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If you plan on harvesting a winter steelhead from the Chetco River in 2023, it’s gonna cost you some money. Starting Jan. 1, 2023, all winter steelhead anglers in the Rogue Basin and on the south coast (which includes the Chetco) will need a new harvest tag to keep wild winter steelhead in this area. In addition, anglers will need a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation.

To fish for steelhead in the Rogue/So. Coast, all anglers will need:

• Annual angling license (12 years and older) and combined angling tag
• OR Daily or multi-day angling license with valid ODFW ID number.

Purchasing daily or multi-day licenses through “guest checkout” doesn’t include the ID number (a full account is required to purchase a validation). Pre-paid daily licenses do not qualify to purchase a validation.

• AND 2. Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation.

To KEEP wild winter steelhead, anglers (regardless of age) will need:

• All the above

And Rogue-South Coast Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag:

Wild steelhead kept are recorded here, not the statewide combined angling tag.

Not needed for catch-and-release or keeping hatchery steelhead only.

Bag limit: 1 wild steelhead/day, 3 per season (Dec. 1 – Apr. 30).

Check the sport fishing regulations or myodfw.com to know where and when wild steelhead may be kept. Return or report paper tags to ODFW after each winter steelhead season and before the next begins Dec. 1.

COST: Validation: $2 residents, $4 non-residents.

Harvest Tag: $10 residents, $20 non-residents.

Validation and harvest tag are valid for one full season (Dec. 1 through April 30), even when using daily or multi-day licenses.

Weather ahead
According to Doug Boushey of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, the North Coast can expect a few weak systems between Thursday and Sunday. “The Smith basin will see the most rainfall, with a couple inches between Thursday and the end of the weekend,” said Boushey. “Here locally, we can expect about a half-inch on the Mad and a little less in the Eel basin. On Monday, we’re really going to see some changes with the potential of a couple atmospheric rivers. The first is set to arrive Monday night and stick around through Wednesday. The heaviest rainfall is expected Monday night into Tuesday. Rainfall totals coastwide for the mountain areas will be 4 to 7 inches. In the lower, coastal zones, 2 to 3 inches is expected. This has the potential to see drastic rises in the local rivers. There is another atmospheric river forecast for later in the week which could push the rivers to monitor or even flood stage, but it’s a little too early to be certain” It’s definitely looking more like the type of weather that’s typical for December.”

Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Jan. 1
The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) is hosting its fourth annual Mad River Steelhead Derby from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28. Anglers must be signed up prior to the start date to be eligible to win cash and prizes. Only hatchery steelhead can be entered. The largest steelhead in the adult division will win $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $150 for third place. The three largest fish entered into the youth division (16 and under) will win gift cards to local tackle stores. Plus, the three best steelhead fishing videos will win product packages from our sponsors. Anglers can sign up online or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part of the proceeds benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler’s brood stock collection program that works in concert with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit madriversteelheaderby.com.

Mattole River opens to fishing Jan. 1
The Mattole River will open to fishing Sunday, Jan. 1 from 200 yards upstream of its mouth to the confluence with Stanberry Creek. Only artificial lures may be used and barbless hooks are required. The Mattole is also regulated by low-flow closures, with a minimum flow of 320 cfs at the Petrolia gauging station.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, only the South Fork Eel was closed to fishing. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith, main stem Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open. 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 was on a slight rise Thursday and it’s predicted to peak Friday at about 1,900 cubic feet per second (8.7 ft.). It should drop and stabilize to a fishable level through the weekend, but the water will likely be off color. A bigger rise is expected for late Monday morning that will likely blow it out. As of Thursday, the hatchery was void of clipped steelhead, but that should change with the next big rise.

Main stem Eel
Was running just above 1,000 cfs as of Thursday, but changes are on the way. A small rise is predicted for the weekend with a larger rise beginning Monday evening. Only a handful of adult steelhead have been caught the last few weeks, but that should change soon.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was closed to fishing as of Thursday as flows dipped below 215 cfs at Miranda. There’s a slim chance it could open to fishing over the weekend if the rain comes as predicted. The next big rise is forecast for Tuesday morning.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was rising slightly Thursday afternoon, flowing at 445 cfs. Flows are predicted to rise following rain Thursday night, peaking at 2,050 Friday morning. Will likely be muddy through the weekend. The next rise, which should be substantial, if forecast to begin Monday afternoon.

Smith
The Smith gained about 950 cfs on Thursday and was flowing at 1,960 cfs at Jed Smith. A decent rise is predicted for Friday morning and another smaller bump is likely for Sunday morning. The next big rise is forecast to begin late Monday morning. This has the potential to blow the river out for a few days, depending on how much rain we get next week.

Chetco
Steelhead are trickling into the Chetco River, with a handful of fish being caught each day by plunkers and drift boaters reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A mix of wild and hatchery fish are in the river,” said Martin. “A boost in flows with this week’s rains should bring in bigger numbers. A few late salmon also are being caught.”

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin, the Elk and Sixes are still producing late salmon. “Most are dark but a few bright kings are in the mix. High flows around Christmas should bring in another shot of salmon in the week leading up to New Year’s Day.”

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 a very wet weekend that saw all our coastal rivers plum full of water, just about all are now in fishable shape. And the ones that aren’t will be in the next couple days. The reason behind the quick clearing of the rivers is twofold. After years of drought, the soil is extremely thirsty. Water from the season’s first big rain is typically gobbled up by the soil, leaving less to flow into the rivers. Also, the surrounding mountains received a lot of snow over the weekend. Combined with extremely cold temperatures, not much runoff is making its way to the rivers. What all of this means is the rivers are dropping quickly, and will be low and clear before we know it.

