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For Immediate Release

Friday, March 3, 2023 Sacramento, CA

Contacts
George Bradshaw, PCFFA, 707-954-9339 Rick Powers, GGFA, 707-481-4536 James Stone, NCGASA, 530-923-9440

Today, leadership of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, the Golden Gate Fishermen’s Association, and the Northern California Guides and Sportsmen’s Association are calling for an immediate closure of the 2023 salmon season and requesting the Governor Newsom, the State Legislature, and state agencies seek Federal and State disaster assistance funding for affected ocean and inland commercial operators.

On March 1, 2023, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife held their annual pre-season briefing and reported some of the worst fisheries numbers in the history of the state. These numbers follow years of drought, poor water management decisions by Federal and State managers, occasional failure to meet hatchery egg mitigation goals, inaccurate season modeling, and the inability of fisheries managers to meet their own mandated escapement goals.

“Unfortunately we have gotten to a point that we have been warning was coming; another collapse of our iconic salmon fisheries”, said George Bradshaw, President of PCFFA. “The harvest models, escapement goals and model inaccuracies show there is no warranted opportunity to harvest Chinook Salmon in the state of California in 2023. Our organization is asking Federal and State managers to take the required steps to ensure the survival of the resource and close the fishery. We demand we work towards future sustainable solutions so we can once again have robust salmon runs and thriving fisheries. Our coastal communities and generational fisherman deeply rely on the proper management. Therefore this requires our Federal and State leaders lead the effort to secure disaster assistance until we all get through these foreseeable hard times.”

“Inland recreational salmon anglers and salmon fishing guides are the last user group to access the resource every year when salmon return to their natal, spawning grounds and hatcheries”, said James Stone, Executive Director of NCGASA. “We have seen historic low runs in the Sacramento Valley since 2015, with 75% of the last 8 years falling short of the required conservation objective of 122,000 spawning adult fall run salmon. Current salmon management policy and poor water management, without proper hatchery mitigation, has got us to this point of full collapse. Our small rural communities throughout the Delta and upper Sacramento river systems that rely on salmon for food, recreation, sport, and industry have been drastically affected. We need to enact immediate conservation measures and close the fishery in all sectors ocean and inland, coupled with a complete overhaul of our salmon management models and policies that have led to this scenario.”

“After several consecutive years of poor river conditions fishery managers have forecasted near record low salmon returns to the Sacramento and Klamath Rivers”, said Rick Powers, President of GGFA. “With low returns we feel it would be irresponsible to participate in a 2023 season. While we make our living fishing for salmon, we are willing to make a short-term sacrifice to ensure a return of robust salmon populations that our families depend on. Therefore, we suggest that this year’s salmon season be suspended to protect the salmon runs that are vital to California Coastal Communities, and we call for Governor Newsom and state leaders to fight for disaster assistance funding for our communities immediately.”

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PCFAA, GGFA, and NCGASA comprise the three largest licensed operators and businesses that rely on the Fall Run Chinook fishery. These three organizations have partnered together on numerous previous meetings with each other and Federal and State fisheries managers seeking changes and improvements to California’s fisheries management, with mixed outcomes. While the communities they represent will be irrevocably harmed by a 2023 closure, they believe there is no other conscionable alternative at this time.

George Bradshaw, PCFFA, 707-954-9339, georgebradshaw707@gmail.com

James Stone, NCGASA, 530-923-9440, jstone@ncgasa.org

Rick Powers, GGFA, 707-481-4536, dpamundsend@gmail.com 

For those of you who aren’t yet ready to throw in the towel on this year’s steelhead season, you’ll have limited angling options this weekend. If you’re wanting to head north, you’ll likely run into low and clear conditions. Both the Smith and Chetco did see a rise in flows the past couple days, but will be back on the drop headed into the weekend. If you wanted to head south to the SF, main Eel and Van Duzen, you’ll find rivers that aren’t lacking water. All are currently high and off color but will be headed in the right direction soon. Depending on how quickly they drop and the level of snowmelt, the Van Duzen and South Fork Eel could be fishable by Saturday. At least according to the NOAA’s River Forecast Center. If you want to fish the Mad, you’ll be treated to the same conditions we’ve had most of the season – big and brown water. The Trinity River in the Willow Creek area is sporting the best conditions around, but getting there might be tricky. If you haven’t suffered enough and are dead set on wetting a line this weekend, you may need to look around.

The weather ahead
After a short-term drying trend from Wednesday through Friday, another winter storm is in the forecast for the weekend, according to Jonathan Garner of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. He said, “The storm should roll in Saturday afternoon and could stick around until early next week. We’ll see snow above 1,000 feet, similar to what we’ve seen early this week. We could see some precipitation below 1,000 feet which could impact some of the rivers, mainly to our south.”

Preliminary 2023 ocean salmon abundance forecast
Prior to Wednesday’s Salmon Information Meeting, preliminary 2023 ocean salmon abundance forecasts were announced. For the Klamath, the preseason expectations are for 102,500 adult fall kings to be swimming in the ocean. This forecast is more than 95,000 less than in 2022.

On the Sacramento River, the 2023 ocean abundance forecast is 169,800, which is a whopping 226,700 less than the 2022 forecast.

