CatchWindow fishing intelligence

St Helens, OR Daily Water Report — October 5, 2026

St Helens gets a clear green light for a wide range of water plans, with sailing the standout at 8.1/10 and wildlife viewing leading the board at 8.6/10. Flat-water conditions, dry weather, and a rising barometer make this one of those days when the water looks cooperative—though the NNW breeze will still have opinions by late day. The best all-around window is early to mid-morning, especially around the 8:06–10:06 AM solunar major period and the 8:53 AM low tide. Fishing rates 7.6/10, supported by that timing, rising pressure, and manageable wind. Shoreline explorers and wildlife watchers also have a useful low-tide opportunity then; the low is nearly bare at 0.01 m, so mind footing and give the returning water its due. For sailors, the 2.7–10.5-knot wind range offers enough breeze to work with without any forecast wave height, swell, or wind-wave chop. Gusts are the catch: representative wind is 9 knots from the NNW, gusting to 19 knots, with the day’s strongest gust near 20 knots late tonight. Boaters score 7.5/10 and divers 7.6/10, both benefiting from the flat marine forecast and no rain, but neither score is a safety clearance. Divers should note that atmospheric visibility near 20 km says nothing about underwater visibility, and marine temperature is unavailable. Kayaking is more conditional at 6/10. The water forecast is calm, but exposed paddlers will feel the wind more than larger craft, particularly as the afternoon develops. The 2:11 PM high tide reaches 0.51 m, followed by another low at 8:08 PM; an evening solunar major period runs 8:06–10:06 PM, but it overlaps the lower tide and the approach of stronger gusts. Compared with the recent CatchWindow run, fishing improves from 7.3 yesterday and 6.0 two days ago, while sailing eases from yesterday’s 8.4 but remains strong. Diving holds its remarkably steady 7.6 rating. The next few days stay dry and flat, with warmer afternoons through Thursday but peak winds around 13 knots Tuesday and Wednesday; Thursday looks notably lighter at 7.9 knots. Best bet: launch early Monday, use the morning low-tide window, and be back before the NNW breeze starts charging rent.