As of November 17, 2024, the fishing scene on the Columbia River near Portland is wrapping up the fall season, but there's still some action to be had.

**Weather and Tides:**
Today, you can expect partly cloudy skies with a high of around 52°F and a low of 45°F. The winds will be light, making for a comfortable day on the water. Tides are moderate, with a high tide at 7:47 AM and a low tide at 2:15 PM, which should provide some good fishing windows.

**Sunrise and Sunset:**
Sunrise is at 7:04 AM, and sunset will be at 4:29 PM, giving you a full day to get out on the river.

**Fish Activity:**
The fall salmon season is winding down, but there are still some fish to be caught. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of Chinook and coho salmon, particularly in the areas around Hood River and below Bonneville Dam. The fish are still active, especially during the changing tides.

**Catch Reports:**
In recent days, anglers have been landing a few Chinook and coho salmon. For example, on October 16, boats in the Hood River area caught two Chinook and lost another, with many other boats also reporting success. The coho run is still present, although the wild coho fishery has closed in some areas.

**Best Lures and Bait:**
For this time of year, using herring or anchovies as bait is highly effective. Trolling slowly with these baits close to the bottom can increase your chances of catching a Chinook or coho. If you prefer lures, spinners and plugs like the Kwikfish or Mag Lip can also be very productive.

**Hot Spots:**
One of the best spots right now is the area around Hood River, where you can catch both Chinook and coho. Another good spot is below Bonneville Dam, where the fish tend to congregate. The Gorge area has also been producing some good catches, especially for those targeting coho.

Overall, while the season is nearing its end, there's still plenty of opportunity to catch some salmon on the Columbia River near Portland. Just make sure to check the latest regulation updates before you head out.