Recent Columns

As the winter storms begin to push shoreward on the North Coast – coinciding with the calendar flipping one last time in 2023 – it’s time to transition from the late fall-kings to winter steelhead. The king season was a bust for those of us in Northern California as salmon fishing was off limits for both the Eel and Smith Rivers. Each of those rivers have seen decent returns, which should have been the case with no ocean commercial or recreational season. And as per usual for the start of December, the majority of the late-fall salmon have reached their end destination and we now wait for the winter steelhead to make their way into the coastal rivers.

A couple decent storms are on tap between Thursday and Monday, with the largest rainfall totals falling in the Smith basin and Southern Oregon. Here in Humboldt, we’ll see some rivers rise, but no gully washers are predicted. More rain is predicted for 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 rain falls as predicted, the Smith will be in great shape by early next week and Chetco won’t be far behind.

Weather ahead
According to the Eureka’s National Weather Service, wet weather is forecast to return on Thursday and continue through the weekend. “Two systems are expected to bring moisture to Northwest California back to back. Most of the rainfall is forecast to be concentrated in regions of Del Norte, Trinity, and Humboldt counties. This active period will drive additional waves of precipitation through the weekend and into early next week. The impacts of more significant rainfall are still being determined as the location of an offshore high pressure system remains uncertain. The positioning of this high pressure system will direct subtropical moisture into the Pacific Northwest, but has the potential to remain concentrated north of California.” The highest probability for over 2 inches of precipitation is forecast for Del Norte County and northern Humboldt Counties this weekend.

Eureka sport crabbing
After some pretty poor results Sunday due to large swells Saturday, sport crabbing picked back up Monday and boats reported easy limits of big crab. Large, close-together swells are predicted through the weekend which will likely keep boats tied up. Reminder, the North Coast (fishing zone 1) is currently under trap restrictions, and crabs can only be taken using hoop nets, snares, and hands.

Shelter Cove update
“Rock fishing has been great, and we’ve even gotten limits of lingcod the last few trips,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “Most of the rockfish action has been just outside the Hat. Crabbing has been good as well just below the Coast Guard buoy. It seems the bluefin have moved on and I think everyone has finally given up trying.”

Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Jan. 15
The Mad River winter steelhead run is just around the corner and with it comes the annual Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen Association’s (NCGASA) Mad River Steelhead Derby. The derby will start on January 15 and will run through February 29. Anglers will have two months to catch a big hatchery steelhead, with the three largest measured in both the adult and the youth divisions eligible to win cash and prizes. Adult division payouts: 1st place: $500; 2nd place: $300, 3rd place: $150. Youth division payouts (16 years and under): $150 RMI Outdoors gift card; 2nd place: $100 RMI gift card; 3rd place: $50 RMI gift card. All the youth winners will also receive donated fishing tackle from our sponsors. Anglers who sign up for the derby will be entered to win weekly raffle prizes starting on Jan. 1. Early bird sign-ups for the derby that come in before Jan. 1 are eligible to win two free tickets to the International Sportsmen’s Expo (ISE Show) in Sacramento (Jan. 18-21). New this year is a Winner Take All Raffle Package that includes a guided river trip for two, plus crazy amounts of fishing tackle and gear. This package is currently valued at $850. Raffle tickets are $50 and only 100 tickets will be sold. There are other raffles that include several guided ocean and river trips or you can win a two-night Airbnb country home stay, located minutes away from the Mad River. These trips and stay raffle tickets are $20. Sign up online at madriversteelheadderby.com or ncgasa.org.