Based on these numbers, having any kind of ocean or in-river fishery is extremely uncertain. Look for the complete salmon meeting wrap-up in next week’s Fishing the North Coast.

The Rivers:
Mad
There were a few fish caught prior to the latest rise, but we’re now back to high and off-color conditions. As of Wednesday, flows were right around 1,700 cubic feet per second (9.1 feet). It’s predicted to drop through early next week but it’s unlikely we’ll see green water anytime soon.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel produced some of the better fishing of the season late last week with boats getting a chance at three to four fish per trip. Unfortunately, the river succumbed to snowmelt on Saturday and remains high and off color. Flows as of Thursday were 17,000 cfs and it’s predicted to drop for the next few days. It won’t recede to a fishable height before the rain returns.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork blew out on Sunday and was on the rise through Wednesday morning. As of Thursday, it was down to 3,670 cfs and dropping quickly. But the chances of it dropping into fishable shape by the weekend are iffy at best. Saturday would be the only day it would be close to fishable before it starts to rise again Saturday night into Sunday. Forecast to be right around 2,175 cfs by Saturday morning at Miranda.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen also blew out on Sunday and is currently a little high and off color. It’s predicted to drop and could be fishable early next week as more snow than rain will fall into the basin. Flows are predicted to be around 570 cfs by Saturday morning.

Smith
The Smith was on the rise Tuesday, but as of Wednesday was back on the drop. Flows were down to 2,500 cfs (7.5 feet) at the Jed Smith gauge Thursday. The river is still low and clear, but a few fish are being caught. It’s predicted to drop through the weekend and will likely be just above 7 feet by Sunday.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing has been slow on the Chetco, Rogue, Elk and Sixes rivers because of low, cold water, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A major boost in flows is needed to bring fresh steelhead in,” said Martin. “A slight boost in flows is expected this week. Catch rates have been poor the last week.”

Brookings ocean report
“Rough ocean conditions have kept Brookings anglers at the dock,” said Martin. “While herring have been thick in Crescent City, they have not shown up at the Port of Brookings. More stormy weather is expected this 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

The Pacific Fishery Management Council released its “Review of 2022 Ocean Salmon Fisheries” report last week and the news wasn’t good. Based on an ocean abundance of 200,100 Klamath River fall Chinook thought to be swimming in the ocean last fall, forecasters predicted roughly 66,759 adults would return to the river. Unfortunately, the run fell a little shorter than the preseason prediction, with a total of 46,639 adults returning to the river. The escapement to natural spawning areas was 22,050 adults, 58 percent of the preseason prediction of 38,180 adults. The estimated hatchery return was 13,235 adults. Jack (2-year-old kings) returns to the Klamath basin were 7,582, including 4,151 that escaped to natural spawning areas. In 2021, 54,225 adults returned along with 10,350 jacks.

Spawning escapement to the upper Klamath River tributaries (Salmon, Scott and Shasta rivers), where spawning was only minimally affected by hatchery strays, totaled 6,604 compared to 9,169 in 2021. The escapement in 2022 to the Shasta River was 4,403 adults. Escapement to the Salmon and Scott rivers was 1,274 and 927 adults, respectively.

According to the report, an estimated 2,461 fall Chinook adults were harvested in the Klamath Basin recreational fishery, which exceeded the quota of 2,119.

What our season will look like in the coming year is still a work in progress, but signs are pointing toward a limited fishery both in the ocean and rivers. “The age composition of this year’s Klamath-Trinity run (adults and jacks) will be used to estimate current ocean abundance and will determine the number of fish available in 2023 for tribal harvest and both state ocean and in-river fisheries,” said Dan Troxel, environmental scientist with CDFW’s Klamath River Project. “There are a variety of factors that determine available harvest, including current ESA constraints in ocean and in-river fisheries. Based on this year’s run-size and age composition, Klamath fall Chinook stocks remain in ‘overfished’ status per federal guidelines. It is likely that the abundance of Klamath stocks will be relatively low and we may have decreased opportunity in both the ocean and in-river fisheries as a result.”

Next up is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Salmon Information Meeting, which will be held via webinar on Wednesday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will provide the latest information on California salmon stocks and the outlook for ocean salmon fisheries for the upcoming 2023 season. The public is encouraged to provide comments on potential fishing alternatives for California ocean salmon fisheries in 2023. A panel comprised of fishery managers, scientists and industry representatives will be assembled to address questions and collect public input that will be used in developing a range of season alternatives for California salmon fisheries at the March 5-14 PFMC meeting in Seattle. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the April 1-7 PFMC meeting in Foster City, CA.

Salmon information meeting details can be found on the Ocean Salmon webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/preseason. For more information, contact Katherine Osborn at OceanSalmon@Wildlife.ca.gov.

The weather ahead
According to James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we can expect steady precipitation through Saturday. “With this system, we can expect 3 to 4 inches in the higher elevations, but it won’t add up to much water,” said White. “Most of this will fall as snow so the rivers will see very little impact. A warmer system is forecast for next Monday and Tuesday when we could see 1 to 2 inches over the course of the two days. This will likely be more impactful on the rivers due to the chance of melting snow.”

