Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

Steelhead Season Showing Small Signs of Life

The father and son team of Jeff and Brett Egbert landed a nice winter steelhead while drifting the Smith River Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Tyler Gillespie

The winter steelhead season on the North Coast is starting to show signs of life, albeit ever so slightly, on the rivers that have remained fishable. Over the last couple days, a few adult steelhead have been caught on the Smith, which up until then was only kicking out half-pounders. The Chetco is starting to see some fish show up as the plunkers are starting to catch a few in high water. A number of steelhead showed up earlier this week to the Mad River Hatchery and a few more trickled in Thursday. I get this doesn’t sound like the start we’re used to or hoping for, but considering where we were a week ago, I’d like to think the season is about to take off.

Weather ahead
The North Coast will see a decent amount of rainfall between Thursday and next Tuesday, and these will be much colder systems with low-level snowfall. “In the Smith basin, we’re expecting between 2 and 4 inches through Tuesday,” said Kathleen Zontos of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “Saturday alone could see up to 1.5 inches and possibly 2 inches in the Smith mountains. The Mad could also see around an inch Saturday, with the Eel basin seeing around three-quarters. A similar system is forecast for Monday evening through Tuesday, with the heaviest rainfall totals falling along the Smith. The Eel basin could see up to a half-inch between Monday night and Tuesday.”

CDFW looks for input on low-flow regulation change
In a press release sent out Wednesday, CDFW is inviting anglers to provide input on the proposed fishing regulation change that would affect how CDFW distributes low-flow information. CDFW is seeking to simplify and streamline access to low-flow information by transitioning the three low-flow phone lines to a CDFW webpage. This regulation will not impact where or when low-flow closures occur. The questionnaire will take approximately 3 to 5 minutes to complete. Questionnaire results will be used to 1) evaluate support and opposition to the regulation change, and 2) identify potential resources that may benefit constituents. The questionnaire is available until February 18 at 11:59 p.m. The questionnaire can be found at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-flow-Restrictions

The Rivers:
As of Thursday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Redwood Creek and Smith rivers. 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 at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad is forecast to drop between Thursday and Saturday afternoon before it goes back on the rise. It was off color as of Thursday, but conditions should get better each day. Over a half-inch of rain is forecast for Saturday, which will push flows above 10 feet (3,700 cfs) by Sunday morning. A few steelhead are making their way to the hatchery.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel remains big and brown, with another small rise predicted for Saturday. It should be on the drop starting Sunday and could round into shape by next weekend. Flows were 14,500 cfs at Scotia and dropping as of Thursday.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork could be fishable Friday and Saturday, but water color could be an issue. It’s dropping quickly as of Thursday and will be down to a fishable 1,800 cfs Friday. Conditions look much better Saturday, but they will be short-lived. Rain is in the forecast and its likely to blow out by late Saturday. It should be back to fishable shape by early next week.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is high and muddy, but dropping. It won’t be fishable before the next storm hits on Saturday, which will bump flows up to 2,700 cfs. If next week is fairly dry, it could drop in to shape by next weekend.

Smith
The Smith is the only river that’s remained in fishable shape through this week’s storms. As of Thursday, it was holding at just over 8.5 feet (4,000 cfs) at the Jed Smith gauge. With over an inch of rain predicted for Saturday, it will be on the rise most of the day. Good conditions should return for Sunday and Monday before the next storm arrives. Fishing has been tough with just a handful of steelhead caught this week. Fishing should begin to improve in the next week or so.

Southern Oregon rivers
“A few steelhead are being caught by plunkers on the lower Chetco, but overall action has been slow,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Rough ocean conditions and big swells prevented steelhead from passing the bar separating the river and ocean last week. Despite good conditions early this week, fishing remained slow, although the best steelhead action on the Chetco is mid-January through February. Steelhead also is slow on the Elk and Sixes, while a few adult steelhead are being caught by plunkers and anchored boats on the lower Rogue. Rains could have the Chetco blown out this weekend.”

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

Wet Weekend Should Bring the Steelhead

Jenny Jochum of Klamath Falls landed her first steelhead last week while fishing the Chetco River with guide Steve Huber. Photo courtesy of Steve Huber’s Guide Service

The transition to winter steelhead season is taking a bit longer than we had hoped. To date, though it’s still early, steelhead fishing has been slow on popular rivers like the Smith, Mad and Eel. But that will likely change soon.

Over the next few days, all the coastal rivers will see at least a couple inches of rain, along with a couple decent bump in flows. Once the rivers come around and drop back into fishable heights and color, we should start to see some better numbers of adult steelhead. The Smith is forecast to receive a couple river rises prior to the weekend but should remain in fishable shape. The Chetco could be slightly off color through the weekend but should be in prime shape by the first of next week. The other coast rivers will be a few days behind but could fish by mid-next week. The main Eel will be the last to come around and will need a solid week of dry weather once it crests on Saturday.

Weather ahead
The North Coast can expect mostly dry conditions Thursday before the rain returns Friday according to Merl Heinlein of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “In the Smith basin, we could see 1.5 to 2 inches between Friday and Saturday,” said Heinlein. We should see similar totals in the Eel River basin. We’ll begin to dry out Sunday and it should remain dry through Tuesday morning before rain returns Tuesday evening. The 6 to 10 day outlook is showing slightly above normal precipitation amounts.”

2024 fishing license
California anglers are now able to purchase a 2024 fishing license that will take effect Jan. 1. If you purchase after Jan. 1, the license will be effective from the date of purchase for a continuous 365 days. Licenses are required for residents 16 years of age or older to take fish, mollusks, crustaceans, invertebrates, amphibians, or reptiles in inland or ocean waters. The cost of a new resident sport fishing license is $61.82. A North Coast salmon report card will run you $8.64, and a steelhead report card will cost $9.72 in 2024. To purchase a fishing license, visit ca.wildlifelicense.com/internetsales. At checkout there is an additional option to enroll in auto-renewal for fishing licenses, which allows anglers to automatically purchase and receive their new license when their current one expires. For more info, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing.
Reduced-fee sport fishing licenses available
Reduced-cost fishing licenses are available in 2024 for $9.98 at CDFW offices (instead of $61.82) for disabled military veterans and recovering service members. For those 65 or older on reduced income, licenses are available for $9.53. For more information on all CA fishing licenses, visit wildlife.ca.gov/licensing/fishing#44521417-free–reduced-fee

Rockfish season to close Dec. 31 in the Mendo Management Area
The 2023 deepwater rockfish season in the Mendocino Management area, which runs from 40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino) to Point Arena, will close for boat-based anglers after Saturday, Dec. 31. The nearshore season closed Aug. 31. In the Northern Management area, which runs from the California-Oregon border to Cape Mendocino (40°10′ N. latitude), the near shore season closed as of Aug. 20 and the deepwater fishery closed Oct. 16. In both management areas, rockfish is open year-round for divers and shore-based anglers.

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

Mad
The Mad didn’t get much of a rise following the storm on Wednesday, though more rain is on the way that will blow it out. It’s predicted to reach 12 feet (6,170 cfs) by Saturday morning. Will be off color through mid-week. There are a few adults starting to show up and fishing should get good any time.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel was fishable through Wednesday, but it’s starting to color up from the rain. It will blow out starting Thursday and will reach nearly 32,000 cfs by Saturday evening. Depending on how much rain falls next week, it could fish towards the end of next week. To date, fishing has been slow with mostly half-pounders around. Expect that to change within the next week.

South Fork Eel
A few boats took advantage of the conditions earlier in the week and reportedly there were a few adults caught. There continues to be plenty of half-pounders around. With a couple inches of rain forecast through Saturday, the river will blow out late Friday and hit 8,700 cfs by Saturday morning. Dry conditions could have it back to fishable levels by mid-week.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen colored up following Wednesday’s rain but flows only reached 1,200 cfs. It’s predicted to drop through Thursday and is forecast for a bigger rise Friday. Flows are predicted to peak at 5,500 cfs Saturday morning. Could drop into fishable shape late next week if it remains dry.

Smith
The Smith came up very little following Wednesday’s storm and is in great shape. The next rise, which is forecast to be much larger, should begin Friday evening and it’s projected to peak early Saturday morning at 10.6 feet (7,950 cfs) on the Jed Smith gauge. Saturday’s fishing conditions should be decent with the river starting to drop in the afternoon. It will need rain by early next week.

Southern Oregon
Steelhead are being caught throughout Southern Oregon, where anglers are dealing with rain and rapidly changing river conditions reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The Chetco remained fishable Christmas weekend, but is rising again after heavy rain Tuesday night,” said Martin. “Forecasts indicate it should be in good shape the first week of January, when the peak season for winter steelhead begins. Plunkers are catching fish on Spin-N-Glos in the lower river, while drift boaters are picking up a few fish further upriver. Steelhead also have been caught on the lower Rogue, where boats anchor and fish MagLip plugs. The Elk and Sixes also are kicking out steelhead, and there have been some decent catches on the Umpqua system, from Scottsburg to Roseburg. Conditions should be good throughout the region after a series of storms between now and New Year’s Day.”

