Chetco River

All-Depth Groundfish Fishing Now Open Statewide

Fresno resident Jerry Urzua landed a nice lingcod on a recent trip out of Shelter Cove. Lingcod, as well as rockfish, cabezon, greenlings can now be harvested at all depths through Dec. 31st. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell/Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

Just in time for the ever-popular crab/rockfish/halibut combo trips starting in November, NOAA Fisheries announced on Sept. 18 that in state and federal waters between the Oregon/California border and Point Conception (34° 27′ N. Lat.), anglers may now take the RCG Complex (rockfish, cabezon, greenlings) and lingcod at all depths through December 31, 2025.

New scientific data show stronger-than-expected numbers of quillback rockfish off California, prompting the California Fish and Game Commission to take emergency action on August 28 to reopen access in state waters. NOAA Fisheries / NMFS matched those changes in federal waters effective Sept. 18, 2025.

Key changes for recreational anglers:

  • Two-fish sub-bag limit on canary rockfish statewide.
  • Vermilion and sunset rockfish combined: both species count toward the same sub-bag limit.
  • Prohibited species remain closed: no retention of quillback rockfish, bronzespotted rockfish, cowcod, or yelloweye rockfish.
  • Management area realignment: the Lopez Point boundary has been removed, creating the new Central Groundfish Management Area from 37° 11′ N. (Pigeon Point) to 34° 27′ N. (Point Conception).
  • Descending devices required: all vessels taking or possessing federal groundfish must carry one to minimize barotrauma and safely return fish to depth.

For the most up-to-date regulations, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Groundfish-Summary.

Weekend marine forecast
Some rough ocean conditions are on tap for the next several days. As of Thursday, the forecast out 10 nautical miles for Friday is calling for winds out of the north 20 to 25 knots with northwest waves 9 feet at nine seconds. Saturday is calling for winds from the northwest 5 to 10 knots and northwest waves 9 feet at 15 seconds. Sunday the winds will be out of the south 5 to 10 knots and northwest waves 7 feet at 12 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Ruth Lake Fall Bass tournament coming Oct. 4
The Alderpoint Volunteer Fire Department is hosting the Fallen Fire Fighters Memorial Bass Tournament on Saturday October 4th at Ruth Lake. Check in is Friday night between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Ruth Lake Marina or at Journey’s End between 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. This is a catch and release tournament with a 13-inch minimum length. Blast off is 6 a.m. or at first safe light. For more information, call Thomas Bruce at 707-223-6258 or Roger Coleman Jr. at 707-223-3858.

CDPH lifts warning for sport-harvested Del Norte County Bivalve Shellfish
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has lifted the shellfish safety notifications today related to sport-harvested bivalve shellfish from Del Norte County.

CDPH Statement:

“The safety notification for Del Norte County was issued on July 3, 2025, due to dangerous levels of paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins in mussels. These naturally occurring toxins can cause illness or death in humans. Recent testing shows paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins have decreased to safe levels in mussels in this area. 

While this warning has been lifted, the annual mussel quarantine remains in effect, which means that while scallops, clams, and oysters can be harvested from Del Norte County, mussels remain under quarantine. The annual quarantine prohibits the sport-harvest of mussels for human consumption and applies to all species of mussels harvested along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. 

A safety notification issued September 9, 2025, for sport-harvested mussels, scallops, clams, and oysters from Humboldt County remains in effect due to the presence of domoic acid in mussels. 

This warning does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins

Paralytic shellfish poisoning toxins affect the nervous system, producing a tingling around the mouth and fingertips within a few minutes to a few hours after eating toxic shellfish. These symptoms are typically followed by loss of balance, lack of muscular coordination, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. In severe poisonings, complete muscular paralysis and death from asphyxiation can occur.”

You can get the most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or viewing the recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page. ​​​

The Oceans:
Eureka
It’s been a fairly quiet week for the Eureka fleet since last Saturday’s tuna run. A handful of boats made a 55-mile run south and after several hours of nothing, the bite turned on. One of the local charters boated 24 albies, all between 15 and 25 pounds. It doesn’t look like we’ll see another opportunity for quite a few days. Pacific halibut are still being caught north of the entrance near the 51 line, but the effort has slowed. Weather permitting, the rockfish bite at the Cape is still good.

Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing submitted a proposal at the recent PFMC meeting to open up the Pacific halibut season in April instead of May. According to Klassen, the proposal was approved, and will be voted on at the Nov. Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting. It would then need approval by International Pacific Halibut Commission.

Shelter Cove
According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, rock fishing has been excellent with quick limits of rockfish and lingcod every day this week. “Most of the effort was at the Hat,” said Mitchell. “Pacific halibut remains slow and there was a one-day tuna window on Saturday, but the boats that went did not do very well.”

Crescent City
“Not much has changed since last week, the weather hasn’t been great and not many boats are getting out,” said Will Moore of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. “When the boats do get out, the rockfish and lingcod bite is still really good. We haven’t seen the bite slow down at all. Both the California and Pacific halibut effort has dwindled to nothing.”

Brookings
According to Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters, the Pacific halibut fishing is fair out of Brookings. He said, “Winds subside this weekend, but bigger swells could stall the action. Rockfish action is good, with plenty of lingcod in the mix. Sport crabbing remains very good.”

ODFW Hosting Public Meetings on 2026 Bottomfish and Halibut Seasons
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will hold a series of in-person meetings Oct. 6–8 to discuss the 2026 recreational bottomfish and Pacific halibut seasons with anglers. The Oct. 8 meeting in Newport will also offer a virtual option via Microsoft Teams.

Meeting Schedule:

  • Oct. 6 – Brookings: 5:30–7:30 p.m., Port Meeting Room, Port of Brookings, 16330 Lower Harbor Rd.
  • Oct. 7 – North Bend: 6–8 p.m., North Bend Public Library, 1800 Sherman Ave.
  • Oct. 8 – Newport: 6–8 p.m., Hatfield Marine Science Center, Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building, Classroom 176, 2030 SE Marine Science Dr. (Virtual option available)

Topics for Discussion

  • Review of 2025 bottomfish harvest with lower guidelines and stricter bag limits for black rockfish and canary rockfish.
  • Pros and cons of a year-round fishery vs. a four-fish daily marine species limit with a one-fish sub-bag limit for canary rockfish.
  • Pacific halibut proposals including:
    • Restructuring the Columbia River subarea nearshore fishery.
    • “Frontloading” the Central Oregon Coast quota to the spring all-depth fishery for added flexibility.

ODFW will post meeting materials on its recreational bottomfish and Pacific halibut webpages by Friday, Oct. 3. More information can be found here.

Low flow river closures in effect since Sept. 1
As Sept. 1, All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. You can also find river openings and closures online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast.
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, 2026.

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
The fishing slowed dramatically this week on the lower Klamath, with the bulk of the run now upriver. The mouth also has been sanding over, which has slowed the numbers of fish making their way in. With some rain in the forecast, the mouth should open back up and we should we some fresh fish enter the system. To date, there hasn’t been much, if any, coho in the river, which typically means the king run is nearing the end.
The daily bag limit is two hatchery steelhead or hatchery trout per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Report/Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. Both the Klamath and Trinity rivers are closed to the take and possession of Chinook salmon. More information, can be found here.

Chetco/Lower Rogue
Salmon fishing is fair on the Chetco, with a handful of nice adults and numerous jacks being caught daily by boaters trolling along the jetties reports Martin. “The estuary has been crowded. Still too early for bobber fishing upriver. 
Salmon also are still being caught on the Rogue Bay, with a mix of wild and hatchery kings, lots of wild coho and a few hatchery coho. Crowds have thinned, but there is still plenty of boat activity. Summer steelhead are beginning to show upriver near Agness.”

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.