The Rivers:
Mad
With water conditions improving the past few days, a few more fish are now being caught. The river should stay in fishable shape through the weekend, but will likely get dirty on Monday due to rain coming and snowmelt. Flows are forecast to be over 1,000 cubic feet per second early Tuesday and rising.

Main stem Eel
As of Thursday, flows were just above 5,000 cfs at Scotia and rising slowly. The river is in great shape with perfect green water. Scores have improved the last few days with boats getting a chance at three to four fish per day. Depending how much rain falls next week, it could blow out by Tuesday.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork should be in good shape through the weekend, but flows were starting to get low. They jumped from 560 cfs to 750 cfs Wednesday, and should remain fairly steady through Sunday. Changes are forecast for Monday as the river will likely blowout with over an inch of rain predicted for Monday through Tuesday. The river will likely be off color for a few days.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen went up to 480 cfs on Wednesday but should be on a slow drop through the weekend. If you’re looking to bank fish, this is a good option. Boats are reportedly catching a few fresh steelhead per day. With rain coming, it could blow out early next week.

Smith
The Smith rose overnight Tuesday and was holding right around 1,600 cfs (6.70 feet) Thursday at the Jed Smith gauge. The river is low and clear but a few fish are being caught. The rain coming next week should be the ticket to boost flows and bring in some fish.

Southern Oregon rivers
Low, clear water has limited success in the Chetco, but steelhead catch rates should improve with rain expected the middle of this week, and a bigger storm over the weekend reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Fishing was slow over the weekend, in part because of flows hovering at 1,000 cfs, and an overall lack of fish,” said Martin. “Local guides are picking up a fish or two a day. Steelhead fishing has been slow on the Rogue, while the Elk and Sixes are too low for effective drift boat fishing. Rain this week could improve fishing on all three systems.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, ocean anglers may get a short window to target lingcod and rockfish out of Brookings on Saturday. “Big swells kept boats at the docks to begin the week, while another storm arrives Sunday. So far, fishing for smelt and herring has been slow in the Chetco estuary and harbor.”

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

With the majority of our coastal rivers in prime fishing shape, it’s starting to feel like it’s now or never for the 2023 winter steelhead season. In what has been one of the most dismal seasons anyone can remember, if the next couple of weeks don’t produce some quality fishing, it’s likely the season will go down as big, giant dud. There’s plenty of theories on why the steelhead haven’t returned in big numbers, but nobody really knows for sure. Drought, ocean conditions, climate change, habitat are all playing some type of role. We’re right at the halfway point in the season, so there is time for a resurgence. We’ve pulled a few “Miracle Marches” out of the sky in the past, and it’s looking like we may need to do it again.

The weather ahead
According to Merl Heinlein of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’re looking mostly dry through the weekend. “There is a chance of rain Thursday, but it won’t be enough to impact the rivers,” said Heinlein. “The eight-to-14-day outlook is looking wetter, but it’s a little too far out to be certain.”

2023 Salmon information meeting coming March 2
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Salmon Information Meeting will be held via webinar on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will provide the latest information on California salmon stocks and the outlook for ocean salmon fisheries for the upcoming 2023 season. The public is encouraged to provide comments on potential fishing alternatives for California ocean salmon fisheries in 2023. A panel comprised of fishery managers, scientists and industry representatives will be assembled to address questions and collect public input that will be used in developing a range of season alternatives for California salmon fisheries at the March 5-14 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Seattle. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the April 1-7 PFMC meeting in Foster City, CA.

Salmon Information Meeting details, informational materials and instructions for attendance will be published in advance of the event on CDFW’s Ocean Salmon webpage,  Please see the Ocean Salmon webpage at wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/preseason for a complete calendar of events and contact information regarding the Salmon Preseason Process, including other opportunities for public engagement in the season-setting process.

Free fishing days this weekend in Oregon
It’s free to fish, crab or clam on the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day Weekend, Feb. 18-19. During these two days, no fishing licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement) are required to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. Although no licenses or tags are required, all other regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. For more information, visit myodfw.com/articles/2023-free-fishing-days-and-events

Flow releases from Lewiston Dam set to increase
The California Department of Water Resources on Feb. 8 released the B120 forecast that states there is a 90-percent probability that inflows to Trinity and Lewiston lakes will meet or exceed 945,000 acre-feet for water year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022 through Sept 30). Under TRRP’s Winter Flow Variability plan, this allows scheduling 60,000-acre feet of release from Lewiston Dam, above the winter base-flow level, as of Feb. 15.

Flow releases from Lewiston Dam to the Trinity River will change from the 300 cubic feet per second baseflow to the flow schedule presented below beginning Feb. 15 through March 14. Dam releases are then likely to remain elevated above the 300 cfs baseflow until the spring flow release commences on or around April 15. To view the flow schedule, visit trrp.net/restoration/flows/current/?fbclid=IwAR1E31LpHhKW7-4gJ2VmZp0KItUCU8u8pkcue-MLY7Fml3U2Qam3UzX50FY.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad is just starting to turn green and water conditions should be much improved by the weekend. Fishing continues to be slow, as not many hatchery or wild steelhead are making their way into the river. Flows as of Thursday were right around 1,350 cfs.

