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As we move toward the last weekend of winter steelhead season on the coast, river conditions continue to be less than ideal. Not only for the anglers but for the adult steelhead and their soon-to-be offspring. As of Tuesday, only a few rivers remain open to fishing. The Smith and main stem Eel have been open all season, and will likely remain that way. The Mad has opened and closed a couple times lately along with the Van Duzen. The culprit has been and continues to be the lack of substantial rainfall. The season started out promising as the rain fell hard in early January. And the fishing was just as promising with all of the rivers full of steelhead. But since, it’s been two and a half months of mostly dry weather. Despite the low-water conditions, the fishing wasn’t half bad. I don’t have any numbers to back it up but it sure seemed like the number of steelhead returning this year was better than average. And how many more would have returned with additional water? It sure would’ve been nice to find out.

The weather ahead
Dry conditions are in the forecast through Saturday. Beginning Sunday into Monday. there is a chance for light rainfall amounts but nothing that would increase river flows or open rivers back up to fishing. The next chance for rain is Tuesday, but amounts are uncertain.

Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake April 2
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the 1st annual Roger Coleman Sr. Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday April 2nd at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. or Saturday morning between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 7 a.m. or at first safe light. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr. at 707-223-3858.

HASA Picnic coming April 9
The public is invited to the Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers’ Picnic and Gear Swap/Sell. The fundraising barbeque will be held April 9 at Pierson Park, McKinleyville from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost is $10 per person or $20 for a family up to four. HASA will provide burgers, hot dogs and non-alcoholic drinks and it will be pot luck on side dishes. Lunch will start at 3:30 p.m. HASA will provide tables but please bring your own chairs. There will be a few silent auction items, a door prize, and attendees are welcome to bring a table of spare fishing gear to sell or swap. Please RSVP to clderidder@hotmail.com by at least April 2 so food quantity can be determined. Please include your contact information so you can be notified of any changes.

Shelter Cove crab feed coming April 22
Gyppo Ale Mill on Friday April 22 is hosting a crab feed and silent auction for the Shelter Cove Fishing Preservation nonprofit organization. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and live music will be provided by the Breakers. Cost is $75 per person. For more information contact Jake Mitchell at 707-223-1600.

CPH looking for surfperch anglers/seiners
The Cal Poly Humboldt Department. of Fisheries Biology is looking to hire three students to help hook and line sample for surfperch at four Humboldt beaches from May to August, four days a month, four hours per day. Applicants need to have their own gear. The fisheries department is also looking to hire students to help seine Northern California beaches from June to early August. To apply for either of these jobs, send CV and cover letter to jose.MarinJarrin@Humboldt.edu by April 1. Or for more information, visit www.facebook.com/HumboldtFishBio.

River Closures
The South Fork Eel, Middle Fork Eel and Mattole all remain closed to fishing. On Tuesday, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen were added to the closed list.

The Rivers:
Mad River
According to Justin Kelly of RMI Outdoors, the fishing pressure has been light over the past week. “Some downers are being caught,” Kelly said. “There are also a few fresh fish still coming in.” As of Wednesday, flows were just above 200 cfs and it could close prior to the weekend.

Eel River (main stem)
After reaching nearly 2,000 cfs last Thursday, the main Eel has been steadily dropping. As of Wednesday, it was down to 1,180 cfs at Scotia. There hasn’t been much fishing pressure as the water is low and clear, and spots with current are getting fewer. There should be a few fish around, the majority of which will likely be downers.

Smith River
The Smith was flowing at just under 1,400 cfs at Jed Smith as of Wednesday. The water is extremely clear and low. Not much in the way of fishing pressure, but a few fish are being caught.

Southern Oregon rivers
There appear to be plenty of steelhead around on the Chetco to make a late-season drift worthwhile, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. He said, “Guides are getting two to six steelhead a day, with a mix of small adults fresh from the ocean, and downrunners headed back to the saltwater. The river is getting low and clear but is still driftable. The season closes March 31. Fish are spread throughout the river. Overall, the Chetco season has been above average, despite low water for much of February. The Elk and Sixes also close March 31, but low water will make fishing tough this week. Spring salmon fishing remains slow on the Rogue, but big tides this week could bring in bigger numbers of fish. So far, only a couple of springers have been reported. Steelhead fishing is slow on the lower Rogue, but improving near Grants Pass.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, lingcod fishing has been good out of Brookings when weather conditions cooperate. “Big swells early this week are keeping most boats closer to the harbor, but calmer weather is expected by the weekend. Herring fishing was wide open at the Port of Brookings last week, but is now slow. Surf smelt remain in the harbor,” said Martin.

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

Even though ocean abundance forecasts have increased over the prior year for both the Sacramento River and Klamath River Fall Chinook, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) is taking a precautionary approach to the 2022 ocean salmon seasons.