Both the Smith and Chetco rivers were fishable Monday following some impressive weekend rain. In the Humboldt area, the main stem Eel will likely be one of the better options this week. It was a bit off color Wednesday, but the way it’s dropping, it should be in great shape by Thursday. The South Fork Eel and Van Duzen rivers are both dropping out, but should remain open to fishing through the weekend. The Mad will be another top option. The river was nearing perfect flows Tuesday and was close to turning green. It’s still early in the winter steelhead season but, if you’re jonesing to try your luck, there is green water to be had.

Weather ahead
According to Jeff Tonkin of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, there isn’t any substantial rainfall in the forecast for at least the next 10 days. “With a big high pressure aloft, it will keep us dry for a while,” said Tonkin. “Conditions will remain cold, so we don’t expect to see a lot of snow melt affect the rivers either.”

Weekend ocean conditions/crabbing
Conditions look excellent for the rest of the week and into the weekend. Winds are forecast up to 5 knots through Sunday with waves up to 4 feet at 8 seconds. The crabbing remains excellent off shore with private and charter boats scoring easy limits. Crabbing out of Trinidad has slowed slightly, but boats and kayaks are still getting limits of Dungeness crab.

Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Jan. 1
The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) is hosting its fourth annual Mad River Steelhead Derby from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28, 2023. Anglers must be signed up prior to the start date to be eligible to win cash and prizes. Only hatchery steelhead can be entered. The largest steelhead in the adult division will win $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $150 for third place. The three largest fish entered into the youth division (16 and under) will win gift cards to local tackle stores. Plus, the three best steelhead fishing videos will win product packages from sponsors. Anglers can sign up online or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part of the proceeds benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler’s broodstock collection program that works in concert with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit madriversteelheaderby.com.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, 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 rounding into shape after peaking at 10 feet over the weekend. Was green Wednesday and will fish into the weekend. With no rain this week, expect clear conditions next week.

Main stem Eel
After peaking at just over 22,000 cubic feet per second Sunday, it was fishable Wednesday. Flows at Scotia are predicted to be under 3,000 cubic feet per second Thursday. Should be in great shape through the weekend. There should be some early steelhead around.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork reached 6,300 cfs Sunday but is dropping out quickly, to under 550 cfs by Thursday. It should remain open to fishing throughout the weekend. There should be a few steelhead on the lower end.

Van Duzen
Flows were down to 340 cfs Thursday after reaching 4,400 Sunday. It will be low by the weekend but should be fishable.

Smith River
The Smith was below 7 feet on the Jed Smith gauge by Thursday morning after peaking at 12.75 feet Saturday night. The river is low and clearing, and will remain that way through the weekend. There should be some early steelhead around but the season typically gets going after Christmas.

Chetco
“The Chetco was in good shape for salmon and steelhead Monday, but catch rates were poor,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A few steelhead were caught by plunkers at Social Security Bar. Flows hit 10,000 cfs and were down below 3,500 cfs on Monday. Expect a few late salmon and early steelhead this week. Peak season for steelhead begins after Christmas.” 

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin, another big school of salmon showed up at Elk River Hatchery Sunday and Monday with the latest rain. “Catch rates were good, but many of the fish were already dark. The Sixes was still high and muddy on Monday, but should fish well this week. Salmon season closes Dec. 31 on the 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.

With the late-fall king season all but wrapped up on the coast, it’s time to turn our attention to winter steelhead, the crown jewel of the North Coast. With plenty of water in the rivers and more on the way, the excitement for the impending run-start is palpable. There’s been a smattering of steelhead caught on most coastal rivers but the incoming storms should really get the party started.

A couple decent storms are headed our way later in the week and should put all of the coastal rivers on the rise, with most seeing peak flows Saturday evening. According to the National Weather Service, more rain is in store next week, which should really open the door. Steady rain and pulse flows are just what we need to entice some steelhead from the salt. If the rains come as predicted, the Smith and Chetco should be in prime shape early next week.

Weather ahead
Following a couple dry and cold days, rain is back in the forecast starting Thursday. According to James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, rain is forecast to begin early Thursday and we could see anywhere from three-quarters to one inch of rain. “The next system is predicted to begin Friday afternoon, and we may not see much dry weather in between the two systems,” said White. “Friday’s storm will stick around through Saturday and could bring an additional one to one and a half inches of rain to the area. There’s lots of uncertainty about next week, but the models are starting to agree that we could be in for another wet one.”

Commercial Dungeness crab season delayed again
The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season remains closed as round two of pre-season testing shows crabs remain too low in meat yield in some areas. Elevated domoic acid is still detected in some crab viscera (guts). Round three of crab meat yield and biotoxin testing will occur in the coming weeks. Results help determine if the season opens Dec. 31 or is further delayed or split into areas with different opening dates.

Targeted to open Dec. 1, the ocean commercial Dungeness crab season can be delayed so consumers get a high-quality product and crabs are not wasted. Oregon, California and Washington coordinate Dungeness crab quality testing and the commercial season opening dates. Oregon and Washington also are delaying their commercial seasons until at least Dec. 31. Coastwide test results can be found here, psmfc.org/crab/2022-2023%20files/Tri-State%20PreseasonCoastwideResults_2022.pdf

Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Jan. 1
The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) is hosting its fourth annual Mad River Steelhead Derby from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28. Anglers must be signed up prior to the start date to be eligible to win cash and prizes. Only hatchery steelhead can be entered. The largest steelhead in the adult division will win $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $150 for third place. The three largest fish entered into the youth division (16 and under) will win gift cards to local tackle stores. Plus, the three best steelhead fishing videos will win product packages from our sponsors. Anglers can sign up online or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part of the proceeds benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler’s broodstock collection program that works in concert with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit madriversteelheaderby.com.

The Rivers:
As of Wednesday, 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
Forecast to peak at 8,360 cubic feet per second Saturday evening. Will likely be off color most of, if not all, of next week. A few steelhead were caught last weekend.

