Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

Numerous Options for the Holiday Weekend Anglers

Theodore Laszczewski, right, along with Chase Engberg landed a pair of limits of California halibut while fishing Humboldt Bay last Saturday. The halibut bite is finally starting to show signs of life and should be a good option for the holiday weekend. Photo courtesy of Chase Engberg.

For anglers across the North Coast, Memorial Day weekend provides an excellent opportunity to try your luck at a variety of fishing locations. With plenty of options on the table, the biggest decision might not be if you want to go, but where. Here are a few of the options that will hopefully make your decision a little easier this holiday weekend:

Jetties for rockfish and lingcod —When the windisn’t howling, the jetties have been providing excellent rockfish and lingcod action. Small swimbaits or scampi jigs are catching fish as well as herring fished under a float.

California halibut —If bank angling is your only option, check out Fairhaven Beach on the bay side of the Samoa Peninsula. Fishing is best a couple hours before and after high tide. Swimbaits attached to a ¾-ounce jig head is a good bait choice. If you have a boat, fish have been caught in the middle channel the last few days, with swimbaits working best.

Freshwater Lagoon trout —Planted regularly with catchable-sized trout, there should be ample opportunities for shore-based anglers as well as boat fishermen. An easy rig to fish is a Berkley PowerBait with an egg sinker.

Ruth Lake trout and bass —Nice weather and a family-friendly atmosphere make this a great spot for the weekend. Reportedly, the trout and bass bite are heating up.

Elk River redtail perch —If it’s perch you’re after and the ocean is too rough, Elk River Beach is a great spot to target redtails. Two hours prior to high tide and an hour after typically are the optimal times. Shrimp, clams, swimbaits and sand crabs all work.

Trinidad Harbor rockfish —A great option for rockfish and crab, especially if the ocean is rough. Launching a small boat from the beach is fairly easy. You’ll want to get an early start before the afternoon wind kicks in.

Dungeness Crab —Anglers dropping pots outside of the bay entrance are still catching a few Dungeness crab when the weather cooperates, though there hasn’t been a ton of effort. If it’s too rough, there’s some good locations inside Humboldt Bay. Out in front of the PG&E plant is a good spot as well as the flat off the South Jetty parking lot. Another top location is either side of the channel leading into the South Bay.

North Coast rivers —Many of the local rivers will re-open to fishing beginning Saturday, May 25. Rivers that will open include sections of the main Eel (South Fork to Cape Horn Dam), South Fork Eel (South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek) Van Duzen, Mad, Little River, Mattole and Smith. Be sure to check the regulations prior to fishing.
Fisheries currently closed: Red Abalone, Mussels, Razor Clams (both Humboldt and Del Norte Counties), Ocean and River Chinook fishing.

Weekend marine forecast
After a couple weeks of gale-force winds, we’ll finally get a break Friday. Winds will pick back up slightly over the weekend before they come back down Monday. Friday, winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at eight seconds. Saturday is looking a little windier, with north winds 10 to 15 knots and northwest waves 5 feet at seven seconds. Sunday, the wind will be out of the north 10 to 15 knots with north waves 3 feet at five seconds and northwest 4 feet at eight seconds. Monday is looking better, with north winds 5 to 10 knots forecast along with north waves 3 feet at five seconds and northwest 3 feet at nine 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.

Weekend tides
The latest round of minus tides will begin Friday, but low tides will occur in the mornings over the holiday weekend when boats could be leaving the bay. Coupled with decent-sized swells, this could create a dangerous Humboldt Bay bar crossing. Saturday May 25: Low: 8:12 a.m. (-1.4 feet); Sunday May 26: Low: 8:56 a.m. (-1.4 feet); Monday May 27: Low: 9:42 a.m. (-1.29 feet)

USCG Captains Course offered in Eureka
The USCG Master 100ton/OUPV course will be held here in Humboldt Bay from June 17-28. Hosted by the City of Eureka, tuition for 15 students will be fully funded by Vineyard and RWE. Information on requirements and a link to the course registration are can be found here. You will need to reserve your seat with a deposit.

Ruth Lake Bass tournament coming June 1
Southern Trinity Area Rescue will be holding the annual “Paul Jadro Memorial Bass Tournament” on Saturday, June 1. Blast off will be at 5:45 a.m. or at first safe light, by draw. The one-day tournament event offers a first prize award of up to $1,000 with payout to 1 in 3 in addition to door prizes and sponsor products. The entry fee is $140 per team with a big fish buy in option of $10. The tournament is catch and release and all competitors must fish from boats that are required to have operational live wells on board. Life jackets are required. Check in at the Marina on Friday May 31 at 4:30-6 p.m. or Saturday 4:30 – 5:15 a.m. For more information, contact Lon Winburn at 707-499-2490.

The Oceans:
Eureka
It’s been nearly two weeks since boats have crossed the bar out of Eureka for Pacific halibut and rockfish. The weather for Friday looks doable, and I expect quite a few boats will give it a go. Saturday and Sunday don’t look as good, but Monday is looking good as of Thursday.

Trinidad
Ocean conditions are looking good for Friday and Monday out of Trinidad. It looks like small boats and kayakers will have a window of opportunity to launch off the beach to target rockfish and crab. The boat launch will be open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesdays. The launch fee this season is $45. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 677-3625.

Shelter Cove
“We haven’t been out since last Saturday as it’s been very windy,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “Due to the conditions, we just fished right out front. Fishing was slow but we managed limits of rockfish and two lingcod. The forecast doesn’t look to get better anytime soon but I’m going to try a few times this week.”

Crescent City
Like everywhere else along the North Coast, Crescent City has been dealing with wind for close to two weeks. A few of the bigger boats have got out for quick trips in the morning, but that’s been about it, reports Britt Carson of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. He said, “Friday’s forecast is looking much better, so I’d expect lots of boats to be out. Some warm water pushed in close to the beach last weekend and brought with it some California halibut. Anglers fishing from the rocks across from the boat ramp with some good timing landed a few. But the bite went south quick as the water cooled.”