Main stem Eel
As of Wednesday, flows were just under 5,900 cfs at Scotia. The river is in good shape color-wise, but it’s still a little big. It will be in prime shape by the weekend and should take some pressure away from the South Fork. Hopefully there will be some fresh steelhead making their way through the system.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork continues to draw the biggest crowds, but the slow fishing has put a dent in the boat traffic. Conditions remain excellent, but there isn’t a surplus of fish. Most boats are getting one to three chances per day. Flows are predicted to be right around 800 cfs at Miranda by Saturday.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 460 cfs as of Thursday and is in great shape. There are plenty of bank anglers taking advantage of the conditions, but reports were hard to come by. It’s not forecast to drop prior to the Saturday.

Smith River
The Smith was sitting just below 7 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday. The river is low, clear and snaggy. The boat pressure has been light, as most guides have moved to other rivers. It’s forecast to be down to 6.7 feet (1,525 cfs) by Saturday. Will likely need some rain to bring in some new fish.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing remains slow on the Chetco but there are a few fish around, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Flows are down to 1,100 cfs and expected to slowly drop through the weekend,” said Martin. “The best fishing has been on the lower river, where a handful of local guides are getting a fish or two a day. Pressure has eased. The Rogue, Elk and Sixes have been slow for steelhead.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, rough weather has kept bottom fish anglers at the docks in Brookings. “Big swells and wind are expected through the week. Surfperch are now being caught from beaches around Brookings.

”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.

Another week gone by and another week of very poor steelhead catching. As we approach mid-February, I’m no longer certain the fish are just running late. I’m starting to think they aren’t coming. At least in big numbers. We’ve had some excellent water conditions on our coastal rivers this season and that still didn’t do the trick. But green rivers with perfect flows, unfortunately, are only half of the equation that make up winter fishing success. The other is the “gray ghost” otherwise known as steelhead. It’s entirely possible after a few drought-ridden years, we’re seeing the aftermath. But, I, for one, will hold out hope the season will turn around. But they better make it quick, we’re starting to run out of days.

Weather outlook
According to Jeff Tonkin of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, the next reasonable chance of rain will come Friday morning into Saturday. “We’re looking at about a third of an inch of rain for both the Smith and Eel basins,” said Tonkin. “After that, it looks like we’ll go back into a wetter pattern next Tuesday through Saturday. These will be colder systems and most of the precipitation will fall as snow so we don’t expect to see large river rises.”

CDFW seeks input on 2023 sport Pacific Halibut fishery
California anglers who are interested in the recreational Pacific halibut fishery are invited to participate in an online survey to help inform the CDFW about angler preferences for open fishing dates during the upcoming 2023 season and offers an opportunity for input on development of the 2024 Catch Sharing Plan that is used to allocate quota to several West Coast fisheries. Results of the survey, which is open until Feb. 12, will be used to develop recommended season dates that will be provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The Pacific halibut fishery takes place off Northern California. In 2022, the fishery was open May 1 through Aug. 7, with a one fish daily bag limit. The fishery closed Aug. 7 due to projected attainment of the quota. The 2023 California recreational Pacific halibut quota will be 39,520 net pounds, approximately the same as all prior years since 2019.The online survey can be found at surveymonkey.com/r/DDYWDGP. For more information on the Pacific halibut fishery in California, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad was just starting to drop into fishable shape right before the rain fell on Saturday. After reaching nearly 3,000 cfs Sunday, flows were back down to 1,000 cubic feet per second as of Thursday and it remains off color. A small push of fish made their way back to the hatchery Monday night, so hopefully we’ll start to see some better numbers. To date, the fishing has been very slow. River conditions through the weekend don’t look good.

Eel River (main stem)
The main stem was fishable over the weekend, but flows were still really high. A few boats ventured out Friday, but it was the same story — not many fish around. The river blew out Sunday with flows peaking at 21,000 cfs Monday morning. It’s now back on the drop but will need at least another week before it’s in fishable shape.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was the most popular river on the coast judging by the number of boats. Conditions were excellent up until Sunday, but scores still remained low. Boats were getting a chance at one to three fish per trip, but there were a lot of zeros. The river is dropping quickly this week and it should be back in fishable shape by later in the week. As of Thursday, flows were 2,160 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen
Like the rest of the coastal rivers, the Van Duzen blew out Sunday. As of Thursday, flows were back under 750 cfs and it could be fishable by later in the week. Prior to the blowout, fishing was decent with bank anglers catching a few fresh steelhead.

Smith River
The Smith received a much-needed bump in flows Sunday, going from 1,825 to 4,200 cfs (8.9 feet) on the Jed Smith gauge. Unfortunately, it didn’t do much for the fishing. Fishing this week has been reportedly very slow. The river is dropping quickly and will be back to low and clear conditions soon. Another slight increase in flows is forecast for Friday night.