Main stem Eel
Flows were right around 2,000 and dropping Thursday morning. Big changes are forecast for the weekend with flows predicted to reach 28,120 cfs Sunday morning. It will be off color all week if the predictions pan out. There have been a few adult steelhead caught.

South Fork Eel
Finally opened to fishing Monday and flows were 286 cfs and dropping Thursday morning. Predicted for a big rise beginning Thursday afternoon and peaking Saturday night at 7,400 cfs. Don’t expect green water until it comes down under 2,000 cfs, which could be early next week.

Van Duzen
Flows were hovering right around 280 cfs Thursday afternoon. Rain beginning late Thursday will put it back on the rise through Saturday where it’s predicted to peak above 4,950 cfs. It will likely by off color next week, depending on how much rain we get.

Smith
The Smith is low and clear, but that is about to change. With rain in the forecast beginning Thursday, the Smith will see a couple flow increases. The first will be Friday morning, with flows predicted to reach 3,800 cfs. The second, bigger rise is forecast for Saturday evening. If the rain falls as planned, flows could hit 17,000 cfs. Conditions could be about perfect the beginning of next week. As of Thursday morning, flows were 1,200 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
Drift boat anglers got another shot at fall kings on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes late last week, with attention now turning to steelhead reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing.  He said, “Adult steelhead have been confirmed in the catches on all three rivers, along with late kings. The Elk was wide open for salmon on Thursday and Friday, with big numbers for the few guides on the river. The Sixes fished well Friday and Saturday. Salmon fishing also was good on the Chetco, but a handful of early steelhead to 12 pounds grabbed most of the attention. High flows are expected over the weekend and early next week, and as the rivers drop, expect decent catches of steelhead. Early spawning surveys also revealed above-average salmon runs in the Chetco, with big numbers of kings still spawning in the tail outs.”

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

The rains that fell in early November were a godsend for our late-fall salmon runs. The increased flows allowed some of the salmon milling in the estuaries and lower sections of the rivers to get to their spawning grounds. But just as quickly as the rain fell, it stopped. Now, nearly a month later, additional rain is finally filling our rivers. The timing of these November and December rains can be a double-edged sword. While it could allow salmon to reach the protected upper tributary spawning areas, it can also cause considerable harm. In the month or so between storms, many salmon have had no other options than to spawn in the mainstem of the rivers or the lower reaches of the tributaries. A large flow increase could scour the streambeds and wash away the redds. The best we can hope for is just enough water to get the salmon to where they need to go, while leaving the already-deposited salmon redd intact. But we’ll take whatever we can get.

As for fishing, the incoming storms should provide one last shot at some late-fall kings. And we’ll likely see the first sign of the impending winter steelhead run. Per usual, the quick-clearing Smith and Chetco will provide the best opportunity. As of Thursday morning, the Smith has peaked at 5,530 cubic feet per second, making for prime weekend conditions. Flows on the Chetco reached just above 3,000 cfs on Thursday morning. Keep in mind river level projections for all North Coast rivers are changing every hour.

The main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Mad will all see flows begin to rise either late Wednesday or Thursday morning. Once all the rivers crest and begin to recede to fishable levels, we should see the first wave of winter steelhead. After a tough late-fall salmon season, seeing the rivers with bright steelhead sure would be a welcome sight.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures including the Mad, Smith. main stem Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were open to fishing. Only the South Fork Eel remained closed, but should open by Friday. 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
Forecast to reach 1,668 cfs by Thursday afternoon. Will likely be off color over the weekend.

Main stem Eel
Flows are predicted to hit 1,930 cfs Friday evening, followed by another larger rise Monday. When flows drop to a fishable level, we should start to see some steelhead as well as a few late-arriving kings.

South Fork Eel
Like the main stem, the South Fork will start to rise Thursday, reaching 940 cfs Friday morning. Another smaller rise is predicted for Monday. Will likely be muddy over the weekend, depending on how the East Branch looks.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen opened Thursday morning as flows are forecast to reach 630 cfs by the afternoon. The water could be muddy depending on rainfall totals.

Smith
Big changes are coming by Thursday as the Smith is forecast to rise following some decent rain projections Wednesday. The Smith will likely be the hot spot Friday and over the weekend as it will be the first river to fish. Expect to see some late kings as well as the first wave of winter steelhead.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
“Heavy rain the middle of this week could set up good flows for late-season salmon on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “All of the rivers should be in play by Saturday, and depending how much rain falls, prime conditions are possible through the weekend. If too much rain falls, the Elk and Smith would be the best options, as the Chetco and Sixes could blow out. Big numbers of kings remain in all of the rivers, but low flows have limited opportunities for drift boaters. Expect a new batch of kings, and the first winter steelhead of the season after the rain. The Chetco is expected to pass 3,000 cfs and could get muddy on Saturday. Flows on Monday were only 200 cfs.”

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

In a press release issued Monday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife will lift the recreational crab trap restriction in fishing zones 1 and 2, which run from the California/Oregon border south to Point Arena, on Nov. 28 at 9 a.m. In the meantime, recreational crabbers that take Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, are still allowed during the temporary trap restriction. The balance of the state, from Point Arena south to the USA/Mexico border (zones 3-6), is continuing the temporary recreational crab trap restriction due to the presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear.

On the commercial side, the Northern California commercial Dungeness crab season has been delayed due to poor crab meat quality test results for Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties (zones 1 and 2). The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in this area is delayed until 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 16, pending another round of meat quality testing. If results indicate good quality, the fishery will open and be preceded by a 64-hour gear setting period that will begin at 8:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 13.

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery in fishing zones 3-6 will also remain delayed due to presence of high numbers of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement with lines and traps in this fishery. CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or before Dec. 7, at which time CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham will re-evaluate the temporary recreational crab trap restriction and commercial fishery delay.