Brookings
“Windy weather has kept boats close to the harbor in Brookings, limiting success for salmon, halibut and even rockfish and lingcod,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “A brief early morning window has allowed boats to get an hour or two of bottom fishing in before the gale-force winds arrive each day. Calmer weather is expected this weekend. Early in the season, salmon tend to be offshore, in 200 to 300 feet of water, three to five miles offshore.”

River openings
Sections of the main Eel (South Fork to Cape Horn Dam), South Fork Eel (South Fork Eel River from mouth to Rattlesnake Creek) Van Duzen, Mad, Little River, Mattole and Smith will re-open on Saturday, May 25. On most rivers, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Click here for a complete list of CA river openings and regulations. The Chetco opened to trout fishing Wednesday.

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, Rogue springer action is hit and miss, with a few salmon now being caught by trollers in the bay. “Wild salmon can be kept beginning June 1.”

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.

Slow Start for Pacific Halibut Anglers

The Pacific halibut season is off to a slower start than usual, mostly due to rough ocean conditions. There are a few being caught out of Eureka, like the one pictured here from Alec of McKinleyville who landed his first halibut last weekend. Photo courtesy of Micah Woolworth/Lost Coast Sport Fishing

Ocean conditions, lack of effort, or lack of fish, whatever the reason may be, it’s contributing to a much slower start to the Pacific halibut season than in years past. If I had to guess, I’d say it’s a combination of the first two. Since the season opened on May 1, there’s been just a handful of days which boats were able to get far enough offshore to where the halibut frequent. And Eureka isn’t alone, anglers from Shelter Cove up to Crescent City have been stymied by conditions which are leading to the lack of success. But don’t expect this trend to continue. Once we get a steady dose of flat water, you can bet the boats will hone in on the fish and we’ll begin to see some big bites taken out of the 38,220 pound quota. To keep an eye on the in-season Pacific halibut catch rate, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut#31670772-in-season-tracking.

Marine Forecast
Ocean conditions have been horrible all week, and that trend looks to continue through the weekend and into next week. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for north winds 20 to 30 knots with waves north 10 feet at nine seconds and northwest 3 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday, the winds will be out of the north 15 to 25 knots and waves will be out of the north 11 feet at 10 seconds. Sunday, winds will come from the north 15 to 25 knots with waves out of the north 10 feet at 10 seconds and southwest 2 feet at 18 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit https://www.weather.gov/eka/ or https://www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Kids free fishing derbies this Saturday
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/
On Saturday, May 18, 2023, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 50th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

Klamath basin and Central Valley rivers closed for Chinook
In the May 15 California Fish and Game Commission meeting, Commissioners voted unanimously to again enact a full closure of California’s recreational salmon fishing season in the Klamath River Basin and Central Valley rivers through its annual process for adjusting seasons and bag limits. The Commission also voted to close the springer fishery in the Klamath and Trinity rivers. Unlike last year, the Smith River and Eel Rivers will be open to salmon fishing in 2024.

The regulations are expected to take effect no later than July 1, 2024, following approval by the Office of Administrative Law. The low ocean abundance forecasts, coupled with low 2023 returns, led the Commission to recommend closure of California’s in-river recreational salmon fisheries, which include the Klamath and Trinity rivers within the Klamath Basin, the Sacramento, Feather, American and Mokelumne rivers in the Central Valley.

The Oceans:
Eureka
Wind and rough ocean conditions continue to be the story out of Eureka as boats haven’t been on the water since last weekend. “Halibut fishing was slow for everyone last Friday and Saturday,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “There were a few caught, but there was also a lot of skunks. With very few days on the water so far, no one has really looked around yet. It’s possible the fish may be further offshore. We just need some good weather to figure out where they are. As of now, it looks conditions will improve late next week.”

Trinidad
Ocean conditions have kept small boats and kayaks from launching this week. And it looks like more of the same through the weekend. The boat launch will be open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesdays. The launch fee this season is $45. For updates and current information, you can call the bait shop at 677-3625.

Shelter Cove
The last few days was some of the slowest rock fishing that I’ve ever seen at the Cove,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We managed limits for two of the days, but it took us all day. And we only got one or two lingcod each day as well. We fished everywhere from Bear Harbor to Rodgers Break and it was more less the same every location we tried.”

Crescent City
Wind and rough seas have kept boats off the water this week, reports Britt Carson of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. He said, “Over the weekend, the rockfish bite was really good, with most of the boats heading south towards the Sisters. I’ve heard of one Pacific halibut caught so far, coming in last Friday and weighing 38.5 lbs. The lingcod bite has been really good off the jetties and rocks and the redtail perch bite at Kellogg Beach has been excellent.”

Brookings
Windy weather is expected to put a damper on this week’s ocean salmon opener out of Brookings,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “With schools of anchovies at the mouth of the Chetco, large numbers of pelicans and other birds, and reports of bottom fish anglers encountering salmon, the opener was expected to be good, but rough seas will prevent boats from getting to the best areas. Typically, salmon fishing is best 3 to 5 miles offshore in May and early June. Salmon season runs through August out of Brookings. Lingcod and rockfish action has been hot, but halibut season has been off to a slow start. Fishing has been good further up the coast in deeper water. Rough weather is expected through the weekend and will likely limit halibut trips until next week. Surfperch action continues to be good.”

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, spring salmon fishing has slowed, but Monday produced the best catches in nearly two weeks, with fresh schools of springers caught at the head of the bay. “Wild springers can be kept beginning June 1.”

Wind Keeping Boats Tied Up

Break in the Weather Coming Friday

Kelly Killingsworth of Fortuna landed his first-ever lingcod last Friday while fishing near Cape Mendocino with Eric Justesen of 707 Sportfishing aboard the *Wharf Rat II*. The big ling tipped the scales at 27-pounds. Photo courtesy of Eric Justesen/707 Sportfishing

After a couple decent days of fishing following the May 1 Pacific halibut opener, the Eureka fleet has been tied up since. But better conditions are on the horizon. Friday and Saturday are shaping up nicely, which could allow boats to explore some different spots. Conditions should be good enough to permit boats to hit Cape Mendocino for rockfish as well.

The windy weather is pretty typical for this time of the year on the coast. “We usually lose about half of May and June due to the wind, so this isn’t surprising,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “It looks like now we’ll get a couple days in, so hopefully we can look around a little to find some larger schools of halibut. The fishing hasn’t been red-hot, but we have a very small sample size with only a couple days on the water.”