Chetco/Southern Oregon
“Steelhead fishing improved over the weekend on the Chetco, as rains increased flows and brought in fresh fish,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Guides have enjoyed the best catch rates so far this season the last few days, with the best action in the lower river. Larger numbers of hatchery fish have arrived. Fishing has been slow on the Rogue, Elk and Sixes, but improved on the Coquille and Umpqua.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, rough weather has kept bottom fish anglers at the docks in Brookings. “Big swells are expected through the weekend.”

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

After the January storms provided the flushing and scouring our coastal rivers desperately needed, anglers were thinking and hoping the winter steelhead would be there waiting once the rivers turned fishable. So far, that hasn’t necessarily been the case. Up and down the coast, well known steelhead rivers are not seeing the numbers we’re accustomed to. This same scenario happened a couple years ago, but the fish finally showed up. And that will more than likely be the case again this year. But with the calendar now saying February, it’s getting a little more nerve racking. While no one knows for sure the reason for the tardiness, there are some theories out there. The one I’ve been hearing the most is the storms that hit the coast made conditions tough for steelhead to navigate across the bars where the rivers meet the ocean. I’m hoping this is the case and we’ll start seeing better numbers soon. The storms headed our way this weekend will certainly help.

Weather outlook
According to James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, a small low pressure system will arrive on Thursday bringing the coast some light rain. “We could see anywhere from a half to 1 inch of rain coast-wide overnight Thursday into Friday,” said White. “This system will also bring with it some high winds up to 45 miles per hour along the coast. Showers will linger into the weekend before a more focused system arrives Sunday and into Monday. We could see another half to 1 inch of rain. Next week we’ll see a parade of weak systems with a couple of wet days followed by a couple dry days.”

CDFW to host virtual ocean salmon meeting
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites the public to attend its annual Salmon Information Meeting via webinar on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting will feature the outlook for this year’s sport and commercial ocean salmon fisheries, in addition to a review of last year’s salmon fisheries and spawning escapement.

Following the informational presentations, stakeholders are encouraged to offer testimony and recommendations for the 2023 fishing season regulations in advance of the upcoming Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meetings in March and April.

The 2023 Salmon Information Meeting marks the beginning of a two-month long public process used to develop annual sport and commercial ocean salmon fishing regulations. The process involves collaborative negotiations between West Coast states, federal agencies, tribal co-managers, and stakeholders interested in salmon fishery management and conservation.

Public input will help California representatives develop a range of recommended season alternatives at the March 5-10 PFMC meeting in Seattle. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the PFMC’s April 1-7 meeting in Foster City, CA. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/News/cdfw-to-host-virtual-public-meeting-on-ocean-salmon-fisheries3

Eel River steelhead returns
According to Andrew Anderson, an Aquatic Biologist with PG&E, during the week of January 23 – January 29, 15 steelhead (female 3, male 10, unknown 2) were observed moving through the Van Arsdale Fish Station (VAFS). This brings the season total for adult upstream migrating steelhead to 35 (female 11, male 19, unknown 5).

A final round of salmon carcass surveys was conducted in the Tomki Creek watershed during the week of January 23 – 29; no live fish or redds were observed. For more information, visit www.eelriver.org/the-eel-river/fish-count.

The Rivers:
All North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open to fishing. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any river will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low-flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For more information, visit fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

Mad
The Mad dipped below 525 cubic feet per second, but the water color remains dirty. On top of that, there aren’t many fish around. The hatchery has seen very few returning compared to years past. Hopefully the rain coming later in the week will bring in some fish. Flows are predicted to peak at 3,500 cfs (10.5 feet) early Monday morning.

Eel River (main stem)
The main stem is dropping, albeit very slowly. Flows on Thursday were around 5,900 cfs, which is still big. The color is starting to come around, but it doesn’t look like it will drop into fishable shape prior to the rain coming later this week. It will probably need another week or so of dry weather before conditions are really good. Predicted to go above 16,000 cfs Monday morning.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork provided the best conditions over the weekend and drew quite the crowd. The fishing wasn’t red hot by any means. Most boats got the opportunity at a fish but there were plenty of skunks. Conditions will continue to improve throughout the week and into Saturday before it blows out again. Predicted to peak at over 4,300 cfs Monday morning. Depending on how much rain we get next week, it could be off color for at least a few days.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 415 cfs as of Thursday and is in great shape. There were plenty of bank anglers taking advantage over the weekend but reports were hard to come by. It’s predicted to jump up to over 1,400 cfs by Friday night followed by a bigger rise on Sunday. Will likely be off color most of next week.

Smith River
The Smith was sitting at just above 7 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday. The river is low, clear and snaggy. The boat pressure has been light as most guides have moved to other rivers. It’s forecast to receive a much-needed bump in flows beginning Sunday morning. Predicted to peak at 11.5 feet Sunday night, which should make conditions excellent next week. Hopefully this will bring in some fresh fish.

Chetco
Steelhead fishing has been slow on the Chetco, lower Rogue, Elk and Sixes rivers reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The action appeared to be picking up early last week, with guides getting four or more a day,” said Martin “By the weekend, catch rates were a fish for every three or four boats. Rain this week may boost the action. The Chetco still has green water in the deeper slots, but is dropping and clearing quickly.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, crabbing has been very good out of Brookings, but will slow after the Feb. 4 commercial opener. “Fishing has been slow for lingcod and rockfish because of rough weather. A few surfperch are being caught from Brookings-area beaches.”

