Mar 11 2025 2 mins
Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River fishing report for March 11, 2025.
First off, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide at 11:30 AM hitting 7.43 feet, followed by a low tide at 6:07 PM dropping to -0.07 feet. Sunrise was at 7:36 AM, and we'll see sunset at 7:17 PM. Weather-wise, it's a typical Portland spring day - overcast with a chance of light rain, temps in the mid-50s.
Now, onto the good stuff. The spring Chinook run is starting to pick up, with some nice catches reported near the I-5 Bridge and around Hayden Island. A few early birds have been landing some beauties in the 15-20 pound range. Steelhead action is still decent, especially up near Bonneville Dam.
For you bass enthusiasts, smallmouth fishing has been heating up as the water warms. Folks have been having luck with soft plastics and crankbaits along the rocky shorelines near Sauvie Island and downriver towards St. Helens.
Bait-wise, cured salmon eggs and sand shrimp are your best bets for salmon and steelhead. For smallmouth, try nightcrawlers or soft plastic grubs in pumpkin or motor oil colors.
As for lures, I've been hearing good things about Brad's Super Bait Cut Plugs for the springers. Kwikfish wrapped with sardine fillets are also producing. For steelhead, don't forget your trusty spinners - blue and chrome have been hot lately.
Hot spots to check out: the Portland Harbor area near the Willamette confluence has been producing some nice catches. Also, try the deep holes around Warrior Rock if you're after those big springers.
Remember, folks, the bite can change day to day, so don't be afraid to switch it up if something's not working. Tight lines, and I'll catch you on the river!
First off, let's talk tides. We've got a high tide at 11:30 AM hitting 7.43 feet, followed by a low tide at 6:07 PM dropping to -0.07 feet. Sunrise was at 7:36 AM, and we'll see sunset at 7:17 PM. Weather-wise, it's a typical Portland spring day - overcast with a chance of light rain, temps in the mid-50s.
Now, onto the good stuff. The spring Chinook run is starting to pick up, with some nice catches reported near the I-5 Bridge and around Hayden Island. A few early birds have been landing some beauties in the 15-20 pound range. Steelhead action is still decent, especially up near Bonneville Dam.
For you bass enthusiasts, smallmouth fishing has been heating up as the water warms. Folks have been having luck with soft plastics and crankbaits along the rocky shorelines near Sauvie Island and downriver towards St. Helens.
Bait-wise, cured salmon eggs and sand shrimp are your best bets for salmon and steelhead. For smallmouth, try nightcrawlers or soft plastic grubs in pumpkin or motor oil colors.
As for lures, I've been hearing good things about Brad's Super Bait Cut Plugs for the springers. Kwikfish wrapped with sardine fillets are also producing. For steelhead, don't forget your trusty spinners - blue and chrome have been hot lately.
Hot spots to check out: the Portland Harbor area near the Willamette confluence has been producing some nice catches. Also, try the deep holes around Warrior Rock if you're after those big springers.
Remember, folks, the bite can change day to day, so don't be afraid to switch it up if something's not working. Tight lines, and I'll catch you on the river!