Weekend marine forecast
Ocean conditions will finally improve Friday, giving boats a couple days on the water before the winds return Sunday. Friday, north winds will be 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at 11 seconds. Saturday’s forecast is calling for northwest winds 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at eight seconds. Winds will begin to increase Sunday, coming out of the north 5 to 15 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at seven seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit https://www.weather.gov/eka/ or https://www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Fish and Game Commission meeting coming May 15
The California Fish and Game Commission meeting will be live streamed on Wednesday, May 15 beginning at 8:30 a.m. Visit https://fgc.ca.gov/ the day of the meeting to watch or listen. To provide public comment during the meeting, please join via Zoom, by telephone, or at an in-person location. For complete instructions on how to join via Zoom or telephone, click here. Locally, you can participate at the Trinidad Rancheria, Tribal Council Chambers 1, Cher-Ae Lane in Trinidad.

On the agenda, the commission will consider emergency closures of sport fishing in Klamath River Basin for spring Chinook salmon. Closures for fall Chinook fisheries in the Klamath River basin and the Central Valley will also be discussed.

A complete agenda and comment submission, and viewing information, can be found here.

Kids free fishing derbies
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 18, 2023, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 50th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

Crescent City
There hasn’t been much effort this past week due to windy conditions, reports Britt Carson of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. He said, “When the boats were able to get out, the rock fishing was excellent. The Sisters and the lighthouse, within the 20-fathom line, were both top spots. There hasn’t been any halibut caught as of yet, but that should change when the conditions get better.”

Shelter Cove
According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, it’s been a windy week at the Cove. He said, “We were able to make it up to Rogers Break Sunday, and the rock fishing was great. We were also able to scratch up a couple halibut as well. Looks like the ocean will improve the next few days.”

Lower Rogue
“Spring salmon fishing has slowed on the Rogue, but nice kings are being caught,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Hatchery fish continue to move in. Last weekend’s rain could result in good fishing later this week.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the Pacific halibut fishing is slow out of Brookings, in part because of windy weather offshore. “Lingcod and rockfish action continues to be good, along with beach fishing for surfperch. Nice weather is expected this weekend. Salmon are being caught and released during bottom fish trips, and pelicans have arrived in large numbers to feed on anchovies, good signs for the May 16 ocean king opener in Southern Oregon.”

Eureka boats get back on the halibut

Trinidad resident Summit Hodgeson holds a nice Pacific halibut caught Thursday while fishing aboard the SEAWEASEL II out of Eureka. Photo courtesy of Gary Blasi, Full Throttle Sport Fishing

The much-anticipated rockfish and Pacific halibut opener was slated for Wednesday, but Mother Nature wasn’t having it. Ocean conditions out of Eureka weren’t very good, with strong winds keeping the Eureka fleet tied to the dock. That’s the bad news. The good news is the seas calmed and boats headed out through Humboldt Bay Thursday in search of the season’s first haul of Pacific halibut. And once the boats made it to the halibut grounds, it didn’t take long to find the season’s first biters. A few charter and private boats took advantage of decent weather, with some boats putting in limits of halibut to 50 pounds. Most of the action was straight out in 300 feet of water. Ocean conditions look fishable at least through the Monday, and we now know the fish are there.

The Pacific halibut season will be open until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The fishery will be open seven days a week, and the limit remains at one with no size restrictions.

Tom Beers from Medford, OR holds a pair of lingcod caught Wednesday out of Crescent City while fishing with Crescent City Fishing. Photo courtesy of Steve Huber, Crescent City Fishing

Up in Crescent City, where ocean conditions were a little better and no bar crossing to contend with, boats hit all the usual spots and found plenty of hungry rockfish and ling cod. Most boats were able to put aboard limits pretty quickly. There weren’t any reports of Pacific halibut taken Wednesday or Thursday.

Down in Shelter Cove, boats were battling rough conditions, but managed to catch some rockfish. According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, the first couple days was a little slow, mostly due to conditions. “The lingcod bite was a little slow too, we managed about a fish per rod fishing right out front,” said Mitchell. “The weather hasn’t cooperated enough to let us get to the halibut grounds yet.”

Weekend marine forecast
Other than a decent amount of rain forecasted for Saturday, ocean conditions look good through Monday. Saturday, winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with west waves 5 feet at seven seconds. Sunday, winds will be 5 to 10 knots out of the southwest with west waves 6 feet at nine seconds and northwest 3 feet at 14 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.

The beach/jetties
The wind has made the beaches tough for anglers looking for redtail perch. When the ocean is rough, the mouth of the Elk River (stinky beach) or King Salmon are two of the better options to get out of the wind. Both can produce quality perch action. Conditions look better the next few days. Centerville, Table Bluff, Samoa, and any of the lagoon beaches can provide excellent fishing. Both jetties, weather permitting, have been giving up some nice black rockfish and some nice lingcod. The south jetty hasn’t been as good, but that will likely change as water and weather conditions improve. Small swimbaits or scampi jigs are catching fish as well as herring fished under a float.

Humboldt County razor clam closure
On May 2, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Humboldt County following a recommendation from state health agencies. It was determined in late April that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. The recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County remains closed due to elevated levels of domoic acid. The closure, which began in November 2023, will remain in effect until state health agencies determine razor clams no longer pose a health risk. More information can be found here.

Annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels Begins May 1
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press release on April 30 announcing the annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast. The quarantine began May 1 and applies to all species of mussels that are recreationally harvested for human consumption along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries. During the quarantine, mussels may only be harvested for non-consumptive uses, such as for bait.

The quarantine is in place to protect the public against poisoning that can lead to serious illness, including coma and death. According to the press release, the quarantine does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. More information can be found here.

Upcoming kids fishing derbies
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

RMI Outdoors fishing contest
RMI Outdoors of Eureka is holding their annual Screamin’ Reels fishing contest starting April 1 and running through Sept. 2. To enter, take a picture with your fish and like the RMI Facebook page at facebook.com/RMIOutdoors. Message RMI or email your picture to megan@rmioutdoorseureka.com. There are two categories, youth and adult youth. The youth with the most likes wins a fishing package and $50 RMI gift card and the adult youth with the most likes wins a $50 RMI gift card and a fishing rod. Visit rmioutdoorseureka.com/screamin-reels for more information.

Lower Rogue
Spring salmon action has been hit-and-miss on the Rogue, but some boats are getting a fish or two a day reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The best action has been at the head of the bay, where boats are anchoring on the outgoing tide,” said Martin. “The first springers of the year have been caught on the upper Rogue near Shady Cove.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the lingcod and rockfish bite continues to be good out of Brookings during calm weather days. “This weekend looks decent. Halibut season opened Wednesday, but boats stayed close to shore because of windy weather. A few boats were expected to venture out for halibut on Thursday. Surfperch action has been very good at Chetco Point, Lone Ranch and the mouth of the Winchuck.”

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.

Double Your Pleasure – Rockfish and Halibut to Open May 1

Ron Jacobs of Fortuna holds a Vermilion rockfish caught last week while fishing deepwater off of Eureka. The offshore only fishery will close after April 30 and the nearshore fishery will open May 1. Photo courtesy of Tim Klassen, Reel Steel Sport Fishing

Following a chaotic offseason that included way too many meetings, it’s finally time to go fishing. Though our ocean sport and commercial salmon seasons are both closed this year, we did manage to come away with a pretty good rockfish season and a Pacific halibut season similar to last year. And both will open next Wednesday, May 1.

Pacific halibut
The Pacific halibut season will be open until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The 2024 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 38,220 pounds — with 500 pounds set aside for the area south of Point Arena. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will monitor catches of Pacific halibut during the season and provide catch projection updates on its Pacific halibut webpage.

The fishery will be open seven days a week, and the limit remains at one with no size restrictions. When angling, no more than one line with two hooks attached may be used. A harpoon, gaff or net may be used to assist in taking a Pacific halibut that has been legally caught by angling. Pacific halibut regulations can be found here.

Rockfish
The inshore boat-based rockfish season in the Northern Management Area, which runs from the California-Oregon border to the 40°10′ North latitude (near Cape Mendocino), will run through Sept. 30, inshore only. Take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line.

From Oct. 1 to 31 and Dec. 1 to 31, the season will be open for offshore only fishery where take is prohibited shoreward of 50 fathoms (300) feet. From Nov. 1 through Nov. 30, rockfish will be open again to an inshore fishery only. In the Mendocino Management Area, which includes Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg, all the seasons are the same as the Northern Management Area. The only change is the daily bag limit is two vermilion rockfish per person.

Regulation changes for 2024
Changes to the sub-bag limits within the 10-fish daily Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenling (RCG) complex bag and possession limit include a new statewide ban on possession of quillback rockfish. Also new in 2024 is the mandatory possession of descending devices . No person shall take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without having a descending device in possession and available for immediate use to assist in releasing rockfish to the depth of capture.

Daily bag limit
In the Northern Management Area, the RCG complex includes all species of rockfishes, Cabezon and Greenlings. You are allowed 10 fish in combination per person EXCEPT:

A sub-bag limit for copper rockfish of one fish
A sub-bag limit for vermilion rockfish of four fish

Minimum size for Cabezon is 15 inches total length and for Kelp and/or rock greenlings it’s 12 inches.

The daily bag limit of lingcod remains at two per person and they must be 22 inches in length. The take and possession of cowcod, bronzespotted rockfish and yelloweye rockfish is prohibited statewide. Petrale sole and starry flounder can be retained year-round at all depths with no size limit.

Important reminder:
In waters where groundfish species or species groups are closed to take or possession but authorized for take or possession in other areas, those species or species groups may be possessed aboard a vessel that is anchored, drifting, or transiting in or through that closed area. While anchored, drifting, or transiting through an area closed to take or possession of these groundfish species or species groups, no gear may be deployed other than for the take of crustaceans with hoop nets, Dungeness crab traps, and dip nets.

For more information about recreational groundfish regulations within the Northern Management Area, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/GroundfishSummary#north

Humboldt Bay tide
Wednesday May 1: High: 5:44 a.m. (6.3 feet), Low: 12:55 a.m. (-0.3 feet) and High 8:20 p.m. (5.3 feet)

Weekend marine forecast
As of Thursday afternoon, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at nine seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the west 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at nine seconds and west 3 feet at 14 seconds. Sunday, winds will be 5 to 10 knots out of the northwest with northwest waves 6 feet at 12 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.

Upcoming kids fishing derbies
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 18, 2023, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 50th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

The Rivers
Main Stem Eel
The main stem is still high, but the color is a glacial green. As of Thursday, flows were 6,900 cfs at Scotia and predicted to drop more quickly into next week. It should be down to a fishable height, under 5,000 cfs, by mid next week. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used through Sept. 30.

Smith
The Smith River from its mouth to the confluence of the Middle and South Forks; Middle Fork Smith River from mouth to Patrick Creek; South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craigs Creek to Jones Creek, will close after Tuesday, April 30.

Lower Rogue
“Springer fishing has been hit-and-miss on the lower Rogue, as wild and hatchery kings continue to enter the river, but catch rates have dropped from the steady action in early April,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Conditions remain good, and a shot of rain this week could give action a boost.”

Brookings ocean update
Lingcod and rockfish action continues to be very good out of Brookings on calm weather days reports Martin. “Nice ocean conditions are expected this weekend. Pacific halibut opens May 1. Charters have been encountering salmon during bottom fish trips, and commercial boats working the opener out of Coos Bay and Winchester Bay reported big numbers of kings with a 16-pound averaged for gilled-and-gutted fish. Salmon season opens May 16 out of Brookings.”

