Fishing Report – 9/5/25

Astoria 

 Astoria is still absolutely rocking and rolling. There’s a solid mixture of Chinook and Coho, but Coho are starting to make up the majority of the catch. Trolling on both the incoming and outgoing tide has been productive, with most anglers fishing high in the water column on the incoming tide. Fish are tracking along the temperature change line in search of an easy meal. Fresh anchovies or herring have been effective, and anglers trolling 360 flashers with small spinners or hard-spinning baits like Spin-n-Fish, Stuffer Baits, and Superbaits are seeing great action. Once you find the Coho, expect fast and furious bites as they typically arrive in large schools. 

 Techniques & Baits: Fresh anchovies, herring, 360 flashers, small spinners, Spin-n-Fish, Stuffer Baits, Superbaits 

Cowlitz River Mouth 

 Chinook fishing near the mouth of the Cowlitz has been very good, with anglers reporting excellent success. Small spinners paired with 360 flashers are leading the way, but hard-spinning baits packed with sardine, tuna, or herring are also producing. For those preferring to stay anchored, fishing wobblers on outgoing tides has been equally effective. No matter the style, the fish are biting well. 

 Techniques & Baits: Small spinners, 360 flashers, wobblers, sardine, tuna, herring 

Bonneville 

 The Bonneville fishery is just getting going, with Chinook passage exceeding 10,000 fish per day this past week. Both trolling and anchor fishing are in play. Trollers are running 360 flashers with small spinners or hard-spinning baits, while anchor anglers are finding success with plugs. Popular plug options include Kwikfish (size 15–16), Brad’s KillerFish (size 15–16), and Mag Lips (4.5 and up). 

 Techniques & Baits: 360 flashers with small spinners or hard baits, Kwikfish, Brad’s KillerFish, Mag Lips 

Offshore Tuna 

 Tuna fishing along the Oregon and Washington coast remains excellent. Recent reports show fish averaging heavier, with many in the 30 lb range. In a rare catch, a Striped Marlin was recently landed out of Garibaldi, showing just how close the warm water has pushed in. Productive trolling setups include tuna clones, X-Raps, cedar plugs, and swimbaits. 

Techniques & Baits: Tuna clones, Rapala X-Raps, cedar plugs, swimbaits 

South of Cape Falcon 

South of Cape Falcon, the ocean bite has been strong. With open days for wild Coho retention, many anglers are filling fish boxes early. Pro David Johnson reported quick limits while fishing out of Tillamook on the opener, confirming expectations of a hot fishery. Techniques & Baits: Trolling bait, spinners, flashers for Coho 

Tributaries (Southwest Washington & Portland Metro) 

 Chinook and Coho are starting to push into tributaries around Southwest Washington and the Portland Metro area. In these early weeks, flexibility is key as warm water conditions can make fish selective. Spinners, spoons, plugs, and bait are all productive, though anglers should be ready to switch it up day to day. 

 Techniques & Baits: Spinners, spoons, plugs, bait 

Columbia Gorge Walleye 

 Walleye fishing in the Columbia Gorge continues to be a steady option while many anglers chase salmon. Trolling bottom walkers paired with worm harness rigs remains the top-producing technique. 

 Techniques & Baits: Bottom walkers, worm harness rigs