Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

Slow Start for Halibut, But Better Days Ahead

Fortuna resident John Sapper, right, along with Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, with a nice early season Pacific halibut landed out of Eureka. The halibut fishing has been slow to date but should really turn on in May. Photo courtesy of Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing,

A lack of effort, fish, or less-than-ideal ocean conditions — whatever the cause — it’s led to another slow start to the Pacific halibut season, eerily similar to last year. If I had to pin it down, it’s likely a mix of the first two, with the biggest factor being the earlier-than-normal opener.

This year’s April 1 start is something few can recall ever happening, with halibut seasons traditionally opening closer to May. Not that anyone’s complaining — extra time on the water is always welcome, especially when most seasons seem to be shrinking, not expanding.

Since opening day, only a handful of halibut have been landed out of Eureka, Shelter Cove, and Crescent City. But if history tells us anything, this early lull won’t last. The consistent action anglers are used to should pick up as halibut begin pushing in from deeper water.

For those tracking progress, just 247 net pounds have been landed so far against the 40,040-pound quota — a slow start, but far from a concern this early in the season.

Marine Forecast
Ocean conditions look plenty fishable for the weekend and will continue to get nicer towards the beginning of the week. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for northwest winds 5 to 10 knots with waves northwest 6 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday, the winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots and waves will be out of the northwest 5 feet at nine seconds and west 2 feet at 17 seconds. Sunday, winds will come from the northwest 5 to 10 knots with waves out of the northwest 5 feet at nine seconds and west 3 feet at 15 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit https://www.weather.gov/eka/ or https://www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake May 2nd
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday May 2nd at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Ruth Lake Marina and Journey’s End between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The tournament starts Saturday morning between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. with live well checks. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 6 a.m. or at first safe light. $150 fee and a $20 Big Fish option. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr., 707-223-3858.

Kids free fishing derbies coming May 16
On Saturday, May 16, all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at 11:30. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 51st annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips, and drinks will be available for everyone.

Fish and Game Commission meeting coming May 5-6
The California Fish and Game Commission meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta 6878 Hollister Avenue Goleta, CA. Meetings will start at 8 a.m. each day.

To join the meeting remotely via Zoom (video and audio), click directly on the meeting link at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89046108064. You can access detailed instructions for joining by phone or Zoom by clicking here

On the agenda for May 6, the commission will consider adopting proposed amendments to Klamath River Basin and Central Valley sport fishing regulations and taking final action under the California Environmental Quality Act. A complete agenda and comment submission, and viewing information, can be found here.

California Halibut Derby on Humboldt Bay coming July 25
The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association will be holding the second annual California Halibut Derby on Saturday, July 25. The fishing event will be held within the waters of Humboldt Bay. Check-ins, Weigh-ins, and Awards Ceremony will be held at Woodley Island, 601 Startare Drive at the East-I Lot Grass Area.

This is a slot size derby, a measurement will be drawn in the morning before the derby and posted to the event’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Adult payouts will be $500 for 1st place, $300 for 2nd place, and $150 for 3rd place. Youth Payouts – $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place, $50 for 3rd place. Youth payouts will be in the form of gift cards. All Youths registered in the Derby will receive a rod and reel combo! Raffle prizes will include fishing trips, rods and reels, fishing tackle and gear, merchandise and more.

Big Fish Prize: entries will be California Halibut 30” and above. ONLY ONE Big Fish can be entered per entrant. In case of a tie, winner will be determined by weight. For the big fish, adult and youth divisions will be combined. Winner to be announced at event.

Entry Fees for adults are $60 (comes with a $30 NCGASA Membership). Youth entry fees are $40, 13 years and under (comes with a $10 NCGASA Membership)
You can register online at https://ncgasa.org/product/california-halibut-derby/. Entrants will need to be signed up and paid for by July 24 at midnight.

*If you are a current NCGASA member, you will receive $20 in raffle tickets at check-in.

The Oceans:
Eureka
The Pacific halibut bite remains slow out of Eureka, with not much effort now. “We’re not used to fishing halibut in April and it’s likely the fish are out in deeper water this time of the year,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “There’s been a few caught, but not many. Most of the boats have been targeting areas between the 50 to 55 line in 280 to 320 feet of water. The rockfish and lingcod action has been really good. We’ve been bouncing between False Cape Rock and out in deeper water looking for a good variety.”

Trinidad
Ocean conditions look good early next week for small boats and kayaks launching from the beach. The boat launch is scheduled to open April 29. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 707-677-3625.

Shelter Cove
“Rock Fishing was pretty good this week along with the lingcod,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We haven’t had to go real far to get quality limits, we’re spending most of our time around the whistle buoy. The Pacific halibut bite remains slow.”

Crescent City
Conditions haven’t been great this week, but boats were able to get out the last couple of days. The rockfish bite has been excellent all season. Some of the better spots include the Sisters and the South Reef. The ling bite hasn’t been as red hot every day, but boats are coming back with limits more often than not. The Pacific halibut bite hasn’t really taken off yet, but the effort has been very low.

Brookings
Salmon fishing was decent out of Brookings this last week, after stormy weather spread the bait out, while the bigger school of salmon appears to have moved north reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Commercial trollers were finding more salmon closer to Mack Arch and Gold Beach,” said Martin. “Boats are still getting a fish per rod close to Brookings, with hit-and-miss action. Lingcod and rockfish action remains very good.”

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, spring salmon fishing improved on the Rogue, with plenty of fish around but an overall slow bite. “There has been some action at daylight, and just before high tide before the current stalls on the lower river.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

Low-Flow River Information for the North Coast – 2025/2026

Chris Hall, left, and Raj Desai with a late season steelhead taken on the South Fork Eel River earlier in March. Photo courtesy of Fishing the North Coast

Low Flow River Closures begin Sept. 1 and run through April 30, 2026.
North Coast rivers that are regulated by low flow closures, including the Eel River, Mad River, Mattole River, Redwood Creek, Smith River and Van Duzen River will begin angling restrictions on September 1st, and run through April 30th 2026. As a reminder, in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road (Eel estuary) at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River. When a low-flow closure occurs in this section of the Eel, it will be closed to hook-and-line fishing; other legal fishing methods are allowed during this timeframe.

The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is no longer in service. You can now find river openings and closures in real time online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast. The rivers can be opened up at anytime. Rivers will not automatically open to fishing once minimum flows are reached. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2026.

Section of river that is open to fishing is the main stem Smith River from the mouth of Rowdy Creek to its mouth.

Areas subject to low flow closures:

Mad River: The main stem Mad River from the Hammond Trail Railroad Trestle to Cowan Creek. Minimum flow: 200 cfs at the gauging station at the Highway 299 bridge. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1, 2025.

The main stem Eel River: New in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River, Sept. 1 through April 30. The stream flow will be monitored as follows: Minimum Flow: 350 cubic feet per second at the gauging station near Scotia.

The South Fork of the Eel River: The South Fork of the Eel River downstream from Rattlesnake Creek and the Middle Fork Eel River downstream from the Bar Creek. Minimum flow: 340 cfs at the gauging station at Miranda.

Van Duzen River: The main stem Van Duzen River from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge. Minimum flow: 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

Mattole River: The main stem of the Mattole River from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Minimum flow: 320 cfs at the gauging station at Petrolia.

Redwood Creek: The main stem of Redwood Creek from the mouth to its confluence with Bond Creek. Minimum flow: 300 cfs at the gauging station near the Highway 101 bridge.

Smith River: The main stem Smith River from the mouth of Rowdy Creek to its confluence with Patrick Creek; the South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1000 ft to the County Road (George Tyron) bridge and Craigs Creek to its confluence with Jones Creek; and the North Fork Smith River from the mouth to its confluence with Stony Creek. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

Back in Business: KMZ Salmon Season Opens Wide in 2026

Louie Damante of Reno landed this beautiful king salmon a few seasons ago out of Eureka. The North Coast is slated for the longest sport salmon season we’ve had in three years, starting in June. Photo courtesy of Gary Blasi/Full Throttle Sport Fishing

For the first time in three years, not one of the salmon season alternatives in the KMZ developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) included the word “closed.” That alone tells you everything you need to know about where we’re at heading into 2026.

In fact, North Coast anglers are looking at a solid opportunity this season, with 68 days on the water — assuming the quota doesn’t get met early. That’s a far cry from last year’s blink-and-you-missed-it two-day opener.

The improved outlook is driven by encouraging returns. An estimated 392,349 Sacramento River fall-run Chinook and 176,233 Klamath River fall-run Chinook are projected to be swimming off the California coast this season. Those numbers translate into more opportunity — not just locally, but up and down the coast.

At the April 7–12 PFMC meeting in Portland, Oregon, the PFMC Salmon Advisory Subpanel, along with the Salmon Technical Team — with heavy input from anglers and stakeholders — refined the three alternatives that came out of the March session. What they landed on for the KMZ is a season that should give anglers something to be excited about:

Season (KMZ): June 13 through July 19 and August 1–31
Bag limit: Two salmon per day, with no more than two daily limits in possession on land
Species: Chinook only (no coho retention)
Size limit: 24 inches through May 15, 2026; 20 inches thereafter
Quota: 3,900 Chinook

As always, in-season action remains on the table. If the fleet starts pushing up against the quota, managers can shut things down early to stay within the harvest guideline.

While the KMZ quota is modest compared to other areas, it reflects the ongoing need to protect Klamath River fish. The stock is improving, but it’s still not fully out of the woods. As you move south, quotas increase significantly, peaking at 34,900 fish in the San Francisco zone.

Just to the south, the Fort Bragg area — from the 40°10’ line to Point Arena — will mirror the KMZ season dates, but with a slightly higher quota of 5,100 Chinook.

After a few lean years, this season finally feels like a step in the right direction.

Klamath and Central Valley rivers
The seasons for the Klamath River fall and spring-run Chinook and the Central Valley fall Chinook fishery are still to be determined. As of now, the Klamath River fall recreational quota stands at 3,248. This will be divided between the Klamath and Trinity. At the April 15-16 California Fish and Game Commission meeting, season proposals will be heard from California Fish and Wildlife staff. These proposals will be decided upon at the May 5-6 California Fish and Game Commission meeting.

Southern Oregon salmon season
To our north in Brookings, the Chinook season opened March 15 and will run through August 31. The daily bag limit is two kings. The mark-selective coho fishery begins June 6 and will run through the earlier of Aug. 23, or 47,600 marked coho quota.

Upcoming salmon meeting
April 15-16: CDFW Commission Meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Commission will receive an update on ocean salmon sport fishery regulations in effect in 2026. The public may address and/or ask questions of the Commission relating to the implementation of its policies or any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Agenda and audio available online at https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2026

Marine forecast
Ocean conditions are looking good for Friday and Saturday before the south wind returns Sunday. Friday is calling for north winds 5 to 10 knots and northwest waves 6 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday is calling for winds out of the west up to 5 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at nine seconds and southwest 1 foot at 14 seconds. Sunday the winds will be coming out of the south 10 to 15 knots and waves southwest 4 feet at eight seconds and southwest 1 foot at 14 seconds with rain likely. Conditions can and will change prior to the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Lewiston Dam Set for Spring Pulse Flows
The 2026 water year hydrograph is awaiting final approval from the U.S. Department of the Interior, but if adopted as proposed, Trinity River anglers can expect a series of spring pulse flows beginning April 15.
Releases out of Lewiston Dam will gradually build with the spring snowmelt, peaking at 4,300 cubic feet per second on April 24. Following the peak, flows will steadily taper off, dropping to 750 cfs by June 9.
Another scheduled bump is set for mid-June, with flows increasing to 1,450 cfs on June 15 before once again receding. By early summer, the river is expected to settle into a 450 cfs baseflow by July 3.
If approved, the variable flow pattern should help mimic natural runoff conditions, benefiting fish movement and overall river health heading into the summer months.

Please take appropriate precautions whenever on or near the river. Residents in the river corridor are advised to move items away from the riverbank before peak flows begin.
Questions can be directed to the Trinity River Restoration Program office at 530-623-1800 or by emailing your question to info@trrp.net. An up-to-date daily schedule of flow releases are available at: TRRP: Current Conditions

Perchin’ on the Peninsula this Saturday
The Samoa Peninsula Fire District will be holding their Annual Perchin’ on the Peninsula Surfperch Fishing
Tournament and Fish Fry/Oyster BBQ Fundraiser this Saturday, April 18 at the Peninsula Elementary School, 909 Vance Ave, Samoa. The fish fry fundraiser is open to the public and admission is only $15 for adults and $10 for juniors for
just the fish fry. Adult fishing tournament entry is $25 and junior entry (15 and under) is $15. Fish fry lunch is included with tournament entry. Lunch begins at noon, weigh-ins end at 2 p.m.

Tournament day registration is available at the Peninsula Elementary School, cutoff is 7 a.m. Entries can be purchased at Grundman’s, Pacific Outfitters, Englund Marine, Ace Hardware in Fortuna, A&L Feed in McKinleyville, or Ken’s Auto in Arcata. Tournament rules are available at all sign-up locations. For more information, text (707) 599-5412 or visit SPFD Facebook page. All proceeds are a direct donation to the Samoa Peninsula Fire District.

Sign-ups will begin on May 1. Entry Fees for adults are $60 (comes with a $30 NCGASA Membership). Youth entry fees are $40, 13 years and under (comes with a $10 NCGASA Membership) *If you are a current NCGASA member, you will receive $20 in raffle tickets at check-in.

The Oceans:
Eureka
Ocean conditions have been good all week for those targeting early Pacific halibut. There’s been a few caught, but overall, it’s been pretty slow. Most boats are either anchoring or drifting in 300 feet of water. The water has been clear; we probably need a stiff north wind to mix up the conditions. The rockfish bite at the Cape has been really good. Conditions look good through Saturday before the south wind returns.

Trinidad
Excellent ocean conditions allowed small boats and kayaks to finally launch off the beach this week. Reportedly, the fishing has been good. Conditions look a little rough for Friday, but the weekend is looking better. The boat launch was scheduled to open April 15. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 677-3625.

Shelter Cove
“Rock Fishing remains really good at the Cove,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We’ve been spending most of our time at White Rock and the Old Man. The lingcod bite hasn’t been red hot, but good enough to get limits. The Pacific halibut bite has been pretty slow.”

Crescent City
Excellent ocean conditions this week made for some really good fishing. Boats have been traveling both north and south for quick limits of rockfish as well as ling cod. Conditions look decent for the weekend, though winds will be out of the south.

The Rivers:
Reminder: The South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco are all closed to fishing March 31.

Eel (main stem)
The main stem Eel is dropping back into shape. As of Thursday, flows were at 3,500 cfs at Scotia and it should be plenty fishable by the weekend. Another rise is predicted for early next week following the rain Sunday. It’s predicted to reach roughly 10,000 cfs. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Smith River
The Smith rose to over 9 feet early Thursday morning following Wednesday’s storm. It’s predicted to drop quickly and will be back to low and clear by the weekend. Fishing pressure has been light. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Lower Rogue
“The Rogue has been slow for springers, but plunkers are getting a few fish, and boaters anchoring and running anchovies are catching a few fish at first light,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “This week’s rain may improve catch rates.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, salmon fishing has been good overall out of Brookings, with wide-open fishing at times over the weekend. “Most boats are getting a fish per rod, with plenty of limits. Kings range from 24 to 30 inches, with an occasional Rogue springer mixed in. Fishing has been best in 120 feet of water off the mill, with divers and shallow downriggers. Last week there was good action offshore in 250 feet of water, but the bait and salmon have moved back toward shore. With the commercial season now open, lots of boats are concentrated just north of Chetco Point. Salmon season runs through Aug. 31. Coho season runs June 6-Aug. 23. Lingcod and rockfish action also is very good. Halibut season opens in Oregon May 1.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

Solid start to rockfish, halibut season across local ports

Eureka resident Keith Daniels with a nice Pacific halibut landed Tuesday while fishing out of Eureka. Photo courtesy of Gary Blasi/Full Throttle Sport Fishing

The much-anticipated rockfish and Pacific halibut seasons kicked off last Wednesday, but rough ocean conditions kept most boats at the dock. Fortunately, the weather window didn’t last long, and by Friday — and through the weekend — anglers were back on the water. Since then, conditions have lined up nicely, giving boats across all ports a solid stretch of fishable days.

Out of Eureka, the rockfish bite has been excellent off Cape Mendocino, with limits coming easy. The lingcod bite has been just as strong, and the Pacific halibut showing up this early has been a welcome surprise. April halibut aren’t the norm, especially with fish typically holding deeper early in the season, but the early bite is definitely a good sign.

Up in Crescent City, where anglers didn’t have to deal with a bar crossing and conditions were a bit more forgiving, boats found quick limits of rockfish and lingcod at the usual spots. There hasn’t been much halibut effort yet, but at least one fish made it over the rail during the opener weekend.

Down in Shelter Cove, Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing reported a solid start to the season. “The rockfish bite has been good, while lingcod have been a bit tougher and halibut action on the slow side,” said Mitchell. “Still, with decent weather, boats have been able to spread out from Bear Harbor to Punta Gorda, all seeing fairly similar results.”

Weekend marine forecast
Ocean conditions have been great all week, and it doesn’t look like it will change much this weekend, except for a couple days of south wind and rain. Friday is calling for south winds 10 to 15 knots and northwest waves 3 feet at nine seconds and south 1 foot at 12 seconds. Saturday looks a little better, with winds out of the south 5 to 10 knots with southwest waves 3 feet at five seconds and northwest 3 feet at nine seconds. The wind will switch Sunday, coming out of the north 5 to 10 knots. Waves will be from the southwest 3 feet at eight seconds and west 5 feet at 10 seconds. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or https://www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

Upcoming salmon meetings
April 7-12: PFMC April Meeting in Portland, OR. The Council will adopt final regulatory measures for analysis by the STT. Final adoption of recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service will also occur and is tentatively scheduled for April 12.
Preseason Report III: Council-Adopted Management Measures and Environmental Assessment Part 3 for 2026 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations will be available online in late April at www.pcouncil.org

April 15-16: CDFW Commission Meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Commission will receive an update on ocean salmon sport fishery regulations in effect in 2026. The public may address and/or ask questions of the Commission relating to the implementation of its policies or any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Agenda and audio available online at https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2026

Perchin’ on the Peninsula coming April 18
The Samoa Peninsula Fire District will be holding their Annual Perchin’ on the Peninsula Surfperch Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry/Oyster BBQ Fundraiser on Saturday, April 18 at the Peninsula Elementary School, 909 Vance Ave, Samoa. The fish fry fundraiser is open to the public and admission is only $15 for adults and $10 for juniors for just the fish fry. Adult fishing tournament entry is $25 and junior entry (15 and under) is $15. Fish fry lunch is included with tournament entry. Lunch begins at noon, weigh-ins end at 2 p.m.

Tournament day registration is available at the Peninsula Elementary School, cutoff is 7 a.m. Entries can be purchased at Grundman’s, Pacific Outfitters, Englund Marine, Ace Hardware in Fortuna, A&L Feed in McKinleyville, or Ken’s Auto in Arcata. Tournament rules are available at all sign-up locations. For more information, text (707) 599-5412 or visit SPFD Facebook page. All proceeds are a direct donation to the Samoa Peninsula Fire District.

Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake May 2nd
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday May 2nd at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Ruth Lake Marina and Journey’s End between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. The tournament starts Saturday morning between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. with live well checks. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 6 a.m. or at first safe light. $150 fee and a $20 Big Fish option. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr., 707-223-3858.

RMI Outdoors fishing contest
RMI Outdoors of Eureka is holding their annual Screamin’ Reels fishing contest starting May 1 and running through Sept. 7. To enter, take a picture with your fish and like the RMI Facebook and Instagram pages. Message RMI through Facebook or email your picture to rmi@rmioutdoorseureka.com. There are two categories, youth and adult youth. The winner of each category will win a fishing rod. Visit rmioutdoorseureka.com/tackle for more information.

The Rivers
Reminder: The Eel River, from its confluence with the SF Eel River upstream to Cape Horn Dam, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco all closed to fishing March 31.

Wayne Wilson of McKinleyville landed this nice steelhead last Saturday while Fishing the main stem of the Eel River. Photo courtesy of Mark Santos

Main Stem Eel
The main stem is clearing as it was down to 1,600 cfs at Scotia as of Thursday. The rain late last week put some color back in the river, and the fishing was decent for the handful of boats still fishing. And surprisingly, most of the fish being caught are fresh out of the ocean. A bigger rise is predicted for the weekend, which will blow it out for a while. Flows are predicted to hit close to 18,000 cfs early Monday morning. That should bring a good portion of the spent fish downriver. Once it clears, there could be some fish around. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used through Sept. 30.

Smith
Following late last week’s rain, there were some downers to be had. Fishing pressure is extremely light this time of the year, but fishing after these late season rises can be productive. A more significant and very winter-like rise is forecast for the weekend, and the river could reach 11 feet. That should really bring the spawners out of the creeks and could bring in some late fresh ones. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Lower Rogue
“Salmon fishing is slow on the Rogue, with low water conditions,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The Chetco is closed to fishing until mid-May.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, salmon fishing continues to be good, with a fish per rod for charters, and some boats limiting out. “On Tuesday a big school of kings was located about four miles offshore, in 230 feet of water off Bird Island. Fish to 20 pounds were caught. Lingcod and rockfish also continues to be very good, while sport crabbing has improved. ODFW has delivered the fish batch of snouts from hatchery salmon to its lab to determine where the large number of hatchery kings off of Oregon are originating from.

Brookings Salmon Bite Off to Strong Start

Customers fishing aboard the Miss Brooke of Brookings Fishing Charters with Capt. Chris Cooke hold some of the salmon they caught Monday on anchovies and Fish Flash flashers. Photo courtesy of Brookings Fishing Charters

The early salmon opener delivered a surprise most weren’t expecting — and anglers along the southern Oregon coast are taking full advantage.

