and bait such as anchovies or herring, has been highly effective. For Coho, spinners and spoons, particularly those with a silver or copper finish, are working well. Hatchery Coho must have a clipped fin to be kept, so make sure to check for that.
### Hot Spots
The area around the Hood River Bridge and the White Salmon River mouth are hot spots right now. Fishing below Bonneville Dam has also been very productive, with many anglers catching their limits early in the day.
### Regulations
Remember, the salmon fisheries have been extended through October 13, allowing for the retention of one Chinook and up to three total salmon in some areas. Wild Coho must be released below the Hood River Bridge, but hatchery Coho can be kept throughout this section.
With the perfect weather and the fish biting, now is the time to get out on the Columbia River and enjoy some of the best fishing of the season.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