The Rivers:
As of Friday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures except the main stem Eel and Smith rivers, were closed to fishing. This includes the Mad, Smith, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad was closed as of Friday, but with rain in the forecast, could open as early as the Saturday. Predicted to peak at just above 2,100 cfs Sunday morning. Will likely be off color for a few days. Minimum flows are 200 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Main stem Eel
Flows were right around 450 cfs Friday morning and the river was open to fishing. Flows are predicted to rise starting Saturday and predicted to peak Monday, rising to 1,380 cfs at Scotia. There have been a few adult steelhead caught. Minimum flows are 350 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

South Fork Eel
Currently closed to fishing as flows were just above 60 cfs on Friday. If the forecast pans out, it may briefly open to fishing Monday. Predicted to reach 400 cfs Monday at Miranda. Minimum flows for 340 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Van Duzen
Flows were just above 60 cfs on Friday. If the rain falls as predicted, it could reach 1,250 cfs by Sunday afternoon. It could open to fishing by Sunday. Minimum flows are 150 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

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 pretty good rise starting Friday night. If the rain falls as planned, flows could hit 14,000 cfs by Sunday morning. Conditions could be about perfect by Monday. Another rise is predicted for Tuesday afternoon. As of Friday, flows were 1,175 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge and rising. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
The Chetco is about to go from low, clear conditions to being blown out for nearly a week as it transitions from salmon to steelhead reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The fall salmon spawn is in full swing, with sore tails and dark fish spread throughout the river,” said Martin.  “Plenty of salmon are in the system, but bright, fresh fish are few and far between. Steelhead season opens Dec. 1. A few adult steelhead have already been seen below spawning salmon, while half-pounders have arrived in the upper river. Flows are about to go from 700 cfs to 8,500 cfs or more. By next weekend, the river should be in prime shape for early steelhead fishing. The Elk and Sixes are low this week, but should fish late next week, with more fresh kings expected. Early December is still productive for salmon on the Elk and Sixes.”

Brookings rockfish update
“Lingcod and rockfish action has been decent out of Brookings on calm weather days, but a series of storms begin on Thursday,” said Martin. “Rough weather is expected all 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

In a press release issued Friday, Nov. 17, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife is expanding the temporary recreational crab trap restriction to include the area between the California/Oregon state line and Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1), on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. All crab traps currently deployed in Fishing Zone 1 must be removed by 6:00 p.m. on Nov. 26, 2023. The restriction is due to the presence of humpback whales in the area and the potential for entanglement. Taking crab using hoop nets, snares, and hands is permitted statewide, and crab traps are currently be used in Fishing Zones 2 and 5.

Temporary trap restrictions will remain in effect between the Sonoma/Mendocino county line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4). The trap restrictions in these zones will continue until lifted by CDFW.

In 2022, some changes to the regulations were made to the use of hoop nets. 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.

An annual crab trap validation is not required when taking crabs with hoop nets or crab loop traps.

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

On the commercial side, the Northern California commercial Dungeness crab season that was originally scheduled to open Dec. 1 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 at least 12:01 a.m. Saturday, 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 Wednesday, 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
According to the US National Weather Service Eureka, no rain is in the forecast at least through mid-next week.

The weekend’s marine forecast is looking good for offshore crabbing. As of Wednesday, Saturday’s forecast is calling for northeast winds 5 to 10 knots with north waves 5 feet at eight seconds and west 9 feet at 18 seconds. Less wind is forecast for Sunday, coming out of the northeast up to 5 knots with northwest waves 2 feet at seven seconds and west 8 feet at 16 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. 24 and 25 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 https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2023/11_Nov/111523.asp for more info.

PG&E’s initial dam removal plan released
In a move that caught a lot of people by surprise, PG&E unveiled their initial draft plan Nov. 17 for removing two Eel River dams and surrendering the utility’s federal license for the 100-year-old Potter Valley Project. In a press release issued by local non-profit Friends of the Eel River, one alternative would simply remove Scott and Cape Horn dams; the other, advanced by Sonoma Water, would move forward with a new diversion to the Russian River during the dam removal process. “Either way you look at it, the Eel River Dams’ days are numbered,” stated Friends of the Eel River Executive Director Alicia Hamann. “We prefer the most straightforward and quickest path to dam removal possible – the fish can’t afford any delays.” Interested members of the public looking to support the most beneficial option for Eel River fish can submit comments to PG&E by December 22.

The Friends of the Eel River will be holding two Comment Writing Workshops following PG&E’s release of their initial draft decommissioning plan for the Potter Valley Project.