Out of Brookings, the season kicked off with some of the most consistent early action seen in a very long time. Opening-day reports pointed to roughly a fish per rod, with some boats finding limits. While most anglers initially focused on lingcod and rockfish, word of a strong early salmon bite quickly shifted attention offshore, with crews scrambling for flashers and mooching rigs as favorable weather windows came into play.

The bite has remained steady, with catch rates hovering around a fish per rod and plenty of boats boxing their two-kings-per-person limits. The majority of fish have been smaller, 5- to 8-pound “feeder kings,” but a growing number of larger, springer-size Chinook are showing, pushing the average size closer to 10 pounds as the week progressed.

Fish are holding high in the water column, keyed in on large bait schools. The most productive water has been between the buoys and out to about 100 feet, particularly along the stretch from Chetco Point down toward Bird Island. Pelican activity has also tipped anglers off to where bait — and salmon — are stacking up.

Tactics have been straightforward but effective. Local charter and sport boats are finding success trolling Fish Flash-style flashers paired with anchovies or red-label herring. While more bait has been spotted farther offshore, crab gear has made trolling those zones challenging, keeping most of the effort concentrated in closer.

A notable portion of the salmon appear to be hatchery fish, though it’s still too early to determine where they came from. Even with a brief midweek slowdown, the fishery remains the most consistent on the Oregon coast right now, and with improved weather on the horizon, effort — and success — should continue to get better.

The king salmon season will run through May 15 from Cape Falcon to the OR/CA border. If Alt 1 is selected, the season will continue on through Aug. 31. The two other alternatives have the season resuming in June and running through late August. Currently, you’re allowed two Chinook salmon per day with a minimum size limit of 24 inches.

Marine forecast
Wind and rough seas put a damper on Wednesday’s rockfish and Pacific halibut openers. But winds and seas will diminish significantly by the weekend. Friday is calling for north winds 15 to 20 knots and northwest waves 7 feet at 11 seconds. Saturday looks much improved, with winds out of the north 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at nine seconds. The wind will decrease slightly Sunday, coming out of the south up to 5 knots. Waves will be from the northwest 5 feet at 12 seconds and south 1 foot at 12 seconds. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

The Rivers:
Reminder: The Eel River,from its confluence with the SF Eel River upstream to Cape Horn Dam, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco all closed to fishing March 31.

Eel (main stem)
The main stem Eel is rising slightly following Tuesday’s rain event. As of Thursday, flows were 2,200 cfs at Scotia. It’s predicted to reach just above 2,400 cfs, but could fall short. The small increase in flows should do wonders, however. The river was getting clear and the increased flow should add some color back in. The fishing had been pretty good for this late in the season, with plenty of fresh steelhead still making their way upriver. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Smith River
Nearly three inches of rain fell within the Smith watershed Wednesday. The river went from just under 6 feet at Jed Smith to 9.4 feet. Not much in the way of fishing reports as most anglers have called it a season, but these late-season rises should flush some of the last spawned-out steelhead downriver and could bring in a few fresh ones. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco is now closed for the season and reopens in mid-May, when sea-run cutthroat trout fishing is generally good reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Steelhead has been slow since early March, but peak season in January and February was decent,” said Martin. “Spring salmon fishing continues to be slow on the Rogue, but this week’s rains will give flows a much-needed boost. Expect good conditions this weekend.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the salmon action out of Brookings has been the most consistent on the entire Oregon Coast. “Catch rates were around a fish per rod over the weekend, with slower action Tuesday and Wednesday. The average size has increased to nearly 10 pounds, with plenty of springers in the mix. Fish Flash flashers with anchovies or red label herring are working best for the local charter boats catching fish. The salmon are near the buoys and off of Chetco Point. Nicer weather returns Saturday. Lingcod and rockfish has been very good.”

Steelhead season ends dry, but one more storm looms

Nick Henning of Glenn, CA landed this nice steelhead last week while fishing the main stem Eel River. Photo courtesy of Fishing the North Coast Guide Service

Winter steelhead season is shaping up to end on a much drier note than it began back in January. The forecast is calling for dry weather through March 31, when most rivers close. However, a late-season storm is brewing that could drop 3 to 6 inches of rain on the main stem Eel and the Smith — two rivers that will remain open after April 1.

Any meaningful rain this time of year is a big plus. It should improve survival rates for spawned-out adult steelhead (kelts), as well as salmon and steelhead fry and smolts migrating downstream toward the estuaries and ocean. And of course, it could also set up some solid fishing conditions.

As of Thursday, the Mad and main stem Eel are the only rivers in fishable shape. The rest are low, clear, and likely seeing very little pressure.

Looking back, this season was defined by a couple of well-timed storms mixed with long dry stretches in between. Fishing was excellent across much of the region, with some quality fish in the mix. With the 2022 drought now several years behind us, steelhead numbers should continue trending upward.

As one season winds down, the next is right around the corner. Rockfish and Pacific halibut open April 1, California halibut should start showing in Humboldt Bay, and spring salmon on the lower Rogue isn’t far off. Beaches are producing redtails, and the lagoons are still full of trout.

It’s been a great steelhead season—but a change of scenery sounds pretty good right about now.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, “dry and stable weather is expected for the remainder of this week into the weekend. Generally, above normal high temperatures and areas of minor heat risk are forecast for mostly the interior as a broad flat ridge aloft dominates. Longer range models and national blend of models continue to trend wetter and colder next week, Monday March 30 to Friday, April 3rd. Higher end scenario (90th percentile) suggests multiple inches of rain (> 2 to 5 inches) spread out over 3-days while a lower end scenario (10th percentile) would yield an inch or less over the same 3-days.”

Rockfish and Pacific halibut seasons set to open April 1
The statewide 2026 rockfish season will officially kickoff on Wednesday, April 1, and it will be open all depths through Dec. 31. And that’s no April Fool’s joke. (exception will be the Southern Management Zone where all depths are open through June 30.) The daily bag limit will be 10 fish per person within the RCG complex, which includes all species of Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenlings. The lingcod limit is 2 per person per day, with a 22-inch total length. Within your daily bag limit, only one Copper rockfish, 4 Vermilion (northern mgmt. area) and 2 Canary rockfish are allowed.

A descending device is required. No one may take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without a descending device in possession.

These rockfishes may not be taken or possessed in California – No retention at any time:
Bronzespotted rockfish, Cowcod, Quillback, and Yelloweye

For a complete list of regulations, visit Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations.

Pacific halibut
The 2026 recreational Pacific halibut fishery will open Wednesday, April 1 and remain open until the season ends Nov. 15 north of Point Arena (38°57.5 N. Latitude) and Dec. 31 south of Point Arena, or until the quota is reached, whichever occurs first. The 2026 Pacific halibut quota for the California sport fishery is 40,040 pounds — approximately the same amount as last year. The daily bag and possession limit for Pacific halibut is one fish. There is no minimum size limit. When angling, no more than one line with two hooks attached may be used. A harpoon, gaff, or net may be used to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling. More information can be found on CDFW’s Pacific halibut page.

Steelhead rivers openings/closures
After Tuesday, March 31, the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek, Mattole and Chetco rivers will all be closed to fishing.

The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year.
From the mouth to Fulmor Road, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Friday, May 22, 2026. Only barbless hooks may be used from May 23 through Mar. 31, 2027.
From Fulmor Road to the South Fork, it’s open all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Only barbless hooks may be used from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31, 2027.

The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek.
The South Fork is open through April as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek. Only barbless hooks may be used from Sept. 1 through Apr. 30. The bag limit remains the same at two hatchery steelhead per day.

Sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers are open to fishing but are subject to in-season changes. More information can be found here.

The Rivers:
Mad
According to Justin Kelly of RMI Outdoors, fishing has been good for those still out there. He said, “A good number of fresh fish are still moving through, along with a lot of downers. Most of the fish are wild, but there’s a few clipped fish mixed in as well. Spinners, soft beads, and Mad River steelhead worm have all been working well.”

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is in great shape, running at just under 3,000 cfs at Scotia as of Thursday. Boat pressure has been light, and boats are getting a chance at a few fish each day. There’s still a smattering of fresh ones coming, but most fish landed have been downers. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork has dipped under 900 cfs at Miranda and is starting to get low and clear. At this height, the spots holding fish are limited. Most boats have either called it a season or moved down to the main stem.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is closed to fishing as of March 17 due to low flows from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream from the Little Golden Gate Bridge).

Smith
The Smith is just above 6 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday. It’s low, clear, and snaggy. Reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have moved to other rivers or called it a season.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco closes for the season on Tuesday reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Fishing has been slow, on what overall was a fairly good steelhead run,” said Martin. “Spring salmon fishing is slow on the Rogue, but catch rates generally improve in April.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, salmon fishing continues to be surprisingly good out of Brookings, with an overall average of a fish per rod, and may boats getting their two-kings-per-person limit. “There are a mix of feeder kings and larger springer-size salmon. The fish are high in the water column, with good catches between the buoys and in 100 feet of water between Chetco Point and Bird Island. Lots of bait is also being observed offshore, but crab pots are still making trolling difficult there. Many of the kings are hatchery fish. Still too early on reports of where those fish originated.
Lingcod and rockfish action is good on calm weather days. This weekend looks prime. Sport crabbing remains slow.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com

Coastal Rivers Teeter Between Prime and Done

Adam Irino of San Jose with a nice winter steelhead landed last week on the South Fork Eel River. Photo courtesy of Taku

With no measurable rain over the past three weeks, coastal rivers are all over the map right now. Some systems are getting low and clear, others are still in decent shape, and a few are nearing or at low-flow closures.

The Smith is extremely low and clear, with the Chetco not far behind and dropping fast. The South Fork Eel is also low and clear, especially in the upper stretches, though there are still some fish holding in the deeper runs closer to the confluence. The Mad River is in better shape, holding a bit of color and offering solid fishing conditions. Meanwhile, the mainstem Eel is really starting to hit its stride and should provide good opportunities for a while longer.

Looking ahead, there’s a chance of rain in the 10-day forecast around Wednesday or Thursday. If it materializes, it could bring a much-needed bump to all coastal rivers and provide a late push to cap off the winter steelhead season.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, “high pressure is expected to gradually weaken and shift southward this weekend and into early next week, while an upper-level trough develops over the Gulf of Alaska. Surface analysis suggests a cold front traversing the area the weekend. However, confidence remains high in continuing dry weather through the weekend and early next week. A gradual cooling is expected to begin on Friday, though temperatures remain above- normal through the weekend and early next week.

A pattern shift is expected by mid-next week as an upper-level trough and associated frontal system approaches the Pacific NW and Northern California. Global ensembles models and WPC cluster guidance’s are suggesting a break-through in the westerlies of the blocking ridge by mid next week indicates an upper-level trough will approach the Pacific NW and shifting or “flattening” the high pressure by mid next week. This has the potential to bring increasing chances of precipitation and continue the cooling trend as early as Tuesday. High uncertainty remains regarding the specific details at this moment.”

PFMC to hold public hearing on salmon season alternatives
The PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa, CA on March 23. The purpose of this hearing is to receive comments on the proposed management alternatives in preparation for adopting final salmon management recommendations at the April 2026 Council meeting. A summary of verbal comments heard at the hearings will be provided to the Pacific Council at its April meeting. This public hearing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriot in the Sonoma Room, 175 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

Details on how to attend the public hearing and PFMC meeting, as well as instructions to provide public comment, can be found here.

Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers dinner returns|
Join the Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers on April 11 for an evening of great food and community at the Sequoia Conference Center in Eureka.

Your attendance does more than just fill your plate — it fuels our mission. Proceeds from our banquets allow HASA to advocate for your fishing rights at state meetings for salmon, groundfish, Pacific halibut, and Dungeness crab. Plus, you’re helping us inspire the next generation through programs like Steelhead in the Classroom and Perchin’ on the Peninsula.

Where: Sequoia Conference Center – 901 Myrtle Ave, Eureka

Catering: Delicious dinner by Ramone’s

Tickets can be found at Englund Marine, Pacific Outfitters, RMI Outdoors, or reach out to any HASA Board Member to grab yours before they’re gone.

Tickets: $50 Adults | $35 Kids (12 & under)

Trinity River flow release updates
The California Department of Water Resources March B120 90% exceedance forecast was announced as “Dry” on Mar. 9.A “dry” determination allocates the Program a release of 20,000 AF over the next month which will be subtracted from the Program’s restoration allocation for WY26. Flows will begin to increase from winter baseflow (300 cfs) on Thursday, Mar. 19. Peak flows will reach 1200 cfs on Friday, Mar. 20 and slowly recede. There are two additional peak flows of 1700 cfs (Mar. 29) and 1550 cfs (Apr. 7).
The next period in the Environmental Flows Schedule is the Spring Snowmelt and Recession Period (April 14 – variable). Recommended flows for this period await the final B120 water year determination for 2026, which is announced in early April.
A slow incline of flows with variability built in this time of year are beneficial for benthic food production and an increase in habitat for hungry migrating juvenile salmonids. You can read the full March forecast here.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad is still a little bit colored, but there’s some fish around according to Justin Kelly of RMI Outdoors. “Bobbers with 16 or 18 mm beads are doing the trick,” said Kelly.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is in great shape, running at 3,920 cfs at Scotia as of Thursday. Boat pressure has been fairly light, and boats are getting a chance at a few fish each day. There’s still a few fresh ones coming, but most fish landed have been downers. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is still in good shape but getting lower and clearer by the day. As of Thursday, it was just below 1,200 cfs at Miranda. Fish are still being caught daily, and the boat traffic remains pretty high.

Smith
The Smith is down to 6.5 feet at the Jed Smith gauge Thursday. It’s low, clear and snaggy. Reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have moved to other rivers.

Southern Oregon rivers
“Steelhead fishing is slow on the Chetco, with most anglers seeking late-season steelhead heading to the Umpqua,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Spring salmon is slow on the Rogue, but fish are being caught daily. Peak season is still weeks away, but early fish are showing up.”

Brookings ocean report
The ocean opened to salmon fishing on Sunday, the earliest opener in decades, with surprising results according to Martin. “Fish checkers estimate a fish per rod in Brookings, with some boats limiting out. Most anglers have been focusing on lingcod and rockfish, but with the word of an early salmon bite spreading, anglers were busy rigging flashes and mooching leaders on Tuesday in preparation for a few more days of nice weather. The salmon are in close, where the bait is thick. Pelicans have already arrived in Brookings. Most of the kings are 5 to 8 pound feeder kings, with a few larger Rogue springers mixed in.”