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’re in search of your first winter steelhead of the season, you’ll want to be on a river this weekend. The lack of rainfall for the past two weeks, both a blessing and a curse, has allowed most rivers to drop and turn the shade of green that keeps steelhead anglers awake at night. Another reason to make this weekend count is these ideal conditions could be short-lived. Rain is predicted to return early next week and signs are pointing toward above normal rainfall for the next eight to 14 days.

As for the weekend options, most of the rivers from the Chetco to the South Fork Eel will be in some type of fishable shape. The Chetco and Smith are starting to clear and will need a shot of rain. Here in Humboldt, the Mad should be rounding into shape by the weekend for bank anglers and possibly boats. The main stem Eel is still too high, but it has started to turn. It will need another week of dry weather before it’s fishable. The South Fork Eel and Van Duzen rivers will be in pristine shape by the weekend and will likely draw a crowd. If it’s steelhead you’re after, you’ll want to take advantage of the river conditions this weekend.

Weather outlook
According to Scott Carroll of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’ll remain dry through the weekend but could start to see some changes next week. “There is some rain in the forecast for Del Norte County and northern Humboldt for early next week,” said Carroll. “At this point, it looks fairly light. This should be the beginning of a pattern change that will bring cooler temperatures and a potential wet pattern. Both the six-to-10 and eight-to-14-day outlook are calling for better chances of above normal precipitation.”

The Rivers:
All North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open to fishing. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any river will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low-flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For more information, visit fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

Mad
The Mad is still a little pushy and off color as of Thursday, but it’s predicted to be down to 800 cfs by the weekend and should be starting to turn green. Despite the color, some fish are being caught.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is still big, but starting to turn green as of Thursday, flowing at 10,200 cfs and dropping quickly. With rain potentially in the forecast next week, it probably won’t drop into fishable shape. Flows are predicted to be around 6,800 cfs by Monday morning.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is green, but still a little pushy. Flows on Thursday at Miranda were 2,400 cfs, which is a little high. It will start to fish best once it dips below 2,000 cfs.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was near 700 cfs as of last Thursday and fishable. It should be in great shape by the weekend. Flows are predicted to be just above 425 cfs by Monday morning.

Smith River
The Smith gave up some nice fish late last week and weekend as conditions were excellent. It’s now getting low and clearing, sitting at just below 8 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday. There are fish to be had, but you’ll need to be stealthy with these conditions. Predicted to be 7.6 feet by Saturday morning.

Chetco
Despite near-perfect water conditions, steelhead fishing was slow over the weekend on the Chetco, with just a one-fish average for most boats, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Catch rates improved Monday as dropping flows and fresh fish arriving on the tides have boosted the action,” said Martin. “A mix of wild and hatchery fish are being caught. No rain in the forecast should keep flows near ideal for the next week, but low, clear water could challenge anglers by the weekend.”

Rogue/Elk
A few steelhead are being caught in the Lower Rogue and the Elk rivers, according to Martin. “Action is fair at best. The Sixes and Coquille will come into play this week.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, fairly calm ocean conditions are expected this weekend as wind and swells subside. “Oregon waters are open year-round to lingcod and rockfish. Sport crabbing has reopened out of Brookings.”

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.

There is light at the end of the tunnel, finally. After watching high, brown water flow down our local rivers for nearly a month, green water is finally within reach. Following the rain that fell Wednesday, we’re looking a stretch of dry weather that could last for 10 days, or more. And that means one thing – emerald green steelhead water. The Smith has been green for a while, and has been fishing off and on for a week. Conditions should finally stabilize and we should see the catch rates improve. The Chetco hasn’t been driftable in weeks, but that should change by the weekend. Plunkers have been catching a decent number of steelhead, and now it’s the boats turn. The South Fork Eel will be next in line and should be fishable by sometime mid next week. The Mad and Van Duzen rivers will likely round into shape by late next week. The main stem of the Eel River will be the last to turn green. It won’t likely fish until the last week of January. If you’re looking to try and catch a winter steelhead, you’ll have plenty of options coming soon.

The Rivers
Mad
The Mad is still high and off color, running at 10.9 feet as of Thursday. With no rain in the forecast for the next 10 days, it should continue to drop. It could be at a fishable height and color by late next week. Despite the conditions, a few fish are being caught. The river fishes best between 7 and 8 feet.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is dropping fairly quickly. After topping 111,000 cfs Sunday at Scotia, flows were down to 26,000 cfs by Thursday. It’s predicted to be below 13,000 cfs by Monday, but will need close to another couple weeks of dry weather before it’s green.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork in the Leggett area has started to turn green as of Tuesday. The Benbow area and below remain off color, but that should change soon. Flows are predicted to be near 2,000 cfs by Tuesday. It should start to fish by mid next week.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was running at 1,500 cfs Wednesday afternoon, but shot back up to 2,240 cfs by the evening. From there, it will be on the drop for at least the next 10 days. Predicted to be below 600 cfs by Tuesday. Could drop into fishable shape late next week.