When: Monday, Nov. 27, 5-7pm
Where: Paul’s Live from New York Pizza, Eureka

When: Thursday, Nov. 30, 5-7pm
Where: Gene Lucas Community Center, Fortuna

Comments are due by December 22, 2023 – visit eelriver.org to find guidance for submitting online comments to PG&E.
Bring your own laptop or mobile device for submitting online comments

Eel River salmon returns
The first fish Chinook salmon of the season arrived at Van Arsdale Fish Station (VAFS) on October 24, 2023. Over the past week, 10 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 16 (2 Female, 1 Male, 2 unknown, and 11 Jack). For more information, visit www.eelriver.org/the-eel-river/fish-count.

The Rivers:
As of Wednesday, only the main stem Eel, Mad and Smith rivers are open to fishing. However, the Mad will be closed to fishing starting Thursday, Nov. 23. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures, including the South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen are closed to angling The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

Mad River
Flowing at 275 cfs as of Wednesday. Will be closed to fishing beginning Thursday, Nov. 23. Minimum flows are 200 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Main Eel
Running at 1,200 cfs as of Wednesday afternoon. The river is in good shape and should remain open to fishing. There should be some steelhead starting to show upon the next rise in flows. The Eel River is closed to salmon fishing except catch and release by federally recognized tribes. Minimum Flow: 350 cubic feet per second at the gauging station near Scotia.

Smith River
The Smith was running at 2,150 cfs Wednesday and will be dropping slowly through at least early next week. Should remain open to steelhead fishing. The Smith is closed to all salmon fishing except for 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year by federally recognized tribes while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

Chetco/ Elk/Sixes
“Salmon fishing was slow on the Chetco early this week, despite good flows,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Big numbers of fish have now spawned. The Elk and Sixes were also slow, after good fishing a week ago. Half-pounder steelhead are being caught on the Chetco. Steelhead season opens Dec. 1. The Chetco above Nook Creek also opens Dec. 1, but salmon fishing remains closed.”

Brookings rockfish update
Ocean anglers are keeping a close eye on the weekend forecast, which show a big swell, but nearly 20 seconds between waves according to Martin. “With light winds, there could be a window to target rockfish and lingcod Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday. Lingcod fishing was good before the latest round of rough weather. Sport crab season remains closed in Oregon through November.”

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 didn’t get in on the Chetco fall salmon action last week, you missed some epic fishing. Following a season that saw the estuary plugged with kings, there was little doubt that if, and when, conditions lined up, the bite upriver would go completely off. And that’s exactly what happened last week. Double-digit hookups were not uncommon. And there some big fish landed, plenty in the 40-pounge range and some approaching 50 pounds. “Prime water conditions last week yielded peak-season catch rates on the Chetco, with most guides getting a couple of fish per rod,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The river dropped into shape Tuesday, and was prime Wednesday and Thursday. With rivers closed to the south, there was plenty of company, but good catch rates overall. Looking ahead, the river is expected to remain around 1,500 cfs for the next week – somewhat low, but still plenty of water for back-bouncing, and getting downriver without hitting bottom. Many of the fish upriver are darker, with fresh wild and hatchery kings on the lower end.”

Weather ahead
According to the US National Weather Service Eureka, a low pressure system continues to stall off the coast of California. “By late Friday morning, it is forecast to start to weaken and finally move east through Central California. For Northwest California, showers and gusty south winds are expected Friday and set to continue overnight into Saturday with showers lingering into early Sunday morning.

Rainfall totals from early morning Friday to early morning Sunday are anticipated to be mostly below 2 inches for Northwest California. The higher amounts are expected for higher terrain areas of Lake and eastern Mendocino counties. Lesser amounts of around 1 inch to 1.5 inches are expected for the King Range in Humboldt County and the higher terrain areas of Del Norte County. Between 0.1 inches of rain to 0.5 inches of rain are expected for lower elevation areas of Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, and Del Norte counties.”