When the PFMC released its ocean sport salmon season options March 14, there was a mix of good and not so good news. If you fish in the Bay Area and Monterey regions, the news was good. Those zones will open up to fishing April 2 and will provide ample opportunity. The news for anglers to the north, especially off our coast within the CA Klamath Management Zone (KMZ), wasn’t quite as good due to the low abundance of Klamath River Fall Chinook. But we’ll get some decent time on the water, it’s just not during the peak month of June when the harvest rates of 4-year-old Klamath Chinook are historically the highest.

For the California KMZ, which runs from the Oregon-California border to latitude 40°10’ N and includes Humboldt County, the three alternatives currently on the table are:

Alternative 1: May 1-31; Aug. 1-Sept. 5

Alternative 2: May 1-31; July 1-4; Aug. 1–31

Alternative 3: July 1–24.

Open seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two salmon per day. Chinook minimum size limit of 20 inches total length. Size limit of 24 inches in alternative 3.

From latitude 40°10’ N to Point Arena, which includes Shelter Cove and Fort Bragg, the three alternatives are:

Alternative 1: May 1-31; July 1-Nov. 13

Alternative 2: May 1-July 4; July 22-Oct. 31

Alternative 3: May 1-Sept. 30

Open seven days per week. All salmon except coho, two salmon per day. Chinook minimum size limit of 20 inches total length. Size limit of 24 inches in alternative 3.

To view all of the salmon management alternatives, visit www.pcouncil.org/annual-salmon-management-process/#2022-2023.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 22, where the public is invited to comment on the PFMC’s proposals. Final season dates will be decided at the April 6-13 meeting in Seattle, Washington. 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

Klamath/Trinity fall salmon allocations
With ocean abundance on the rise, river anglers will have a few more Klamath/Trinity River fall Chinook to harvest this year. The recreational allocations, or quotas, as proposed by the PFMC will range from 2,125 to 2,546 adult fall Chinook in 2022 across the three alternatives. Last year’s basin-wide quota was 1,221 adults. If, for example, Alternative One was chosen, the quota for the Klamath and Trinity basins would be 2,152 adults. Of those, 1,076 would be allowed for sport harvest from Hwy. 96 bridge to the mouth of the Klamath. From the 96 bridge to Iron Gate, 366 could be harvested. The Trinity would receive 710 adults for harvest. The Spit Area (within 100 yards of the channel through the sand spit formed at the Klamath River mouth) would close when 323 adult kings were taken downstream of the Highway 101 bridge. The three quota alternatives are not final, but will be decided during the April 6-13 PFMC meetings. Once the quota is agreed upon, 50 percent will go to the lower Klamath basin, 17 percent to the upper basin, and 33 percent will be allocated for the Trinity River. When adopted, these quotas will go into effect August 15, 2022.

The weather ahead
Following Tuesday’s rain, we can expect mostly dry weather on Wednesday and Thursday. The next chance of substantial rainfall is Friday evening through Sunday. Coastwide, we can expect between 1 to 1.5 inches. The first part of next week is looking like a return to dry weather.

River Closures
As of Tuesday, the South Fork Eel, Middle Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen are currently closed to fishing due to low flows.

The Rivers:
Mad River
The Mad opened back up to fishing Tuesday morning and was on the rise through most of the day. It’s forecast to rise again on Saturday afternoon, reaching 1,580 cubic feet per second. The color was good as of Wednesday and there should be fish on the move.

Eel River (main stem)
As of Wednesday, flows were 1,300 cfs at Scotia and rising slightly. It’s predicted to reach 1,900 cfs by Thursday morning. Not much of a rise, but probably enough to get some fish moving both directions.

Smith River
The Smith basin received well over an inch of rain Monday putting the river on a steep rise. As of Wednesday, flows were down to 4,000 cfs and dropping. Dry conditions for the next couple days will bring the levels down quickly. Another smaller rise is forecast for Saturday. There should be some fresh fish making their way in and plenty of spawners headed down.

Southern Oregon rivers
“The Chetco fished surprisingly well last week and over the weekend, with a mix of fresh steelhead and downrunners,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Some guides are getting double-digit hookups. The rain this week should bring in a few more steelhead, while leaving plenty of flows for the remainder of the season, which ends March 31. Steelhead are spread throughout the river. The Elk and Sixes will be back in play with this week’s rain. Both rivers fished well early last week. There is a mix of fresh and spent steelhead in both rivers. The Rogue has been slow for steelhead, but should see the first schools of spring king salmon with this week’s rains.”

Brookings ocean report
Lingcod and rockfish action was good out of Brookings before the weekend storms according to Martin. “Limits of lingcod are being caught close to the harbor. Rockfish are thick on all of the inshore reefs. Sport crabbing is slow. Wednesday and Thursday look fishable before south wind returns Friday.”

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

The number of adult fall-run Chinook salmon forecast to be swimming off the coast of California seems to be trending upward from last year. That was the good news delivered at last Wednesday’s annual Ocean Salmon Information meeting hosted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The number of Sacramento River fall-run Chinook salmon predicted in the ocean this season is 396,458 compared to 271,000 last year, a 45-percent increase. This year’s ocean abundance for the Klamath River also came in above the 2021 forecast, with 200,100 adult fall Chinook salmon predicted to be in the ocean. Although an improvement, it’s still well below the stock’s historical levels.

Even with an increase in ocean abundance, both commercial and recreational anglers will likely face tougher restrictions this year to protect the Klamath stocks. One of the main reasons behind the restrictions is the harvest rate of 4-year-old Klamath fall Chinook. The harvest rate is currently set at a maximum of 16 percent. In 2021, the harvest rate shot up to 27 percent, mainly due to the Klamath salmon intermixing with the Sacramento fall run in the San Francisco Bay region, where the baitfish were plentiful. This concentration of both stocks also made them vulnerable to sport and commercial anglers.

The Klamath, where the fall-run Chinook were declared overfished in 2018, is also lagging in adults and jacks returning to the river. In 2021, 64,591 adults returned, which is just 54 percent of the historical average. And the 2 year olds, or jacks, were also well short of long-term averages. Last year 10,384 returned, 60 percent of average. These low returns have led to years of missed natural escapement numbers. In 2021, the natural escapement objective was 31,574 but just 30,196 were counted. The geometric mean of adult natural escapement for the past three years is 25,111, which is well short of the minimum floor escapement of 40,700. A whopping 85,251 natural area spawners are necessary in 2022 for the stock to be considered rebuilt.

What the PFMC chooses to do with these numbers will be determined in the next couple of months. Up next, the PFMC will meet March 8 through March 14 in San Jose to determine whether any in-season actions are required for fisheries scheduled to open prior to May 16. They will also craft three regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries in effect on or after May 16. Final adoption of alternatives for public review is tentatively scheduled for March 14. To view the salmon preseason process, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/preseason.

The weather ahead
According to Jonathan Garner of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, the weather pattern looks more favorable for rain starting Saturday. “We’ll likely see slightly less than a half inch of rain between Saturday afternoon and Sunday,” Garner said. “There is the potential for heavier rainfall on Monday. Right now, there’s a 40 to 60 percent chance of an inch or greater falling. There is some rain forecast for Tuesday, but after that it looks like we’ll be dry through the rest of the week.”

Bass Tourney coming to Ruth Lake April 2
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the 1st annual Roger Coleman Sr. Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday April 2nd at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. or Saturday morning between 4 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 7 a.m. or at first safe light. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr. at 707-223-3858.

River Closures
As of Wednesday, the South Fork Eel, Middle Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Van Duzen and Mad are currently closed to fishing due to low flows. The South Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. The Middle Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Bar Creek. The Mattole is closed to fishing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confluence with Bond Creek. The Van Duzen is closed from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge. The Mad is closed from the Hammond Trial Railroad Trestle to Cowan Creek. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any 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 822-3164.

Eel River (main stem)
As of Wednesday, flows were right around 1,180 cubic feet per second at Scotia. The water is low and clear, and the fishing remains up and down. The few boats still fishing are getting a chance at a few fish per trip. There are still plenty of fresh fish moving in.

Smith River
The Smith is back under 900 cfs as of Wednesday. There are fish in the river, including fresh ones, but the conditions are tough. The water is extremely clear and you’ll need to be stealthy to get bit consistently.

Southern Oregon Rivers
“After dropping below 400 cfs, the Chetco got a much-needed boost in flows last week, reaching 3,000 cfs while giving steelhead anglers their best action since early January,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Big numbers of steelhead were caught Thursday, Friday and Saturday before the action stalled somewhat on Sunday. The river will be low and clear again by the end of this week before another storm arrives next week. Steelhead are spread throughout the river, with a mix of wild and hatchery fish, with about half of the catch downrunners. Steelhead fishing has remained slow on the lower Rogue, but has improved near Grants Pass. The Elk and Sixes both fished well over the weekend, but could be too low to drift again by this weekend. Plenty of fresh steelhead were caught on both rivers after last week’s big rain.”

Brookings ocean report
Calm ocean conditions are expected Thursday and Friday out of Brookings according to Martin. “The sport fleet was sidelined by wind and stormy seas last week. Monday was fishable, but still choppy. Limits of rockfish have been quick. Lingcod are biting on calmer weather days.”

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

As we wait patiently for our “Miracle March,” there is at least some rain in the immediate forecast. While it’s not much, anything at this point is beneficial. Currently we have way more rivers closed to fishing than open. As for the upcoming rain, the Humboldt area could see up to a half inch, which could open back up the Mad and Van Duzen rivers temporarily. Further north, where most of the rain has and will fall, the Chetco saw a pretty good rise Monday but has since turned green. By Thursday, it could be the most popular river on the coast. The Smith rose slightly Monday and gained about 230 cubic feet per second. Additional rain is predicted for the next few days, which will surely help the fishing. The Eel River system, unfortunately, was not in this storm’s path, and remains low and clear. With a month left in the winter steelhead season, the outlook for a wet finish isn’t looking good. I hope I’m wrong.

