CatchWindow fishing intelligence

Portland, ME Daily Water Report — October 4, 2026

Portland gets a clear green light for low-stress time on the water, with boating the standout at 9.1/10 and kayaking close behind at 8.5/10. This is a notably gentle marine day: waves hold around 0.3–0.4 m, the representative east wind is just 5 knots with gusts near 7, and no rain is indicated. That is excellent operating weather, not a reason to forget that 15.1 C water still has a sharp opinion about an unplanned swim. The most useful windows bracket the day’s tide and light. Dawn arrives at 6:13 AM, with sunrise at 6:41, during the first solunar major period from 6:31–8:31 AM and a rising tide toward the 6:05 PM high. The evening major period, 6:31–8:31 PM, begins just after sunset and follows that high water, so it offers a quieter option for anglers and shoreline explorers who are prepared for fading light. Fishing rates 7.4/10, aided by the tide, light winds and solunar timing, while wildlife also scores 7.4/10; those are favorable planning signals, not guarantees of a catch or encounter. Low water at 11:42 AM is the key shoreline timing point. It may open up more intertidal ground, but the 0.38 m low also means changing footing and a quick return of water on the flood. The day’s atmospheric visibility is forecast near 16.4 km under clear skies, though that should not be confused with underwater visibility. Diving earns 7.1/10, but the available ocean data show very high chlorophyll at 16.38 mg/m³—bloom conditions that may compromise clarity. The sea surface is also 1.4 C above average, yet still only 15.1 C. Compared with the recent record, boating improves from 8.8 yesterday and fishing jumps from 6.0, while sailing eases to 7.1 as the light wind leaves less power in the canvas. Pressure is falling from a high near 1029 hPa, so enjoy the calm rather than assuming it will last. Monday and Tuesday turn breezier, with winds near 15–16 knots and waves up to 0.8 m; Wednesday looks milder again, while Friday and Saturday currently offer the smallest seas. Best bet: launch after sunrise, use the gentle morning water before the tide turns, and be back with dry layers before the evening light runs out.