Window of Opportunity Ahead for Steelhead Anglers

Scott Rennie of Denver holds an adult steelhead caught last week while side-drifting roe and corkies with guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing.

If you’re looking to chase some winter steelhead between now and Christmas, you should have a few good options. Following a good amount of rain earlier in the week, all the North Coast rivers not named Smith and Chetco are brown and swollen. But with no rain forecast until next week and no snow in the hills, we should see some of these rivers quickly drop into fishing shape prior to the next round of storms that are forecast for Tuesday. The South Fork Eel and Mad rivers should be fishable by the sometime this weekend. The Van Duzen will likely be off color through the weekend, but could fish by Monday. The main Eel won’t come around quickly enough, and will be back on the rise by next week. The Smith was high, but fishable, Wednesday. The Chetco, after reaching 4,600 cfs Tuesday, was green as of Thursday. As the rivers drop down to fishable heights and color, we should see some decent numbers of winter steelhead making their way into the rivers.

Weather ahead
After some wet days that dropped a few inches of rain, the North Coast will begin to dry out through the weekend. According to Kathleen Zontos of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, there’s a chance for some very light rain in Del Norte on Friday, but after that we’ll remain dry until Tuesday. “We’re looking at the potential for an Atmospheric River developing for Tuesday and Wednesday of next week,” said Zontos. “One to three inches could fall in Northern Humboldt and the Smith Basin. We might see a short break on Thursday, but the rain is expected to return Friday and the weekend.”

The Rivers:
As of Thursday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Redwood Creek and Smith rivers. 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 is high and muddy after peaking at 10.8 feet Wednesday. It’s dropping quickly Thursday as flows were down to 2,500 cfs (9.0 ft.). It’s predicted to get down to 7.5 feet by Sunday and the color could come around by Sunday or Monday. For current river conditions, visit https://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/madStages.html

Main stem Eel
The main Eel hit 34,500 cfs Wednesday night at Scotia, but was dropping quickly Thursday. It’s predicted to dip below 5,000 cfs by Monday, but it probably won’t fish prior to the next round of storms. For current river conditions, visit https://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

South Fork Eel
After peaking at over 9,000 cfs Wednesday at Miranda, flows were already down to 3,400 cfs by Thursday morning. If it keeps dropping as predicted, it should be in good shape by Saturday. For current river conditions, visit https://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Van Duzen
Peaked at over 5,000 cfs Wednesday morning and was down to 1,500 cfs Thursday. It’s predicted to be at 750 cfs by Monday morning, so there could be a short window where it’s fishable. For current river conditions, visit https://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Smith
The quick-clearing Smith was fishable Wednesday, but still a little on the high side at just under 11 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. A few boats made the drift from the forks down, but the scores weren’t great. But there are reportedly some steelhead in the river. The river is dropping quickly and will be clear by the weekend, but will remain plenty fishable. The next rise is predicted to start early Tuesday morning. For current river conditions, visit https://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/smithStages.html

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
December rains have brought fishable numbers of steelhead into Southern Oregon coastal rivers according to Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Plunkers are doing best on the Chetco, with a fairly good bite Monday morning at the head of tide,” said Martin. “Last week, drift boaters caught a few adult steelhead side-drifting, with the best action on the lower river. The Elk and Sixes also have adult steelhead showing in the catch. Lots of half-pounders are being caught on the Upper Chetco, where salmon are still spawning. Conditions look good until Christmas Day, but all the rivers are likely to blow out between Christmas and New Year’s Day. Current river conditions can be found here.

Back to Crab Traps Starting Saturday

Beginning Saturday, Dungeness crab anglers along the North Coast will once again be able to use traps and pots. Photo courtesy of Mackgraphics Humboldt

In what has been a yo-yo of a season regulation-wise, CDFW will be lifting the temporary recreational crab trap restriction allowing Dungeness crab anglers to once again use traps and pots along the North Coast.

In a press release issued Dec. 7, CDFW has greenlighted the use of traps starting Saturday, Dec. 16 at 8:00 a.m. in the area between the California/Oregon state line and Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1). At that time, the use of recreational crab traps will be allowed in Fishing Zones 1, 2, 5, and 6. The presence of humpback whales and the potential for entanglement from recreational crab trap gear from the Sonoma/Mendocino County line to Lopez Point, Monterey County, (Fishing Zones 3 and 4) will keep those areas bound by the temporary crab trap restriction.

A reminder that sport crabbers in areas where traps are allowed must have a Recreational Crab Trap Validation. Validations are required even when under the age of 16, and when fishing from shore, pier, or other manmade structures. Validations are also required for passengers on party boats using crab traps to harvest crab.

