Month: October 2023

After sitting on the sidelines and watching every port to the south celebrate yet another bluefin tuna hitting the deck, Eureka finally got in on the party. Acting on a report from a couple of commercial boats who witnessed bluefin jumping off their bows, a few boats from the local sport fleet took to the water Wednesday morning. Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing and Gary Blasi of Full Throttle Sport Fishing were two of the few boats that went. According to Klassen, he had planned all week to head to Shelter Cove. But once the word got out about bluefin being spotted near the Eel River Canyon, the game plan changed. “We let the lines out about 10 miles from the entrance,” said Klassen. “Within 30 minutes, we were hooked up with what turned out to be a nice bluefin, estimated to be between 125 and 150 pounds. Turns out, that was our only fish of the day. We didn’t see any tuna busting the surface, but we did see plenty of whales, dolphins, and a group of killer whales. We did hear of a couple other bluefin landed in the same general area, so we know the fish are there. And the ocean conditions look to be fishable through Sunday.” Now that the seal has been broken, I’m betting we’ll see some nice fish hitting the decks over the next few days.

Shelter Cove tuna report
The Shelter Cove boats were back at it Wednesday after being tied up since Sunday due to weather. According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, the bite isn’t as hot as last week. “The bite was a little slower Wednesday, but we managed to put a couple in,” said Mitchell. “There were probably 10 to 15 caught amongst the fleet. Most of the action was six to 10 miles out to the north. It looks a little rough the next few days, but it may be fishable. Conditions are looking good early next week.”

Brookings
Nicer weather is expected offshore of Brookings beginning Thursday according to Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Halibut season runs through Oct. 31, said Martin. “Lingcod and rockfish are open year-round. Rockfish action has been good, and lingcod decent on nice weather days. Surfperch action has improved, with very good reports just across the border at Kellogg Beach in Crescent City.

Dungeness crab testing ongoing
Domoic acid testing in Dungeness crabs is ongoing along the California coast. To date, samples from Crescent City, Bodega Bay, Half Moon Bay/SF and Monterey have all been tested at least once. None of the tested ports had crabs that exceed the action level of 30 parts per million. For more information, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/DomoicAcid.aspx

2023 Smith and Eel River Chinook salmon regulation reminder
In an emergency action in response to historic low abundance of California stocks of Chinook salmon, the Fish and Game Commission acted to close all recreational Chinook Salmon fisheries in the Smith and Eel Rivers. According to the 2023-2024 California Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations, the Smith is closed to all salmon fishing except for 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year by federally recognized tribes while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. The Eel River is closed to salmon fishing except catch and release by federally recognized tribes.

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, except for the Smith, are closed to fishing as of Thursday. This includes the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, and Van Duzen. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. 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, 2024.

The Rivers:
Smith
The Smith opened to fishing Thursday after topping out at 1,000 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge. With no rain in the forecast the rest of the week, it will likely close to fishing prior to the weekend. A reminder that the Smith is closed to all salmon fishing for non-tribal members. Federally recognized tribal members are allowed 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations.

Lower Klamath
Fishing pressure has been light, but there are still a few opportunities to be had. There are a few steelhead around, though most are aways upriver. A few salmon are still trickling in. The mouth was reportedly backed up last week and coupled with big swells, it makes fishing tough. A reminder that there is a zero bag limit for salmon. The daily bag limit for hatchery steelhead is two per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters.

Chetco
A big rise in flows is forecasted on the Chetco next week, just in time for the lifting of bobber-only gear restrictions reports Martin. “Until Nov. 4, bobbers must be used for fishing above the estuary, designated by the power lines just above the Highway 101 bridge. Bobber fishing has been fair, with plenty of salmon spread throughout the river. Flows will have a slight bump this week, and could top 2,500 cfs by the middle of next week.”

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.

Mid-September of last year produced some pretty wild tuna action on the North Coast. Species that typically aren’t targeted here, including Bluefin, Yelloweye, and Bigeye tuna were popping up from Fort Bragg to Crescent City. And now, history is repeating itself – sort of. Large schools of tuna, made up of mostly bluefin, are thick from San Francisco north to Shelter Cove. Anglers targeting the big tuna last year were outmatched as most didn’t have the gear or experience to put one on the deck. That’s not the case this year as anglers are hitting the water prepared for battle. Boats from San Francisco to Shelter Cove are now locked and loaded, and they’re bringing big tuna over the rails daily. Shelter Cove, which seems to be the end of line for the tuna, has been producing big bluefin just about daily. According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing based in Shelter Cove, schools of bluefin showed up Saturday. “Boats that know what they’re doing are getting zero to three bites per day,” said Mitchell. “The bite was much better on Wednesday for us and we boated four bluefin. The action has been just about straight out 10 miles. Most of the fish landed have been in the 110 to 130-pound range with the occasional ones up to 170 pounds. Boats have been using mostly high-speed trolling lures like Madmacs, Rapalas and DTX. Depending on how close they stay, we should have fishable weather the rest of the week. If you’re looking to tangle with a big bluefin, charter boats from the Bay Area to Bodega Bay are advertising available seats.

