Right now on the willamette, with the river flow low, I fish the outgoing tide to keep my boat straight, later with high flow I will fish anytime. I think they pick up the scent better on an outgoing tide though
Now that is funny (previous post) I nailed two keepers (released )and and had my rear end handed to me by a nice little oversize, I had to fight him on the hook cause I forgot to set up for an easy release (fishing solo) on the anchor rope, it was a great day!
I spent a couple of hours working at Elk Park on the Molalla yesterday and it is low! I would head up river early or late (to avoid the swimmers) and fish deep shaded pools for cutts! Just beware of the steelhead :D