Estuary Action Heating Up for Chetco Salmon

Mike Phillips holds a Chetco River king salmon caught Wednesday with guide Rye Phillips of Brookings Fishing Charters. Photo courtesy of Brookings Fishing Charters

If you’ve been missing the taste of ocean-fresh salmon, keep your eyes on the Chetco River estuary. Salmon have been staging in the tidewater since early September, waiting for enough rain to push upriver. According to Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing, action is improving. “Salmon action has improved in the Chetco River estuary, with a mix of hatchery and wild adults and jacks,” Martin said. “The second half of the incoming tide has been best, with most fish caught near the tips of the jetties. Anchovies fished behind 360 flashers are working best.” Heavy boat traffic is already present, and more anglers from the Rogue are expected soon.

Regulations

  • Daily bag limit: two adult salmon, no more than one adult wild Chinook.
  • Anglers may harvest adult hatchery Chinook until reaching the daily limit; after that, jack salmon fishing must stop.
  • From RM 2.2 to Nook Creek (Sep. 1–Nov. 3): angling restricted to fly fishing (must include a strike indicator) or bobber fishing only.
  • Full rules at eregulations.com/oregon/fishing/southwest-zone.

Weekend marine forecast
Ocean conditions are looking like they could be tuna worthy starting Saturday. As of Thursday, out 10 to 60 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the north 20 to 25 knots with north waves 11 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday, winds will be out of the north 10 to 15 knots with north waves 4 feet at five seconds and northwest 5 feet at 13 seconds. Sunday looks similar, with winds coming from the north 5 to 10 knots and north waves 3 feet at five seconds and northwest 5 feet at 12 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Fall ocean salmon quota met – remaining 2025 dates canceled
The CDFW issued a press release Wednesday, Sept. 17 regarding the ocean salmon fishery and the fall harvest quota. The inseason action in the recreational salmon fishery South of Cape Falcon is as follows:

  • Effective September 29, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., the recreational ocean salmon fishery between Point Reyes and Pigeon Point, previously scheduled for September 29-30, October 1-5, and October 27-31 is closed.
  • Effective September 29, 2025, at 12:01 a.m., the recreational ocean salmon fishery between Pigeon Point and Point Sur, previously scheduled for September 29-30 is closed.

CDFW Statement:

Capitalizing on good weather and even better fishing, the 7,500 Chinook fall harvest guideline was reached during the Sept. 4-7 recreational ocean salmon fishery. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) estimates that 12,000 Chinook salmon were taken by 12,400 anglers in the brief fall season between Pt. Reyes and Pt. Sur. The National Marine Fisheries Service took in-season action on Sept. 17 to close the remaining 2025 fall dates of Sept 29-30, October 1-5, and October 27-31. 

The use of harvest guidelines and in-season management in California’s ocean salmon sport fishery management is new this year. The guidelines were developed as part of the Pacific Fishery Management Council’s pre-season process using catch and effort information from prior years along with expected performance this year. The guidelines serve to ensure that impacts from the fishery to stocks of particular concern – Klamath River fall Chinook and Central Valley Spring and Sacramento River Winter Chinook – are minimized. In-season monitoring to actively manage commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries to align with pre-season harvest forecasts is also identified as a priority action item in the California Salmon Strategy for a Hotter Drier Future. 

 During the Sept. 4-7 fall season, docks and launch ramps were bustling with activity as many anglers were eager to get back out on the water and fish for salmon after a spectacular 2-day summer season in June. CDFW met boat captains and anglers on the docks to collect fishery and biological data used to create catch estimates, abundance forecasts, and stock-specific information on the catch. CDFW continues to appreciate the cooperation of anglers during these surveys. 

For more information on ocean salmon fishing regulations, please visit CDFW’s website at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon or call the Ocean Salmon Hotline at 707-576-3429.

For information on the preseason management process and how to get involved, visit CDFW’s preseason page at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/Preseason.  

Oregon Coast rockfish bag limits reduced
In a press release issued on Sept. 16 by the Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife, the General Marine Species daily bag limit is reduced from four to three fish beginning Sept. 18 to lower the risk of an early season closure.

ODFW Statement:

“The one-fish sub-bag limit for cabezon and the one-fish sub-bag limit for canary rockfish remain in place, and retention of quillback and yelloweye rockfishes remains prohibited.

Great weather and ocean conditions since mid-July led to high fishing effort and success. In August, an estimated 53 metric tons (mt) of black rockfish and 8.5 mt of blue and deacon rockfish were caught, exceeding projections for the month despite the bag limit returning to a four-fish bag on Aug. 18. A bag limit reduction from four to three fish on Sept. 18 will reduce the risk of an early season closure.

More information on the recreational bottomfish fishery can be found on the ODFW sport bottomfish webpage. The sport groundfish harvest estimates are available online.

As a reminder, other bag limits remain the same, which include:

• Lingcod daily bag limit: 2

• Sablefish daily bag limit: 10

• Flatfish daily bag limit: 25

• Long-leader daily bag limit: 10, with a sub-bag limit of 1 canary rockfish.

Additionally, Pacific halibut fishing remains open. Visit the ODFW sport Pacific halibut webpage for more information on seasons and subareas.”

The Oceans:
Eureka
According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, tuna fishing over the weekend was fair, with some boats doing well and others catching a few. “It sounded like the boats that fished further south found quite a few more fish,” said Klassen. “As has been the case all season, the fish are all good size, with some 30-pounders in the mix. Tuna was an option again on Tuesday, but I didn’t hear of any reports. It sounds like the Pacific halibut bite may have picked up a little. There were some fish caught around the 51 line over the weekend. Looking ahead, this coming weekend is shaping up to be another opportunity at tuna.”

Shelter Cove
“The rock fishing remains solid, with easy limits most days,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We’ve been able to spread our effort out from Rodgers Break down to the Hat. There was a little break in the weather Tuesday and some boats ran for tuna but scores were very dismal. A few boats also tried for halibut Tuesday but there were none caught.”

Crescent City
“We didn’t have great weather this week, so there wasn’t much going on,” said Will Moore of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. “The effort has also slowed down on all fronts. When the boats can get out, the rockfish bite is still really good. It hasn’t slowed down at all. The California halibut has slowed, but I don’t think many are trying for them anymore.”

Brookings
“Lingcod, rockfish and halibut action is good out of Brookings,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Sport crabbing also is good. The daily rockfish limit dropped to three fish beginning Thursday.”

Low flow river closures in effect since Sept. 1
As Sept. 1, All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. You can also find river openings and closures online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast.

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, 2026.

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
Fresh steelhead and salmon continue to make their way into the lower Klamath. Fishing has been excellent from the Glen all the way past Blue Creek where boats are finding a good mix of jacks, adult kings, and adult steelhead. Fishing pressure has been light.

The daily bag limit is two hatchery steelhead or hatchery trout per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Report/Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. Both the Klamath and Trinity rivers are open to fishing, but take and possession of Chinook salmon is prohibited. More information, can be found here.

Lower Rogue
According to Martin, the Rogue Bay saw a jump in catch rates after the weekend rain, with hatchery and wild coho and lots of kings moving through the bay. “Action has improved near Grants Pass, and fish that had been held up in the bay bolted upstream.”  

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.

Eureka Tuna Fleet Finally Gets Its Turn!

Robert Waddell of Fortuna hold a nice albacore tuna caught Sunday out of Eureka. Eureka boats finally got in on the bite and enjoyed a weekend of wide-open tuna action. Photo courtesy of Melissa Shifflett

The Eureka fleet finally got its shot at the albacore over the weekend — and they made it count. Flat seas, warm water, and a zone known to be holding fish came together perfectly. Charters and a convoy of sport boats ran about 40 miles southwest of the jaws on Saturday and Sunday and absolutely loaded up. Scores hit as high as 50 fish per boat, with most reporting 20–30, and plenty of albies pushing 15–20 pounds. Many boats also saw bruisers topping 30 pounds coming over the rails.

