Feb 08 2025 3 mins
Hello there, fellow anglers This is Artificial Lure, your go-to expert for all things fishing in and around the Columbia River, particularly in the Portland area. Today, February 8, 2025, promises to be an exciting day on the water, so let's dive into the details.
First off, let's check the tidal report. According to the tide times for the Columbia River entrance at the North Jetty, we have a low tide at 2:13 AM with a height of 4.29 feet, followed by a high tide at 8:32 AM reaching 8.05 feet. The next low tide is at 3:55 PM with a height of just 0.12 feet, and the final high tide of the day is at 10:38 PM with a height of 6.19 feet[2].
The weather is looking relatively calm, with mild winter conditions typical for this time of year. Sunrise is at 7:29 AM, and sunset will be at 5:32 PM, giving us a good window of daylight to get out on the water.
Recently, the fishing on the Columbia River has been quite active. For those targeting walleye, the Rufus and Boardman areas have been producing healthy numbers. Trolling in likely walleye-holding areas and then switching to jigging once you locate a school has been the successful strategy. If you're after sturgeon, the fishery in the Columbia River Gorge was excellent at the start of January, although it was closed shortly after due to quota limits. However, catch-and-release trips are still an option and can be very action-packed[1].
For salmon enthusiasts, the fall runs were strong, especially in the Hood River area and below Bonneville Dam. Chinook and coho salmon were abundant, with many anglers catching their limits. While the salmon season has extended into October, it's now past its peak, but there are still some fish around, particularly coho in the lower sections of the river[1].
Now, let's talk about the best lures and bait to use. For sturgeon, you can't go wrong with smelt, herring, anchovies, squid, and sand shrimp. If you're targeting oversize sturgeon in the summer, a full shad is the hands-down best bait[3].
For coho salmon, herring and anchovies are excellent choices near the ocean, while prawns and salmon eggs work better further upriver. An in-line spinner is also a very effective way to target coho. For Chinook salmon, herring and salmon roe are top picks, with the deadly 360 flasher 3.5 spinner combo being particularly lethal[3].
If you're after steelhead, plastic beads imitating salmon eggs are very effective, especially in colored water. Spinners and plugs also work well in swifter water, and roe or shrimp can be great bait options[3].
Hot spots to consider today include the Rufus and Boardman areas for walleye, and the Hood River area for any remaining salmon. The Columbia River Gorge is always a good bet for sturgeon, even if it's catch-and-release.
In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the Columbia River. With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tides and recent fish activity, you're set for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip. Tight lines, everyone
First off, let's check the tidal report. According to the tide times for the Columbia River entrance at the North Jetty, we have a low tide at 2:13 AM with a height of 4.29 feet, followed by a high tide at 8:32 AM reaching 8.05 feet. The next low tide is at 3:55 PM with a height of just 0.12 feet, and the final high tide of the day is at 10:38 PM with a height of 6.19 feet[2].
The weather is looking relatively calm, with mild winter conditions typical for this time of year. Sunrise is at 7:29 AM, and sunset will be at 5:32 PM, giving us a good window of daylight to get out on the water.
Recently, the fishing on the Columbia River has been quite active. For those targeting walleye, the Rufus and Boardman areas have been producing healthy numbers. Trolling in likely walleye-holding areas and then switching to jigging once you locate a school has been the successful strategy. If you're after sturgeon, the fishery in the Columbia River Gorge was excellent at the start of January, although it was closed shortly after due to quota limits. However, catch-and-release trips are still an option and can be very action-packed[1].
For salmon enthusiasts, the fall runs were strong, especially in the Hood River area and below Bonneville Dam. Chinook and coho salmon were abundant, with many anglers catching their limits. While the salmon season has extended into October, it's now past its peak, but there are still some fish around, particularly coho in the lower sections of the river[1].
Now, let's talk about the best lures and bait to use. For sturgeon, you can't go wrong with smelt, herring, anchovies, squid, and sand shrimp. If you're targeting oversize sturgeon in the summer, a full shad is the hands-down best bait[3].
For coho salmon, herring and anchovies are excellent choices near the ocean, while prawns and salmon eggs work better further upriver. An in-line spinner is also a very effective way to target coho. For Chinook salmon, herring and salmon roe are top picks, with the deadly 360 flasher 3.5 spinner combo being particularly lethal[3].
If you're after steelhead, plastic beads imitating salmon eggs are very effective, especially in colored water. Spinners and plugs also work well in swifter water, and roe or shrimp can be great bait options[3].
Hot spots to consider today include the Rufus and Boardman areas for walleye, and the Hood River area for any remaining salmon. The Columbia River Gorge is always a good bet for sturgeon, even if it's catch-and-release.
In summary, today looks like a great day to get out on the Columbia River. With the right lures and bait, and an understanding of the tides and recent fish activity, you're set for a productive and enjoyable fishing trip. Tight lines, everyone