Springtime Brings Fresh Set of Angling Opportunities

Photos like this will be much more prevalent in the weeks to come as spring arrives on the coast. Pictured is Fortuna resident Issac Thompson with a nice lingcod landed on a recent trip to the Humboldt jetty. Rock fishing is open year-round to shore-based anglers and divers. Photo courtesy of Issac Thompson

Spring, along with the accompanying nice weather, has arrived. And with it, comes a new set of angling opportunities. As the number of storms begin to decrease, we’ll begin to see some much-improved ocean conditions. With that, anglers will head to the jetties and beaches in search of rockfish and redtail perch. The California halibut fishery will also begin to take off, especially once the influx of freshwater into Humboldt Bay subsides. The same can be said for those in search of Dungeness crab in the bay. The lagoons, including Big, Stone and Freshwater, will also come into play. Both Big and Stone lagoons broke open numerous times this winter and should be full of trout and steelhead. Spring is also the time for salmon. The lower Rogue is one of the best fisheries on the coast for springers, and it’s been kicking out some large kings for weeks. The Klamath River’s spring-run fisheries fate will be decided in the next couple of weeks by the California Fish and Game Commission. And let’s not forget the nearshore rockfish and Pacific halibut seasons, both kicking off May 1. It’s been a very wet and long winter, but plenty of spring angling options are right around the corner.

Weekend marine forecast
Friday’s ocean forecast is looking plenty fishable, but winds will begin to increase through the weekend. As of Thursday afternoon, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the northwest up to 5 knots with northwest waves 4 feet at eight seconds and southwest 2 feet at 16 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the northwest 10 to 20 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at eight seconds and southwest 2 feet at 16 seconds. Sunday, winds will be 10 to 20 knots out of the north with northwest waves 10 feet at 12 seconds and southwest 2 feet at 17 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.

Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor Classes April 19-20
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) is conducting a Fishing Vessel Drill Conductor class in Eureka, CA. This course is offered at a reduced cost to commercial fishermen thanks to support from NIOSH, the U.S. Coast Guard, and AMSEA members. Classes will be held April 16-17, 2024 at the Humboldt Fishermen’s Marketing Association, # 2 Commercial St. Eureka, CA 95501. Hours are: 7:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 16th, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. April 17th. Cost is free for Commercial Fishermen, $225 for all others. The class will cover these topics: cold-water survival skills, EPIRBs, signal flares, and MAYDAY calls, man overboard recovery, firefighting, flooding & damage control, dewatering pumps, immersion suits and PFDs, abandon ship procedures, helicopter rescue, life rafts, emergency procedures drills, and in-the-water skills practice. This course meets the US Coast Guard training requirements for drill conductors on commercial fishing vessels, 46 CFR 28.270(c). Register online at www.amsea.org or call (907) 747-3287.

Increased flows down the Trinity begin April 16
The April B-120 water year determination has been posted as “wet” with predicted inflow of 1,610,000 acre-feet into Trinity and Lewiston Reservoirs. A wet year requires 701,000 acre-feet to be released to the river for restoration purposes, out of an estimated inflow between 1,350 and 1,999 million acre-feet. This year’s recommended flows are scheduled to begin April 16, 2024. Flows will peak at 8,500 cubic feet per second on April 24 with a slow descend to maximize riparian habitat and vegetation objectives.

Visitors near or on the river can expect river levels to increase during the flow releases and should take appropriate safety precautions.

Landowners are advised to clear personal items from the floodplain prior to the releases. An up-to-date daily schedule of flow releases is available at the program’s website www.trrp.net/restoration/flows/current/. The public may subscribe to automated notifications of Trinity River release changes (via phone or email) at www.trrp.net/restoration/flows/flow-release-notifications/

Upcoming kids fishing derbies

On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 18, 2023, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 50th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

The Rivers:
Reminder: The South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco all closed to fishing March 31.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is dropping into shape. As of Thursday, it was running at 7,800 cubic feet per second at the Scotia gauge and should be down to 6,000 cfs by mid next week. It will need to get down close to 5,000 cfs before it’s fishable. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

Smith River
The Smith is low and clear at 7.4 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday, and dropping. Fishing pressure has been light and not a lot of reports of fish being caught. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Lower Rogue
According to Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing, spring salmon are being caught in good numbers on the lower Rogue, but there are lots of boats and hit-and-miss action. “Schools are entering the river daily, with plenty of hatchery springers,” said Martin. “The second half of April is generally peak season. Anchovies and spinner blades are working best.

Brookings ocean update
“Lingcod and rockfish action has been good out of Brookings on calm weather days, and this weekend looks especially nice, with light winds and swells down to 2 feet on Friday and Saturday,” said Martin. “The best fishing has been from Bird Island north. Surfperch action also has been very good.”

CA’s Ocean Salmon Season Shut Down – Again

The Pacific Fishery Management Council officially pulled the plug on California’s ocean salmon season April 10. Pictured is Calvin Wagner of Boulder City, Nevada who landed a nice king while fishing out of Shelter Cove back in 2022. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell/Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

At the March Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting, the Council voted on and approved three alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries along the California coast for 2024. Alternatives one and two lay out severely abbreviated seasons with strict harvest limits for commercial and recreational salmon fishing. Alternative three, if selected, would shut down the salmon season for the second straight year. After reviewing and commenting publicly on the options, sport anglers had some hope of a salmon season, albeit a short one.

That hope was quickly dashed. After pouring over the data and models at the current PFMC meeting being help in Seattle, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Director Chuck Bonham did the right thing and recommended the Council via a signed letter to close ocean salmon fisheries on the California coast to minimize impacts to Sacramento and Klamath origin Chinook salmon stocks.

Without any fishing in ocean fisheries South of Cape Falcon or inland in the Central Valley, returns of Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon are projected to be 213,600, which is slightly above the 2024 conservation objective and guidance provided by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) of 180,000 salmon. However, this is still well below the historic average.

Still to be determined: The fate of the inland Central Valley fall Chinook fishery and the Klamath River fall and spring-run Chinook seasons. At the April 17-18 California Fish and Game Commission meeting, season proposals will be heard from California Fish and Wildlife staff. These proposals will be decided upon at the May 15 California Fish and Game Commission meeting.

Marine forecast
Ocean conditions are looking good for Friday, but winds will pick up through the weekend. Friday is calling for north winds 5 to 10 knots and northwest waves 4 feet at 11 seconds. Saturday is calling for winds out of the north 10 to 20 knots with north waves 9 feet at seven seconds. Sunday is looking a little worse with winds out of the north 10 to 20 knots and waves north 6 feet at seven seconds. Conditions can and will change prior to 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.