Weekend Marine Forecast
The ocean looks to be fishable this weekend for the sport crabbers. Saturday’s forecast is calling for west winds 5 to 15 knots with south waves five feet at 10 seconds and northwest three feet at 11 seconds. Sunday is looking a little worse, with winds out of the north five to 10 knots and northwest waves 10 feet at 13 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com. To monitor the latest Humboldt bar conditions, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/swan. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Crab traps prohibited starting Nov. 27
The CDFW is expanding the temporary recreational crab trap restriction to the California/Oregon state line to Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1) due to presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from trap gear. The recreational trap restriction for Fishing Zone 1 will go into effect on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at 6 p.m. and continue in Zones 1, 3 and 4 until at least the next risk assessment. This means recreational crabbers must remove all traps in Zone 1 by the time the restriction goes into effect. CDFW reminds recreational crabbers that take of Dungeness crab by other methods, including hoop nets and crab snares, is allowed during a temporary trap restriction. The use of recreational crab traps in Fishing Zones 2 and 5 is still allowed.

Sport crab fishing update
Crabbing has been good when the boats can get offshore out of Eureka. Both sides of the entrance have been fishing well and averaging roughly 10 keepers per pot. The crabs are reportedly in really good shape, with a mix of smaller ones and jumbos. Ocean conditions look good for Friday and Saturday before the seas come up on Sunday. Crabbing inside Humboldt Bay has been spotty, with lots of undersized crabs being caught.

Shelter Cove update
“Rock fishing and crabbing has been great, with easy limits of both,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “The lingcod fishing has been tough, but we’re getting a few per trip. There were a few bluefin caught over the weekend, but overall, it has slowed down. Most of the crabbing is right below the bell buoy, just about a mile from harbor.”

Nov. 24 and 25 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 https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2023/11_Nov/111523.asp for more info.

Mad River Steelhead Reward Program
For the Mad River steelhead fishery in the upcoming 2023-24 season, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) plans to attach reward tags to a small subset of hatchery-origin (i.e., adipose-clipped) adult steelhead upon their return to freshwater. This is in effort to estimate the steelhead harvest on the Mad River. According to John Deibner-Hanson, a Northern Region Environmental Scientist for CDFW, a number of fish will be captured in the lower river using tangle nets and affixed with spaghetti tags worth $20, $50 or $100 rewards. Once the tags are applied on their backs behind the dorsal fin, the fish will be released. Upon capturing a reward tag, anglers will need to follow one of the methods outlined below to answer a series of questions about how the tag was acquired (e.g., caught on fish, found on dead fish, found on bank). Anglers will have until April 15, 2024 to report tags and claim rewards, after which reward tags from this season will expire. To attain accurate harvest estimates, we must assume 100% tag return rates on harvested steelhead, so getting the word out for our tagging program will be vital to its success.

There are three ways an angler may report their tag for reward:

1. Scan the QR code posted on message boards and signage around the river or carried by CDFW creelers
2. Visit: https://forms.office.com/g/jjWnw9t7Ss
3. Return the tag to CDFW at: 50 Ericson Ct., Arcata, CA

Using options 1 and 2 above, anglers will not submit the physical tag, only needing to provide the unique tag number and answering the accompanying questions online. For this reason, anglers are strongly urged to retain the tag after submittal until all rewards have been claimed, as only one reward will be paid for each uniquely numbered tag. For questions, please email MadRiverRewards@wildlife.ca.gov.

Mad River Steelhead Derby dates announced
The annual NCGASA Mad River Hatchery Steelhead Derby will take place Jan. 15 (6am)-Feb. 29 (6pm) 2024. The 3 largest measured fish in both the Adult and Youth categories will win Awards ceremony to be held at Mad River Brewing Co., Tasting Room in Blue Lake on Sunday, March 3 at 2pm. For more information, visit https://madriversteelheadderby.com/

The Rivers:
As of Friday, only the main stem Eel and Smith River were open to fishing. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures, including the South Fork Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen are closed to angling The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

Mad River
Predicted to peak at 1,340 cfs Sunday morning. Should open to fishing early next week. Minimum flows are 200 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Main Eel
Forecasted to reach 1,300 cfs Monday morning. Should remain open to fishing throughout the week. There should be some early steelhead starting to show. The Eel River is closed to salmon fishing except catch and release by federally recognized tribes. Minimum flows are 350 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Van Duzen
Predicted to reach 425 cfs Sunday morning and could open to fishing if predictions are correct. Minimum flows are 150 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

South Fork Eel
Flows are predicted to peak at 530 cfs Sunday afternoon.Minimum flows for 340 cfs to lift angling restrictions.