After a break on Monday, a smaller fleet returned Tuesday to find good fishing still on tap. One boat heading south to Eureka stopped roughly 23 miles off Trinidad and quickly stacked 12 big tuna aboard.

Looking ahead, Saturday may be the next shot for anglers who haven’t had their fill, with many eyeing the water off Trinidad. After watching other ports enjoy wide-open albacore action, it’s finally Eureka’s turn — and the bite didn’t disappoint.

Weekend marine forecast
A long period, NW swell of 5-6 is forecast to fill in Friday morning. Combined seas may reach 7-9 feet by Friday with the combination of the swell and the wind waves. Sea conditions are expected to ease slightly Saturday afternoon through Sunday as another weather system enters the area easing marine winds.

As of Thursday, out 10 nautical miles, the Friday forecast is calling for winds out of the north 5 to 10 knots with north waves 5 feet at six seconds and northwest 2 feet at 10 seconds. Saturday is calling for winds from the west up to 5 knots and north waves 2 feet at five seconds and northwest 5 feet at 13 seconds. Sunday, the winds will be from the north 10 to 15 knots and west waves 5 feet at 11 seconds and south 1 foot 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. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Low flow river closures in effect since Sept. 1
As Sept. 1, All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. You can also find river openings and closures online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast.
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, 2026.

Pacific halibut quota update
There hasn’t been any updates to the Pacific halibut quota in three weeks. As of August 17, California’s share of Area 2A’s quota, which includes Washington and Oregon, is at 41 percent, with just 16,176 net pounds harvested against the 39,280 net pound quota. (500 pounds are set aside for the area south of Point Arena). The Pacific halibut fishery will run through Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. To view the latest catch projection information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/conservation/marine/pacific-halibut#31670772-in-season-tracking.

CDPH Advises Consumers Not to Eat Sport-Harvested Bivalve Shellfish from Humboldt County 
Statement from CDPH:
“The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers not to eat sport-harvested mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from Humboldt County. This warning does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from approved sources.  

Dangerous levels of domoic acid, also referred to as amnesic shellfish poisoning, have been detected in mussels from Humboldt County. The naturally occurring domoic acid can cause illness or death in humans. Cooking does not destroy the toxin. 

This shellfish safety notification is in addition to the annual mussel quarantine. The annual quarantine prohibits the sport-harvest of mussels for human consumption and applies to all species of mussels harvested for human consumption along the California coast, as well as all bays and estuaries, and will continue through at least October 31. 

This warning does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, and oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for biotoxins.”

You can get the most current information on shellfish advisories and quarantines by calling CDPH’s toll-free Shellfish Information Line at (800) 553-4133 or viewing the recreational bivalve shellfish advisory interactive map. For additional information, please visit the CDPH Marine Biotoxin Monitoring web page. ​​​

Trinidad launch closing for the season
The launch facility will close after Saturday, Sept. 13 for the season. The floating dock and moorings will be removed starting Monday.

The Oceans:
Eureka
According to Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, excellent ocean conditions allowed the boats to spread out over the weekend. “Tuna, halibut, and rockfish were all available,” said Klassen. “Tuna was probably the most popular given the conditions. A few of the charters ran Saturday and did really well, with up to 50 tuna landed. And Sunday was just as good. Most of the action was southwest off Cape Mendocino. The Pacific halibut bite was good too, with the bite happening between Eureka and Trinidad. There were plenty of boats that made their way to the Cape for rockfish too. The fishing down there was excellent with lots of lingcod and a wide variety of healthy rockfish.”

Ron Circe with a 27lb Halibut caught on the sand dab rig caught over the weekend out of Trinidad.

Shelter Cove
“The rock fishing was pretty wide-open as we were able to travel out to deeper waters,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “The lingcod bite was pretty good out there as well. The tuna fishing was hit and miss this week, pretty good one day, and tough the next. We had 50 Tuesday and the trip before that (Saturday) we had 11. The fish seem to be spread out and finding out where the schools are located has been the tricky part. We’ve spent most of our time heading southwest 20-30 miles, just inside of the Knoll. It looks like we may be done for a week or so, but maybe a slight chance we get out one day this weekend.”

Crescent City
“The rockfish and lingcod bite are still going strong,” said Will Moore of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. “We’re seeing some really nice lings come in now that we can fish all depths. The Pacific halibut bite remains slow, with not much in the way of effort. California halibut is slowing down, but a few are being caught by boats trolling South Beach. A couple boats ran long distance for tuna on Saturday and were skunked.”

Brookings
“Halibut, lingcod, crab and rockfish action is good out of Brookings, with calm weather expected this weekend,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Halibut fishing is best beyond 200 feet. The best crabbing is 90 to 100 feet. Lingcod are in shallow water.”

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
Fishing for steelhead and salmon remains solid on the lower Klamath river. There’s a mix of adult salmon around, along with plenty of jacks. A few more adult steelhead have also showed up this week. Flows were dropping as of Thursday after increasing nearly 800 cfs from the rain earlier in the week. Fishing should remain excellent through the weekend.

Craig Vallely of Redding landed a nice Chinook salmon last Saturday on the Klamath River. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast Guide Service

The daily bag limit is two hatchery steelhead or hatchery trout per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Report/Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. Both the Klamath and Trinity rivers are closed to the take and possession of Chinook salmon. More information, can be found here.

Chetco/Lower Rogue
According to Martin, salmon fishing has picked up in the Chetco estuary, where it’s still early in the season, but a mix of jacks and adults are being caught. “With slower fishing on the Rogue, more guides have arrived on the Chetco. The incoming tide has fished best. Morning low tides have led to grassy conditions the last few days until the tide pushes the debris upriver. 

The Rogue is producing a mix of kings and coho salmon, but overall action is fair at best. Cooler weather has allowed many of the kings to blast upriver. Summer steelhead half-pounders also are moving up.”

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.

North Coast Fishing Outlook: Tuna Takes the Spotlight

Arcata resident Brandi Easter holds a 50-pound Pacific halibut caught on Labor Day out of Eureka while fishing aboard the Reel Steel with Tim Klassen. Photo courtesy of Brandi Easter

It’s a great time to be a saltwater angler on the North Coast. Right now, the options are wide open — Pacific halibut, rockfish, and tuna. And this weekend, tuna will take center stage. With flat seas and warm water within range, boats from Shelter Cove to Crescent City will be making the run offshore in hopes of loading the decks. The season has been hit-or-miss so far, but anglers are optimistic this window could finally deliver the big numbers needed to top off freezers and canning jars before fall.

Halibut fishing has been up and down, but limits are still coming in. The favorable weekend forecast should give plenty of opportunity for those chasing a few more flatties. Rockfish action has been excellent all season, particularly around Cape Mendocino, with solid catches reported coastwide. Lingcod fishing has been steady as well, with a few giants taken off Reading Rock by the Trinidad fleet, and Crescent City continuing to live up to its reputation for consistent lings.

If you haven’t scratched your saltwater itch yet, this weekend is shaping up to be your best shot.

Weekend marine forecast
Excellent tuna conditions are on tap for the next few days, although light winds will be coming out of the south starting Sunday. Out 10 to 60 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for northwest winds 5 to 10 knots and waves out of the northwest 4 feet at six seconds and northwest 2 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday is calling for southwest winds up to 5 knots and waves west 2 feet at eight seconds and south 2 feet at 13 seconds. Sunday, winds will be out of the south 5 to 10 knots and waves southwest 2 feet at seven seconds and northwest 2 feet at 12 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka or www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

The Oceans:
Eureka
“We have some pretty good options out of Eureka for the next few days as the ocean conditions are looking excellent,” said Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing. “The Pacific halibut bite continues to be decent, but there doesn’t seem to be any real concentration of fish. I think they’re moving around a lot. As it’s been all season, you do really well one day, and the next it’s belly up. The rockfish bite is still really good at the Cape. And when the weather allows you to get to the spots where the lings live, that’s been good too. The big story will be the tuna for the next several days. Boats are planning on running starting Friday. The water looks to be about 30 to 35 miles from Eureka, and even closer out of Trinidad. The water coming from the south we know has fish in it, so hopefully we’ll see some good scores.”