Salmon Season Back on the Table for the North Coast

If the PFMC is right, we could see more salmon like the one pictured here with Colby Black, from Houston, Texas, this fall. The recreational ocean salmon season in the KMZ is tentatively scheduled to open sometime in June and last through most of August. The final decision will come from the PFMC meetings in April. Photo courtesy of Tony Sepulveda/Shellback Sport Fishing

After a few wet winters and very little ocean or river salmon harvesting, it looks like we’re finally getting back on track. At least for now. With 392,349 Sacramento River fall Chinook and 176,233 Klamath fall Chinook estimated to be swimming in the ocean, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) has proposed ocean salmon season alternatives that would provide California anglers with some decent opportunity while still meeting conservation goals.

It should be noted these are preliminary alternatives, and adjustments are still possible as the preseason process moves forward. But as of now, here’s where things stand for the North Coast.

California KMZ (Oregon Border to Latitude 40°10’ N)
This section includes Humboldt County waters.

Alternative 1
June 20 – July 19; August 1 – August 23

In season action may close the fishery when harvest approaches a 3,100 Chinook guideline

Alternative 2
June 13 – July 19; August 1 – August 31

In season action may close the fishery when harvest approaches a 3,900 Chinook guideline

Alternative 3
June 27 – July 5; July 12 – August 23

In season action may close the fishery when harvest approaches a 3,100 Chinook guideline

Regulations:

All salmon except coho
Two salmon per day
20-inch minimum size for Chinook

Latitude 40°10’ N to Point Arena|
This section includes ports such as Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg.

Alternative 1
June 20 – July 19; August 1 – August 23

Harvest guideline: 4,400 Chinook

Alternative 2
June 13 – July 19; August 1 – August 31

Harvest guideline: 5,100 Chinook

Alternative 3
June 27 – July 5; July 12 – August 23

Harvest guideline: 5,000 Chinook

Regulations:

All salmon except coho
Two salmon per day
20-inch minimum size for Chinook

Full salmon management alternatives are available through the Pacific Fishery Management Council website.

The next step in the preseason process is a public hearing on March 23 in Santa Rosa, where anglers and stakeholders can comment on the proposed California ocean salmon fishery alternatives.

Final season recommendations will be adopted at the April 7–12 PFMC meeting in Portland, Oregon. Information on attending the hearing, participating in the meeting, or submitting public comment can be found at www.pcouncil.org.

Klamath/Trinity fall salmon allocations
With ocean abundance on the rise, the Klamath and Trinity Rivers will be open to salmon harvest for the first time since 2023.
The recreational allocations, or quotas, as proposed by the PFMC will range from 3,355 to 3,235 adult fall Chinook in 2026 across the three alternatives.

The three quota alternatives are not final and will be decided during the April 7-12 PFMC meetings. Once the quota is agreed upon, 50 percent will go to the lower Klamath basin, 17 percent to the upper basin, and 33 percent will be allocated for the Trinity River. When adopted, these quotas will go into effect August 15, 2026.

If, for example, Alternative One was chosen, the quota for the Klamath and Trinity basins would be 3,355 adults. Of those, 1,678 would be allowed for sport harvest from Hwy. 96 bridge to the mouth of the Klamath. From the 96 bridge to the Iron Gate area, 570 could be harvested. The Trinity would receive 1,107 adults for harvest. The Spit Area (within 100 yards of the channel through the sand spit formed at the Klamath River mouth) would close when 503 adult kings were taken downstream of the Highway 101 bridge.

Klamath tribal allocations range from 7,094 to 7,067 across the three alternatives. These allocations will be split between the Yurok and Hoopa tribes.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, “a dominant ridge of high pressure will also be building over the rest through the week. Another weak, clipping front will temporarily weaken the ridge and will bring more chances for light rainfall or drizzle late Friday and Saturday. Chances for a 0.1 inch or more of rainfall are a little higher for this system for coastal Del Norte (50-75%), but only trace amounts may be recorded elsewhere. There is high confidence the ridge will begin to greatly amplify through the end of the weekend and next week.”

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the Mad, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Redwood Creek, and Smith rivers. The low-flow closure telephone hotline for North Coast rivers is no longer in service. You can now find river openings and closures online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast. Low-flow information for all North Coast rivers is available here.

Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad has dipped under 8 feet and still has some color, but is fishable. According to Justin Kelly of RMI Outdoors, those who are trying are hooking fish. He said, “large beads, 18 to 20 mm are working well along with spin n glo’s and bait. This weekend conditions should be excellent.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is sitting just above 5,000 cfs at Scotia as of Thursday. Conditions should be excellent starting this weekend and through next week. There should be quite a few downers around and some fresh ones as well. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
Conditions are still good on the lower South Fork, but the upper section in the Benbow area and above is getting low and clear. As of Thursday, it was right around 1,500 cfs at Miranda. Fishing has been decent, with most boats getting a chance at a few fish per day. Most of the fish being caught this week have been downers.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is down below 200 cfs as of Thursday and is low and clear. If it continues to drop at this pace, it could close by early next week. In the meantime, bank anglers should be able to find some fish sitting in the deeper slots. Minimum flow: 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

Smith
The Smith is low and clear, sitting just above 7 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. Flows are predicted to continue to drop through the weekend and next week. Fishing reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have moved to other rivers.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing has slowed on the Chetco, although a mix of fresh and spawned out fish are still around reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Boat pressure is light, making for an enjoyable day on the river,” said Martin. “Flows will continue to drop through the month, but the entire stretch from the South Fork to Social Security Bar will be driftable this weekend.

After an early push of springers, salmon fishing has slowed on the Rogue. A fish or two a day are being caught for a couple dozen boats fishing the lower river. Plunkers are getting a fish or two as well on the lower river gravel bars, but catch rates are slow. The next major rain will bring in more fish.”

Brookings ocean report
Lingcod and rockfish action is good out of Brookings according to Martin. “Salmon season opens Sunday, the earliest in decades, but ocean salmon fishing tends to be very slow in March and April, according to historic catch records from commercial trollers. Action can improve in mid-May during years of high ocean abundance.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com

Green Rivers and Fresh Fish Give Steelheaders Plenty of Options

Livermore resident Pete Mccafferty holds a late-season steelhead from the Smith River taken last weekend. Photo courtesy of Fishing the North Coast/Kenny Priest

If you’re looking to do some late-season steelhead fishing this weekend, you’ll have a few pretty good options.

To the north, both the Smith and Chetco rivers are in good shape and should provide some solid action, especially the Chetco. Closer to home, the South Fork Eel and Van Duzen are both green and shaping up to be excellent options through the weekend. The Van Duzen should be particularly good for anglers looking for a strong bank-fishing opportunity.

All of these rivers should have some fresh fish moving through, and there are still plenty of downrunners heading back toward the salt.

Although we’re expecting mostly sunny conditions this weekend and into next week, it looks like the weather pattern may shift again late next week. Rain is back in the forecast, and the 10-day ensemble models are showing rising flows on most coastal rivers.

The rivers to the south and the Mad are predicted to see a bump in flows, though it’s still uncertain how much. The Smith is expected to see a decent rise, but it should do more good than harm. The same goes for the Chetco.

So get out and enjoy the green water while it lasts — it may not stick around forever.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, “the coastal conditions will dry through the week. High pressure will encourage a weak marine layer to form each night, but increasingly strong north winds during the day will encourage quick clearing each afternoon. Gusty north winds pushing close to shore will most likely bring some gusts close to 20 kts each afternoon near shore and locally higher gusts on ridges. There is high confidence that slightly cooler temperatures will return by early next week as high pressure weakens, but there is little chance of wetting rain until late next week at least when about 20% of ensemble models show a weak trough crossing the area.