Weekend weather and marine forecast
After an extended dry spell that has kept the rivers closed to fishing due to low-flows, some substantial rain is finally in the forecast. In the Smith basin, light rain is predicted to begin Sunday and remain in the forecast throughout the week. Wednesday looks to be the day with the heaviest rainfall, with up to an inch predicted. In the Eel basin, rain is also expected throughout the week beginning on Sunday. A little over a half inch is forecast for Wednesday and additional rain is expected through at least Friday.

The weekend marine forecast isn’t looking great for offshore crabbing or rockfish. As of Wednesday, Friday’s forecast is calling for north winds 10 to 15 knots and north waves 4 feet at six seconds and west 10 feet at 15 seconds. Saturday’s forecast is calling for north winds 10 to 20 knots with north waves 8 feet at nine seconds and northwest 8 feet at 15 seconds. Less wind is forecast for Sunday, coming out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 7 feet at 12 seconds and 3 feet at 21 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.

Nov. 25 and 26 free fish days in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is waiving all fishing licensing requirements on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to experience fishing with friends and family during the long holiday weekend. All fishing, crabbing and clamming in Oregon will be free for both Oregon residents and non-residents. No licenses, tags or endorsements are needed on those days, but all other fishing regulations apply. Visit dfw.state.or.us/news/2022/11_Nov/111522.asp for more info.

The Oceans
Eureka
Ocean conditions have been excellent all week, but that looks to change by Friday when seas are forecast to reach 10 feet. Crabbing has been really good up and down the coast, and Eureka was no exception. “It’s been great all week, but Monday was exceptional with at least 10 keepers per hoop net,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “We’re soaking the nets a little longer now with hanging bait, and that seems to be working. Boats are fishing both sides of the entrance and having success from 40 to 100 feet of water.” The rockfish season will run through December with no depth restrictions.

Trinidad
The best crabbing so far this season has been in Trinidad. Small boats and kayakers launching from the beach have been scoring quick limits inside the harbor. When the ocean has allowed, boats have done well near the bell buoy in 200 to 300 feet of water. Just outside of Prisoner Rock has also been a top spot. The rockfish season will go through December with no depth restrictions.

Shelter Cove
According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, ocean conditions were perfect last week. “Some of the best conditions we’ve had all year,” said Mitchell. “We’ve had limits of rockfish, lings and crabs each day. Most of the time has been spent at Rogers Break and Gorda. There are still a few Bluefin around, but they’ve moved a little south. One was landed out of Fort Bragg on Saturday.”

Brookings
“Calm ocean conditions allowed boats to get out over the weekend, with good action on lingcod and rockfish,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters.  “Lingcod are in shallow water, staging to spawn. Big swells return this week. Sport crab season opens Dec. 1 on the Oregon side of the border. Surfperch continue to bite at Lone Ranch and Crissy Field. 

Eel River salmon returns
The first fish of the 2022/23 salmonid migration season arrived at Van Arsdale Fisheries Station (VAFS) on Monday, November 7, 2022. A total of 82 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream on the video monitoring system at VAFS; the season total stands at 82 (12 Female, 23 Male, 25 Unknown, and 22 Subadult). No steelhead yet but this is typical for Van Arsdale, located high in the Eel River Watershed. For more information, visit www.eelriver.org/the-eel-river/fish-count.

The Rivers:
As of Wednesday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Mad, Smith, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen, are closed. 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/.

Chetco/ Elk/Sixes
The Chetco is low and clear, but full of salmon on the lower river reports Martin. “Bobber fishing remains the best bet with low flows, although the gear restriction has been lifted,” said Martin. “Above Loeb Park, the spawn is in full swing, with salmon spawning in nearly every tail out. Rain is expected this weekend, which should give anglers another chance at drifting the Chetco, 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

Despite some pretty drastic changes to the sport crab fishing regulations, jumbo crabs in good numbers are now starting to fill the hoops and rings of sport anglers. Between rough ocean conditions and a steep learning curve on how the new hoops and rings fish best, the sport season started a little on the slow side. But now anglers are getting the hang of things and scores are starting to go up. “We’ve only had a few days on the water, so we’re still trying to dial in the hoop nets,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “From what I’ve learned, the crabs don’t stay on the bait nearly as long as the traps. They move on pretty quickly. Timing is the key, stuffing bait jars with squid and checking the hoops every 30 minutes or so seems to be working.” According to Klassen, most of the Eureka boats have been fishing south of the entrance in 40 to 100 feet of water.

The bright spot so far this season has been Trinidad. Small boats and kayakers launching from the beach have been scoring quick limits inside the harbor. When the ocean has allowed, boats have done well near the bell buoy in 200 to 300 feet of water. Just outside of Prisoner Rock has also been a top spot.

Though not official, the quality testing shows the crabs out of Eureka at 19.5 percent, Trinidad 20.4 percent, and 18.7 percent out of Crescent City. A typical year will find the meat content at around 20 percent, with the theory being that crabs will add one percent of meat a week and reach the 25 percent mark for the commercial opener of Dec. 1.

Reminder: CDFW strongly encourages anglers to follow the Best Fishing Practices Guide developed by the California Dungeness Crab Fishing Gear Working Group. Voluntary actions anglers can employ include keeping the line between the pot and main buoy taught and vertical, reducing the amount of vertical line at the surface, avoiding setting gear in the vicinity of whales and turtles, and marking gear consistent with regulations. Best Fishing Practices Guide can be found here: nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=195428&inline.

For current sport crab regulations, visit cdfwmarine.wordpress.com/2022/11/08/new-hoop-net-regulations-in-effect/.