Smith River
The Smith was running at 1,300 cfs Friday and will be dropping through Saturday. Saturday’s rain looks like it will have an impact on flows, raising it to 5,100 cfs by Sunday morning. The Smith is closed to all salmon fishing except for 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year by federally recognized tribes while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin the Elk and Sixes also fished well last week, but are approaching low, clear levels and will be tougher to fish this week. “Any rain will help, especially on the Sixes. Both rivers fish well through mid-December, or later.”

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.

For the Mad River steelhead fishery in the upcoming 2023-24 season, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) plans to attach reward tags to a small subset of hatchery-origin (i.e., adipose-clipped) adult steelhead upon their return to freshwater. This is in effort to estimate the steelhead harvest on the Mad River. According to John Deibner-Hanson, a Northern Region Environmental Scientist for CDFW, a number of fish will be captured in the lower river using tangle nets and affixed with spaghetti tags worth $20, $50 or $100 rewards. Once the tags are applied on their backs behind the dorsal fin, the fish will be released. Upon capturing a reward tag, anglers should follow one of the methods outlined below to answer a series of questions about how the tag was acquired (e.g., caught on fish, found on dead fish, found on bank). Anglers will have until April 15^th, 2024 to report tags and claim rewards, after which reward tags from this season will expire. To attain accurate harvest estimates, we must assume 100 percent tag return rates on harvested steelhead, so getting the word out for our tagging program will be vital to its success.

There are three ways an angler may report their tag for reward:

1. Scan the QR code posted on message boards and signage around the river or carried by CDFW creelers.
2. Visit: https://forms.office.com/g/jjWnw9t7Ss.
3. Return the tag to CDFW at: 50 Ericson Ct., Arcata, CA.

Using options 1 and 2 above, anglers will not submit the physical tag, only needing to provide the unique tag number and answering the accompanying questions online. For this reason, anglers are strongly urged to retain the tag after submittal until all rewards have been claimed, as only one reward will be paid for each uniquely numbered tag.

For questions, please email MadRiverRewards@wildlife.ca.gov.

Unsavory ocean conditions out of Eureka spoiled Saturday’s sport crab opener, keeping most of the boats tied up. The few bigger boats who braved the rough water were rewarded with big crab, and plenty of them. The last few days, boats pulling pots after a couple-day soak, or less, are averaging 10 to 20 crab per pot. Those are pretty good numbers. Once the ocean calms down, we should see some really good hauls. Inside Humboldt Bay, crabbers didn’t fare as well. It may be a bit early for crabs to be in the bay in big numbers, and that seemed to be the case. Anglers put in quite a bit of time for just a few keepers. Up in Trinidad, scores paled in comparison to last year, but that’s probably an unfair comparison as last year was one of the better years in recent memory. Reports from those who took to the water Saturday in less than ideal conditions weren’t great. A couple keepers per trap was the consensus. Scores improved Wednesday as some limits were reported. Further north to Crescent City, conditions kept the boats close to shore according to Chris Hegnes of Englund Marine. “Boats that fished right on the beach in 40 feet of water were getting about one keeper per pot. Outside in 80-feet guys didn’t do much better, averaging about three per pot.”

The season runs from Saturday, Nov. 4 through July 30, 2024. 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 along with the new annual crab trap validation ($2.73).

Reminder: CDFW strongly encourages anglers to follow the Best 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. The Best Practices Guide can be found here.

The commercial Dungeness crab fishery south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line was scheduled to open on Nov. 15, 2023, in Fishing Zones 3, 4, 5 and 6. However, the season opener has been delayed  in those zones due to presence of high numbers of humpback whales.

