After sitting on the sidelines for nearly a week due to terrible ocean conditions, the Eureka fleet was finally back on the water Tuesday. And the salmon were waiting. Early reports indicate there’s a large area full of fish right out front of Eureka and most of the boats that ventured out scored limits. And it sounds like there are salmon up and down the coast. When the Shelter Cove boats have been able to launch, the salmon fishing has been lights out. The big surprise so far has been Crescent City. Limit-style fishing has been the norm since the opener, which hasn’t been the case in quite a few years. Though we’re only 10 days into the season, it’s already looking like we’re in for a good one.
Weekend marine forecast
Southerly winds will increase on Thursday ahead of an approach low pressure t rough, but the ocean should remain fishable. Friday, south winds will be 5 to 10 knots with west waves 6 feet at nine seconds. Saturday’s forecast is calling for southwest winds to 5 knots with westerly waves 5 feet at nine seconds. Sunday’s prediction is looking similar, with northwest winds 5 to 10 knots with westerly swells 6 feet at 10 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.
Kids free fishing derby coming May 21
On Saturday, May 21 2022 all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 48th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and the fishing derby will last until 11:00 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 for everyone. For more information, call Pete at 530-598-2877.
The beach/jetties
The wind has made the beaches tough for anglers looking for redtail perch. When the ocean is rough, the mouth of the Elk River or King Salmon are two of the better options to get out of the wind. Both can produce quality perch action. The north jetty has been closed due to construction, and the wind has slowed the action at the south. A few black rockfish are being caught along with the occasional keeper lingcod. Half-ounce jig heads with four to five inch swimbaits have been a solid producer.
The Oceans:
Eureka
After a week of rough weather, the seas finally calmed down and the boats were back on the water Tuesday. And the salmon were there and in a biting mood. According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, there was a pretty large area of fish. “Most of the boats did well between the 44 and 49-lines from 200 to 250 feet of water,” said Klassen. “There were some birds and bait, but not a ton. There were some whales in the area however. The fish were averaging about 8 pounds but some bigger fish were caught.”
Trinidad
Not much in the way of effort or fish reports out of Trinidad due to the ocean conditions. Just a reminder, the launch will be in service and launching boats at 6 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Thursday through Monday. They will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Cost to launch is $45. Call 677-3625 for more information.
Shelter Cove
Ocean conditions have improved this week, which should put some more boats on the water. Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing ventured out in rough conditions last week and reports a pretty good salmon bite. “We were the only boat out on Friday in very sloppy conditions but managed to get boat limits of salmon to 15-pounds,” said Mitchell. “The rock fishing has been really good so far, with the lings being a little tougher to come by. Most of our effort has been around the Old Man.”
Crescent City
Abundant salmon limits were reported by the fleet Tuesday and Wednesday. Boats fishing near buoy 2 had the most action but there’s a wide area of fish all the way to the Sisters. Most of the fish are coming shallow, under 50-feet on the wire. Anchovies, SpinFish and Cut Plugs are all catching fish. The rockfish bite has been excellent as well with the South Reef and Sisters being a couple of the top spots.
Brookings
Rough weather sidelined the Brookings fleet most of last week, but conditions look good this week, reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. He said, “With high water in the Chetco, the best fishing will be north of Chetco Point. No halibut have been reported yet but smaller swells the middle of this week will allow boats to get to the more productive areas. Ocean salmon season opens June 18 out of Brookings.”
Lower Rogue
“Spring salmon fishing continues to be good on the lower Rogue River, even with the high, muddy water over the weekend,” said Martin. “Lots of hatchery springers are being caught by anglers fishing anchovies and spinner blades from anchored boats or Brad’s plug cut lures of 3.5 MagLips from shore. Conditions should be prime this week as the river drops.”
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 www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest 