Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

Pacific Halibut Bite Still Slow, But Better Days Ahead

It’s been a slow start to the Pacific halibut season for most ports, but Tommy Cordoza was lucky enough to find one while on a recent trip out of Shelter Cove with Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

Up and down the North Coast, anglers are asking the same question: Where are the Pacific halibut, and when will the bite finally take off?

So far, it’s been a slow start to the season, but there’s no reason to hit the panic button just yet. May brought its fair share of wind and unfishable days, significantly limiting effort along the coast. Even ports like Eureka, which typically produce some of the best early-season scores, have yet to see much action.

A handful of halibut have been landed out of Shelter Cove and Eureka, offering a promising sign that fish are around and better days are likely ahead. Unfortunately, just as anglers were able to string together a few days on the water this week, the wind machine fired back up on Thursday.

Gale-force winds are expected to persist through Saturday before conditions begin to improve Sunday. Once the weather settles and anglers can get back on the water consistently, we’ll get a much clearer picture of the Pacific halibut abundance along the North Coast. For now, patience may be the most important item in the tackle box.

Weekend marine forecast
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service, “winds are expected to be lighter north of the Cape on Friday and Saturday, with steep seas slowly subsiding into Saturday. South of the Cape, winds are likely to remain strong with near gale to gale force gusts south of Cape Mendocino through the weekend. Sunday, winds increase again in the northern outer waters as the southern waters remain breezy. Winds finally ease Monday into early next week as a front moves through the area.”

As of Thursday, from Pt. St. George to Cape Mendocino out 10 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for north winds 15 to 20 knots and northwest waves 5 feet at seven seconds and west 6 feet at 12 seconds. The winds will be similar Saturday, with northwest swells six feet at ten seconds and southwest 2 feet at 17 seconds. Sunday the winds will ease up, coming from the north 10 to 15 knots. Waves will be out of the northwest 7 feet at nine seconds and southwest 2 feet at 16 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit weather.gov/eureka or windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

Fish for free this weekend in Oregon
Oregon will be having a Free Fishing Weekend June 6 and 7. No fishing/shellfish licenses or tags/validations are required on these days (meaning you do not need a Combined Angling Tag, Columbia River Basin Endorsement, Ocean Endorsement, or two-rod validation where two rods are allowed). Both Oregon residents and nonresidents can fish for free. Oregon State Parks also offers free parking on Saturday, June 6.

All other fishing regulations apply including closures, gear restrictions, bag limits, and size restrictions. See the Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations for regulations. Remember to check MyODFW.com for any in-season regulation changes, especially for salmon and steelhead fishing. All other regulations, such as bag limits, still apply. More information can be found here.

Ruth Lake Bass tournament this Saturday
Fortuna Rotary and the Southern Trinity Area Rescue will be holding the annual “Paul Jadro Memorial Bass Tournament” on Saturday, June 6. Blast off will be at 5:45 a.m. or at first safe light, by draw. The one-day tournament offers a first prize award of up to $1,000 with payout to 1 in 3 in addition to door prizes and sponsor products. The entry fee is $140 per team with a big fish buy in option of $10. The tournament is catch and release and all competitors must fish from boats that are required to have operational live wells on board. Life jackets are required. Check in at the Marina on Friday June 5 at 4:30-6 p.m. or Saturday 4:30 – 5:15 a.m. For more information, contact Lon Winburn at 707-499-2490.

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)

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

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.

The Oceans:
Eureka
According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, the Pacific halibut bite so far has been pretty slow. “I think there’s more fish around than we think, as a few were caught on Tuesday,” said Klassen. “There aren’t a whole lot of boats fishing for them, and the weather hasn’t been great either. The few that are being caught have been around the 50-line in 270 to 300 feet of water. Conditions haven’t been good enough to get down to the Cape this past week, but we may get a break starting Monday.”

Trinidad
“We’ve been dealing with some large ground swells for a while, which has made the rock fishing a little tougher,” said Curt Wilson of Wind Rose Charters. “We’re still getting limits, but conditions haven’t been great overall. When the ocean has been calm, the fishing has been lights out. We’re catching lots of big blacks, and there’s lots of nice ling cod around as well. The crabbing has been excellent; the pots have been loaded with sport legal-sized male crab. The Pacific halibut bite is slow, with not much effort. I haven’t heard of any caught yet this season.”

Shelter Cove
It’s been really windy this week, reports Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “Fortunately, the fishing has been good enough that’s we’ve been able to get out and get our limits before it gets too bad,” said Mitchell. “We’re catching most of our fish around the Old Man. The Pacific halibut bite remains slow, I didn’t hear of any caught this week.”

Crescent City
The rock fishing is really good when the boats can get out reports Will Moore, of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. He said, “Like the rest of the North Coast, we’ve had a lot of unfishable days. When the ocean does cooperate, the rockfish bite has been excellent at the Sisters and the South Reef. The lingcod bite has been good as well. A couple California halibut have been caught off South Beach trolling, so that’s a good sign. I have yet to hear of anyone catching a Pacific halibut.”

Brookings
Ocean coho season opens Saturday out of Brookings reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Anglers trolling for kings, which have been open to harvest since mid-March, began encountering coho in late May, said Martin. “The best action for kings has been closer to the harbor, near the buoys and off the mill. The coho have been further offshore, close to the surface in 200 feet of water. Anglers have been catching king on anchovies and small herring, behind Fish Flash flashers and divers.
Pacific halibut action has been slow so far out of Brookings. Lingcod and rockfish action have been good. Surfperch are still being caught off beaches near Brookings.”

River openings
Sections of the main Eel (South Fork to Cape Horn Dam), South Fork Eel (South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek) Van Duzen, Mad, Little River, Mattole and Smith re-opened on Saturday, May 23. On most rivers, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Click here for a complete list of CA river openings and regulations. The Chetco opened to fishing May 22.

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, the Rogue Bay is mossy and difficult to fish. “No reports yet of decent salmon action. Most guides are crossing the bar on calm days and trolling for kings near the buoys.”

Send in your fish photos
Land a big lingcod or halibut lately? Or maybe your friend or relative has reeled in their first perch. Email your fishing photo to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com and I’ll run them with the “Fishing the North Coast” weekly blog. Just include the name of the angler in the photo, where and when it was taken and any other details you’d like to share.

Kenny Priest (he/him) 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

North Coast Fishing: Holiday Weekend Brings Opportunity From Ocean to River

A customer holds a pair of kings caught Saturday aboard the Miss Brooke of Brookings Fishing Charters. Salmon fishing out of Brookings Harbor will be one of the best options this weekend. Photo courtesy of Brookings Fishing Charters.

For North Coast anglers, Memorial Day weekend serves up no shortage of fishing opportunities. Whether you’re targeting ocean species or heading inland, there’s something biting just about everywhere. With so many options available, the hardest decision may not be whether to fish — but where. Here are a few opportunities to consider this holiday weekend:

Offshore for Pacific halibut and rockfish — The halibut bite has started off slowly, but the effort should pick up as we head into summer. Rockfish is always a good option if you have a means to get offshore. Cape Mendocino, Trinidad, and Crescent City are all kicking out a variety of tasty rockfish.

Jetties for rockfish and lingcod —When the windisn’t howling, the jetties have been providing excellent rockfish and lingcod action. Small swimbaits or scampi jigs are catching fish as well as herring fished under a float.

California halibut —If shore fishing is your only option, try Fairhaven Beach on the bay side of the Samoa Peninsula. Fishing is typically best a few hours before and after high tide, with swimbaits on a ¾-ounce jig head a solid choice. Boaters are finding occasional fish in the middle channel on swimbaits, frozen sardines and herring. Expect the bite to improve as tides settle and water temperatures warm.

Freshwater Lagoon trout —Regularly stocked with catchable trout, Freshwater Lagoon offers solid opportunities for shore and boat anglers alike. A simple and effective setup is Berkley PowerBait fished with an egg sinker.
Ruth Lake trout and bass —With warm weather in the forecast and a family-friendly atmosphere, Ruth Lake is a great holiday weekend destination. Reports suggest both trout and bass action is improving.

Elk River redtail perch —If it’s perch you’re after and the ocean is too rough or not your thing, Elk River Beach is a great spot to target redtails. Two hours prior to high tide and an hour after typically are the optimal times. Shrimp, clams, swimbaits and sand crabs all work.

Trinidad Harbor rockfish —A great option for rockfish and crab. Launching a small boat or kayak from the beach is fairly easy in good conditions, which should be the case this weekend. Typically getting an early start is best before the afternoon wind kicks in.

Dungeness Crab —Anglers dropping pots around Trinidad are catching a good number of Dungeness crab when the weather cooperates. If it’s too rough, there’s some good locations inside Humboldt Bay. Out in front of the PG&E plant is a good spot as well as the flat off the South Jetty parking lot. Another top location is either side of the channel leading into the South Bay.

North Coast rivers —Many of the local rivers will re-open to fishing beginning Saturday, May 23. Rivers that will open include sections of the main Eel (South Fork to Cape Horn Dam), South Fork Eel (South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek) Van Duzen, Mad, Little River, Mattole and Smith. Be sure to check the regulations prior to fishing.

Fisheries currently closed: Red Abalone, Razor Clams (in Humboldt), Ocean and River Chinook fishing. Ocean salmon will be open June 13, and the Klamath and Trinity will open July 1.

Holiday weekend marine outlook
After weeks of stiff winds, North Coast anglers may finally get a weather window. Current forecasts call for fishable conditions through Memorial Day before stronger winds return Tuesday. Saturday, winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots and northwest waves 5 feet at nine seconds and southwest 1 foot at 17 seconds. Sunday, the wind will be out of the southwest 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at eight seconds and northwest 3 feet at 14 seconds. Monday is looking good as well, with south winds up to 5 knots along with northwest waves 2 feet at 7 seconds and northwest 4 feet at 13 seconds. These conditions can and will change by 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.

Ruth Lake Bass tournament coming June 6
Fortuna Rotary and the Southern Trinity Area Rescue will be holding the annual “Paul Jadro Memorial Bass Tournament” on Saturday, June 6. Blast off will be at 5:45 a.m. or at first safe light, by draw. The one-day tournament offers a first prize award of up to $1,000 with payout to 1 in 3 in addition to door prizes and sponsor products. The entry fee is $140 per team with a big fish buy in option of $10. The tournament is catch and release and all competitors must fish from boats that are required to have operational live wells on board. Life jackets are required. Check in at the Marina on Friday June 5 at 4:30-6 p.m. or Saturday 4:30 – 5:15 a.m. For more information, contact Lon Winburn at 707-499-2490.

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.

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.

The Oceans:
Boats fishing out of Shelter Cove, Eureka, Trinidad, and Crescent City have all been tied up for over a week due to high winds. Better conditions will begin Friday, and the long weekend looks plenty fishable.

Brookings
“Salmon fishing remained good out of Brookings until windy weather brought fishing to a standstill,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Better weather is expected this weekend. A mix of wild and hatchery kings are being caught, and coho, which can’t be kept until June 6, also are starting to arrive. Divers, Fish Flash flashers and anchovies are working best. Some charters are doing well with cut-plug herring. Lingcod and rockfish have been excellent. Halibut action has been slow out of Brookings.”

River openings
Sections of the main Eel (South Fork to Cape Horn Dam), South Fork Eel (South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek) Van Duzen, Mad, Little River, Mattole and Smith will re-open on Saturday, May 23. On most rivers, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Click here for a complete list of CA river openings and regulations. The Chetco will open to fishing May 22.

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, spring salmon fishing on the Rogue took a nosedive as warm weather has led to mossy conditions. “Sea lions are making trolling in the bay difficult.”

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.

River Kings Are Back: Salmon Seasons Reinstated Across California

Spring Chinook are finally back on the Klamath after a three-year closure. The season will open July 1st on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers. Pictured are Matt Johnson and Louisa Behnke with a nice springer from the Klamath River estuary prior to the closure. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast Guide Service

The news just keeps getting better for North Coast — and all California — salmon anglers. After nearly three years of closures, coastal and inland salmon seasons are officially back following Wednesday’s action by the California Fish and Game Commission. Seasons were restored on both the Klamath and Central Valley river systems, giving anglers their first real shot at river kings since 2022.
The Central Valley rivers will return to full seasons similar to those seen prior to the closures, while the Klamath Basin will once again offer both spring and fall Chinook opportunities.

Spring Chinook seasons will reopen as follows:
• Klamath River: July 1 – Aug. 14
• Trinity River: July 1 – Aug. 31

The daily bag limit will be one Chinook salmon, with a possession limit of two fish of any size.

For the fall Chinook fishery, the commission adopted a basin wide quota of 3,248 adult salmon for the Klamath Basin.

Fall seasons will be:
• Klamath River: Aug. 15 – Dec. 31 (closed above the I-5 Bridge)
• Trinity River: Sept. 1 – Dec. 31

The quota breakdown includes:
• Lower Klamath (Hwy. 96 bridge to the mouth): 1,624 adults
• Lower Klamath estuary below Highway 101: 487 adults
After this quota is caught, it triggers a complete closure of the Spit Area (within 100 yards of the channel through the sand spit formed at the Klamath River mouth). The rest of the area below U.S. Highway 101 (estuary) will remain open to recreational fishing
• Upper Klamath (CA/OR border to Highway 96): 552 adults
• Lower Trinity (downstream of the Denny Road bridge at Hawkins Bar to the confluence with the Klamath.): 536 adults
• Upper Trinity (250 feet below Lewiston Dam to the Hwy. 299 West bridge at Cedar Flat): 536 adults

Regulations for the fall fishery include a two-fish daily bag limit, though anglers may retain only one adult salmon ≥ 23 inches per day. The possession limit is six Chinook total, with no more than three adults ≥ 23 inches.

Once individual sub-quotas are met in each section, retention will shift to jack salmon under 23 inches total length only.

After years of shutdowns and uncertainty, California salmon anglers finally have something they haven’t had in a long time — opportunity.

Central Valley rivers
Central Valley anglers will also see a full return of Sacramento fall-run Chinook seasons across the region’s major river systems. Regulations adopted by the California Fish and Game Commission include full seasons on all major Central Valley rivers, marking the first unrestricted opportunity since prior to the statewide closures.

Adopted seasons and regulations include:

• Sacramento River and Delta — All sections open full season; 2-fish daily bag and 4-fish possession limit, any size

• Feather River — All sections open full season; 2-fish daily bag and 4-fish possession limit, any size

• American River — All sections open full season; 2-fish daily bag and 4-fish possession limit, any size

• Mokelumne River — All sections open full season; 2-fish daily bag and 4-fish possession limit, any size

Complete season dates and open river sections are available through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Marine Forecast
According to Eureka National Weather Service, ocean conditions are expected to deteriorate heading into the weekend. A weak frontal boundary Thursday night into Friday will ease winds north of Cape Mendocino, but increasing northerlies south of the cape could push winds beyond 21 knots by Friday evening. By Saturday, 15 to 20-knot winds are expected across much of the North Coast, building steep short-period seas of 4 to 7 feet. Conditions are forecast to worsen further Sunday, with near gale-to gale-force gusts possible by the afternoon.

As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for north winds 5 to 10 knots with waves northwest 2 feet at four seconds and northwest 4 feet at 11 seconds. Saturday, the winds will be out of the northwest 10 to 15 knots and waves will be out of the northwest 3 feet at four seconds and west 5 feet at 12 seconds. Sunday, the winds will increase out of the north 15 to 20 knots with waves out of the northwest 3 feet at five seconds and west 5 feet at 11 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.

CDPH warns consumers not to eat sport-harvested bivalve shellfish from Del Norte County
In a press release issued by CDFW May 6, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from Del Norte County.

Statement:

“Dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins have been detected in mussels from Del Norte County. The naturally occurring PSP toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin.

This notification is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine which prohibits the sport-harvest of mussels for human consumption and applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. There are also shellfish safety notifications warning against eating sport-harvested bivalve shellfish in Sonoma, Marin, and San Mateo counties due to marine biotoxins. Additionally, there is a razor clam advisory for Humboldt County due to domoic acid.

PSP toxins affect the nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.

This warning does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor toxins.”

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.

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.

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.

The Oceans:
Eureka
The Pacific halibut bite remains slow, reports Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “I don’t necessarily think it’s because a lack of fish, there just hasn’t been much effort,” said Klassen. “It’s hard to gauge with just a few boats trying. We did land one Wednesday near the Eel River canyon. We were also able to boat some nice deep-water rockfish while we were down there. The rockfish bite at the Cape is still going well. There are some signs of salmon around, including the right kind of birds, which bodes well for the June opener.”

Trinidad
Ocean conditions look excellent on Friday for small boats and kayaks launching from the beach. The boat launch was scheduled to open May 6. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 707-677-3625.

Shelter Cove
It’s pretty much the same story at the Cove reports Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. He said, “Great rock fishing, decent lingcod action, and pretty slow on Pacific halibut. The fishing has still been good close to port so we’re still spending our time around the whistle and Old Man.

Crescent City
Ocean conditions have been good this week and the rockfish bite continues to be excellent. The Sisters, South Reef and north at the light house are all giving up limits of rockfish. The ling bite hasn’t been as good, but boats are catching a few. The Pacific halibut bite hasn’t really taken off yet, but the effort has been very low. Look for that to change as we get deeper into May.

Brookings
Halibut season is off to a slow start out of Brookings, although most boats are still focusing on salmon reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “The kings are now being caught deeper, but still just a short run from the harbor,” said Martin. “The best salmon fishing has been in 180 feet of water off of Bird Island and Twin Rock. Lingcod and rockfish action continues to be excellent. Halibut season opened May 1, with rough weather. Tuesday was calm, but halibut catches were light.”

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, the Rogue River is low and clear, and springer fishing is slow, although boats trolling in the ocean near the buoys are catching nice springers.

Rockfish bite anchors North Coast fishery

Casen Whipp, of Oak Run CA boated this nice vermilion rockfish Sunday while fishing near Cape Mendocino. Photo courtesy of Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing,

As the famous saying goes, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” I’ll go out on a limb and add a third — North Coast rockfish.

From Shelter Cove north to Crescent City, and just about everywhere in between, the nearshore rockfish bite has been nothing short of outstanding this season. Private and charter boats alike are reporting wide-open action at all the usual rocky haunts, with quick limits the rule rather than the exception.

While they may not carry the same glamour as Pacific halibut or king salmon, rockfish deliver where it counts—consistency. If your goal is to stock the freezer or enjoy a steady rotation of fresh fish tacos, it’s tough to beat what rockfish bring to the table.

The statewide rockfish season officially opened on April 1 and will remain open at all depths through Dec. 31. (The exception is the Southern Management Zone, where all depths are open through June 30.)
The daily bag limit is 10 fish per person within the RCG complex—this includes all species of rockfish, cabezon, and greenlings. The lingcod limit is two fish per person per day, with a 22-inch minimum size.

Within that 10-fish bag, sub-limits apply: only one copper rockfish, four vermilion rockfish (in the Northern Management Area), and two canary rockfish are allowed.
A descending device is required when fishing for groundfish. No one may take or possess federal groundfish from a vessel in ocean waters without one on board.
The following species may not be taken or possessed in California at any time: bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, quillback rockfish, and yelloweye rockfish.

For a complete list of regulations, visit the California recreational groundfish fishing regulations summary.

Marine Forecast
Ocean conditions don’t look good for Friday and Saturday but should improve starting Sunday as an area of low pressure approaches. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for northwest winds 15 to 20 knots with waves northwest 8 feet at eight seconds and west 4 feet at 13 seconds. Saturday, the winds will be out of the northwest 15 to 20 knots and waves will be out of the northwest 7 feet at nine seconds and northwest 5 feet at 12 seconds. Sunday, winds will switch to southwest 5 to 10 knots with waves out of the northwest 6 feet at nine seconds and northwest 5 feet at 17 seconds with a chance of rain. 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 Saturday
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bass Tournament this 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.

Annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels Begins May 1
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press release on April 27 announcing the annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast. The quarantine will begin May 1 and applies to all species of mussels that are recreationally harvested for human consumption along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries. During the quarantine, mussels may only be harvested for non-consumptive uses, such as for bait.

The quarantine is in place to protect the public against poisoning that can lead to serious illness, including coma and death. According to the press release, the quarantine does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. More information can be found here.

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.

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.

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.

Smith River set to close
The Smith River will be closed to fishing beginning Friday, May 1 from its mouth to the confluence of the Middle and South Forks; Middle Fork Smith River from mouth to Patrick Creek; South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craigs Creek to Jones Creek. It will re-open May 23. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from the fourth Sat. in May through Aug. 31.

The Oceans:
Eureka
The rockfish and lingcod action have been really good at Cape Mendocino reports Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “We made the trip down Sunday in less-than-ideal conditions are we were able to find steady rockfish action in a little deeper water,” said Klassen. “The lingcod bite was a little slower but it’s still good. There hasn’t been much halibut effort yet, but that should change soon. The weather doesn’t look great this weekend, but it should improve mid-week.”

Trinidad
Ocean conditions look good mid-week for small boats and kayaks launching from the beach. The boat launch opening has been pushed back to May 6. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 707-677-3625.

Shelter Cove
“It’s been a pretty solid week at the Cove reports Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. He said, “The rockfish have been snapping really well, but it’s taking a little longer to catch our lingcod. We’re spending most of our time around the whistle buoy and the Old Man. The Pacific halibut bite remains slow, and the effort has really slowed down.”

Crescent City
When the boats can get out, the rockfish bite continues to shine. Some of the better spots include the Sisters, South Reef and north at the light house. The ling bite hasn’t been 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. Look for that to change as summer rolls around.

Brookings
Windy conditions scattered salmon off the coast of Brookings, but catches remained fair to good over the weekend reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Fishing improved north of Brookings and near Gold Beach, when the bar is calm enough to cross,” said Martin. “The best action remains around 20 feet below the surface over 120 feet of water.
Lingcod and rockfish action has been very good out of Brookings. Halibut season opens May 1, although the best fishing out of Brookings is usually July and August. Surfperch action continues to be good off the beaches around Brookings.”

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, springer fishing is slow on the Rogue, with a handful of fish being caught each day, but many boats going without fish.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”