Weekend weather and forecast
According to James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, after a dry weekend, we’re looking at a pretty wet system arriving next week. “In the 48-hour period beginning Tuesday morning, we’re looking at a potential of 2 to 3 inches of rain in Humboldt, with higher amounts in the mountains,” said White. “This will be coming in from the south, which typically brings heavier amounts to the King Range. That area is looking at potentially 5 to 6 inches. It looks like there could be systems behind this one, but it’s still to early to pinpoint the amounts.”

The weekend marine forecast is not looking good for offshore crabbing, with large swells in the forecast. As of Thursday, Saturday’s forecast is calling for east winds 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 8 feet at 13 seconds. Sunday is looking a little worse, with winds coming out of the south 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 11 feet at 15 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. To monitor the latest Humboldt bar conditions, visit www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/swan. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Shelter Cove report
“The bluefin bite has slowed down quite a bit, although there were still at least a couple fish caught each day the boats tried up until Saturday,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “There hasn’t been much effort the last few days as the ocean conditions haven’t been great.  Rock fishing remains solid, but the lingcod have been hard to come by out in deep water. Crabbing is a little slower than expected for this time of year, but still plenty to go around. I’m hearing boats are getting between 4 and 6 keepers on a two hour soak.”

Proposal of 90-day extension of emergency regulations for sport California halibut 
Back in May, the California Fish and Game Commission, in an emergency action, voted unanimously to reduce the daily bag and possession limit for California halibut from three fish to two fish in California waters north of Point Sur, Monterey County. This regulation took effect on June 1. Now the Commission is proposing a 90-day extension for this emergency action.

The press release issued by the Commission Tuesday states:

“Pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 11346.1, the California Fish and Game Commission is providing notice of proposed emergency action with regard to the Recreational California Halibut emergency regulation. Submission of comments requires that, at least five working days prior to submission of the proposed emergency action to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL), the adopting agency provide a notice of the proposed emergency action to every person who has filed a request for notice of regulatory action with the agency. After submission of the proposed emergency to OAL, OAL shall allow interested persons five calendar days to submit comments on the proposed emergency regulation.

Any interested person may present statements, arguments, or contentions, in writing, submitted via U.S. mail or e-mail, relevant to the proposed emergency regulatory action. Written comments submitted via U.S. mail or e-mail must be received at OAL within five days after the Commission submits the emergency regulations to OAL for review.”

Please reference submitted comments as regarding “Emergency Regulations: Recreational California Halibut” addressed to: 

Reference Attorney Office of Administrative Law
300 Capitol Mall, Suite 1250 Sacramento, CA 95814
E-mail:  staff@oal.ca.gov 
Fax No.:  916-323-6826

California Fish and Game Commission
Attn: David Haug P.O. Box 944209 Sacramento, CA 94244-2090
Email:  fgc@fgc.ca.gov

The Commission anticipates it will submit the rulemaking to OAL on November 14, 2023. For the status of the Commission’s submittal to OAL for review, and the end of the five-day written submittal period, please consult OAL’s website at http://www.oal.ca.gov under the heading “Emergency Regulations.”

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, only the Smith and main stem Eel rivers are open to fishing. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures, including the South Fork Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen are closed to angling. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

Main Eel
The main Eel is open as of Thursday and running around 665 cfs. If predictions are correct, it could close prior to the weekend. The closure will likely be short-lived as the rain coming Tuesday should open it back up to fishing. The Eel River is closed to salmon fishing except catch and release by federally recognized tribes. Minimum Flow: 350 cubic feet per second at the gauging station near Scotia.

Smith
Running at 1,935 cfs as of Thursday, the Smith is open and should remain that way through the weekend. Quite a bit of rain is coming early next week, which will the keep the flows high and could bring in some early steelhead. The Smith is closed to all salmon fishing except for 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year by federally recognized tribes while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

Chetco
“Salmon fishing was fair on the Chetco last week, with low, clear water and bobbers only, followed by high, dirty conditions to begin the all-tackle portion of the season,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Lots of salmon are spread throughout the river, which dropped back into shape Tuesday evening. Conditions should be good through the rest of the week.”

Elk/Sixes
The Elk was fishable Monday, with a handful of boats, and in peak season form Tuesday with a couple dozen boats and a fish per rod or better reports Martin. “The Sixes dropped into shape this week as well.”