Weekend marine forecast
This week’s marine forecast is looking good for offshore crabbing and rockfish, with very little wind in the forecast. As of Thursday, Friday is looking at north winds 5 to 10 knots and north waves 4 feet at five seconds and west 4 feet at 13 seconds. Saturday’s forecast is calling for southeast winds up to 5 knots with west waves 4 feet at 11 seconds. Sunday the winds will be from the south up to 5 knots with west waves 3 feet at 11 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.

365-Day Fishing Licenses now available
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will begin selling 365-day fishing licenses far sooner than expected. Beginning November 15, 2022, California anglers will be able to purchase a 2023 fishing license that will take effect on January 1, 2023, and last the entire year. All licenses purchased on or after January 1, 2023, will be effective from the date of purchase for a continuous 365 days. 

Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) introduced AB 817 in February 2021, allowing a transition of California’s fishing license validity from a calendar year to a full 365 days from purchase. Prior to this change, anglers who purchase their license after New Year’s Day were charged the same price for fewer days of fishing, and some are not willing to pay the full price of a license when purchasing it later in the year resulting in fewer license sales. This change will allow anglers to receive 365 days’ worth of benefits after purchasing a license any time of year.

“Thanks to the dedicated staff efforts at CDFW, California will be moving to our new 365-day fishing license even sooner than expected,” said Wood. “This license will encourage more Californians to fish and increase fishing license revenue which funds critical state fishing and conservation programs. Making fishing more accessible really supports communities that rely on outdoor recreation and tourism, like my northern California district.”

To purchase a fishing license, please visit CDFW’s online internet sales webpage. 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, so California’s anglers never miss a day of fishing! For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing#445183569-365—day-sport-fishing-licenses

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, only the main stem Eel remained open to fishing. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Smith, South Fork Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen, are closed. 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 January 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/.

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel near Scotia was running at 370 cubic feet per second as of Thursday. Flows are predicted to fall below the 350 cfs threshold by the weekend, so it could close. There were some fish caught over the weekend by bank anglers and boats drifting the lower river. Most of the fish are dark. There are also some coho around. River forecast levels can be found here: cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1.

Smith River
The Smith closed to fishing as of Thursday. Minimum flows are 600 cfs at Jedediah Smith State Park to enact angling restrictions. River forecast levels can be found here: cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes Rivers
“Salmon fishing was good all of last week on the Chetco, with big numbers of hatchery and wild kings,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Low water slowed the action by the weekend, and catch rates dropped significantly. More rain is now needed. Anglers also are awaiting rain to get back on the Elk and Sixes, where fishing was fair last week. The two northern rivers generally fish best after the second big rise of the season, which could happen this coming week.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the ocean has been rough out of Brookings, but smaller swells late last week allowed boats to get out. “Lingcod fishing was very good near Bird Island. Conditions look good 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 season’s first big storms hit the North Coast over the weekend and the Smith and Chetco both kicked out good numbers of kings. Both rivers have been loaded with kings in their lower sections for quite some time, and when the rivers finally rose, they were on the move. On Saturday, the Smith turned muddy, forcing anglers to wait another day. When Sunday rolled around, conditions were much improved and the fishing was wide-open. Most drift boats put up double-digit scores, though most of the fish were dark.

Conditions were similar up north on the Chetco. Saturday’s fishing was tough due to conditions but improved dramatically Sunday. Conditions were excellent on both rivers Monday and Tuesday and the fishing was good with some nice chrome fish hitting the net. With no rain in the forecast for at least the next seven days, fishing is going to get a lot tougher. The Smith is forecast to drop below the threshold of 600 cubic feet per second sometime Wednesday and will likely close to fishing Thursday. The Chetco will remain open, but fishing with a bobber remains in effect through Nov. 15 from river mile 2.2 to Nook Creek.

As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures except the South Fork Eel and Van Duzen were open to fishing. Rivers open to fishing include the Smith, main stem Eel, Mad and Redwood Creek.

All are expected to drop this week due to dry conditions, but some could remain open to fishing. Be sure and call the low-flow closure hotline at (707) 822-3164 to determine if the river is open prior to fishing. California Department of Fish and Wildlife will announce whether rivers will be open by a telephone recorded message each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Rivers will not automatically open to fishing once minimum flows are reached. . For more information, visit https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

Mad River
Flowing at 190 cfs as of Thursday afternoon and dropping quickly. Will likely close prior to the weekend. Minimum flows are 200 cfs at the gauging station at the State Route 299 bridge.

Main Eel
Running at 875 cfs as of Thursday. Should remain open to fishing through the weekend. Minimum flows are 350 cfs on the Scotia gauge to enact angling restrictions.

Van Duzen
Flows were down to  115 cfs on Thursday afternoon and remained closed to fishing. Minimum flows are 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park to lift angling restrictions.

South Fork Eel
Flows were at 180 cfs Thursday afternoon and dropping, remaining closed to fishing. Minimum flows are 340 cfs at Miranda to lift angling restrictions.

Smith
Fishing has been good on the Smith the last few days. Boats fishing sections from the forks all the way to the Outfitters have been boating plenty of big kings, as well as jacks. The majority of the fish are dark, but there are some fresh fish being caught. Most of the fish are coming on sardine-wrapped Kwikfish. Flows were down to 780 cfs Thursday and most angles have moved to other rivers. With some rain expected on Friday, it should remain open through the weekend. Minimum flows are 600 cfs at Jedediah Smith State Park to enact angling restrictions.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
The Chetco has been fishing decent for fall kings, with bright fish spread throughout the river, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Leaves made fishing tough on Saturday, but action improved as the river dropped Sunday,” said Martin. “Muddy water from Sunday night’s rain cleared quickly Monday, giving way to a fairly good bite. Flows will drop and clear as the week goes on. The Elk fished well on Monday, while the Sixes was still high and muddy. Both rivers will be in play this week. Salmon season is over on the Rogue, with winter steelhead still more than a month away. The Coos and Umpqua also are slow.”