Shelter Cove
Rock fishing was a little hit and miss this week according to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. He said, “One day it was really easy and the next day, we really had to work for them. Not many boats out this week due to weather, but it looks like we got some decent weather heading our way for the weekend. We should also get a shot at tuna the next few days.”

Crescent City
“We finally saw an uptick in Pacific halibut this week,” said Will Moore of Crescent City’s Englund Marine. “We’ve seen seven or eight come in this week, with most coming off the reef in 250 to 350 feet of water. It sounds like they were a bit deeper than where the boats had been targeting them. The California halibut bite has slowed down along South Beach, but there’s been a couple Thresher sharks caught by guys trolling for halibut. Quite a few boats will be running for tuna this weekend as the conditions look excellent. A few boats ran last weekend roughly 50 miles and did really well. The rockfish and lingcod fishing are still producing easy limits. The all-depth regulations opened up some new water and we’re seeing some good grades of fish.”

Brookings
“Halibut fishing is peaking out of Brookings, with charters catching a fish per rod, with some two-fish limits being caught,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Pacific halibut season runs through Oct. 31. September is prime time, as the fish have migrated in close, to around 200 feet. Lingcod and rockfish action has been good, while sport crabbing is very good.”

North Coast river closures
All North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith, and Van Duzen were closed to fishing. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened up at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. You can also find river openings and closures online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast.

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, 2026.

The Rivers:
Lower Klamath
The increased flows settle down over the weekend, and the fishing really turned on. There’s salmon, and a few steelhead, scattered throughout the lower river. Supposedly there are still quite a few fish hanging out in the estuary, so fishing should remain good for the next couple weeks, or longer.

The daily bag limit is two hatchery steelhead or hatchery trout per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Report/Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. Both the Klamath and Trinity rivers are closed to the take and possession of Chinook salmon. More information, can be found here.

Lower Rogue/Chetco
According to Martin, the Rogue Bay had some of its best days of the season this past week, although action is still hit and miss. “Hatchery and wild coho are now showing up, along with decent numbers of kings. The bite has been off and on, with a few good days per week, and plenty of slow fishing too. Lots of boats continue to fish the bay. 
The Chetco estuary has produced some nice kings and jacks, but overall fishing remains slow, as the action typically doesn’t pick up until late September. A few kings a day are being caught.”

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

Big Push of Salmon and Steelhead Follows Klamath Flow Increase

Eureka resident Tim Call landed a nice steelhead on a recent outing on the Klamath River. Photo courtesy of Alan Borges/Alan’s Guide Service

As soon as increased flows hit the lower Klamath, big schools of salmon and steelhead charged upriver. Fishing was excellent earlier in the week, and small pulses of fish should continue moving in over the next few weeks. Flows peaked at 4,172 cfs Wednesday and are now dropping but will remain high through the holiday weekend, around 3,100 cfs Saturday morning. Angling pressure has been light so far, but expect that to change as the holiday crowd arrives.

The daily bag limit is two hatchery steelhead or hatchery trout per day on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers, with a possession limit of four. Anglers must have a Steelhead Report/Restoration Card in their possession while fishing for steelhead trout in anadromous waters. Both the Klamath and Trinity rivers are closed to the take and possession of Chinook salmon. More information, can be found here.

Yurok gill net quota reached
On Monday, the Yurok Tribe announced that their fall personal subsistence gill net quota has been reached within the Yurok Reservation. Tribal fishery employees will continue to gill net for the 300 elder’s fish quota.

Weekend marine forecast
Conditions are looking excellent the next few days for those looking to hit the tuna grounds. Out 10 to 60 nautical miles, Friday’s forecast is calling for southeast winds up to 5 knots and waves out of the northwest 2 feet at seven seconds and south 2 feet at 16 seconds. Saturday is calling for north winds 5 to 10 knots and waves north 1 foot at 6 seconds and south 3 feet at 16 seconds. Sunday, winds will be out of the south 10 to 15 knots and waves north 3 feet at 5 seconds and northwest 2 feet at 10 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.

Pikeminnow Fishing Derby ends Saturday
There are just a few days remaining to bring home some cash as the Eel River Pikeminnow Fishing Derby ends after Sunday, Aug. 31. Visit https://tribresearch.org/pikeminnow/ to learn more, sign up for the derby, and submit your catch to the contest before it ends.

Saturday is statewide Free Fishing Day
The last chance of the year to fish for free arrives over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Free Fishing Day is offered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Saturday, Aug. 30. While no fishing license is required on free fishing days, all fishing regulations, such as bag and size limits, gear restrictions, report card requirements, fishing hours and stream closures remain in effect. Every angler must have an appropriate report card if they are fishing for steelhead or sturgeon anywhere in the state or salmon in the Smith River system. For more information, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing/Free-Fishing-Days

Bay Area ocean salmon season reopens Sept. 4
The ocean sport salmon season will re-open on Sept. 4 in two Bay Area subareas.

  • Point Reyes to Pigeon Point (San Francisco Subarea):
    • September 4-7 & 29-30; October 1-5 & 27-31 – Minimum size limit: 20 inches total length. Two salmon of any species except coho
  • Pigeon Point to Point Sur (Monterey Subarea)
    • September 4-7 & 29-30 – Minimum size limit: 20 inches total length. Two salmon of any species except coho

Fall Harvest Guideline: 7,500 Chinook. In-season action may be taken to close remaining September – October days when the total harvest is approaching a statewide limit of 7,500 Chinook salmon. More information can be found here.

The oceans:
Eureka
Tuna anglers reported Thursday that the warm water is now at least 60 miles out of Eureka. They also reported the fishing wasn’t very good. Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sport Fishing, along with many others were planning on heading out Friday, but plans are likely changing for some. “The weather looks excellent for Friday and Saturday, hopefully we get a good SST shot to see where the water is,” said Klassen. The Pacific halibut bite has been good when we can get out. Quite a few limits are being caught near the 55-line. Cape Mendocino has been producing some really good rock fishing, and it should be an easy ride down there the next few days.”

Shelter Cove
“Rock fishing remains solid, with limits coming every day,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “Most of the effort this week was around the Old Man. Pacific halibut has been slow, although there were a couple caught this week. Boats will be trying for albacore the next couple days for the first time in a week. We haven’t had a good satellite shot in a week or so, we’re expecting to close to 50 miles out.”

Crescent City
According to Chris Hegnes of Crescent City’s Englund Marine, the fishing effort has slowed. He said, “There’s been a couple boats out for tuna, but the fishing hasn’t been. Most guys are headed north to Charleston. The rockfish and lingcod bite remain excellent, no change there. The California halibut bite has slowed down as well as the effort. There have been a couple Thresher sharks caught off of South Beach last few weeks.”

Brookings
“The best halibut fishing of the season is happening right now,” said Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. “Boats are focusing on 200 to 250 feet of water off of Bird Island. Combinations of squid and herring are working best. Lingcod and rockfish action also is good, while sport crabbing has improved in recent weeks.” 

Low Flow River Closures begin Sept. 1
North Coast rivers that are regulated by low flow closures, including the Eel, Mad, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen begin angling restrictions on Sept. 1 and will run through April 30 2026. As a reminder, in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road (Eel estuary) at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River. When a low-flow closure occurs in this section of the Eel, it will be closed to hook-and-line fishing; other legal fishing methods are allowed during this timeframe.

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 and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2026.

Areas subject to low flow closures:

Mad River: The main stem Mad River from the Hammond Trail Railroad Trestle to Cowan Creek. Minimum flow: 200 cfs at the gauging station at the Highway 299 bridge. The Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream is closed until Jan. 1, 2026.

The main stem Eel River: New in 2022, a low-flow angling restriction was added to the section of the Eel River from the mouth to Fulmor Road at its paved junction with the south bank of the Eel River, Sept. 1 through April 30. The stream flow will be monitored as follows: Minimum Flow: 350 cubic feet per second at the gauging station near Scotia.

The South Fork of the Eel River: The South Fork of the Eel River downstream from Rattlesnake Creek and the Middle Fork Eel River downstream from the Bar Creek. Minimum flow: 340 cfs at the gauging station at Miranda.

Van Duzen River: The main stem Van Duzen River from its junction with the Eel River to the end of Golden Gate Drive near Bridgeville (approximately 4,000 feet upstream of Little Golden Gate Bridge. Minimum flow: 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park.

Mattole River: The main stem of the Mattole River from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Minimum flow: 320 cfs at the gauging station at Petrolia.

Redwood Creek: The main stem of Redwood Creek from the mouth to its confluence with Bond Creek. Minimum flow: 300 cfs at the gauging station near the Highway 101 bridge.

Smith River: The main stem Smith River from the mouth of Rowdy Creek to its confluence with Patrick Creek; the South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1000 ft to the County Road (George Tyron) bridge and Craigs Creek to its confluence with Jones Creek; and the North Fork Smith River from the mouth to its confluence with Stony Creek. Minimum flow: 600 cfs at the Jedediah Smith State Park gauging station.

The Rivers
Lower Rogue/Chetco
According to Martin, the first kings of the season have been caught in the Chetco estuary. “Salmon to 25 pounds have been weighed in, along with numerous jacks. Bottom fish anglers are encountering salmon along the coast of Brookings, but the ocean is now closed to both kings and coho. The Rogue Bay has been fair, with lots of boats and a few good days each week. Labor Day Weekend is peak season on the Rogue Bay.”

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.

Plenty of Fishable Water for Weekend Steelhead Anglers

Redding resident Glen Duralia landed a nice winter steelhead over the weekend while fishing the Chetco River. Photo courtesy of Alan’s Guide Service

If you’re looking to do some late-season steelhead fishing this weekend, you’ll have some pretty good options. To our north, both the Chetco and Smith rivers are in good shape and should provide some good action over the weekend. The Mad isn’t green, but there are quite a few fish in the river and those who know how to catch em’ in murky water are doing well. And the hatchery had another good week of returns. The South Fork Eel and Van Duzen are green and will be excellent options for the weekend. There’s still some fresh fish moving through and there’s some downrunners as well.

Though we’ll see spring-like conditions this weekend, weather changes are afoot. Rain is back in the forecast Tuesday, and the ensemble forecast models are showing a rise for all the coastal rivers. The Mad and the southern rivers will be hit the hardest and will likely see a return of muddy water. The Smith is expected to see a decent rise as well, but it will do way more good than harm. Same goes for the Chetco. So, get out and enjoy some green water this weekend, it likely won’t be around much longer.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, forecast confidence is generally high in calm, warmer weather this weekend with marine influence on the coast. “The forecast generally becomes more uncertain again next week; a wet pattern will return as a series of deep upper-level troughs cross over the area. These troughs are associated with a moderate pulse of moisture capable of producing 2 to 5 inches of rain, with the heaviest rain rates most likely focused in southern Humboldt and northern Mendocino Counties. Such amounts of rain are likely to generate minor to locally moderate urban and small stream flooding concerns with only localized mainstem river flooding (10% chance of any river reaching flood stage).”

Perchin’ on the Peninsula makes its return in 2025
After a few-year hiatus, the Samoa Peninsula Fire District will be bringing back their Annual Perchin’ on the Peninsula Surfperch Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry/Oyster BBQ Fundraiser. The 11th annual event will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Samoa Women’s Club, 115 Sunset Ave, Samoa. The fish fry fundraiser is open to the public and admission is only $10 for adults and $5 for juniors for just the fish fry. Adult fishing tournament entry is $20 and junior entry (under 16) is $10. Fish fry lunch is included with tournament entry. Lunch begins at noon, weigh-ins end at 2 p.m.

Tournament day registration is available at the Samoa Women’s Club. Entries can be purchased online at www.facebook.com/samoafire or Grundman’s, Pacific Outfitters, Bucksport, Ace Hardware in Fortuna, or A-1 Feed in McKinleyville, or Salty’s Bait in Trinidad. Tournament rules are available at all sign-up locations. For more information, call (707) 599-3383 or email samoafire@gmail.com. All proceeds are a direct donation to the Samoa Peninsula Fire District.

Upcoming salmon meetings
March 5-11: PFMC March Meeting in Vancouver, WA. The Council will 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 11.

March 24: PFMC Public Hearing in Santa Rosa, CA. The Council will receive comments from the public on the three CA ocean salmon fishery regulatory alternatives adopted by the Council in March.

April 9-15: PFMC April Meeting in San Jose, CA. The Council will adopt final regulatory measures for analysis by Salmon Technical Team. Final adoption of recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Service will also occur and is tentatively scheduled for April 15.

April 16-17: CDFW Meeting in Sacramento, CA. The Commission will receive an update on 2025 ocean salmon sport fishing regulations, with the public invited to ask questions or provide input.

Englund Marine saltwater seminar coming March 29
On Saturday March 29, Eureka’s Englund Marine will host a saltwater seminar at the Englund Marine store located at 590 W. Waterfront Dr. Time is TBD. Guest speakers will be sharing their top tricks and tips, industry experts bringing the latest innovations, and exclusive giveaways and special offers. More information will be available at https://www.englundmarine.com/pages/seminars.html.

The Rivers:
Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad is still a little high and off-color. It’s forecast to drop through the weekend and it should be in decent shape Monday prior to the rise Tuesday. It’s predicted to get down to 8.4 feet Monday. With the steelhead season closing after March 31, it’s unlikely it will be anything close to green following the next round of storms and with Ruth Lake spilling dirty water. As of Thursday, it was at 9.4 feet at Arcata.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is still high and just starting to turn green, running at 7,600 cfs at Scotia Thursday. It will just be dropping down to a fishable height Tuesday when the next rise is predicted, which could push it past 30,000 cfs by Thursday. The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
After blowing out last Sunday, the South Fork has since dropped back into shape and is in good condition. It did rise and gained some color Wednesday, but it’s back on the drop now. As of Thursday, it was right around 1,900 cfs at Miranda. It’s forecast to drop through Monday before the next storm arrives Tuesday. Scores have been decent, with boats getting zero to three fish per trip. There’s a mix of fresh fish and downers.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is down to 740 cfs as of Thursday and is in fishable shape. Conditions should be excellent through the weekend as flows continue to drop. It’s predicted to blowout with next Tuesday’s storm.

Smith
The Smith is clear, and will continue to drop through early next week. As of Thursday, it was just under 9 feet on the Jed Smith gauge. Some much-needed rain is forecast to arrive Tuesday that could push the river above 12 feet Wednesday. This should continue to flush some of the spent fish out of the tributaries and bring in some fresh fish as well. Reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have called it a season or moved to other rivers.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead are making a late-season showing on the Chetco and lower Rogue rivers reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Still no confirmed springers on the Rogue, but a mix of wild and hatchery steelhead,” said Martin. “Conditions looks good all week. A mix of fresh and spawned our steelhead are being caught on the Chetco, with fish spread throughout the river. The Elk also had a mix of bright and downrunner steelhead.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, calmer ocean conditions will allow boats to get out of Brookings Friday and over the weekend. “Lingcod fishing has been good, while sport crabbing has slowed.”

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

Coastal Rivers Done in by Rain Once Again

Three-year old River Beer, along with dad Jack, hold a nice winter steelhead landed on a recent drift down the Mad River. Photo courtesy of Jack Beer

Another Atmospheric River has turned our coastal rivers high and muddy, again. Prior to Thursday, we were getting oh so close to seeing some green water on the Humboldt rivers, but that door is now firmly slammed shut for at least a week, or more. The upper South Fork Eel near Leggett had already turned green, along with sections of the Mattole. The Van Duzen and the Mad were getting there, but now we’re back to square one. The Smith and Chetco will be out of commission for a couple days as well, but should be back to fishable shape by Saturday. Looking ahead, a potential drier pattern is on the horizon for next week. If that holds, we should see some green water before the end of the month.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, the storm system will continue to promote moderate to locally heavy rainfall and gusty southerly winds through Thursday night, with shower activity through Friday afternoon. “There is a slight risk of urban and small stream flooding for the southern half of the area. Heavy snow above 2,000 feet in Trinity County, before rise above 3500 feet this afternoon and evening. A break in precipitation is expected over the weekend, before a series of frontal systems impacts the area Sunday through early next week. Currently only about 20 percent of the models show it being any stronger than a weak Atmospheric River. This second event will most likely be focused on the northern half of the area.”

2025 Salmon information meeting coming Feb. 26
The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold the annual Salmon Information on Wednesday, February 26 starting at 10 a.m. The meeting will be via webinar only and covers 2024 spawner abundances returning to the Central Valley and Klamath Basins, 2025 abundance forecasts, and management context guiding the development and implementation of 2025 ocean salmon fisheries.

The public are invited to learn about pertinent data and management context shaping the upcoming ocean salmon season. The meeting link, agenda and other materials will be posted here as they become available.

CDFW looking for Herring spawning reports
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has a long history of managing these fisheries, and now invites the public to participate by identifying and reporting Pacific herring spawning activity in California. 

From the CDFW January 7 announcement:

“If you see Pacific herring spawning activity, please email herring@wildlife.ca.gov with the general location information and the date. Photos are highly encouraged! Reports from the public will aid CDFW in monitoring herring spawning activity as part of the state’s effort to manage the commercial and recreational herring fisheries.

Although areas of shoreline preferred by spawning herring tend to vary over time, the major herring spawning areas in northern California include:

  • Tomales Bay
  • Humboldt Bay
  • Crescent City Harbor
  • San Francisco Bay

For more information about Pacific herring, take a look at the Pacific Herring Fishery Management Plan and the Pacific Herring Enhanced Status Report. CDFW’s Marine Management News blog has a collection of articles covering Pacific herring spawning events and fishery management news as well. Questions about this data collection effort can be directed to herring@wildlife.ca.gov.”

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. 15-16. 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 https://myodfw.com/articles/2025-free-fishing-days-and-events

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad was creeping towards decent color, but was back on the rise as of Thursday morning. The river height is predicted to reach 14.75 feet (11,700 cfs) by Friday morning. Quite a few new fish returned to the hatchery this week, but it did slow the last few days. The rain should bring in some new fish from the salt. The river fishes best between 7 and 8 feet.

Main stem Eel
The main stem had was down to 15.5 feet at Scotia Thursday morning, but now it’s big and muddy and on the rise. It’s predicted to peak Friday afternoon at nearly 74,000 cfs. It will start to fish once it gets below 5,000 cfs, and will need a couple weeks of dry weather to get there.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was emerald green in the Leggett area before the rains returned overnight Wednesday. Now it’s back to high and muddy, with flows over 6,000 cfs at Miranda Thursday and rising quickly. Flows are predicted to peak at 17,800 cfs Friday morning, but it’s predicted to drop just as quick. If the forecasts are correct, it could be fishable by next weekend. There is a new slide in the Confusion Hill area that has the potential to keep the river off color.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen had dipped under 850 cfs, but Thursday’s rain put it back on the rise and turned it muddy. It’s predicted to reach 11,500 cfs early Friday morning. It will need a week to 10 days before it’s green.

Smith River
The Smith was just beginning a slow rise Thursday morning. It’s predicted to rise all of Thursday and through Friday morning, finally reaching 13.5 feet at the Jed Smith gauge Friday around noon. Conditions should be excellent Saturday, though still a little pushy, as it should be on the drop all day. Another small rise is forecast for Sunday, but the river should remain fishable. There’s been fish caught daily, including quite a few “blue backs” or smaller adult steelhead. This rain could start to bring some of the downers out of the tributaries and should bring in some new fish as well.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing remains sluggish on the Chetco, but there are a few fish around reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Guides are getting one to three fish a day, with long stretches of river without fish,” said Martin. “More hatchery fish arrived with this week’s tides. Rain will raise flows over the weekend, but the Chetco may remain fishable. Fishing also is fair at best on the Rogue and Sixes, while the Elk is low. Plunkers did well on the Chetco when it first came into shape a week ago, and likely will have good catch rates with rains beginning Thursday.”

John Mitchell of Eureka with a nice steelhead caught over the weekend on the Chetco with guide Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters. He was using roe and a Corky.

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, ocean fishing has been very good out of Brookings for lingcod and rockfish. “Sport crabbing is fair. Ocean salmon options will be developed the first week of March. Surfperch fishing is already underway at beaches around Brookings.”

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

North Coast Set to Receive Some Much-Needed Rain

McKinleyville resident Myka Nannizzi is all smiles after hooking, fighting, and landing her first Mad River steelhead all by herself. Photo courtesy Mathew Nannizzi.

After nearly a month of dry weather, rain is finally returning to the North Coast. And just in the nick of time. Some of the smaller rivers like the Van Duzen, Mad, Mattole and Redwood Creek were creeping slowly towards their respective low flow closure thresholds.

As it stands now, most all the North Coast rivers are running low and clear, with the exception of the bigger rivers like the Eel and Klamath. Needless to say, a good shot of rain is just what we needed. As is typically the case when the rivers are rejuvenated with fresh flows, you can bet we’ll see a real good push of steelhead bolting in from the saltwater. Per usual, the Smith will be the first to drop into shape and conditions are looking excellent for early next week. The Chetco will be just a couple days behind the Smith. As for the Humboldt rivers, it will depend on how much rain we get and how much snow falls in the hills. Hopefully they’ll start rounding into shape in a couple weeks as we head into the peak of the season.

Weather outlook
According to the Eureka’s National Weather Service office, the first of a series of wet weather with gusty southerly winds will begin Thursday night. “Southerly winds in advance of the storm will become gusty on coastal headlands and ridgetops late tonight and early Friday morning in Del Norte and Humboldt counties where winds could exceed 50 knots.

The rain with this first system will approach the area near midnight and expand across the entire region Friday morning. Widespread rainfall amounts exceeding an inch are likely with this first system tonight through Friday night. Locally, higher amounts over 3 inches will occur in the King Range and other favored, windward mountain locations. This front will move through the region by Saturday.

The big question is then what happens with the next atmospheric river to hit the coast late in the weekend into early next week. This system has more moisture and the potential to bring at least localized flooding if rain falls on the same areas that receive the rain Thursday night through Friday night. Currently two possibilities are favored with the first being more likely as confidence has gained with the latest model runs.

Scenario 1; the next system aims farther south into the Bay Area and west into the Sierra Nevada, reducing rainfall considerably across our region.

Scenario 2; calls for the atmospheric river to aim directly into Northwest California and bring heavy rain to our region. Rainfall totals from the combination of the two systems currently range from 3-5 inches in the drier solution to over a foot of rain in some areas for the wetter solutions. Thus, uncertainty is very high for what occurs after Saturday and impacts from these two scenarios are drastically different.”

Upcoming salmon information meetings
The California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will hold the annual Salmon Information on Wednesday, February 26 starting at 10 a.m. The meeting will be via webinar only and covers 2024 spawner abundances returning to the Central Valley and Klamath Basins, 2025 abundance forecasts, and management context guiding the development and implementation of 2025 ocean salmon fisheries.
The public are invited to learn about pertinent data and management context shaping the upcoming ocean salmon season. The meeting link, agenda and other materials will be posted here as they become available.

The Oregon Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) will hold its Ocean Salmon Industry Group Meeting on Friday, February 28. This meeting will provide a review of the 2024 seasons, take a first look at the 2025 salmon forecasts, and begin the development of Oregon preferred recreational and commercial ocean salmon season concepts via public input to take forward through the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) regulation setting process. The meeting will be held both in person and virtually this year. This meeting is open to all ocean sport fishing anglers and charter operators, commercial salmon troll fishers, and any others interested in participating in the development of the 2025 ocean salmon seasons. For those attending in person, the meeting will be held in Newport, Oregon.
Links to the agenda and briefing materials for the meeting will be posted on the ODFW Ocean Salmon Management website as they become available.

Eel River steelhead returns
Over the past week, January 13 – 19, 42 adult steelhead (female 17, male 16, unknown adult 9) were observed moving upstream through the fishway at Cape Horn Dam according to Andrew Anderson, an Aquatic Biologist with PG&E. Additionally, one subadult steelhead was observed moving upstream during this time frame. The season total for upstream migrating adult steelhead now stands at 90 (female 38, male 32, unknown adult 20). The season total for subadult steelhead (<40cm) now stands at 24.

No Chinook salmon were observed over the same period; the season total for upstream migrating Chinook salmon still stands at 893 (female 320, male 309, unknown adult 94, jack 170).For more information, visit https://eelriver.org/the-eel-river/#fishcount

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the Mad, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek, Van Duzen, Mattole 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
According to Justin Kelly of RMI Outdoors, the fishing has slowed a bit due to the low water. “The river isn’t clear though, it’s actually a perfect green,” said Kelly. “The fish seem to be scattered throughout the river, both below and above the hatchery. Larger soft beads in the 16mm-20mm sizes seem to be working best. Roe with a Spin-N-Glo is also producing.” With rain coming Friday morning, that will likely be the last day we’ll see fishable water. It’s predicted to surpass 12.35 feet (6,950 cfs) Monday afternoon.

Main stem Eel
Conditions on the main stem have been perfect all week, with some really good scores being reported. Boats have been spread out from the top to bottom, and there seems to be good numbers of fresh steelhead scattered throughout. Unfortunately, it will all come to an end Friday. Several inches of rain will push the flows past 77,800 at Scotia by Tuesday afternoon.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is low and clear, running at 700 cfs at Miranda as of Thursday. Despite the conditions, fish are being caught, though the crowds have thinned. With the rain coming Friday morning, it will likely blow out Saturday. It’s predicted to reach 12,700 cfs by Tuesday morning.

Van Duzen
Friday looks to be the last fishable day on the Van Duzen for a while. Flows were down to 215 cfs Thursday, but that will change by the weekend as it’s predicted to peak at 6,300 cfs Monday morning. It will likely need 10 or so dry days before it drops into fishable shape.

Smith River
The Smith is low and clear and in need of some rain. And it’s on the way. As of Thursday, it was just under 6.5 feet (1,330) at the Jed Smith gauge. If the predictions are right, it should begin to rise Friday morning and peak sometime before noon on Saturday at 12.4 feet. It should be back to fishable conditions by Sunday. We should see quite a few new fish enter the system on the rise, but once it settles down, it should be good fishing.

Customers of guide Andy Martin of Brookings Fishing Charters hold two of the steelhead they caught this week on the Chetco. 

Chetco
“After three weeks of dry weather, rain is expected this weekend on the Chetco, likely blowing the river out to start February, but setting up prime conditions for the peak season,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Low, clear water hampered fishing for a while, before a bunch of new fish came in on the tides over the weekend. Fishing has been good for the handful of local guides fishing this week. The rain also will give fishing a boost on the lower Rogue, Elk and Sixes.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, nice ocean conditions led to a wide-open lingcod bite out of Brookings this week. “Rough weather returns on Thursday, with big swells through the 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.

Better Late Then Never – Rivers Finally Turning Green

Portland resident Lauren Dustin holds a nice bright winter steelhead landed Wednesday on the Smith River. Conditions on the Smith should be excellent through the weekend. Photo courtesy of Mike Stratman/Redwood Coast Fishing

The rain persisted a little bit longer than anticipated last weekend, putting the river conditions a few days behind where we thought they’d be this week. But there is finally light at the end of the dark, wet, tunnel. With no significant rain in the forecast for the next 10 days, green water is finally within reach for all the coastal rivers. The Smith was the first to round into shape and produced some quality fish for those drifting from the forks down Wednesday. The Chetco is green as well, and boats flocked to the river Thursday. It was still a little on the high side, but the color was pristine. The South Fork Eel, which started to turn green earlier in the week, will be very popular location this weekend. It will still be a little pushy, but plenty fishable. Conditions should be excellent all next week. The same can be said for the Van Duzen. The Mad is also coming around, and should a hint of green by the weekend or early next week. The hatchery is seeing some solid returns, so there’s plenty of fish in the river. The main stem of the Eel River will be the last to turn green. It will likely need every bit of the 10-dry spell before it drops to a fishable height. If you’re looking to try and catch a winter steelhead, you’ll have plenty of options coming soon.

Commercial crab season to open Jan. 15
The commercial Dungeness crab season in Fishing Zones 1 and 2, from the California Oregon Border to the Sonoma/Mendocino county line, will open on Jan. 15, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. under a 25 percent trap reduction. A pre-soak period will begin on Jan. 12, 2025, at 8:01 a.m. More information can be found here.

Mad River Steelhead Reward Program Returns for 2025
For the Mad River steelhead fishery in the upcoming 2025 season, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will once again 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, 2025 to report tags and claim rewards, after which reward tags from this season will expire. To attain accurate harvest estimates, we must assume 100% tag return rates on harvested steelhead, so getting the word out for our tagging program will be vital to its success.

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

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

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

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing. This includes the Mad, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, Redwood Creek, Van Duzen, Mattole 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. 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 are all now open to fishing. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad is still high and off color, running at just under 10 feet as of Thursday. With dry conditions persisting, it will continue to drop and should be at a fishable height and color by mid next week. Quite a few fish are returning to the hatchery, including a few pushing 20-pounds. The river fishes best between 7 and 8 feet.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is dropping fairly quickly. After topping 132,000 cfs at the end of December at Scotia, flows were down to 15,000 cfs by Thursday. It will likely need another 10 days of dry weather before it’s green and at a fishable height.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork above and below Benbow has started to turn green as of Tuesday. It will be plenty fishable by the weekend, but it will still be a little pushy. Conditions next week should be prime as flows drop towards 1,500 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was running at 950 cfs at Bridgeville Thursday afternoon, and should start to come around color-wise by the weekend. Predicted to be below 800 cfs by Saturday morning. Conditions should be excellent next week.

Smith River
The Smith dropped into perfect shape Wednesday and quite a few fish were caught by the dozen or so boats on the water. Scores ranged from one to three fish per boat. Conditions should be excellent through the weekend, and boat pressure should lighten up as boats headed to the Chetco Thursday. As of Thursday afternoon, the Smith was just above 10 feet on the Jed Smith gauge and dropping slowly.

Chetco/Rogue
After weeks of high water, the Chetco is finally dropping into shape, with prime conditions expected this weekend reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Plunkers have been catching steelhead since the weekend at Social Security Bar and Loeb Park on the Chetco, which should be fishable for drift boats by Thursday,” said Martin. “A mix of wild and hatchery steelhead are being caught. Steelhead also are being caught on the Lower Rogue by plunkers, despite high, muddy water. This weekend should be prime throughout Southern Oregon.”

Chetco/Rogue steelhead harvest requires Validation and Tag
As a reminder, if you want to harvest a winter steelhead from the Chetco or Rogue River this winter, all anglers will need a harvest tag in addition to a Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation.

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

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

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

  • AND 2. Rogue-South Coast Steelhead Validation.

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

  • All the above

And Rogue-South Coast Wild Steelhead Harvest Tag:
Wild steelhead kept are recorded here, not the statewide combined angling tag.
Not needed for catch-and-release or keeping hatchery steelhead only.
Bag limit: 1 wild steelhead/day, 3 per season (Dec. 1 – Apr. 30).
Check the sport fishing regulations or myodfw.com to know where and when wild steelhead may be kept. Return or report paper tags to ODFW after each winter steelhead season and before the next begins Dec. 1.
COST: Validation: $2 residents, $4 non-residents.
Harvest Tag: $10 residents, $20 non-residents.
Validation and harvest tag are valid for one full season (Dec. 1 through April 30), even when using daily or multi-day licenses.

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, ocean conditions are expected to be calm enough for boats out of Brookings on Thursday, before strong northwest winds arrive. “Lingcod and rockfish are open year-round out of Brookings. With commercial crab season well underway, sport crabbing has been slow.”

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

Storms and Steelhead Headed Our Way

Chris Silkowski of Portland holds a steelhead caught last week on an M2 FlatFish while fishing with guide Rye Phillips of Brookings Fishing Charters.

Winter steelhead season isn’t in full swing yet on the North Coast, but that is about to change. A few storm systems are currently impacting the rivers, putting them all on the rise. According to the National Weather Service, three separate storms will hit the coast between Wednesday and Monday, which is just what we needed. Steady rain and pulse flows should do the trick in enticing the first big wave of winter steelhead from the salt. If the rains come as predicted, the Smith should be in great shape early next week followed closely behind by the Chetco.

The Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Mad are all on the rise as of Thursday and will be blown out from some time. Once all the rivers crest and begin to recede to fishable levels, we should see the first wave of winter steelhead. After a stellar late-fall salmon season, seeing the rivers loaded with bright steelhead would be icing on the cake.

Weather ahead
Thursday, showers are expected behind Wednesday’s main front, according to Eureka’s National Weather Service office. “Snow levels will be lower across the area, likely dropping to around 4,000 feet or even slightly lower for much of the area. Models are still not in very good agreement on how much rain will fall with these showers.

The next system starts to move into the area Friday. The models are showing a warm frontal boundary out ahead of the main cold front. Rainfall amounts for Friday look to range from over an inch in the King Range to a quarter of an inch in southern Lake County. This looks like a highly favorable pattern for low elevation snow, with levels down to 2,500 to 3,500 feet across most of the inland areas Friday morning. Breezy south winds are expected, but these look to mainly be over the higher terrain due to the fairly stable temperature profile.

Friday evening and Friday night the cold front is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the area. Rainfall amounts from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon look to be around 2 to 4 inches across much of the area. This may cause some minor flooding due to the fairly short period of time that it is expected to fall over. This flooding is expected to be exacerbated around they bays where streams will have trouble draining during high tide. Sunday there is expected to be some lingering showers around, but overall, it looks like it will be a break in the rain. Another fairly strong system is expected on Monday with additional rain, wind and snow. At this point it looks weaker than the Friday night system, but it is still 5 days out.”

Sport Dungeness crab season now open to CA/OR border
As of Dec. 9, the sport Dungeness crab season is now open from the California/Oregon border (42° 0.00’ N latitude) to the southern boundary of the Reading Rock State Marine Reserve (41° 17.6’ N latitude). State health agencies determined that consuming the meat of Dungeness crab no longer poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. More information can be found here.

Commercial Dungeness crab season delay continues
The ocean commercial Dungeness crab season for Mendocino, Humboldt and Del Norte counties remains closed due to poor quality crab. Crab meat quality tests were not conducted due to continued high domoic acid concentrations at one of the northern sampling locations. The season is currently closed until 12:01a.m. Dec. 31, 2024. Another round of testing is anticipated to occur around Dec. 15 to determine whether the fishery may open on Dec. 31, or be delayed an additional 15 days until Jan. 15, 2025. For more information, visit the Marine Management News Blog.

Shelter Cove update
“We only fished a couple days this week, and the rockfish bite was a little tougher, but still good,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We spent most of our time just outside the Hat. Crabbing is still going strong, with easy limits of nice crab.”

The Rivers:
As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low-flow fishing closures were open to fishing, except for the Van Duzen. (The recording should be updated sometime today) This includes the Mad, main stem Eel, South Fork Eel, 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. 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, 2025. More information can be found here.

Mad
The river has been in great shape this week, but that’s going to come to an end sometime Thursday as the river was on the rise. Flows are predicted to peak at 13,400 cfs Saturday afternoon. It will likely be blown out for quite a while, especially with Ruth Lake being full. A few steelhead have been caught, and there’s been quite a few coho around. Look for that to change once the flows come back down.

Main stem Eel
Flows dipped under 3,500 cfs Wednesday and the river was in perfect shape. Unfortunately, Wednesday was probably the last fishable day for a while as lots of rain is in the forecast. Flows are predicted to reach nearly 113,000 cfs early late Saturday. It will be off color for some time if the predictions are correct. There have been a few adult steelhead caught and quite a few coho.

South Fork Eel
River conditions were about perfect as of Wednesday, but that is going to change Thursday. The river is predicted to rise beginning Thursday afternoon, with flows peaking at 32,900 cfs at Miranda Saturday evening. The river has been full of coho as well as some older kings. No big numbers of steelhead have entered the river yet, but that could change after the latest round of storms. A week of dry weather could get it back to fishable shape, but that may not be in the cards.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen has been closed the last few days due to low flows, but that is changing Thursday. The CDFW recording still said the river was closed, even though flows were well above 400 cfs in the morning. It’s predicted to peak at nearly 33,000 cfs Saturday evening. Will likely be blown out the next couple weeks.

Smith
The Smith had been low and clear, but it’s now receiving some much-needed rain. As of Thursday morning, flows were 4,000 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge and starting to peak. The next round of rain will be more substantial, and should see flows reach roughly 16,500 cfs (13.8 ft.) by Saturday afternoon. If the rain comes as predicted, it should be fishable by Sunday and all next week. We should see the first wave of steelhead by the weekend or early next week.

Eel River Chinook salmon returns
From Nov. 25 through Dec. 1. 497 Chinook salmon (female 162, male 179, unknown 56, Jack 100) were observed moving upstream through the fishway at Cape Horn Dam. The season total for upstream migrating Chinook salmon stands at 713 (female 244, male 249, unknown 78, Jack 142). The last year the Chinook count went over 500 at Van Arsdale Reservoir was during the 2014-15 season. For more information, visit https://eelriver.org/the-eel-river/#fishcount.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
“A mix of late salmon and early steelhead were caught the past week on the Chetco, but fishing likely will come to a standstill beginning Saturday as heavy rain is expected to blow the river out for several days,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “More than a week of high water conditions are expected. There could be a window to fish the Elk between storms, while the Sixes is also expected to be blown out. The number of early steelhead caught by drift boaters and shore-based plungers is promising for the latter part of this month, when the river drops back into shape.”

Brookings rockfish update
According to Martin, sport crabbing has been very good out of Brookings, but catches likely will drop significantly once the commercial crab season begins Monday. “Commercial fishermen may drop pots as early as Friday. Rockfish and lingcod action has been good out of Brookings. High surf conditions and stormy weather begins 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 fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.