The weather ahead
Rain is in the forecast starting Wednesday evening and lingering into Friday, according to Zahaira Velez of Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “From Wednesday through Friday, the Smith basin could see up to 1.5 inches,” Velez said. “Here in Humboldt, we may see up to a half inch. There could be some sprinkles on Saturday, then we’re looking dry until at least Tuesday.”

River Closures
As of Wednesday, the South Fork Eel, Middle Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Van Duzen and Mad are currently closed to fishing due to low flows. The South Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. The Middle Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Bar Creek. The Mattole is closed to fishing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confluence with Bond Creek. The Van Duzen is closed from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge. The Mad is closed from the Hammond Trial Railroad Trestle to Cowan Creek. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will make the information available to the public no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any 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 822-3164.

The Rivers:
Mad
Closed to fishing as of Tuesday morning. It’s predicted to rise early Friday morning and should be open to fishing prior to the weekend if the rain comes as planned. Minimum flow is 200 cfs at the State Route 299 bridge.

Eel River (main stem)
As of Tuesday, flows were right around 1,320 cfs at Scotia. The water is low and clear and the fishing remains up and down. The boats still fishing are getting a chance at a few fish per trip. Most of the fish being caught are still bright.

Van Duzen
The east-to-west running Van Duzen is projected to see enough rain the next couple of days to warrant opening back up to fishing. Flows are projected to hit 670 cfs by Friday morning. Depending on when the rain hits, it could open Friday. Minimum flow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River
The Smith rose slightly the past couple days and was running at 1,140 cfs on Wednesday and rising. The river will likely remain clear, but the extra flows should bring in some fresh fish as well as put the downers on the move. Even with low and clear conditions, there are fish being caught by the few boats still drifting.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco reached its highest flows since Jan. 15 on Monday, after the biggest rain since the first week of January, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Although only 2,100 cfs, the river is brown and muddy,” said Martin. “With more rain expected through the middle of the week, the river may not be in shape for drift boaters until Friday. Typically, steelhead fishing is good after a prolonged dry spell. Fishing has been slow the past week because of low flows and the difficult time anglers had getting boats down the river. The rain also is expected to boost fishing on the Elk, Sixes and lower Rogue rivers. Early March generally is good on all three systems if there are good flows. Expect a few early spring salmon to show up in the catch on the Rogue this week.”

Brookings ocean report
“Lingcod and rockfish action continues to be good out of Brookings on calm weather days,” said Martin. “Limits of both are being caught. With the higher flows on the Chetco, anglers will have to fish a little further to the north to avoid freshwater. Crabbing has been slow. Surfperch are biting at Crissy Field and from both jetties. Smelt remain thick inside the Brookings boat basin.

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 www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council released its “Review of 2021 Ocean Salmon Fisheries” report last week and the news wasn’t great for salmon anglers, though the numbers are trending upward. In 2021, 53,954 adult Klamath River fall Chinook (KRFC) were estimated to have returned from the ocean compared to the preseason prediction of 62,121. Jack returns to the Klamath basin were 10,334 fish. In 2020, 45,409 adults returned along with 9,077 jacks.

Returns to the Iron Gate and Trinity hatcheries increased in 2021, as well. A total of 12,850 adults returned to the two hatcheries this fall, while in 2020 only 8,331 returned. Spawning escapement to the upper Klamath River tributaries (Salmon, Scott and Shasta rivers), where spawning was only minimally affected by hatchery strays, totaled 9,169 compared to 5,559 in 2020. The escapement in 2021 to the Shasta River was 5,972 adults. Escapement to the Salmon and Scott rivers was 1,890 and 1,307 adults, respectively.

According to the report, an estimated 2,265 fall Chinook adults were harvested in the Klamath Basin recreational fishery, which was well over the 1,221 quota.

“The age composition of this year’s in-river run (adults and jacks) will be used to estimate current ocean abundance and will determine the number of fish available for harvest in 2022,” said Wade Sinnen, senior environmental scientist on the Klamath and Trinity rivers. “There are a variety of factors that determine available harvest, including current ESA constraints in ocean and in-river fisheries. However, based on this year’s age composition, I suspect that fishing opportunity on adult fall Chinook salmon of Klamath origin will be similar to last year. Klamath fall Chinook stocks remain in ‘overfished’ status per federal guidelines.”