Sport crabbing update
The sport Dungeness crab season opened Saturday, but the weather failed to cooperate. Boats didn’t make it offshore out of Eureka due to large swells, but a few were able to get out of Trinidad and Crescent City. Reportedly, if you made it out and were able to drop your nets or rings, you were rewarded with limits of nice size crabs. Humboldt Bay, which is typically a good Plan B, was reportedly slow for the handful of boats that braved the weather. Offshore conditions will improve by Thursday, and we’ll likely see some good scores as both charters and sport boats will be able to set their gear.

Upstream of I-5 on the Klamath reopened to adult salmon harvest
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced on Tuesday that recreational fishing for adult, fall-run Chinook salmon on the Klamath River has reopened between Interstate 5 near Hornbrook and 3,500-feet below the Iron Gate Fish Hatchery in Siskiyou County.

The Iron Gate Fish Hatchery has received more than 8,000 returning, fall-run Chinook salmon this month, which triggers the reopening of recreational fishing for adult Chinook salmon within the stretch of river per CDFW’s 2022-2023 California Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations.

Recreational anglers will be able to harvest two Chinook salmon, but no more than one adult greater than 23 inches per day in this reach. The possession limit is six Chinook salmon with no more than three adults. Reopening this stretch of the Klamath River is designed to allow anglers to catch surplus hatchery Chinook salmon now that the number of adults needed for spawning has been achieved at the hatchery.

The only other sector of the Klamath-Trinity rivers that remain open for adult Chinook salmon harvest is the lower Trinity River from the Denny Road bridge at Hawkins Bar downstream to the confluence with the Klamath River. The take of jack Chinook salmon less than or equal to 23 inches is allowed in all areas of the Klamath Basin with the exception of the mouth of the Klamath River, which is closed for the remainder of the year. The daily bag limit for jack Chinook salmon in these areas is two fish per day and no more than six in possession.

Anglers can monitor the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling CDFW’s information hotline at (800) 564-6479.

For more information regarding Klamath River fishing regulations, please consult CDFW’s 2022-2023 California Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations and the 2022-2023 California Supplemental Sport Fishing Regulations available at wildlife.ca.gov/regulations.

Razor clamming closes in Del Norte due to high domoic acid levels
In a press release issued Nov. 3, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife has closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County following a recommendation from state health agencies determining that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. Sampling of razor clams from Crescent Beach in Crescent City in late October found clams exceeding the current federal action level for domoic acid of greater than or equal to 20 parts per million.

Domoic acid poisoning in humans may occur within minutes to hours after consumption of affected seafood and can result in signs and symptoms ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to permanent loss of short-term memory (Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning), coma or death. There is no way to prepare clams for consumption that will remove the toxin – cooking and freezing have no effect.

CDFW will continue to work with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to collect, monitor and analyze razor clams to determine when the recreational clam fishery in Del Norte County can be reopened safely.

For more information on any fishery closure or health advisories, please visit: www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Health-Advisories. To get the latest information on current fishing season closures related to domoic acid, please call CDFW’s Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at 831-649-2883.

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

One of the most popular fisheries on the North Coast will commence Saturday, on time, albeit with a few temporary regulation changes. Due to presence of humpback and blue whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife restricted the recreational take of Dungeness crab using crab traps statewide. However, the recreational take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, is not affected by the temporary trap restriction. I’d say we’re batting .500 as the season could have easily been delayed as is the case with the commercial fleet south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line. Their season was to begin on Nov. 15, but the high number of whales shut them down. So, hoop nets it is, and there are some changes to those regulations as well that anglers need to be aware of. They include:

• Hoop nets are required to be regularly serviced every two hours;
• Design modification specs to prevent the device from functioning as a crab trap that could incentivize longer soak periods;
• Reduce the weight of the hoop net, thereby posing less harm to an entangled whale or sea turtle should that occur.
• Expand current gear marking requirements for hoop nets used south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County, to apply statewide, which will aid in identifying this gear type for enforcing these requirements and identify hoop nets involved in entanglements.

For specific hoop net requirements, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Sport-Fishing/Invertebrate-Fishing-Regs#crustaceans.

The season’s first traps can legally be deployed at 12:01 a.m. Saturday morning. Anglers, weather permitting, will get their first peek into the health and weight of this season’s crop as the pre-season quality tests have not taken place or the results have yet to be made public. One thing we do know is the domoic acid levels won’t be an issue. Statewide testing is nearly complete with zero percent of the samples exceeding or even coming close to action levels.

The season runs from Saturday, Nov. 5 through July 30, 2023. The minimum size is 5 ¾ inches measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines). The limit is 10 and a valid California sport fishing license is required but an annual crab trap validation is not required when taking crabs with hoop nets or crab loop traps.

Top crabbing locations
With offshore conditions looking rough over the weekend, you can still find plenty of crab. One of the top spots to soak a few rings is Crab Park, located at the end of Cannibal Island Road in Loleta. There’s access to launch a kayak or canoe in the estuary of the Eel River. You can also launch your boat at Pedrazzini Park at the end of Cock Robin Island Road and make your way up the estuary towards the mouth of the Eel.

Humboldt Bay also has a few good locations to catch some crab. Out in front of the PG&E plant is a good spot as well as the flat off of the South Jetty parking lot. Another top location is either side of the channel leading into the South Bay. Up north, inside Trinidad Harbor is another popular spot among the locals. You can launch your small boat, kayak or canoe right off the beach and head out to Prisoner Rock, where the bottom is sandy and 40 to 50-ft deep. Launching here requires a relatively calm ocean, which doesn’t look to be the case for the weekend.