Dungeness crab testing ongoing
Domoic acid testing in Dungeness crabs is ongoing along the California coast. To date, samples from Crescent City, Bodega Bay, and Monterey have all been tested at least once. None of the tested ports had crabs that exceed the action level of 30 parts per million. For more information, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/DomoicAcid.aspx

Shore-based rockfish is open year-round
The 2023 rockfish season in the Northern Management Area, which runs from 40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) to the Oregon-California border closed for boat-based anglers after Sunday, Oct. 15. Rockfish, however, is open year-round for divers and shore-based anglers.

Divers and shore-based anglers are exempt from season and depth restrictions affecting the RCG complex and other federally managed groundfish. Shore-based anglers are fishermen that fish from beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other manmade structures connected to the shore. Divers are spear fishermen entering the water either from the shore or from a boat or other floating object. The possession and transit provisions described for shore-based anglers, and divers are as follows:

• When angling from shore (includes beaches, banks, piers, jetties, breakwaters, docks, and other man−made structures connected to the shore), all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round (See subsection 27.50(b)(1) for exceptions in the Cowcod Conservation Areas). No vessel or watercraft (motorized or non−motorized) may be used to assist in the take, transport and/or possession of these species under this provision.

• When diving or spearfishing, as authorized in Section 28.90, all species may be taken and/or possessed year−round (See subsection 27.50(b)(2) for exceptions in the Cowcod Conservation Areas). When boat−based groundfish fishing is closed, all types of fishing gear, except spearfishing gear, are prohibited to be aboard the vessel or watercraft (motorized or non−motorized) when taking and/or possessing these species under this provision.
These rockfish may not be taken or possessed in California: Bronzespotted, Cowcod, Quillback, and Yelloweye rockfish.

Brookings
Big swells have kept ocean anglers at the docks, although Wednesday’s forecast looks good reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Swells to 14 feet are expected later this week,” said Martin. “Halibut season runs through Oct. 31.”

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen were closed as of Thursday. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. 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, 2024.

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, 2024. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ARCC1

The main stem Eel River: The main stem Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road, at its paved junction with the south bank of Eel River, closed to angling. Except: 1. Legal fishing methods other than angling are permitted. 2. From the mouth to Cock Robin Island Bridge, angling from shore for non-salmonids is permitted. (B) The main stem Eel River from the paved junction of Fulmor Road with the Eel River to the South Fork Eel River. Minimum Flow: 350 cubic feet per second at the gauging station near Scotia. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1

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. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=MRNC1

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. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=BRGC1

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. For river level forecasts www.water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=eka&gage=mtoc1&hydro_type=0

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. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ORIC1

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. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
The salmon action has slowed on the lower Klamath, but there are still some fish around. The few boats still fishing are finding most of their success above Blue Creek. Fishing pressure has been light as there are mostly fly fishermen on the water this time of the year.

Chetco
Salmon fishing has slowed in the Chetco estuary, but improved upriver in the tidewater, where gear restrictions limit anglers to bobber fishing according to Martin. “A mix of jacks and wild and hatchery adults are being caught. Flows came up Monday night enough to drift the lower river, although boats will likely be dragging bottom within a day or two. Roe and sand shrimp are working best.” 

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.

The Chetco estuary continues to produce some of the best salmon fishing on the coast, but time is running out. Rain is in the forecast for Brookings over the weekend and flows will be on the rise, which will trigger the migrating fall kings that it’s time to head up river. The good news is there should still be plenty more behind em’ and the fishery could continue to thrive while we wait for the heavy rains. As for fishing, late last week and weekend were excellent, with plenty of boats scoring limits of kings. And there were some real big ones mixed in. There were quite a few 30-pounders landed, and plenty more that were just too big to handle. Trolling anchovies behind Shortbus or Pro-Troll 360 flashers has been the top producer. If you have the opportunity, you’ll want to check out this fishery before the rains come.

