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Columbia River Portland Fishing Report Nov 27: Salmon run wraps, winter steelhead on the rise
Published 5 months ago
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# Columbia River Portland Fishing Report - November 27th
Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Thursday morning Columbia River report.
**Tides & Conditions**
Low tide this morning hit at 7:55 AM at just under a foot. We're looking at high tide around 12:34 PM, then another low at 7:51 PM. Your major bite windows today are 5:35 to 7:35 AM and 5:50 to 7:50 PM—don't sleep on those evening hours.
**The Real Talk on Fish Activity**
Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it—the Columbia salmon run is essentially wrapped for the season. We've seen the creel program checking show minimal to no catch activity in the Bonneville and John Day pools. Bonneville Pool is closed to retention anyway, and frankly, the bright fish have moved on. But here's the silver lining: winter steelhead are stirring. Early returning fish are starting to show in limited numbers, and that's your real opportunity heading into December.
**What's Being Caught**
Last week's reports from the Dalles Pool showed six walleye kept on three boats—not banner numbers, but they're there if you know where to look. That's about all the saltmonid action we're seeing right now on the mainstem.
**Best Bets for You**
If you're headed to the lower Willamette as an alternative, sturgeon are available on a catch-and-release basis, though the bite's been slow. Your better move? Head to the coast where fall Chinook is making its last stand through December 1st on rivers like the Nestucca, Trask, and Wilson—those are lighting up with fresh fish thanks to recent rains.
**Pro Tips**
For what remains on the Columbia, focus on shad patterns and smaller presentations. Walleye respond well to tube jigs and live shiners if you're chasing them in the Dalles Pool. Save the heavy Chinook gear for coastal runs.
**Hotspots**
The Bonneville Pool area near the dam still holds winter steelhead potential despite lower numbers. Second choice—head below Bonneville where the Gorge opens up; early-season fish concentrate there.
Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe for daily updates. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease.ai
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Thursday morning Columbia River report.
**Tides & Conditions**
Low tide this morning hit at 7:55 AM at just under a foot. We're looking at high tide around 12:34 PM, then another low at 7:51 PM. Your major bite windows today are 5:35 to 7:35 AM and 5:50 to 7:50 PM—don't sleep on those evening hours.
**The Real Talk on Fish Activity**
Look, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it—the Columbia salmon run is essentially wrapped for the season. We've seen the creel program checking show minimal to no catch activity in the Bonneville and John Day pools. Bonneville Pool is closed to retention anyway, and frankly, the bright fish have moved on. But here's the silver lining: winter steelhead are stirring. Early returning fish are starting to show in limited numbers, and that's your real opportunity heading into December.
**What's Being Caught**
Last week's reports from the Dalles Pool showed six walleye kept on three boats—not banner numbers, but they're there if you know where to look. That's about all the saltmonid action we're seeing right now on the mainstem.
**Best Bets for You**
If you're headed to the lower Willamette as an alternative, sturgeon are available on a catch-and-release basis, though the bite's been slow. Your better move? Head to the coast where fall Chinook is making its last stand through December 1st on rivers like the Nestucca, Trask, and Wilson—those are lighting up with fresh fish thanks to recent rains.
**Pro Tips**
For what remains on the Columbia, focus on shad patterns and smaller presentations. Walleye respond well to tube jigs and live shiners if you're chasing them in the Dalles Pool. Save the heavy Chinook gear for coastal runs.
**Hotspots**
The Bonneville Pool area near the dam still holds winter steelhead potential despite lower numbers. Second choice—head below Bonneville where the Gorge opens up; early-season fish concentrate there.
Thanks for tuning in, and please subscribe for daily updates. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease.ai
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI