I'm in N. Portland and have made this is my first season. I haven't begun tried plunking on the Columbia yet, I'm more interested in getting out of the city anyway. Both the Sandy and the Clackamas have lots of water to bank fish within 45 hr drive of te city (depending on traffic). There *are* fish at the mouth of the Clackamas @ Clackamette Park, haven't been further upriver since the fire started in Estacada so I don't know whats going on there. I've read and heard of fish being taken from the Sandy lately but have yet to see many myself (compared to the Clack). Milo McIver Park is my go-to spot on the Clackamas and I've been exploring Oxbow and Dodge Parks on the Sandy. Still honing my skills and haven't hooked anything yet, but I'm determined... Search the forums, you'll find all the info you need on each of them. Good luck.