Weekend marine forecast
Winds will turn back southerly ahead of an approaching boundary Friday and into the weekend, but wind speeds will stay light before increasing to moderate to breezy by Friday afternoon. A minor westerly swell up to 8 feet at 12 seconds will arrive around Saturday. As of Thursday afternoon, from 10 to 60 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the south 10 to 20 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the south 10 to 15 knots with west waves 10 feet at 12 seconds. Sunday, winds will be 10 to 20 knots out of the south with west waves 9 feet at 12 seconds and northwest 6 feet at 18 seconds. 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.

Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake Oct. 14
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the 2nd annual Roger Coleman Sr. Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday Oct. 14 at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. or Saturday morning between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 7 a.m. or at first safe light. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr. at 707-223-3858.

Dungeness crab testing has begun
Domoic acid testing in Dungeness crabs has started on the California coast. To date, only samples from Crescent City have been reported and all crabs tested were well below the level of 30 parts per million. For more information, visit www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/DomoicAcid.aspx

Rockfish season to close Sunday, Oct. 15
The 2023 rockfish season in the Northern Management area, which runs from 40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) to the Oregon-California border, will close for boat-based anglers after Sunday, Oct. 15. Rockfish is open year-round for divers and shore-based anglers. It was a rough season for recreational anglers as the nearshore season was cut short due to the declining population of quillback rockfish. More restrictions and closures are likely for 2024. For more information on next year’s rockfish season, visit https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2023/10/05/decisions-looming-at-upcoming-pfmc-meeting/

The Oceans:
Eureka
Excellent conditions last weekend allowed boats to venture out to the deep water for rockfish where the fishing was reportedly excellent. Ocean conditions don’t look favorable for upcoming weekend, so it’s likely a wrap on the rockfish for this year. The season closes after Sunday, Oct. 15. Recreational Dungeness crab season is scheduled to open Nov. 4.

Shelter Cove
According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, a few boats ran for tuna last Thursday and Friday. He said, “Most boats fished around the Knoll and scores were very low. The high boat had 6 on Thursday and 10 on Friday. Deep-water rock fishing is still good, with easy limits outside the Hat over the weekend. It looks like we’ll have some decent weather later in the week, but I think our albacore season is about over.”

Brookings
Halibut fishing has been fair, with the best catch rates in 230 to 260 feet of water off of Bird Island reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Salmon bellies, herring and squid are working best,” said Martin. “Rockfish action is good, while lingcod fishing is fair. A big swell will keep boaters at the dock most of this week. 

Trinity River flows reduced
On Oct. 16, flow release changes will begin on the Trinity River. Flows will ramp down from 450 cfs to 300 cfs over the course of the day. For more information, visit https://www.trrp.net/

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen were closed as of Thursday. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. 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, 2024.

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
Boat pressure has been extremely light, but there are some fish to be had. Fresh kings, both adults and jacks, as well as steelhead are scattered throughout the lower river. With very little pressure, there seems to be enough fish around to make for a decent day. A reminder that there is a zero bag limit for salmon. The daily bag limit for hatchery steelhead is two per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. For more information, visit nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202686&inline

Chetco/Rogue
According to Martin, after a weekend of hot fishing in the Chetco estuary, a bump in flows this week could send fish upriver. “Lots of jacks are being caught on bobbers and eggs or sand shrimp at Tide Rock and Social Security Bar. Bobbers must be used above the power lines just upstream from the Highway 101 bridge until Nov. 4. A bigger rise in flows is expected next week. In the estuary, fishing has been good along the jetties. Anglers fishing for lingcod and rockfish also are encountering plenty of salmon in the ocean, a good sign for the peak of the run later this month and in early November. Salmon fishing has slowed on the Rogue Bay, but there are a few kings and hatchery coho around.”

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

If you have any interest whatsoever in the future of our rockfish and Pacific halibut fisheries, your voice and opinion has never been more important than right now. At the upcoming November 3 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting, public comments provided by those affected by closures and limited seasons will go a long way in the future and management of our fisheries. Let’s start with Pacific halibut. At the meeting, or shortly after, a decision will be made regarding California’s share of the recreational Pacific halibut quota. Our share of the Catch Share Plan for area 2A, which includes Washington and Oregon, sits at 4 percent of a 1.5-million-pound quota. With a lot of hard work done through various organizations, we now have a window of opportunity to receive a little bigger piece of the pie. On the table are four options; no changes, 1 percent increase, 1.5 percent increase, and a 3 percent increase. It may not sound like much, but any of these 3 options will almost certainly extend our season. And with the current state of rockfish, salmon and crab, we need this if we want to keep our fishing community and businesses afloat. It’s important that we get as many comments as possible into record to enhance the chances of receiving the largest share possible. Comments can be made under the Pacific Halibut Management heading at https://pfmc.psmfc.org/Meeting/Details/3015.