Upcoming salmon meetings
March 4-9: PFMC March Meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Council will determine whether any in-season actions are required for fisheries scheduled to open prior to May 16. They will also craft three regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries in effect on or after May 16. Final adoption of alternatives for public review is tentatively scheduled for March 9.

March 23: PFMC Public Hearing in Santa Rosa, CA at 7 p.m. The Council will receive comments from the public on the three California ocean salmon fishery regulatory alternatives adopted by the Council in March

April 7-12: PFMC April Meeting in Portland, OR. The Council will adopt final regulatory measures for analysis by the STT. Final adoption of recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service will also occur and is tentatively scheduled for April 12.
Preseason Report III: Council-Adopted Management Measures and Environmental Assessment Part 3 for 2026 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations will be available online in late April at www.pcouncil.org

April 15-16: CDFW Commission Meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Commission will receive an update on ocean salmon sport fishery regulations in effect in 2026. The public may address and/or ask questions of the Commission relating to the implementation of its policies or any other matter within the jurisdiction of the Commission. Agenda and audio available online at https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2026

The Rivers:
Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad is still high and off-color, sitting at 8.8 feet. It will need at least another week of dry weather before it’s green. It’s forecast to drop through the weekend and into next week. It could be green sometime late next week, but another rise is predicted for Thursday.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is still high and dirty, running at 9,900 cfs at Scotia Thursday. It’s predicted to drop down to a fishable height by next Friday. Unfortunately, this coincides with the next rise, which may or may not muddy up the river. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
After blowing out last week, the South Fork has since dropped back into shape and is in good condition. As of Thursday, it was right around 2,400 cfs at Miranda. It’s forecast to drop all next week and should have some fish around, both fresh and downers.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is down to 480 cfs as of Thursday and is in fishable shape. Conditions should be excellent through the weekend especially for bank fishermen. It’s predicted to be a skinny 290 cfs by Monday morning. Looking at the 10-day ensemble forecast, the next rise is forecast towards the end of next week.

Smith
The Smith saw a slight bump in flows from Wednesday’s rain but is now under 9 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. It’s predicted to drop through the weekend, making for some low, clear conditions. Fishing pressure has been very light as most boats are on the Chetco. A rise in flows is predicted for next Thursday, and it will be much needed by then.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco River has produced its best steelhead catches of the season this past week, with many guides getting three to six fish a day side-drifting roe, beads or Corkies reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Fish are spread throughout the system, with near-perfect conditions,” said Martin. “Good flows are expected to last through the weekend.
Many Southern Oregon anglers have shifted their attention to the Rogue River, where early spring king salmon are showing up. A mix of wild and hatchery springers are being caught by plunkers and boaters anchoring on the edges. Tuesday produced well over a dozen springers to a handful of boaters on the lower river. Conditions are prime. Peak season for springers is mid-April through May.”

Sacramento, Klamath salmon rebound projected for 2026

Rylan Pilgrim from Lincoln, CA with a couple Klamath River jacks from a few seasons ago. With an increase in ocean abundance, we should see some type of salmon season on the Klamath/Trinity rivers. Photo courtesy of James Keeling Guide Service

On Wednesday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) held its annual Salmon Information Meeting, unveiling the 2026 ocean abundance forecasts — and the numbers point toward a rebound, particularly for the Sacramento Basin.

The forecast for Sacramento River fall Chinook — the primary stock harvested in California fisheries — came in at 392,349 adults. For comparison, the 2025 ocean abundance estimate was just 165,655, one of the lowest forecasts since the current assessment method was adopted in 2008. This year’s projection represents a substantial improvement and offers hope for more stable fishing opportunities.

The Klamath River forecast was announced at 176,233 adults, up significantly from last year’s 82,672.
For North Coast anglers, this likely means some type of salmon season in 2026. It almost certainly won’t be a full, unrestricted season, but barring unforeseen issues, there should be opportunities to harvest salmon in both the ocean and the river.

What Happens Next?
These ocean abundance forecasts provide science-based guidance to the Pacific Fishery Management Council as it begins the annual salmon season-setting process.

The first PFMC meeting is scheduled for March 4–9 in Sacramento, CA.
The Council will determine whether any in-season actions are needed for fisheries opening before May 16.
They will also develop three regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries beginning on or after May 16.
Final adoption of alternatives for public review is tentatively scheduled for March 9.

For a complete preseason calendar and public participation opportunities, visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife ocean salmon preseason webpage.
Additional information on upcoming meetings is available through the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s salmon page at pcouncil.org.
If these forecasts hold, 2026 could mark a meaningful step toward rebuilding opportunity for California salmon anglers — especially after the difficult seasons of the past three years.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, expect dry weather until late Friday night when the stalled out upper low over the central Pacific edges closer to the coast. “The exact timing and location of trough passage remains uncertain, and there is not a high chance of any major precipitation currently. The NBM model agrees with a 50% probability of >0.25″ and a 25% of >0.5″ in the Humboldt Bay area by Sunday morning. More rain is possible in the King range and interior mountains of Humboldt and Del Norte Co.”

Mad
After peaking at over 20 feet Tuesday night, the Mad is back on the drop. As of Thursday, it was back down to 13.5 feet. Will likely need at least 10 days before it’s green, especially with Ruth Lake full and spilling.

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel was down to 65,500 cfs after reaching 190,000 cfs at Scotia Wednesday morning. It doesn’t look like it will drop down to a fishable flow for at least a couple of weeks, possibly by mid-March.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork Eel surpassed action/monitor stage Tuesday evening, peaking at over 52,000 cfs at Miranda. It’s been dropping quickly since and is back down below 12,000 cfs as of Thursday morning. The 10-day ensemble shows the river dropping to a fishable flow by mid-next week. Above Benbow will be the first area to turn green.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen peaked at over 21,000 cfs Tuesday but dropped back down to under 3,000 cfs as of Thursday morning. Depending on snowmelt, it could be down to a fishable level by the second week of March.

Smith
The Smith dropped back into plunkable/driftable shape Thursday, with the river sitting at just above 12 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. Conditions look excellent for the weekend with the height hovering around 10 feet. The big rise earlier in the week should pull some fresh fish in from the ocean as well as push some downers from their spawning tributaries.

Southern Oregon rivers
“The Chetco is dropping back into shape with prime conditions expected this weekend after cresting at nearly 28,000 cfs earlier this week,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Flows were down to 15,000 cfs on Wednesday and should be near 5,000 cfs sometime Friday. Steelhead fishing was decent before the big rains and melting snow pushed the Chetco well over its banks. The Elk also should fish by the weekend, while the Rogue could be in shape by Sunday for late steelhead and early springers.”

Brookings ocean report
After a week of rough weather, the ocean out of Brookings looks to be fishable Saturday and Sunday, although there will be a mixed swell reports Martin. “Lingcod fishing has been good. Sport crabbing has been slow.”

Klamath Fall Chinook Return Tops Expectations in 2025

Keira Miles of Eureka with a nice jack salmon landed last fall on the Klamath River. The Jack count on the Klamath river in 2025 came in at 18,574 compared to 7,085 in 2024. This should bode well for a strong return of adults in 2026. Photo courtesy of Alan’s Guide Service.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council released its Review of 2025 Ocean Salmon Fisheries report Wednesday, and the news was considerably better than expected for the Klamath Basin.

Based on an ocean abundance estimate of 82,672 Klamath River fall Chinook believed to be in the ocean last fall, forecasters predicted just 28,554 adults would return to the river in 2025. Instead, the run significantly exceeded expectations, with 51,277 adults returning to the basin.

Of those, 39,860 adults escaped to natural spawning areas — 205 percent above the preseason prediction of 19,417 adults and essentially on par with the 40,700 adult floor escapement goal.

Hatchery returns also improved. An estimated 7,623 hatchery adults returned in 2025, compared to 4,489 in 2024.

Jack (two-year-old) returns surged as well, with 18,574 jacks returning to the Klamath Basin, including 14,513 that escaped to natural spawning areas. In 2024, just 7,085 jacks returned.

Upper Basin tributaries see gains
Spawning escapement to upper Klamath River tributaries — the Salmon, Scott, and Shasta rivers — totaled 9,192 adults, compared to 7,317 in 2024.

Shasta River: 5,562 adults
Scott River: 2,326 adults
Salmon River: 1,304 adults

These tributaries were only minimally affected by hatchery strays, making them key indicators of natural production.

The strong return and escapement numbers occurred despite very limited ocean recreational salmon fishing and salmon closures on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers.

According to the report, an estimated 16 fall Chinook were illicitly harvested by recreational anglers in 2025.

Tribal harvest totaled 3,493 adults — 1,322 by the Yurok Tribe and 2,171 by the Hoopa Valley Tribe — which was 252 percent of the tribal allocation of 1,385 fish.

Dam removal opens new habitat
A major milestone highlighted in the report was the 2024 removal of four dams from the Klamath River, allowing salmon to move upstream from the former site of Iron Gate Dam for the first time in decades.

Newly accessible mainstem and tributary habitats were quickly occupied. Monitoring efforts in Oregon and California estimated that 11,722 adults and 341 jacks returned to areas above the former Iron Gate Dam site in 2025 — a promising early sign following dam removal.

Central Valley salmon update
In the Central Valley, recreational Chinook fishing was open in 2025 with a one-fish daily bag limit from July 16 through October 31 in portions of the Feather and American rivers. Upstream sections closed earlier, with closure dates ranging from September 15 to October 15.

The Feather and American river fisheries harvested an estimated 4,884 Sacramento River Fall Chinook (SRFC), including 3,294 adults and 1,590 jacks.

Recreational fishing was also open on portions of the Mokelumne River from July 16 through October 31. That fishery harvested 386 San Joaquin River Fall Chinook, including 228 adults and 158 jacks.

Under 2025 regulations, projected spawning escapement in the Sacramento River Basin was 147,733 hatchery and natural-area fall Chinook adults. Actual returns exceeded that projection.

A total of 164,763 adult hatchery and natural-area spawners and 65,369 jacks were estimated to have returned to the Sacramento Basin in 2025.

Fall Chinook returns to Sacramento River hatcheries totaled 34,331 adults and 19,465 jacks, while escapement to natural areas reached 130,432 adults and 45,904 jacks.

Next up is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Salmon Information Meeting, which will be held in person at the California Natural Resources Agency Auditorium at 715 P St. in Sacramento on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, at 1 p.m., and will also be livestreamed. The meeting will feature the outlook for this year’s ocean salmon fisheries, in addition to a review of last year’s salmon fisheries and inland spawner returns.

Following the Salmon Information Meeting, California representatives will work together to develop a range of recommended ocean fishing season alternatives at the March 4-9 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting in Sacramento, CA. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the PFMC’s April 7-12 meeting in Portland, OR.

Salmon Information Meeting details, agenda, informational materials and instructions to view the livestream will be published in advance of the event on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon web page.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, “showers are expected to diminish Thursday evening as northerly winds aloft bring a drier air mass across the area. This airmass will be very cold, yet how much this is felt at surface will depend on the extent of cloud coverage. Overnight low temperatures may end up warmer than expected if there are more low clouds. Either way, temperatures are forecasted to be cold enough to cause a cold weather advisory for Thursday morning and Friday morning for SW Humboldt, coastal Mendocino, the Russian River Valley, and Southern Lake County.

On Friday, a brief break of precipitation is expected to allow even colder overnight lows if clouds do not inhibit nighttime cooling.

This weekend and into early next week, the active weather pattern continues with the approach of a broad closed upper- level trough and associated frontal system. This system is expected to bring heavy rainfall, heavy mountain snow, and strong southerly winds. The ensemble means for both the GEFS and EPS show a high probability (90-100% chance) of a weak atmospheric river. While this is not particularly strong, it looks like there will be multiple impulses that may overwhelm the rivers and streams. Theres still uncertainties on exact timing of the rain pulses, which will be a big factor in the level of impacts. Strong, southerly winds are also expected with the strongest through Saturday night.”

Klamath River flows set to increase
According to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) a planned sediment flushing flow release will take place one full day at the Keno Dam on the Klamath River, on Feb. 20, at approximately 6:00 am.
“The initial release may spike without advanced warning and will continue to ramp up with increased flows by roughly 4,000 cfs within 24 hours. The BOR will decrease flows, ramping down from the upper 4,000 cfs to 700s by early March. These values are operational targets and may fluctuate with changing conditions and manual operations. Rapid stage increases could occur not only below the Keno Dam but downstream through Big Bend, Hells Corner, Beswick, K’íka·c’é·ki Valley, K’íka·c’é·ki Canyon, Iron Gate, and the Mid-Klamath boating runs, potentially as far as Seiad Valley (roughly 100 miles downstream, where BOR’s flow spikes seem to attenuate).”

Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad was muddy, and just above 9 feet (2,500 cfs) and dropping slowly. It is forecast to drop through Saturday before the next round of storms pushes it to roughly 14 feet by early next week. It will need at least a couple of weeks of dry weather before it turns green.

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel was running at 14,000 cfs as of Thursday and is big and muddy. And it is going to get bigger. Storms beginning this weekend are predicted to increase flows close to 90,000 cfs by mid-next week. Needles to say, it will be some time before we see green water.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was flowing at 3,400 cfs at Miranda Thursday and rising slowly. It’s predicted to drop Friday and Saturday and get down to 2,200 cfs, which could produce some green water up higher in the watershed. It will be short-lived however, as rain coming Saturday evening will put it back on the rise and blow it back out. The 10-day ensemble prediction has the river peaking at 21,000 cfs Tuesday. If the rain stops mid-next week, it could be fishable towards the end of the first week of March.

Van Duzen
Like the South Fork Eel, the Van Duzen is on the drop following a peak of 1,400 cfs Monday near Bridgeville. As of Thursday, it was below 600 cfs but remains off color. With the rain coming Saturday evening, the river will be on a steep rise Sunday, potentially peaking at 8,000 cfs next Tuesday. Will likely need a couple weeks of dry weather before it starts to fish.

Smith River
The big rains never did reach the Smith, and it’s remained low and clear this week. Despite the lack of water, the fishing has been good for the few boats drifting. But conditions should change starting Saturday night. A big rise is forecast for Sunday, with flows reaching 25,000 cfs (16.4 feet) at the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday. Conditions should be excellent by mid-next week if the forecast holds.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing has been fair on the Chetco, but slower than expected, with drift boats getting one to three fish per day reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Major rain is expected this weekend, with the river likely to be blown out all of next week, especially with melting snow after the rain,” said Martin. “The smaller rivers in Southern Oregon are fishing well for steelhead.
Expect the first springers of the season after the Rogue drops following next week’s blowout. Steelhead fishing is slow on the Rogue, but march generally has decent fishing before anglers transition to salmon.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, rough ocean conditions have limited fishing out of Brookings. “A brief window Friday morning is followed by a storm warning with winds to 50 knots.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTubeand fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.