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.

We may not have a rockfish season here in the far north, but at least our sport crab season will open on time. And with pots and traps allowed! The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife sent word Friday that our season, (40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) to the Oregon-California border, will open as scheduled Saturday with no restrictions. We could have been saddled using other methods, including hoop nets and snares due to the presence of whales. But it looks like the whales aren’t here in big numbers — yet. Other ports weren’t so lucky. The recreational take of Dungeness crab using crab traps will be temporarily restricted between the Sonoma/Mendocino County line and Lopez Point, Monterey County (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) when the season opens on Saturday, Nov. 4.

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. Tests conducted in Monterey, Bodega Bay, Half Moon Bay/SF, Eureka, and Crescent City have all came back clean.

The season runs from Saturday, Nov. 4 through July 30, 2024. 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 along with the new annual crab trap validation ($2.73).

CDFW reminds anglers that the deployment and use of crab traps in any recreational crab fishery (including rock crab) is temporarily restricted in fishing zones 3 and 4 until lifted by the CDFW. Sport crabbers should also implement best practices, as described in the Best Practices Guide. In addition, if adopted, proposed regulations for recreational rockfish will allow the deployment of Dungeness crab traps shoreward of the 50-fathom Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line when rockfish are onboard. Until the emergency regulations are in place, no fishing gear of any type (includes crab gear) may be deployed shoreward of the 50-fathom RCA line when shelf rockfish, slope rockfish or lingcod are onboard.
On the commercial side, the season south of the Sonoma/Mendocino county line was scheduled to open on Nov. 15, 2023.This fishery has been delayed in zones 3, 4, 5 and 6 due to presence of high numbers of humpback whales. More information can be found here.

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 drift boat 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 Thursday, south winds and elevated seas are in the weekend forecast. Saturday’s forecast is calling for south winds 10 to 20 knots with west waves 10 feet at 13 seconds. Winds will be similar Sunday, coming out of the south 10 to 20 knots with west waves 10 feet at 12 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. 4: high: 7:05 a.m. and 5:11 p.m.; low: 11:27 a.m.
Standard time begins at 2:00 a.m. Sunday
• Sun., Nov. 5: high: 7:05 a.m. and 5:24 p.m.; low: 12:20 a.m. and 11:52 a.m.

Eureka tuna report
A pretty epic week of bluefin tuna fishing out of Eureka. Most of the action took place around the Eel River Canyon, where boats trolling Madmac lures were able to entice some big tuna. There were a handful of fish caught just about each day, and a few days produced multiple fish in a couple of boats. Excellent ocean conditions coincided with migrating schools of bluefin, which were spotted as far north as Crescent City. Conditions don’t look good at least through early next week, but you can bet once the ocean calms down boats will be back on the hunt.

Shelter Cove tuna report
The tuna bite was pretty good up until Saturday according to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “Boat pressure increased quite a bit over the weekend and fish scores really dropped off,” said Mitchell. “The big full moon may have played a role in the slow bite as well. I’m hoping we’re just in between schools, but we’ll see what happens.” Crab season opens Saturday and Mitchell will be running crab/rockfish combo trips.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, 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. But changes are coming by the weekend. All rivers may be open to fishing at some point between Thursday and Monday. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

Mad
Forecast to reach 970 cfs by Sunday morning. Will likely be off color for awhile. www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ARCC1

Main stem Eel
Flows are predicted to hit 600 cfs Sunday morning. When the river becomes fishable, we should start to see some early steelhead. The Eel River is closed to salmon fishing except catch and release by federally recognized tribes. www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1

South Fork Eel
As of Thursday, it doesn’t look like the South Fork will open up prior to early next week. Flows are predicted to only reach 240 cfs Sunday. www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=MRNC1

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen isn’t forecast for much of a rise, reaching just 100 cfs Friday. A larger rise is predicted for Monday morning. www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=BRGC1