Smith River
The Smith dipped below 11 feet (7,500 cfs) on the Jed Smith gauge Thursday and is predicted to drop through the weekend. With no rain on the horizon, it will be in great shape this weekend before conditions get tougher next week. Just a handful of boats were out the last few days and scores ranged from zero to two per boat. Boat pressure should lighten up by the weekend as boats will be headed to the Chetco.

Chetco/Rogue/Elk
After weeks of high water, the Chetco is finally dropping into shape, with prime conditions expected this weekend reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing “Plunkers have been catching steelhead, and good fishing is generally the norm in mid-January,” said Martin. “Hatchery fish will likely be stacked up in the lower river, while wild fish will be spread throughout the system. Flowers crested at 22,000 cfs and will be below 4,000 cfs by Saturday evening. Boats anchoring with plugs have been catching steelhead on the lower Rogue. Prime flows are expected by the weekend. Most guides use 3.5 MagLips. The Elk also will be in prime shape this weekend. 

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, ocean anglers will get a rare January window to fish on Friday, with small swells and light winds expected out of Brookings. “Larger swells return for the weekend. Lingcod and rockfish is open year round in Oregon.”

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

As the rain continues to fall along the already saturated North Coast, the number of fishable rivers has dwindled to one. And if you’re from here or spent any time here, it comes as no surprise it’s the Smith. While all the other coastal rivers are raging and muddy, the Smith has remained emerald green since blowing out briefly last Saturday. For now, and in the immediate future, it will be the only option if you’re looking for steelhead-green water. To date, the fishing has started out slow. Only a handful of adult winter steelhead have been caught this past week but look for that to change very soon.

Weather ahead
The next major storm system is slated to begin Wednesday into Thursday with heavy rainfall, flooding and high winds. “The storm door is definitely wide open and we’re in the midst of an active weather pattern,” said Josh Wood of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “Starting Wednesday, the Smith basin will see up to two inches through Thursday, with lighter rain Friday. Higher totals are predicted for the mountains. Another stronger system is lining up for Saturday afternoon into Sunday. In the Humboldt area, we’ll see somewhere around two to four inches between Wednesday and Friday with up to six inches in the higher elevations. A stronger system coming in Saturday afternoon has the potential to bring quite a bit of rain and increased river levels Sunday and into next week.”

The Rivers:
All North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open to fishing. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any river will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low-flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For more information, visit fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/.

Mad
The Mad is still off color, but flows were down to 3,000 cubic feet per second (10.5 feet) Wednesday morning. Another big rise is predicted for Thursday with flows once again nearing monitor stage at 15 feet Sunday morning following heavy rain Saturday. With more rain coming next week, it won’t be fishable any time soon.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel was down to 14,000 cfs Wednesday, but the few inches of rain coming Wednesday will push flows back to over 100,000 cfs at Scotia by Friday morning. Fernbridge is again forecast to surpass monitor stage (14 feet) by Thursday evening, topping out at 17 feet. Additional rain Saturday will push it above flood stage by Sunday afternoon.

South Fork Eel
Once the rain subsides for a few days, the South Fork would be one of the first coastal rivers to come into play. Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be the case anytime soon. Following a good soaking Wednesday, flows are forecast to reach 17,500 cfs Thursday afternoon on the Miranda gauge. Another wet system arrives Saturday that will likely push flows over 45,000 cfs. The Miranda area will start to fish once flows reach 2,000 cfs, which looks to be a way away.

Van Duzen
After peaking at over 18,000 cfs Friday night, flows were down to 1,075 cfs Wednesday morning. Wednesday’s rain is forecast to push flows back up to 18,000 cfs Thursday morning. After a brief reprieve Friday, flows will be back on the way up Saturday. It will need a solid week of dry weather before it’s close to fishable.

Smith
Boats were back to drifting the Smith Monday following a pretty big rise late last week. Conditions were just about perfect Tuesday and Wednesday, but that will likely change. The next rise is forecast to begin Thursday morning, but only peaking at 13.6 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. There is another system predicted to hit the Smith area Saturday afternoon that has the potential to be a much stronger system. As for fishing, it’s been a little slow. Just a handful of boats were out Monday and Tuesday and only a couple adults were landed.

Chetco
The Chetco reached 27,000 cfs last week, and was down below 4,500 cfs late Monday, putting it in shape for drift boats reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A few steelhead were caught over the weekend and on Monday by plunkers,” said Martin. “Another rise is expected Thursday, but the river should remain fishable for anglers anchoring with plugs or casting Spin-N-Glos from shore. Side-drifting is best when flows are below 4,000 cfs.”

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin, a few steelhead were caught Monday on the Elk River, while the Sixes remained blown out. “More high water is expected this week. The best steelhead fishing usually takes places in February and early March on the Elk and Sixes.”

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.

The transition to steelhead season is taking a bit longer than anticipated. So far, though it’s still early, steelhead fishing has been slow on popular rivers like the Smith, Mad and Eel. But that should change soon. Following a good amount of rain overnight Monday, the rivers Tuesday finally got the flushing they needed. Once the rivers drop down to fishable heights and color, we should see the first big wave of winter steelhead. The Smith will be the first to round into shape, but that may be a few days away. It’s predicted to be in the 12- to 15-foot range through the weekend, but should be in great shape by the start of next week. The Chetco could be high and off color all next week if the rain continues as predicted. The rest of the coastal rivers, well, it’s going to be a while.

