CatchWindow fishing intelligence

St Helens, OR Daily Water Report — August 27, 2026

Today's water shapes up as a solid "go" for most recreational users, with boating earning the top suitability score at 8.9 out of 10, closely followed by kayaking at 7.9 and diving at 7.6. The driving force is a remarkably calm water surface: wave heights and swell are both flatlined at zero meters all day. That's about as placid as it gets, and it's a noticeable step up from recent days. Yesterday's boating score was a touch higher at 9.2, but today's conditions offer a longer window of stability for those looking to get out. The best window runs from mid-morning through late afternoon. Winds start light, around 1 knot near dawn, then build to a representative 7 knots from the north-northwest by midday, gusting to 16. That's a steady but manageable breeze for sailers, who score a 7.5. Fishing comes in at 6.6, with the solunar major period between 11:36 and 13:36 offering a natural boost, though the lack of tide data means you'll want to rely on local knowledge for that extra edge. Surfing scores a 4.5, and with zero wave height, it's really a day for flat-water paddling or exploring the shoreline rather than chasing surf. The hazards are minimal—no rain, cloud cover at just 4%, and visibility stretching nearly 20 kilometers. The rising barometric pressure, now at 1018 hPa, signals stable air. One tradeoff for divers: while the calm surface is ideal for entry and exit, the score of 7.6 assumes favorable wind and waves but can't account for underwater visibility since that data is unavailable. Wildlife watchers also get a 6.6, with the waxing gibbous moon (98% illuminated) and minor solunar periods around 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. offering some activity windows, though winds pick up through the afternoon. Looking ahead, the coming days keep the glassy trend. Thursday and Friday look nearly identical—flat water, light winds, and high pressure holding. A shift arrives Saturday with a 38% chance of precipitation and slightly cooler air, but the waves stay negligible. By Sunday through Tuesday, temperatures climb back toward the upper 20s Celsius with dry conditions prevailing. The marine forecast shows zero wave height through the entire five-day outlook, which is unusual but consistent with the current settled pattern. Best bet today: get on the water early, ride the calm through the solunar window at noon, and be off before the evening breeze fades into a cool, clear night.