Weekend Marine Forecast
Ocean conditions don’t look good for Saturday’s crab opener. As of Tuesday, elevated seas are in the weekend forecast. Saturday’s forecast is calling for northwest winds 5 to 15 knots with northwest waves 9 feet at 12 seconds. Winds will pick up Sunday, coming out of the southwest 10 to 20 knots with northwest waves 17 feet at 14 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.

Weekend Tides – Humboldt Bay
• Sat., Nov. 5: high: 10:35 a.m. and 11:02 p.m.; low: 4:01 a.m. and 4:54 p.m.

Standard time begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday
• Sun., Nov. 6: high: 11:08 a.m. and 11:57 p.m.; low: 4:44 a.m. and 5:39 p.m.

North Coast all-depth recreational fishing began Nov. 1
The North Coast all-depth recreational fishery began Nov. 1. The all-depth fishery will take place only in November and December, and only north of Point Arena. The newly open areas will allow anglers to target groundfish species in the midwater column, such as widow and yellowtail rockfish, as well as species found on the bottom. There are no special gear requirements, though unless otherwise specified, regulations require anglers to use not more than two hooks and one line to target groundfish. All other season dates, bag limits, size limits and other special area closures still apply. For more information regarding groundfish regulations, management and fish identification tools, please visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary

The Rivers:
Currently, all North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the main stem and South Fork Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen, are closed. Sections of rivers that are open include the main stem Smith River from its mouth to the mouth of Rowdy Creek. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1. 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 https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel near Scotia was running just above 200 cfs as of Wednesday. Flows are predicted to peak above the 350 cubic feet per second threshold Sunday morning. If the rains come as predicted, it could open to fishing Sunday morning. River forecast levels can be found here: cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1

Smith River
The Smith remains closed due to low flows as of Wednesday and it doesn’t look like it will meet the 600 cfs threshold on the Jed Smith gauge prior to the weekend. Flows are predicted to peak at 865 cfs by early Sunday morning before it drops throughout the day Sunday. River forecast levels can be found here: cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1.

Chetco River
Heavy rain later this week is expected to push the Chetco into prime shape for fall salmon by next week reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Until then, anglers are limited to bobbers, which have been effective in tricking salmon holding in the tidewater holes,” said Martin. “Big numbers of salmon are spread from the U.S. Highway 101 bridge to Social Security Bar, with wild and hatchery adults and lots of jacks. Trolling has been slow in the estuary. The biggest rise in flows is expected to take place next Wednesday, although earlier forecasts of rain this week failed to materialize.”

Gear restrictions extended on Chetco, Winchuck rivers
Chetco and Winchuck angling gear restrictions are extended through 11:59 p.m., Nov. 15 due to low water levels. The gear restriction extension is also a conservative approach to help lower harvest levels of older aged chinook salmon.
Angling is restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing in both rivers. The Chetco restriction applies from River Mile 2.2 to Nook Creek, and from the mouth to Wheeler Creek in the Winchuck River.
Based on historical flow regimes, gear restrictions are typically in place Sept. 1 – Nov. 3 each year to eliminate snagging. As in 2018, this year is an exception with abnormally low flows and no significant October rains. With rain forecasted beginning this week, the gear restriction will lift at 12:01 a.m. Nov. 16.
ODFW biologists expect good numbers of chinook to return to the Chetco and some are already holding in the lower river. Maintaining a fishing opportunity for Chetco bank anglers is important and this is also a good time of year to harvest returning hatchery fish. For more information, visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2022/11_Nov/110222.asp

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

In a press release issued last week, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife projected the Upper Trinity River fall-run Chinook salmon quota would have been met as of 11:59 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21. This triggered the closure of the adult fall-run Chinook salmon fishery on the Trinity River from the Old Lewiston Bridge to the State Route 299 West Bridge at Cedar Flat. This reach will remain open for the harvest of 2-year-old jack Chinook salmon less than or equal to 23 inches. All adult Chinook salmon caught must be immediately released and reported on the angler’s report card.

Anglers may still fish for adult Chinook salmon in the Lower Trinity River sector downstream of the Denny Road Bridge at Hawkins Bar to the confluence with the Klamath River. All other sectors are closed to adult salmon harvest.

Anglers may monitor the quota status of open and closed sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers by calling the information hotline at (800) 564-6479.

For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/News/upper-trinity-river-adult-chinook-salmon-quota-met.

All depths rockfish to begin Nov. 1

The North Coast all-depth recreational fishery will begin Nov. 1. The all-depth fishery will take place only in November and December, and only north of Point Arena. The newly open areas will allow anglers to target groundfish species in the midwater column, such as widow and yellowtail rockfish, as well as species found on the bottom. There are no special gear requirements, though unless otherwise specified, regulations require anglers to use not more than two hooks and one line to target groundfish. All other season dates, bag limits, size limits and other special area closures still apply. For more information regarding groundfish regulations, management and fish identification tools, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary.

Dungeness crab testing ongoing
Domoic acid testing in Dungeness crabs is nearly complete on the California coast. To date, samples from Crescent City, Eureka, Bodega Bay, Trinidad, Half Moon Bay/San Francisco and Monterey have all been tested at least once. Only Fort Bragg and Morro Bay have yet to post test results. None of the tested ports had crabs that exceed the action level of 30 parts per million. For more information, visit cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CEH/DFDCS/Pages/FDBPrograms/FoodSafetyProgram/DomoicAcid.aspx.

The Oceans:
Eureka
The rockfish bite at Cape Mendocino remains excellent when the boats can make it offshore. Ocean conditions don’t look good through at least the weekend. The rockfish season will run through December and starting Nov. 1 there will be no depth restrictions. Recreational crab season is expected to open Nov. 5.

Shelter Cove
According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, another Bluefin was landed last Tuesday, but none since then. “It’s been really foggy, which makes it difficult to find them,” said Mitchell.  “Aside from the tuna, the rockfish bite is still going strong with easy limits.”