The nearshore rockfish closure that took effect on Aug. 21 was a devastating blow to anglers and has had a huge ripple effect on charter boats, bait and tackle shops, restaurants, hotels, and every other entity who benefits from this fishery. The closure was due in large part to the declining population of quillback and copper rockfish. It was reportedly known since 2021 that both of these species were being overfished. Reduced bag limits and an unofficial effort to get the word out by those who knew the populations were in trouble couldn’t turn the tide, and CDFW ultimately had to pull the plug on the entire nearshore fishery in the Northern Management Area. This is where our public comments will come into play. At the PFMC meeting, no decisions will be made on what the next few years will look like, but they will put stock in the validity and volume of comments we provide. Public comments can be put into record under the Groundfish Management heading at https://pfmc.psmfc.org/Meeting/Details/3015.

The E-Portal comment area opened on Sept. 26 and will close at 5 p.m. PT on Oct. 30. Comments received between Sept. 26 and Oct. 12 by 5 p.m. PT will go live on Oct. 13 when Briefing Book materials are posted. Comments received between 10/13 and 10/30 will be viewable upon approval and no later than the start of the Council meeting.

You can sign up for oral testimony beginning at 8 a.m. on November 3. The sign-up window will remain open until the public comment section of each agenda is reached, at which point they will be closed. You may attach written comments to support your oral testimony, but they will not be visible until after public comment has ended.  If you wish to have a PowerPoint Presentation please sign up for comment and email the presentation to kris.kleinschmidt@noaa.gov and sandra.mondal@noaa.gov and see a confirmation email your submission was received.

Instructions to join the meeting online and view the proposed agenda can be found at www.pcouncil.org/documents/2023/09/november-2023-council-meeting-agenda-and-meeting-notice.pdf/

The meeting is being held at Hyatt Regency Orange County 11999 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, CA 92840

Weekend marine forecast
Wind and seas will begin to come down Friday, and we’re looking at a pretty good forecast for the weekend. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the west up to 5 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at seven seconds and west 3 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the southwest up to 5 knots with north waves 2 feet or less. Sunday, winds will be 5 to 10 knots out of the south with north waves 2 feet or less. 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.

The Oceans:
Eureka
According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, ocean conditions this week kept boats tied to the dock. “Conditions later in the week and through the weekend look excellent and will allow boats to target rockfish in the deeper water,” said Klassen. “It doesn’t look like tuna will be an option this weekend due to the water breaking up.”

Shelter Cove
The weather this week kept the entire fleet off the water reports Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We have a decent stretch of weather through the weekend so we’ll be able to get back to the deep water for rockfish,” said Mitchell. “There’s warm water about 30 miles out, so I’m sure there will be boats trying for tuna.”

Crescent City
According to Britt Carson of Crescent City’s Englund Marine, there’s been a little effort by anglers targeting deep-water rockfish. “From what I’ve heard, the fishing hasn’t been very good,” said Carson. “We have good ocean conditions this weekend, so I expect there will be some anglers trying for redtail perch. The tuna water has pushed out, so that’s not really an option at the moment.”

Brookings
Ocean anglers will get a break in the rough weather Friday and Saturday out of Brookings reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Halibut season remains open through the end of the month,” said Martin. “Crab season closes Oct. 15. Lingcod and rockfish are open year-round. Halibut fishing was good prior to the latest stormy weather.”

North Coast river closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. 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, 2024.

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
Fishing was decent last weekend, with a mix of adult kings and jacks spread throughout the river. The mouth reportedly sanded over earlier this week, which will make fishing a lot tougher for the weekend. A reminder that there is a zero bag limit for salmon. The daily bag limit for hatchery steelhead is two per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Fishing Report and Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. For more information, visit nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=202686&inline

Chetco
Salmon fishing has been good in the Chetco estuary according to Martin. “Kings are also are being caught in the tidewater areas, where the river is under bobber-only regulations, meaning a bobber must be used and baits must be suspended off the bottom. In the estuary, trolling anchovies behind 360 flashers is accounting for most of the catches, with kings up to 40 pounds. The first half of the outgoing tide is fishing best. Roe and sand shrimp is working for bobber fishermen upriver. Big rains are expected next week.”

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.