Weather ahead
The North Coast can expect continued wet weather, with on and off rain through next week, according to Ryan Aylward of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “We’re not expecting any major storms or atmospheric rivers, but we’ll continue to see plenty of rain,” said Aylward. “We’ll see most of the rivers recede the next few days, but they’ll come right back up. Especially the more southern rivers, like the Eel. Beginning Tuesday morning through next Monday, the higher elevations in the Smith basin could see over eight inches of rain. Five to six is predicted for the lower elevations. In the Eel basin, up to seven inches could fall in the mountains and five to seven may fall in the lower reaches through Monday morning. The whole region will see similar rainfall totals but will fall at different times. Next week is looking wet as well, with multiple storms landing throughout the week.”

2023 fishing license
A reminder that it’s the time of the year to purchase your 2023 sport fishing license, which is required for residents 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians or reptiles in inland or ocean waters. The cost of a new resident sport fishing license is $58.58. A North Coast salmon report card, which will run you $8.13, is required for all anglers taking salmon in the Smith River System or Klamath-Trinity River System. If you plan to fish for steelhead, you’ll need to purchase a steelhead report card, which will cost $9.21 this year.
NEW in 2023: California anglers will be able to purchase a 2023 fishing license that will take effect Jan. 1 and last the entire year. All licenses purchased on or after Jan. 1 will be effective from the date of purchase for a continuous 365 days. To purchase a fishing license, visit ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales. At checkout there is an additional option to enroll in auto-renewal for fishing licenses, which allows anglers to automatically purchase and receive their new license when their current one expires. For more info, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing.

Reduced-fee sport fishing licenses available
Reduced-cost fishing licenses are available in 2023 for $9.46 at CDFW offices (instead of $58.58) for disabled military veterans and recovering service members. For those 65 or older on reduced income, licenses are available for $9.01. For more information on all CA fishing licenses, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing#44521417-free–reduced-fee

Rockfish season to close Dec. 31, changes coming in 2023
The 2022 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 on Saturday, Dec. 31. Rockfish is open year-round for divers and shore-based anglers. Many changes to the recreational boat-based rockfish season will be implemented in 2023. In the Northern Management area, the season will open May 15 and run through Oct. 15, open at all depths. The RCG bag limit will remain at 10 fish in combination of rockfish, cabezon and greenlings, with sub-bag limits of not more than four vermilion, one copper and one quillback rockfish. Take and possession of cowcod, yelloweye and bronze spotted rockfish will remain prohibited.

The Rivers:
All North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open to fishing. As a reminder, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream, the main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam and the Mattole River are all closed until Jan. 1, 2023. The Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any river will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low-flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For more information, visit fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/.

Mad
The Mad is high, muddy and still dropping as of Thursday afternoon as flows were down to 3,500 cubic feet per second (9.5 ft.). The best is yet to come as its forecast to surpass monitor stage (15 ft.) by Friday evening and peaking at over 17 feet Saturday afternoon. With more rain in the forecast this week, it won’t be green any time soon.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel hit 78,650 cfs overnight Tuesday but was on the drop Wednesday and Thursday. It’s predicted to reach 150,000 cfs early Sunday morning and then will start to recede. Flooding is predicted at Fernbridge where the river is expected to peak at over 20 feet Saturday evening. Won’t be fishable any time soon, especially with more rain next week.

South Fork Eel
Flows on the South Fork were dropping Wednesday afternoon after peaking at over 19,000 cfs. It dropped all the way down to 2,700 cfs Thursday afternoon, but the next big rise is predicted to push it back to over 29,000 cfs early Saturday morning. Will need a few days of dry weather before the upper reaches turn green.

Van Duzen
Peaked at over 13,000 cfs Tuesday and dropped all the way to 2,000 cfs by Thursday. Forecast to rise again starting Thursday afternoon, peaking at over 17,000 cfs Friday night. With more rain in the forecast next week, it will be a while before it’s fishable.

Smith
The quick-clearing Smith will provide steelhead anglers the first and best option once the rains subside. It peaked at nearly 54,000 cfs (22.13 ft.) on the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday morning. The lower river peaked at just above monitor stage at Dr. Fine Bridge at 27.12 feet. Continued but lighter rain will keep the river between 11 and 15 feet through early next week. It could be a little too high to drift safely but should be plunkable. Depending on how much rain we get next week, conditions could be excellent by mid-week.

Chetco
Steelhead were being caught by plunkers over the Christmas weekend on the Chetco, before the river turned muddy late Monday afternoon, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. He said, “High flows will sideline plunkers for a few days, and drift boaters into next week. Expect good fishing when the river drops back into shape. Flows could reach 40,000 cfs, which will put the river out for at least five days. A few late salmon were caught last week.”

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin, salmon fishing closes Dec. 31 on the Sixes, although most of the run has already spawned. A few steelhead have shown up already on the Elk and Sixes. The Elk should fish 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