Upcoming events

Shelter Cove crab feed coming Saturday
Shelter Cove Fishing Preservation will be holding its Fourth annual crab feed fundraiser dinner and silent auction Saturday, April 13 at the Community Center/Club House in Shelter Cove. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at the launch office. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/scfpinc.

“Wet” year designation for Trinity River
The April B-120 water year determination has been posted as “wet” with predicted inflow of 1,610,000 acre-feet into Trinity and Lewiston Reservoirs. A wet year requires 701,000 acre-feet to be released to the river for restoration purposes, out of an estimated inflow between 1,350 and 1,999 million acre-feet. This year’s recommended flows are scheduled to begin April 16, 2024. Flows will peak at 8,500 cubic feet per second on April 24 with a slow descend to maximize riparian habitat and vegetation objectives.
Visitors near or on the river can expect river levels to increase during the flow releases and should take appropriate safety precautions.
Landowners are advised to clear personal items from the floodplain prior to the releases. An up-to-date daily schedule of flow releases is available at the program’s website www.trrp.net/restoration/flows/current/. The public may subscribe to automated notifications of Trinity River release changes (via phone or email) at www.trrp.net/restoration/flows/flow-release-notifications/

The Rivers:
Reminder: The South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco all closed to fishing March 31.

Eel (main stem)
The main stem Eel is still big, but the color is coming around. It’s on a slow decent, but snowmelt is keeping it on the high side. Rain starting Friday will keep flows right around 7,000 cfs on the Scotia gauge through the weekend and likely into next week. It will need probably about 10 days of dry weather before it drops to a fishable level. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Smith River
The Smith is currently running low and clear, with flows right around 2,900 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge as of Wednesday. It will continue to drop slowly through the weekend as the light rain in the forecast isn’t expected to increase flows. Fishing pressure continues to be light. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Lower Rogue
“Spring salmon fishing was fair on the lower Rogue River this week, as a mix of hatchery and wild kings move in from the ocean,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Big tides this week could giving fishing a boost, as river conditions are prime. The springer run is off to a better-than-average start, with a large percentage of hatchery fish.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the ocean salmon season out of Brookings will run May 16-Aug. 31. “Halibut season opens May 1. Lingcod and rockfish action has been good on calm weather days out of Brookings. Surfperch fishing is excellent at Lone Ranch and Chetco Point.”

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

Deep Water Rockfish Season Open as of April 1

Ten-year-old Calvin Purcell from Charlottesville, VA landed a nice ling cod as well as a canary rockfish while fishing out of Eureka with Captain Marc Schmidt, right, aboard the Scrimshaw. The deep water rockfish season opened Monday statewide. Photo courtesy of Marc Schmidt/Coastline Charters.

The statewide rockfish season opened April 1, but you’d be hard-pressed to find any type of announcement. Because the month of April is only open beyond the 50-fathom line, this falls under federal jurisdiction. Hence, the only notification that went to the public came from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). And if you’re not signed up to receive email notifications or you don’t routinely check their website, you’re likely in the dark like most anglers. How it went down: Early Monday morning NOAA, along with National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) sent out an email announcing an in-season adjustment to manage commercial and recreational groundfish fisheries. The intent of this action is to allow fishing vessels to access more abundant groundfish stocks while protecting rebuilding stocks like Quillback rockfish. This action went into effect April 1, 2024.

Along these same federal lines, NOAA and NMFS took emergency action, modifying a continuous transit requirement for CA recreational vessels. This modification will temporarily allow recreational vessels to anchor overnight and/or stop to fish for non-groundfish species inside the seasonal Recreational Rockfish Conservation Area off the coast of California, also known as the 50-fathom (91-meter) offshore fishery. This emergency measure allows boats to travel through state waters with rockfish on board and will prevent the possible cancellation of thousands of recreational fishing trips during the 2024 recreational fishing season off California.

What all this federal jargon means is it’s time to go fishing. In Northern Management Area, which runs from the California-Oregon border to Cape Mendocino (40°10′ N. latitude), the season is open for an ‘offshore only fishery’ through April 30. Fishing for groundfish will only be allowed seaward of the 50-fathom boundary line, and only shelf rockfish, slope rockfish and lingcod may be retained. Take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited during the offshore fishery.

The state-run nearshore fishery is expected to open May 1 and run through Sept. 30.

Marine forecast
Offshore ocean conditions aren’t looking great for Friday, but the weekend looks a little better. Friday is calling for northwest winds 10 to 20 knots and northwest waves 14 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday is calling for winds out of the south 10 to 15 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at nine seconds and northwest 3 feet at 17 seconds. The wind will decrease slightly Sunday, coming out of the north 5 to 15 knots. Waves will be from the northwest 4 feet at five seconds and northwest 7 feet at 14 seconds. 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.

Upcoming events
Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake April 6
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday April 6th 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 6 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.

PFMC meeting in April regarding salmon season alternatives
At their April 6-11 meeting in Seattle, the Council will adopt final regulatory measures for analysis by the Salmon Technical Team (STT). Final adoption of recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service will also occur and is tentatively scheduled for April 11. Preseason Report III: Council-Adopted Management Measures and Environmental Assessment Part 3 for 2024 Ocean Salmon Fishery Regulations will be available online in late April at www.pcouncil.org. Public written comments can be made on the PFMC e-portal for Agenda Items E2 and E6 regarding the Salmon Season Alternatives (1, 2, or 3-closure) at https://pfmc.psmfc.org/Meeting/Details/3041

Shelter Cove crab feed coming April 13
Shelter Cove Fishing Preservation will be holding its Fourth annual crab feed fundraiser dinner and silent auction Saturday, April 13 at the Community Center/Club House in Shelter Cove. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased at the launch office. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/scfpinc.

The Rivers:
Reminder: The South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek and the Chetco all closed to fishing March 31.