The northern California commercial Dungeness crab season continues to be delayed statewide due to high numbers of humpback whales and a recent confirmed entanglement of a leatherback sea turtle. CDFW anticipates the next risk assessment will take place on or around Dec. 21, 2023. That risk assessment is expected to inform a potential commercial fishery opener and further modifications of the recreational trap restriction.

Weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service, “rain chances will return Saturday night into the first half of next week with widespread rain expected across Northwest California forecast Sunday through Tuesday. Currently the heaviest rain is forecast to fall Sunday through Monday night.” In the Smith basin and Humboldt, there’s roughly an 80 percent chance of an inch or more of rain falling through Monday night. The probability is much higher as you move south into Mendocino County.

Weekend ocean conditions/crabbing
Conditions look decent for the weekend, though we’ll start to see the winds come from the south. Saturday’s forecast is calling for southeast winds 5 to 10 knots and waves southeast three feet at 10 seconds and west seven feet at 13 seconds. Sunday looks a little worse with winds blowing 10 to 15 knots from the southeast. Waves will be southwest six feet at 11 seconds and northwest four feet at 12 seconds. The crabbing remains excellent off shore with boats scoring easy limits. South of the entrance from 100 out to 140 feet seems to be the sweet spot at the moment. Crabbing out of Trinidad has been good, boats and kayaks are reporting limits of Dungeness crab.

Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Jan. 15
The Mad River winter steelhead run is just around the corner and with it comes the annualNor-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.

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 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 15th, 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:

Scan the QR code posted on message boards and signage around the river or carried by CDFW creelers.
Visit: https://forms.office.com/g/jjWnw9t7Ss.
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.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures, except for the South Fork Eel, were open to fishing. This includes the main stem Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Redwood Creek and Smith rivers. 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 is just under 7 feet in Arcata and in good shape. There are a few adult steelhead being caught along with some half-pounders. Not red hot as of yet. A decent rise is expected to begin Monday morning which will color up the river for a few days. The hatchery water was turned on Wednesday. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=ARCC1

Main stem Eel
Flows are down to 1,200 cfs as of Thursday and the river is clearing. There are a few adults around as well as plenty of half-pounders. Flows are predicted to rise beginning Monday, which will likely turn the river off color. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=SCOC1

South Fork Eel
The South Fork closed to fishing as of Thursday, but this should only last a few days. Sunday’s storm will put the river back on the rise starting Monday, but it will likely be muddy for a few days. A few adult steelhead have been caught, and there’s quite a few Coho in the river. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=MRNC1

Van Duzen
Flows were down to 185 cfs Thursday morning, but it’s open to fishing. That could change by Friday. The next rise is predicted for Monday where flows are expected to reach 1,900 cfs. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=BRGC1

Smith River
The Smith was below 8 feet on the Jed Smith gauge Thursday morning after peaking at 15 feet last Friday. The river is low and clearing, and will remain that way through the weekend into Monday. Rain coming Monday, however, will put the river back on the rise. There should be some early steelhead around but the season typically gets going after Christmas. The first steelhead of the year was trapped at the Rowdy Creek Hatchery Sunday. https://www.cnrfc.noaa.gov/graphicalRVF.php?id=CREC1

Chetco
“After cresting at 20,000 cfs at the beginning of the month, the Chetco was down to 2,750 cfs on Tuesday, perfect for late-season salmon and early steelhead,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A handful of adult winter steelhead were caught over the weekend by plunkers, while fresh salmon are few and far between. Peak season for steelhead begins in January, but fishable numbers of steelhead are common in mid to late December.”

Elk/Sixes
According to Martin, salmon fishing was decent on the Elk and Sixes on Saturday, but stormy weather and rising flows made fishing slow on Sunday. Both rivers are in good shape for what could be the last productive week of salmon fishing this year.

Green Water Right Around the Corner

Brenton Smith of Ukiah with a nice Smith River winter steelhead from a previous trip. The Smith River should be in prime condition for the weekend. Photo courtesy of Alan’s Guide Service

After a very wet few days that turned most of the local streams muddy, green water isn’t too far down the road. The latest round of storms are forecast to break apart starting Thursday, and we should see some sun by Friday. And with that, the North Coast rivers will be on the drop and begin to transition from brown to green. The Smith, per usual, will be the first to drop into shape. By Saturday morning, conditions should be about perfect. The Chetco will likely be a few days behind it. The Humboldt rivers will probably take a little longer to clear, but they could be fishable by sometime this weekend. Or at least by the first part of next week. Most were peaking, or close to it, as of Thursday afternoon.