Crescent City
With the tuna season likely over for the season, boats are focusing on rockfish. Limits continue to come over the rails easily, including some nice lingcod. The north and south reefs along with the Sisters are producing some of the best fishing.

Brookings
Rough ocean conditions have slowed lingcod and rockfish action reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Big swells are expected into the weekend,” said Martin. “A boat that attempted to cross the Gold Beach bar over the weekend capsized, with its sole occupant rescued by a local police officer who swam out to pull the boater to safety.”

North Coast river closures
Currently, all North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen, are closed. Sections of rivers that are open include the main stem Smith River from its mouth to the mouth of Rowdy Creek. New in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River, Sept. 1 through April 30. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1. 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 https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
The salmon bite and the fishing pressure have both slowed on the lower Klamath. Fishing can be good this time of the year as some of the late-run kings start to stage in front of the bigger creeks. For the week ending Oct. 21, a total of 14 jacks were harvested above the 101 Bridge compared to 43 from the previous week. The daily bag limit is two jack Chinook 23 inches or less, and two hatchery steelhead.

Chetco estuary
Salmon fishing has slowed in the Chetco estuary as the bulk of this year’s early fall run has moved into the tidewater area, according to Martin. “Bobber fishing with roe and sand shrimp has been good, but conditions are crowded at most of the deeper holes where salmon are kegged up. ODFW was able to gather nearly 100 salmon for the Chetco’s brood stock program with just a pair of sets of its seine net. Rains this weekend should move salmon upriver. The Chetco is open to bobber fishing only above river mile 2.2, the power lines just above the Highway 101 bridge. Gear restrictions are lifted Nov. 5.”

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

Back in April, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) issued a press release restricting the use of crab traps to help minimize risk of entanglement as humpback whales forage in California waters during the spring and summer months. However, the recreational take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, was not affected by the trap restriction. Turns out the hoop nets became extremely popular and CDFW saw a dramatic increase in hoop net fishing effort for Dungeness crab. And, unfortunately, the increased effort occurred during times of elevated marine life entanglement risk. On top of that, the hoop net manufacturers got really creative at developing hoop nets that function like traps while still meeting the specifications in the current regulations.

To get a handle on the situation, the California Fish and Game Commission (CDFGC) decided urgent action was needed to protect against whale entanglements. CDFW proposed the following emergency rulemaking that will amend and clarify hoop net regulations to minimize the risk of entanglements.

• Ensure that hoop nets are regularly serviced every two hours;
• Modify design specifications to prevent the device from functioning as a crab trap that could incentivize longer soak periods;
• Reduce the weight of the hoop net, thereby posing less harm to an entangled whale or sea turtle should that occur; and
• Expand current gear marking requirements for hoop nets used south of Point Arguello, Santa Barbara County, to apply statewide, which will aid in identifying this gear type for enforcing these requirements and identify hoop nets involved in entanglements.

At the urging of the CDFW, these emergency regulations were adopted by CDFGC at their October meeting and will become effective prior to the Nov. 5 opening of the Dungeness crab season. For more information, visit nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=204688&inline

Dungeness crab testing ongoing
Domoic acid testing in Dungeness crabs is roughly halfway complete on the California coast. To date, samples from Bodega Bay, Trinidad, Half Moon Bay/San Francisco 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

The Oceans:
Eureka
According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, the rockfish bite at Cape Mendocino remains excellent. “We were down there Monday with a few other boats and the fish were really on the bite,” said Klassen. “We’re still catching a very wide variety and the lingcod bite is good as well. The rockfish season will go through December and starting Nov. 1 there will be no depth restrictions.”

Shelter Cove
The big news coming from the Cove this week is Bluefin tuna. According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, there’s been a school of them offshore for a few weeks. “I’ve targeted them a few times, but without much success,” said Mitchell. “They are really hard to get to bite, I’ve hooked two previously and lost them both” Things changed for Mitchell on Monday when his crew brought aboard a 195-pounder. Aside from the tuna, the rockfish bite has been great according to Mitchell. “The lingcod bite seems to be improving as well. We made the trek to Rogers Break a couple times this week and did really well with some lings up to 25 pounds.”

Crescent City
With the tuna season likely over for the season, boats are focusing on rockfish. Limits continue to come over the rails easily, including some nice lingcod. The north and south reefs along with the Sisters are producing some of the best fishing.

Brookings
Halibut season remains open through Oct. 31 out of Brookings, reports Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Fish to 50 pounds are being caught on calm weather days in 200 feet of water. Lingcod fishing has improved, and females move into shallow water to prepare to spawn. Sport crabbing is now closed outside of estuaries and bays.”

North Coast river closures
Currently, all North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen are closed. Sections of rivers that are open include the main stem Smith River from its mouth to the mouth of Rowdy Creek. New in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River, Sept. 1 through April 30. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1 2023. The Department of Fish and Game 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 up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For more information, visit https://fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
The salmon action has slowed on the lower Klamath, but there are still some bright fish around. The few boats still fishing are finding most of their success above Blue Creek. There isn’t much pressure this time of the year, but the fishing can be good as some of the late-run kings start to stage in front of the bigger creeks. The daily bag limit is two jack Chinook 23-inches or less and two hatchery steelhead.

Chetco estuary
A handful of adult kings are being caught daily in the Chetco estuary, according to Martin. “Upriver, large schools of salmon are staging in the tidewater, awaiting rain,” said Martin. “Flows are expected to jump the middle of next week. Gear restrictions are in effect above river mile 2.2, the power lines above the Highway 101 bridge, through Nov. 4. Bobbers must be used above the power lines. Sand shrimp and roe combinations are tricking salmon at Tide Rock, Social Security Bar and the mouth of the North Fork.”

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