Eel (main stem)
The main stem Eel is back on a slow decent after a small rise early Thursday morning. Flows were around 13,000 cubic feet per second on the Scotia gauge and dropping. Needless to say, it remains high and off color. It will need up to 10 days of dry weather before it drops to a fishable level. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Smith River
Last week’s storm pushed the Smith up and over 13 feet on the Jed Smith gauge. It was back in prime condition by Monday and should remain that way through the weekend. The latest rise should flush some of the last spawned-out steelhead downriver and could bring in a few fresh ones. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Southern Oregon rivers
“The Chetco closed for the season on Sunday, bringing to an end a steelhead run that was plagued with high water and non-stop rain,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The run was large on the Chetco, with good spawning escapement, but slower-than-normal fishing because the river was blown out more than it was fishable. Attention now shifts fully to the Rogue, where spring salmon season is off to a great start. Plenty of hatchery springers and lots of wild salmon are showing in the catch. Conditions should be prime this weekend for boaters anchoring and fishing anchovies with spinner blades.”

Brookings ocean update
Lingcod and rockfish action is good out of Brookings when the weather cooperates reports Martin. “Lingcod are in shallow water spawning. Surfperch action has been excellent at the north jetty, Chetco Point and Lone Ranch. Pacific halibut season opens May 1. The ocean salmon season is expected run late May through August out of Brookings, with a two-fish daily limit for kings or hatchery coho. Final season dates will be approved at this weekend’s PFMC meeting in Seattle.

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

2024 Rockfish Regulations Adopted by CFGC

Lester Phelps of Fortuna landed this nice vermilion rockfish while fishing near Cape Mendocino a few seasons back. The rockfish season on the North Coast is expected to open in early April. Photo courtesy of Tim Klassen/Reel Steel Sport Fishing

The California Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved changes to the 2024 groundfish season opening dates, fishing depths and bag limits in a press release issued Wednesday. The 2024 groundfish seasons are expected to be reviewed and approved by the Office of Administrative Law and take effect in state waters in early April. The Commission and California Department of Fish and Wildlife staff have worked diligently to expedite the adoption of state regulations to allow boat-based anglers to get on the water beginning in April. Until the 2024 regulations are approved, the 2023 regulations remain in effect.

Once the regulations become effective, CDFW’s Summary of Recreational Groundfish Fishing Regulations web page will be updated with 2024 regulations. Before fishing, anglers should refer to this web page for the season openings and other regulatory information.

Press release from CDFW:

In 2023, most groundfish seasons offshore of California were cut due to exceeding federal catch limits on quillback rockfish, a now federally-declared overfished species. The new changes provide additional fishing opportunities compared to 2023, but come with new requirements that anglers need to be aware of. The new regulations are anticipated to be effective in early April.

The measures adopted by the Commission will work in combination with regulations for federal waters and serve to largely avoid quillback rockfish in their primary depth range between 20 fathoms (120 feet) and 50 fathoms (300 feet) off the coast of northern and central California. One key element of the new regulations is the availability of new waypoints that define a 20-fathom boundary line, which allows fishing to occur only shoreward of this line. Within several groundfish management areas (GMAs), a 20-fathom or 50-fathom ‘Inshore Fishery’ will take place during the 2024 season, allowing opportunities to retain nearshore, shelf and slope rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and greenling.

Alternatively, during months when there is an ‘offshore only fishery’, fishing for groundfish will only be allowed seaward of the 50-fathom boundary line, and only shelf rockfish, slope rockfish and lingcod may be retained. Take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited during the offshore fishery.

Divers and shore-based anglers will continue to be exempt from boat-based season restrictions affecting rockfish and other federally managed groundfish, which allows for year-round diving and shore-based angling, in line with current regulations.

The Commission also approved a requirement that a descending device be carried aboard and available for immediate use on any vessel taking or possessing any species of federal groundfish. Descending devices are used to send fish back to the depth from which they were taken resulting in considerably higher survival rates for rockfish suffering barotrauma compared to being released at the water’s surface. Members of the public, along with representatives of recreational fishing organizations, have recently advocated for a descending device requirement in order to improve survivorship of released fish.

Another key element of the new regulations is the division of the central GMA at 36º N. latitude (near Point Lopez). This split provides opportunities to anglers in areas south of 36º N. latitude which historically have little to no catch of quillback rockfish.

To protect vermilion rockfish, another species for which catches have exceeded allowable federal harvest limits in recent years, the sub-limit will be reduced to two fish within the Rockfish, Cabezon and Greenling complex 10-fish limit, in the Mendocino, San Francisco, central and southern GMAs. The vermilion rockfish 4-fish sub-limit will remain for the northern GMA.

All recreational GMAs in California are scheduled for six months of all-depth or inshore fishing opportunity in 2024. A summary of the 2024 seasons for each GMA approved by the Commission is provided below.

Northern, Mendocino, San Francisco and Central GMA North of 36º N. Latitude:
- Jan. 1- Mar. 31: Closed
- Apr. 1 – Apr. 30: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery
- May 1 – Sept. 30: 20 fathoms inshore fishery
- Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery
- Nov. 1 – Nov. 30: 20 fathoms inshore only fishery
- Dec. 1 – Dec. 31: 50 fathoms offshore only fishery

More information can be found here.

Englund Marine saltwater seminar coming March 30
This Saturday March 30, Eureka’s Englund Marine and HASA will host a saltwater seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Englund Marine store located at 590 W. Waterfront Dr. Guest speakers include Charles Loos, who will speak on bar crossing basics. Travis Chambers of Time and Tide Marine will speak on engine maintenance. Tim Klassen will talk about anchor fishing for Pacific halibut in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Del Stephens is back in Humboldt and will explain deep-water lingcod, Albacore and Bluefin tuna techniques. Raffles will be held in between speakers. For more information, visit https://www.englundmarine.com/pages/seminars.html.

Steelhead rivers openings/closures
After Sunday, March 31, the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek, Mattole and Chetco rivers will all be closed to fishing. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year.

From the mouth to Fulmor Road, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Friday, May 24, 2024. Only barbless hooks may be used from May 25 through Mar. 31, 2025.

From Fulmor Road to the South Fork, it’s open all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Only barbless hooks may be used from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31, 2025.

The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South forks.

The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek.

The South Fork is open through April as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek. Only barbless hooks may be used from Sept. 1 through Apr. 30. The bag limit remains the same at two hatchery steelhead per day.

Sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers are open to fishing but are subject to in-season changes. For more information, visit nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=209090&inline.

