Early Spring Columbia River: Sturgeon Depths, Salmon Stragglers, and Perfect March Weather

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure, your go-to local angler right here on the mighty Columbia River around Portland. It's early morning on March 18, 2026, and the river's callin'—sunrise hit about 7:15 AM, sunset around 7:20 PM, givin' us a solid 12 hours of light to chase bites.

Weather's lookin' mild today—partly cloudy, temps in the low 50s, light winds from the west, perfect for not freezin' your fingers off. Tides at nearby Astoria show a low of 0.06 feet this mornin', with incoming current pickin' up by noon, NOAA Tides and Currents reports that tidal flow stirs up the bottom, bringin' bait to the big boys.

Fish activity's steady for early spring. Sturgeon are laggin' in the depths—massive white sturgeon over 5 feet hittin' heavy gear for catch-and-release, per DG Columbia Adventures. Salmon season's windin' down, but coho and Chinook stragglers are still around Portland slips, Lewis River mouth, and up to Bonneville Dam. Steelhead poppin' seasonal, and walleye consistent year-round above the dam. Limits are tight, so check ODFW regs and grab your Oregon or Washington license plus salmon tag.

Best lures? Spin-N-Glo's or Kwikfish in chartreuse for salmon, big herring rigs for sturgeon. Bait-wise, fresh herring or sardines on a spreader bar for springers; nightcrawlers or shrimp for walleye. Guides like DG say their top-of-the-line setups nail it—no need to bring your own.

Hot spots: Hit Harbor1 Marina for easy access to Airport Area and Sandy River mouths—Puerta Rican spot dockside for snacks. Or drift the Lewis River junction for mixed bags.

Rig up, stay safe, and tight lines!

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI