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Columbia River Fishing Update: Coho, Steelhead, and Sturgeon Prospects for November 16th, 2025
Published 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Description
Good morning, folks. It’s Artificial Lure here with your Columbia River and Portland fishing report for Sunday, November 16th, 2025. The sun came up this morning around 6:50 AM, and we’re looking at a mostly clear day with temperatures climbing into the mid-50s. Sunset tonight is at 5:35 PM, so you’ve got a solid window to get out and wet a line.
Tides on the Columbia are running mild today. At Kalama, the first high tide was at 1:55 AM, and the next low tide is coming in at 1:04 PM, with water levels just under a half foot. These small tides mean the river’s moving steady but not too fast, which is perfect for targeting fish holding in the deeper runs.
Fish activity is picking up, especially upstream of Bonneville Dam. Anglers are still finding a few bright coho near the mouth of the Klickitat River, but most of the salmon are starting to turn dark as they move into spawning mode. The bite is spotty, but there are still some nice fish to be had. Winter steelhead counts are starting to climb, with a handful already making their way up the system. Sturgeon fishing is quiet, but if you’re patient, there’s always a sleeper chance.
Last week, the Willamette Falls fish count showed 20 to 50 adult salmon passing through daily, and over 24,000 coho have already moved above the falls, with many headed for the North Santiam. The action is strongest in the lower stretches, but the recent rains are pushing fish higher. On the Clackamas, anglers are starting to see some fresh B-run wild coho, and a few winter steelhead have been confirmed near Meldrum Bar.
For gear, stick to lures and artificial flies—bait’s been off the table since November 1st. Twitching jigs and bobber-and-bead rigs are working well for coho, especially in the deeper holes. For steelhead, try slow-retrieved spinners or nymphs like the Possie Bugger or Jigged Hare’s Ear. Bright streamers and egg patterns are also drawing attention from the trout and steelhead in the McKenzie and Coast Fork Willamette.
If you’re looking for a couple of hot spots, focus on the stretch above Bonneville Dam, especially around the Klickitat mouth, and don’t overlook the lower Clackamas near Dodge Park. Both are producing solid numbers, and the water’s in good shape.
Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Tides on the Columbia are running mild today. At Kalama, the first high tide was at 1:55 AM, and the next low tide is coming in at 1:04 PM, with water levels just under a half foot. These small tides mean the river’s moving steady but not too fast, which is perfect for targeting fish holding in the deeper runs.
Fish activity is picking up, especially upstream of Bonneville Dam. Anglers are still finding a few bright coho near the mouth of the Klickitat River, but most of the salmon are starting to turn dark as they move into spawning mode. The bite is spotty, but there are still some nice fish to be had. Winter steelhead counts are starting to climb, with a handful already making their way up the system. Sturgeon fishing is quiet, but if you’re patient, there’s always a sleeper chance.
Last week, the Willamette Falls fish count showed 20 to 50 adult salmon passing through daily, and over 24,000 coho have already moved above the falls, with many headed for the North Santiam. The action is strongest in the lower stretches, but the recent rains are pushing fish higher. On the Clackamas, anglers are starting to see some fresh B-run wild coho, and a few winter steelhead have been confirmed near Meldrum Bar.
For gear, stick to lures and artificial flies—bait’s been off the table since November 1st. Twitching jigs and bobber-and-bead rigs are working well for coho, especially in the deeper holes. For steelhead, try slow-retrieved spinners or nymphs like the Possie Bugger or Jigged Hare’s Ear. Bright streamers and egg patterns are also drawing attention from the trout and steelhead in the McKenzie and Coast Fork Willamette.
If you’re looking for a couple of hot spots, focus on the stretch above Bonneville Dam, especially around the Klickitat mouth, and don’t overlook the lower Clackamas near Dodge Park. Both are producing solid numbers, and the water’s in good shape.
Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest updates. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
This episode includes AI-generated content.