Eel River steelhead returns
For the week ending March 17, a total of 15 adult steelhead (female 7, male 5, unknown 3) were observed migrating upstream through the VAFS fishway according to Andrew Anderson, an Aquatic Biologist with PG&E. This brings the season total to date for adult upstream migrating adult steelhead to 191 (female 90, male 70, unknown 31) and 33 subadults for a total of 224. This count doesn’t reflect the entire population; it only includes the fish who travel over 150 miles to make it to the fish ladder at Cape Horn Dam. Many salmonids spawn in tributaries downstream. For more information, visit www.eelriver.org/the-eel-river/fish-count/.

The Rivers:
Mad, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Redwood Creek
All have just peaked and are dropping, but won’t be in fishable shape prior to the season closing after Sunday, March 31.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is high and dirty and back on the rise. It’s predicted to reach 37,700 cubic feet per second Thursday evening. It will take at least a couple weeks of dry weather to drop it back into fishable shape. It starts to fish once it drops to right around 5,000 cfs.

Smith
The Smith will be blown out for a couple days but should be back into fishable shape by the weekend. Flows should be right around 8,750 cfs (10.9 feet) at the Jed Smith gauge Saturday morning.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead season is coming to a close on the Chetco with high water, something anglers were forced to deal with since January reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The river was closing in on 4,000 cfs Tuesday evening, but expected to blow out again with rain mid-week,” said Martin. “Steelhead fishing closes March 31. Most Southern Oregon anglers have switched gears to springer fishing on the Rogue, where fishing is off to a good start. Guides averaged a fish or two a boat last week, but catches dropped the first part of this week because of high flows. Expect good conditions this weekend. Anchoring with anchovies and spinner blades is the best bet.”

Guide Rye Phillips of Brookings Fishing Charters holds a hatchery steelhead from mid-March on the Chetco River.

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, lingcod and rockfish action has been good out of Brookings. Stormy weather is expected Wednesday through Friday, and winds could make fishing tough this weekend. A few salmon are being caught by bottom fish anglers, a good sign for later this summer. Ocean salmon seasons will be finalized in early April, but a late-May through August chinook season is expected out of Brookings.

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

A Rainy End to the Steelhead Season

Eureka resident Yvette Faust landed a nice winter steelhead earlier this week while fishing the Chetco River. Photo courtesy of Alan’s Guide Service

As if we haven’t had enough rain this winter, another potent storm is about to take aim at the North Coast. From the South Fork Eel north to the Smith, we’re looking at anywhere from 2 to 3 inches of rain combined with snowmelt to impact the rivers. All of the rivers will see a substantial rise in flows, turning green water to brown. With the final week of the season right around the corner, and more rain on tap next week, it’s likely the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole and Redwood Creek, won’t recover prior to closing. The Smith will remain open through April, and the main stem Eel is open year-round. It would be nice to get a few more days on the river, but I’m not holding my breath.

While these extremely wet winters may not bring much joy to steelhead anglers, but they’re a blessing for the fish. The extra water will go a long way in helping the steelhead reach their spawning grounds and also provide a helping hand for the juvenile salmonids as they begin their journey down to the saltwater.

PFMC to hold public hearing on salmon season alternatives
A public hearing will be held in Santa Rosa, CA on Monday, March 25. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive comments on the proposed management alternatives in preparation for adopting final salmon management recommendations at the April 2024 Council meeting. A summary of verbal comments heard at the hearings will be provided to the Pacific Council at its April meeting. This public hearing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriot in the Sonoma Room, 175 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

Details on how to attend the public hearing and PFMC meeting, as well as instructions to provide public comment, can be found at www.pcouncil.org

Englund Marine saltwater seminar coming March 30
On Saturday March 30, Eureka’s Englund Marine and HASA will host a saltwater seminar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Englund Marine store located at 590 W. Waterfront Dr. Guest speakers include Charles Loos, who will speak on bar crossing basics. Travis Chambers of Time and Tide Marine will speak on engine maintenance. Tim Klassen will talk about anchor fishing for Pacific halibut in Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Del Stephens is back in Humboldt and will explain deepwater lingcod, Albacore and Bluefin tuna techniques. Raffles will be held in between speakers. For more information, visit https://www.englundmarine.com/pages/seminars.html.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad is still a little high and off-color, which won’t change anytime soon. With the steelhead season closing after March 31, it’s unlikely it will be anything close to green, especially with Ruth Lake spilling dirty water.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is still high and just starting to turn olive green, running at 12,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday. But that’s about to change as it’s predicted to peak at 33,600 cfs Sunday morning following rain on Friday and Saturday. If we see an extended dry period lasting around 10 days, it could come around into fishable shape. But that doesn’t appear to be the case as rain is back in the forecast for mid next week. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork has been fishable since the weekend, and has been in great shape the last couple days. Scores however, haven’t been good. Most boats have reported skunks or maybe hooking into one or two fish per day. But with the rain coming, Thursday looks like it will be the last fishable day of the season. Flows are predicted to jump over 7,000 cfs at Miranda by Sunday morning and additional rain is forecast for mid next week.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is still a little on the high side, but the color was coming around. All of that will be a moot point as it will blow out on Friday, likely putting an end to the season as it closes after March 31. Flows are predicted to peak at over 9,000 cfs at Bridgeville Friday night.

Smith
The Smith has been in great shape all week, running at just under 9.5 feet at Jed Smith gauge Thursday. The river is clearing, but the rain on the way should help. It’s predicted to peak at over 12.5 feet (13,100) cfs early Sunday morning and should be in prime shape next week. Reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have called it a season or moved to other rivers.

Southern Oregon rivers
“Steelhead fishing has been surprisingly good on the Chetco, with lots of downrunners and a few bright fish,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Local guides are getting four to eight steelhead a day, side-drifting roe and Corkies. Fish are spread throughout the river. The end of last week produced a good spring salmon bite in the Rogue, with most boats getting a hatchery fish on Thursday and Friday. Plunkers also caught springers with Spin-N-Glos. A few later steelhead also are being caught.”

Brookings ocean report
Lingcod and rockfish action has been very good out of Brookings, with limits for charter boats reports Martin. “A nice variety of blue, black and canary rockfish are being caught. Rough weather could side-line anglers this weekend. Surfperch fishing also has been good.”

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