Next up is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual Salmon Information Meeting on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The meeting, which will be held via Zoom Webinar, will provide the latest information on California salmon stocks and the outlook for ocean salmon fisheries for the upcoming 2022 season. The public is encouraged to provide comments on potential fishing alternatives for California ocean salmon fisheries in 2022. A panel comprised of fishery managers, scientists and industry representatives will be assembled to address questions and collect public input that will be used in developing a range of season alternatives for California salmon fisheries at the March 8 through March 14 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. Final season regulations will be adopted at the April 6 through April 13 PFMC meeting. 

Additional meeting links, agendas and other materials will be posted at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/preseason as they become available. Contact Katherine Osborn at OceanSalmon@wildlife.ca.gov if you have any questions regarding the meeting.

The weather ahead
According to Doug Boushey of Eureka’s National Weather Service, following the system that moved through Tuesday, the rest of the week looks dry. “The next chance of rain is in the latter part of the weekend,” Boushey said. “There’s a slight chance on Saturday, mostly in Del Norte, with rain likely Sunday. The next chance for significant rain will be Tuesday.”

River Closures
The South Fork Eel, Middle Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek and Van Duzen (closed starting Thursday) are currently closed to fishing due to low flows. The South Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. The Middle Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Bar Creek. The Mattole is closed to fishing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confluence with Bond Creek. The Van Duzen will be closed from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge).

The Rivers:

Mad
Plenty of steelhead are still being caught on the Mad despite the low water. The fish are holding in the holes and slots, which still have decent color. As of Wednesday, flows were 228 cubic feet per second. Minimum flow is 200 cubic feet per second at State Route 299 bridge.

Main stem Eel
As of Wednesday, flows were right around 1,650 cfs after rising slightly Monday night.  The water is low and clear and the fishing continues to be inconsistent. The few boats still fishing are getting anywhere from zero to three fish per day. Most of the fish being caught are bright. Minimum flow is 350 cfs at Scotia.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen opened back up to fishing following Monday’s rain, but will close again beginning Thursday. Flows as of Wednesday were 151 cfs and dropping. Minimum flow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River
The Smith is forecast to fall below 1,000 cfs by the weekend. There was a slight bump in flows Monday night following the small storm. The river is extremely low and clear, but new fish are still arriving. Minimum flow is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park.

Southern Oregon rivers
Rain falling Monday has steelhead anglers hoping the Chetco will rise enough for drift boaters to once again enjoy decent catch rates, but the flow forecast suggests that is unlikely, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing.

“Flows are down to 500 cfs, requiring anglers to drag their boats over shallow riffles,” said Martin. “A few schools of steelhead can be seen in the lower river, but overall action has been slow. Steelhead fishing also remains slow on the Elk, Sixes and Rogue rivers. The Elk and Sixes are too low to drift, while clear water has led to slow catch rates on the lower Rogue.”

Brookings ocean update
Relatively calm ocean conditions over the weekend allowed boaters to get nice limits of lingcod and rockfish out of Brookings, reports Martin. “Stormy weather returned on Monday. The next good forecast day is Friday. Plenty of fish are being caught within a short distance of the harbor. Surf smelt are entertaining anglers fishing in the boat basin, but herring are a no-show so far. Surfperch are biting along both jetties of the Chetco River.”

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

If you’d like a say in the upcoming Pacific halibut season, now’s the time to speak up as California anglers are invited to participate in an online survey to help inform the CDFW about angler preferences for open fishing dates during the upcoming 2022 season. Results of the survey, which is open until Feb. 18, will be used to develop recommended season dates that will be provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Pacific halibut fishery takes place off Northern California and the 2022 quota will be 39,000 net pounds, the same as in 2021 and 2020.The online survey can be found at www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNDCG2S. For more information on the Pacific halibut fishery in California, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut.

The weather ahead
According to Jeff Tonkin of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, there’s a 30 to 40 percent chance of light rain Sunday into Monday. “Up in Del Norte, we could see up to a quarter inch while we’ll probably see less in Humboldt,” said Tonkin. “After Monday, we’re back to dry conditions with the ridge of high pressure pushing everything way to the north.”

2022 Salmon information meeting coming March 2
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Salmon Information Meeting will be held via Zoom Webinar on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The meeting will provide the latest information on California salmon stocks and the outlook for ocean salmon fisheries for the upcoming 2022 season. The public is encouraged to provide comments on potential fishing alternatives for California ocean salmon fisheries in 2022. A panel comprised of fishery managers, scientists and industry representatives will be assembled to address questions and collect public input that will be used in developing a range of season alternatives for California salmon fisheries at the March 8-14 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting. Final season regulations will be adopted at the April 6-13 PFMC meeting.  Additional meeting links, agendas and other materials will be posted at www.wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/preseason as they become available. Contact Katherine Osborn at OceanSalmon@wildlife.ca.gov if you have any questions regarding the meeting.

Free fishing days this weekend in Oregon
It’s free to fish, crab or clam on the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day Weekend, Feb. 19-20. During these two days, no fishing licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement) are required to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. Although no licenses or tags are required, all other regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. For more information, visit www.myodfw.com/articles/2022-free-fishing-days-and-events

River Closures
The South Fork Eel, Mattole and Redwood Creek were closed to fishing as of Feb. 15 due to low flows. The South Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. The Mattole is closed to fishing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confluence with Bond Creek.

The Rivers:
Mad
According to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s RMI Outdoors, the river is super low right now. “There’s still a little color in the deeper holes and slots,” said Kelly. “There are quite a few fish around but it’s been tough getting them to bite.” Flows were down to 260 cubic feet per second as of Wednesday. Minimum flow is 200 cfs at State Route 299 bridge.

Main stem Eel
As of Wednesday, it was running at 2,200 cfs and dropping. Flows went up about 400 cfs to 2,500 cfs over the weekend due to snowmelt from last week’s warm temperatures. The fishing has been inconsistent with boats getting anywhere from zero to three fish per day. Most of the fish being caught are bright. Minimum flow is 350 cfs at Scotia.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is closed to fishing as of last week. On Wednesday, flows were 275 cfs at Miranda. Minimum flow is 340 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen bumped up slightly due to snowmelt in the hills. As of Wednesday, flows were hovering just above 190 cfs. The river is extremely clear and low. Bank fishing effort has been light due to conditions. If the river forecast holds, it should close to angling later in the week. Minimum flow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River
Last week’s warm weather triggered snowmelt pushing flows to 1,600 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge last Friday. It has since dropped back to 1,250 cfs as of Wednesday. There was a slight bump in flows Monday night following the small storm. This could have brought in some fresh fish but flows will remain extremely low. Minimum flow is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco is approaching summertime levels, with flows below 600 cfs, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Steelhead fishing is slow because of the low, clear water, although a few fish are trickling in. Effort is light. Expect catch rates to jump after the next major rain. Low water also has brought the action to a standstill on the Elk and Sixes, while fishing also is slow on the lower Rogue. A few steelhead are being caught near Agness, and action has been good in the canyon for anglers taking advantage of the low water. Expect the first spring salmon of the season after the next major rain.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, calm ocean conditions out of Brookings have resulted in very good lingcod and rockfish action. “Anglers don’t have to travel far for bottom fish, as the reefs close to the harbor have been productive. More calm weather is expected this weekend, after a few days of windy weather. Crabbing is fair.”

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.

Another week of beautiful rain-free weather on the North Coast, which is exactly what we don’t need. Two of our coastal rivers have succumbed to low flows and are now closed to angling. With the forecast calling for more dry weather, a few other rivers will likely close soon. To date, the Mattole and Redwood Creek have both fallen below the low-flow threshold. The South Fork Eel and the Van Duzen are getting closer by the day. And there isn’t much good news on the horizon. Rain is nowhere to be found in the immediate forecast. Looking long range, it’s a coin toss as to whether we’ll see any storms before the first week of March. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, you best act quickly. The number of open rivers will soon be few and far between.

The weather ahead
According to Josh Whisnant of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, there’s an outside chance of some light precipitation late this weekend or early next week. “The high pressure ridge looks like it’s staying put, so chances of any rain don’t look good, including next week,” said Whisnant. “Through March 4 there’s equal chances of below or above normal precipitation.”

Mad River Hatchery parking lot to reopen
The parking lot at the Mad River Hatchery will be opened starting Saturday, Feb. 12.  The public will have access to one specific route to reach the river/trails. The facility (raceways, spawning building, hatchery building, etc.) will remain closed. It is vitally important that the public follows the directions and signs, and stays out of closed areas of the hatchery. If the public does not comply, the hatchery could be forced to close the gate again. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will not be sending out a press release.

River Closures
Both the Mattole and Redwood Creek were closed to fishing as of Feb. 8. The Mattole is closed to fishing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confluence with Bond Creek. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164.

The Rivers:
Mad
According to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s RMI Outdoors, fishing has slowed way down on the Mad. “The river is super low but still has some color,” said Kelly. “There are fish spread throughout the river but the majority are up near the hatchery.” Flows were down to 330 cubic feet per second as of Wednesday. Minimum flow is 200 cfs at State Route 299 bridge.

Main stem Eel
The main stem still has plenty of green water but it’s starting to get really clear. As of Wednesday, it was running at 2,100 cfs. The fishing has been tough for most but boats are getting a few chances per trip. Minimum flow is 350 cfs at Scotia.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is running at 350 cfs as of Wednesday. There are fish to be had, but places where you’ll find them are quickly dwindling. If the river projections hold, it will likely close later in the week. Minimum flow is 340 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 190 cfs Wednesday and is clear. Bank fishing effort has been light due to low water. If the river forecast holds, it could remain open to angling all week. Minimum flow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River
Flows were less than 1,300 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Wednesday. Very few boats are still drifting as the river is extremely low. There are some fish around but a stealthy approach is required in the clear water. Minimum flow is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park.