Smith
Big changes are coming by Friday as the Smith is forecast to rise following some decent rain projections Thursday. After a couple peaks and valleys, it’s predicted to reach close to 11 feet on the Jed Smith gauge Saturday night. There should be some early steelhead starting to show. The Smith is closed to all salmon fishing except for 1 Chinook Salmon and no more than 5 wild Chinook Salmon over 22 inches per year by federally recognized tribes while fishing under existing inland sport fishing regulations. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1

Chetco
“After a week of slow fishing, the Chetco estuary kicked out a bunch of salmon late last weekend before action slowed again this week,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Fishing has been fair upriver, where anglers are limited to bobber fishing. Lots of salmon have stacked up in the tidewater. Gear restrictions are lifted Saturday, Nov. 4, meaning plugs and back-bouncing will be allowed. A big rain event is expected to begin late Wednesday night and continue into next week. If conditions are too high, the Elk may be a better bet than the Chetco. Earlier rains have already cleared the moss from the river, but leaves could be an issue over the weekend, although the Chetco could be blown out anyway. Fishing is tough over 4,000 cfs, and flows could crest at 8,000 cfs.”

Sixes River low flow angling closure lifted
Beginning Nov. 1, the Sixes River low flow angling closure will be lifted according to a press release issued by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife. It states, “ODFW closed a portion of the river to angling Oct. 1 to protect wild fall chinook salmon vulnerable to snagging or poaching while staging between Crystal Creek and Hughes House Boat Ramp. With increased flows expected over the next few days, salmon will be able to migrate upstream. Anglers are reminded the bag limit for wild adult chinook in the Sixes River is one adult chinook per day, 10 for the season. Elk River, just south of Sixes River is closed to retention of wild fall chinook this year.” For more information, check the ODFW Recreation Report.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, except for the Smith, are closed to fishing as of Thursday. This includes the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, and Van Duzen. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

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

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

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

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen were closed as of Thursday. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

Areas subject to low flow closures:

Mad River: The main stem Mad River from the Hammond Trail Railroad Trestle to Cowan Creek. Minimum flow: 200 cfs at the gauging station at the Highway 299 bridge. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1, 2024. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ARCC1

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

The South Fork of the Eel River: The South Fork of the Eel River downstream from Rattlesnake Creek and the Middle Fork Eel River downstream from the Bar Creek. Minimum flow: 340 cfs at the gauging station at Miranda. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=MRNC1

Van Duzen River: The main stem Van Duzen River from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge. Minimum flow: 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=BRGC1

Mattole River: The main stem of the Mattole River from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Minimum flow: 320 cfs at the gauging station at Petrolia. For river level forecasts www.water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=eka&gage=mtoc1&hydro_type=0

Redwood Creek: The main stem of Redwood Creek from the mouth to its confluence with Bond Creek. Minimum flow: 300 cfs at the gauging station near the Highway 101 bridge. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ORIC1

Smith River: The main stem Smith River from the mouth of Rowdy Creek to its confluence with Patrick Creek; the South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1000 ft to the County Road (George Tyron) bridge and Craigs Creek to its confluence with Jones Creek; and the North Fork Smith River from the mouth to its confluence with Stony Creek. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station. For river level forecasts, visit www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1

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

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

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

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

Weekend marine forecast
Winds will turn back southerly ahead of an approaching boundary Friday and into the weekend, but wind speeds will stay light before increasing to moderate to breezy by Friday afternoon. A minor westerly swell up to 8 feet at 12 seconds will arrive around Saturday. As of Thursday afternoon, from 10 to 60 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the south 10 to 20 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the south 10 to 15 knots with west waves 10 feet at 12 seconds. Sunday, winds will be 10 to 20 knots out of the south with west waves 9 feet at 12 seconds and northwest 6 feet at 18 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or https://www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Low flow fishing closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen were closed as of Thursday. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

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

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

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weekend marine forecast
Wind and seas will begin to come down Friday, and we’re looking at a pretty good forecast for the weekend. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the west up to 5 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at seven seconds and west 3 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the southwest up to 5 knots with north waves 2 feet or less. Sunday, winds will be 5 to 10 knots out of the south with north waves 2 feet or less. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or https://www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

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

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

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

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

North Coast river closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2024.

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

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

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.