It’s still way early in the winter steelhead season but, if you’re jonesing to try your luck, there is green water to be had.

Weather ahead
After a very wet Wednesday, we’ll start to dry out starting Friday. “Thursday should bring scattered showers, where we could see a half to an inch of rain,” said James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “By Friday, we’ll begin to see some clearing. The weekend will bring some scattered showers, but nothing that will cause any of the rivers to rise. From there, we’re looking dry through at least Wednesday before we see another chance of precipitation. Right now, it’s not looking nearly as strong as this week’s systems.”

Weekend ocean conditions/crabbing
Offshore conditions are looking good for the weekend. Saturday’s forecast is calling for southeast winds 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at 11 seconds. Sunday’s forecast is calling for south winds 5 to 10 knots with west waves 8 feet at 13 seconds. Conditions next week are looking to be much improved. The crabbing had been good offshore prior to the latest rounds of storms rolling in. Crabbing out of Trinidad is also good when the kayaks and small boats can get out.

CDFW’s Dungeness crab Preliminary Assessment
According to the Dec. 4 preliminary assessment by CDFW’s marine region, they are recommending the CDFW Director to lift the temporary crab trap prohibition for the recreational fishery from California/Oregon state line to Cape Mendocino (Fishing Zone 1) and continuing the trap prohibition in Fishing Zones 3 and 4. Entanglement risk remains elevated in Zones 3 and 4 due to presence of whales and sea turtles. The Marine Region also recommends to continue to delay the commercial season opener in all Fishing Zones (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6). A final decision should be coming on or around December 8. More information can be found here.

The Rivers:
As of Thursday morning, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Redwood Creek and Smith rivers. 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 has one more rise forecasted for late Thursday evening, where it’s predicted to peak at 10.8 feet (3,900 cfs). After that it will be on a slow decent at least through mid-next week. We could see some green water by Wednesday.

Main stem Eel
Following Wednesday and Thursday’s rain, the main Eel will be on the rise through Friday and is currently muddy. It’s expected to crest at 5,000 cfs at Scotia and will be on the drop through Tuesday. Should be in fishable shape by early next week.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was on the rise as of Thursday, and predicted to peak at around 1,420 cfs early Friday morning. With dryer conditions starting Friday, it’s forecast to drop quickly. Flows will under 400 cfs by Sunday morning if the predictions are correct. Depending on how dirty the creeks are, it could fish by the weekend.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was muddy as of Thursday morning, and will likely remain that way for a few days. Flows are predicted to peak Thursday evening at right around 3,000 cfs. It will be on the drop starting Friday and could start to clear up early next week.

Smith River
The Smith was on the rise Thursday and bypassing projections. Flows were 16,600 cfs (13.85 feet) at noon Thursday. Depending on how high it goes, it could be fishable by the weekend. Next week’s conditions should be prime.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
“Heavy rains have blown out every Oregon river from the Winchuck to Columbia, with major flooding on the Tillamook and Coos rivers, and muddy conditions on the Chetco, Elk, Sixes and Rogue rivers,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The Chetco could be down to plunkable levels on Friday, and should be prime for side-drifting next week. The Chetco hit 13 feet, or 22,000 cfs, this week, with an overnight rise of 11 feet. It should be below 4,000 cfs next week, which is prime for steelhead. Expect a few late salmon on the Elk and Sixes, and early steelhead on the Chetco.”

Storms Should Kickoff Winter Steelhead Season

Malibu resident Seamus Steele holds a nice winter steelhead from last year on the South Fork Eel River. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast Guide Service

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.”

Sport Crab Trap Restrictions to Begin Sunday Evening

Hoop nets filled with Dungeness crabs are pulled aboard the *Reel Steel* last year out of Eureka. Beginning Sunday Nov. 26 at 6 p.m., sport crab anglers will again be restricted to hoops and nets. Photo courtesy of Mackgraphics Humboldt

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.

Chetco Gives up Big Numbers of Kings

Austin, left, along with his father Jerry Han of Kennewick, Wash., hold a king salmon caught last week on the Chetco River while fishing with guide Sam Stover of Wild Rivers Fishing. Photo courtesy of Wild Rivers Fishing

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:

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

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.

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 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:

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

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

Ocean Conditions Hinder Sport Crab Opener

Five-year-old Carson Moore of Weott holds a keeper Dungeness crab caught over the weekend at the mouth of the Eel River. Photo courtesy of Conan Moore

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.”

Troy Pastori with a nice bluefin tuna landed out of Shelter Cove last week while fishing aboard the Sea Hawk. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell, Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

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.