Chetco/Rogue
Low, clear water has slowed steelhead fishing on the Chetco and Rogue, and brought the action to a halt on the Elk and Sixes, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “A few boats are still fishing the Chetco, but catch rates are poor,” said Martin. “Fishing above Ice Box Bridge requires dragging boats over shallow riffles.”

Brookings Ocean update
Ocean fishing has been good out of Brookings on calm weather days, with limit of rockfish and limits or near limits of lingcod according to Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. He said, “The best fishing is around Bird Island. The fish are shallow. Herring are schooled up near the jetties, and several salmon were caught and released over the weekend by anglers bottom fishing. The kings are likely feeder fish headed to the Sacramento and Klamath rivers. Ocean conditions look very good 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 www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.

North Coast river levels have fallen from their December glory after an extremely dry January. And February, at least through the first couple weeks, isn’t looking much better. This extended dry period could lead to fishing closures on several North Coast rivers. Back in December, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to extend low-flow closures through April 30 from the previous closure date of Jan. 31. Rivers that are regulated by low flow closures include the Eel, Mad, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen rivers. Of these, the South Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek, and the Van Duzen could close in the next week or so. With most forecasts now leaning towards a dry end to this wet season, our winter steelhead season, at least on some of the smaller coastal rivers, could come to a sudden end. For more information on low-flow river closures, visit www.fishingthenorthcoast.com/2021/09/22/2021-2022-low-flow-information-for-north-coast-rivers/

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’re looking at dry conditions at least through Feb. 10. The six- to 10-day precipitation outlook is showing below normal rainfall through that period.

CDFW seeks input on 2022 sport Pacific Halibut season dates
California anglers who are interested in the recreational Pacific halibut fishery are invited to participate in an online survey to help inform the CDFW about angler preferences for open fishing dates during the upcoming 2022 season. Results of the survey, which is open until Feb. 18, will be used to develop recommended season dates that will be provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Pacific halibut fishery takes place off Northern California. The 2022 quota will be 39,000 net pounds, the same as in 2021 and 2020.The online survey can be found at http://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNDCG2S. For more information on the Pacific halibut fishery in California, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Marine/Pacific-Halibut.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad still provides your best opportunity to land a steelhead. Fish are spread throughout the river, as anglers are catching a mixture of hatchery and wild fish. Flows were down to 395 cubic feet per second as of Wednesday but it’s still holding some color. Minimum flow is 200 cfs at State Route 299 bridge.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is in good shape, with plenty of green water. As of Wednesday, it was running at 2,800 cfs and starting to clear in the tail outs. The fishing isn’t red hot, but most boats are getting a few chances per trip. Minimum flow is 350 cfs at Scotia.

South Fork Eel

The South Fork is running at 425 cfs as of Wednesday. At this flow, the spots that hold fish are few and far between. However, there are still quite a few fish around, including some fresh ones. Minimum flow is 340 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 250 cfs by Wednesday and is clear. Fishing pressure has been light due to conditions. It could fall under 200 cfs by next week. Minimum flow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River
Flows were less than 1,600 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Wednesday. Not many anglers are still trying as the river is low, clear and snaggy. There are some fish around but it’s tough getting them to bite in the clear water. Minimum flow is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park.

Chetco/Rogue
Steelhead fishing has slowed on the Chetco, as water levels reached their lowest of the season early this week, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “With flows of around 830 cfs, it’s difficult to drift the river, and the fish holding up in the lower river are spooky and reluctant to bite,” said Martin. “Most guides have shifted gears to other waters. Expect good action after the next rain, although there is none in the forecast. The Rogue has been slow because of low water. A few adult winter steelhead and half-pounders are being caught near Agness.”

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 www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com

It’s been nearly three weeks since we’ve had any measurable precipitation and most of the coastal rivers are now feeling the effects. Other than the main stem Eel and the Mad, which are both in pristine shape, all the rivers are now low, clear and in need of a good blowout. The Smith and Chetco clear the quickest, and have the biggest need for rain. The South Fork Eel and Van Duzen remain fishable, but could use rain. It should be noted that all our rivers are currently holding a good number of winter steelhead. But a few inches of rain will do wonders. Not only will the increased flows allow steelhead to make their way upriver to their spawning tributaries, it will also bring in the fresh fish from the ocean.

Weather outlook
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’re looking at dry conditions the rest of the week. There is a chance for light rain Sunday but it doesn’t look like it will affect the river levels. There was a pattern change forecast for later next week that showed a very promising return of rain, but that has since changed for the worse. The ridge of high pressure will return next week, and so will the sunshine.

The Rivers
Mad
The Mad is in great shape and loaded with steelhead. Excellent conditions drew plenty of bank anglers and boats this week and the fishing was good. The river will be in great shape the rest of the week, with steelhead spread out from top to bottom. As of Thursday, it was right at 7.5 feet on the Arcata gauge and holding good color. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, it’s probably your best option.

Main stem Eel
The main stem dropped into shape late last week and is nice and green. It was running at 3,625 cubic feet per second at Scotia as of Thursday and should be in great shape through the weekend. There are some steelhead around but the bite isn’t wide open.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is running at 575 cfs at Miranda as of Thursday and getting clearer. At this flow, the spots that hold fish are dwindling. The good news is there are plenty of fish around. You’ll need to be stealthy to be successful. Forecast to be around 500 cfs on the Miranda gauge by Saturday.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 370 cfs at Bridgeville by Thursday and is in great shape. Catch reports are hard to come by but there are plenty of bank anglers out trying. It will be down to 300 cfs by the weekend.

Smith River
Flows were less than 2,100 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Thursday. Fishing has been tough as the river is low, clear and snaggy. Fishing pressure has been very light as a lot of anglers have moved to other rivers. There are some fish around but again, you’ll need stealth.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
The Chetco is now low and clear, but steelhead are still being caught by the handful of local guides still focusing on the river, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Rain expected next week should give fishing a boost,” says Martin. “A few fish a day are coming in on the afternoon tides, with drift boaters getting a fish or two a day. Flows are down to 1,200 cfs and will drop below 1,000 cfs this weekend. Fishing also has slowed on the Elk, Sixes and lower Rogue.”

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

If you’re looking to hit one of our local rivers in search of winter steelhead, this is your weekend. The lack of recent rainfall, both a blessing and a curse, has allowed the rivers to drop and turn the shade of emerald green steelhead anglers dream about. From the Chetco to the South Fork Eel, all the coastal rivers will be fishable, though some could use a little of the wet stuff. The Smith, always the first to fish and first to clear, is running clear but still producing. Here in Humboldt the Mad should be about perfect by the weekend for bank anglers and boats. The main stem Eel is also finally rounding into shape and has turned green. It’s still running high but will be fishable by late this week or the weekend. The South Fork Eel is also in pristine shape and giving up a few bright winter steelhead. If it’s steelhead you’re after, you’ll want to take advantage of the river conditions this weekend.

Weather outlook
According to James White of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’ll remain dry through the rest of the week and through the weekend. “The 8–14-day outlook is no longer showing below normal precipitation,” said White. “There’s a chance that late next week we could finally see a change in the weather pattern.”

Low flow fishing closures extended
As a reminder, low flow regulations that went into effect on Oct. 1 for the Eel River, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Smith, Van Duzen, and Sept. 1 on the Mad, will be extended to April 30 in 2022. The California Fish and Game Commission unanimously approved the extension from Jan. 31 to April 30  back in December due to drought conditions. Low flow regulations will begin Sept.1, 2022 on all rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures.

The Rivers
Mad
The Mad is still a little pushy and flowing at 1,575 cubic feet per second as of Wednesday and turning green. The conditions drew some boats and plenty of bank anglers over the weekend, and the fishing was pretty good. The river will be in great shape the rest of the week and prime by the weekend. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, it’s probably your best option.

Main stem Eel
The main stem was running at 5,350 cfs as of Wednesday and is dropping into shape. The water color is good, but the volume of water is still a little high. Should be in good shape by the weekend.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was in great shape over the weekend and drew quite the crowd. The fishing wasn’t red hot. Most boats got the opportunity at a few fish but there were plenty of skunks. It’s predicted to under 800 cfs by the weekend.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was under 600 cfs as of Wednesday and is very fishable. There were a few bank anglers taking advantage over the weekend but reports were hard to come by. Will be in excellent condition all week.

Smith River
Flows were down to 3,400 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Wednesday. Conditions are low and clear and the fishing pressure is light as a lot of anglers have moved to the Chetco. There are fish in the river, but you’ll need to be stealthy to be successful. There’s reportedly quite a few seals and sea lions making the fishing even tougher.

Chetco/Rogue
Steelhead fishing remains good on the Chetco, with most guides getting two to four fish a day reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Big crowds on Saturday and Sunday cut into the impressive catch rates from a few days earlier, but fishing was still decent,” said Martin. “The boat pressure eased on Monday and catch rates improved to limits or near limits again. A mix of wild and hatchery steelhead are spread throughout the river. Plunkers have switched over to drift fishing gear and are getting a few steelhead from shore. The lower Rogue is fishing well for steelhead as the winter run appears to be above average. Anchoring and finding 3.5 MagLips has been the best bet. Shore anglers are using Spin-N-Glos at Lobster Creek and Huntley Park.”

Brookings ocean update
Calm ocean conditions resulted in good lingcod and rockfish out of Brookings on Monday reports Martin. “The ocean was rough but fishable on Sunday. Large numbers of rockfish are schooling in shallow water near Bird Island and Twin Rocks. Sport crabbing has been slow. Good ocean conditions continue Wednesday and Thursday.”

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