The season’s first major storms are headed for the North Coast, and they’re shaping up to be good ones. According to the National Weather Service office in Eureka, more than two inches of rain are forecast from Friday through early Saturday morning. After a brief break Saturday afternoon and evening, another system is expected to arrive early Sunday morning, bringing the potential for nearly two more inches of rain throughout the day.
Following Friday afternoon’s rise, the Smith should remain fishable, with flows expected to peak just above 6.85 feet (1,780 cfs) on the Jed Smith gauge Saturday. Sunday’s storm is forecast to push the river close to 9 feet by late Sunday evening. Monday could be the day to be on the water, but anglers should expect plenty of debris coming downriver.
The Chetco will likely begin to take on some color late Friday and could remain off-color for a couple of days. Another rise is expected Sunday, with flows forecast to peak near 4,000 cfs. More rain is in the forecast for midweek, which should bring additional rises to both rivers.
For late-fall coastal salmon anglers, this is welcome news. Salmon that have been holding in the lower reaches of the Eel, Smith and Chetco rivers will finally have the opportunity to move upriver toward their spawning grounds. We should also begin seeing fresh-from-the-salt king salmon entering the coastal rivers this weekend. These fish are typically big, bright, and full of energy, and their arrival is always something anglers look forward to.
If you notice a line of drift boats heading north on U.S. Highway 101 this weekend, now you know why.
Weekend Weather
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service, “moderate to heavy precipitation is expected through the day Friday, with showers likely through Saturday and the potential for another bout of moderate rainfall Sunday.
Light rain will most likely start very late Thursday evening on the upslope areas, such as the south slopes of the King Range. The heavier rain is expected to begin a few hours before sunrise on Friday morning. The National Blend of Models (NBM) indicates over an 80 percent chance of 24-hour rainfall totals of 2 inches or more for Del Norte, Humboldt, northern and western Trinity, and northern Mendocino from 4am Friday to 4am Saturday. A 65 to 85 percent chance for 1.5 inches or greater is expected during the same time period for eastern central Trinity, southern Mendocino, and Lake counties. The Humboldt Bay region could see slightly less total precipitation due to a rain shadow effect.
Generally dry weather is expected on Saturday, although there may be some lingering showers. This will be short-lived, however, with the next weather system moving in Saturday night or Sunday. This one is expected to have lighter winds and rain but still could see a half inch in Lake county to nearly two inches in the mountains of Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Drier weather is possible Monday and part of Tuesday with another system possible later on Tuesday.”
Steelhead report card information for 2027
New steelhead regulations will go into effect on January 1, 2027.
- Effective January 1, 2027, all anglers must have a valid Steelhead Fishing Report Card in their possession while fishing for or taking steelhead or Rainbow Trout in anadromous waters from August 1 through April 30.
- Beginning with the May 2028 reporting period, any report card holder who fails to return or report their steelhead report card by May 31 following the close of the steelhead report card season for which the card was issued will be assessed a non-refundable non-return fee of $21.60.
2027 Steelhead Report Card
- Anglers will be able to purchase a 2027 short season steelhead fishing report card (valid January 1, 2027, through April 30, 2027) starting on November 15, 2026, for $10.29.
- Anglers who purchase a 2027 short season steelhead fishing report card will be eligible to obtain a 2027-2028 full season steelhead fishing report card (valid August 1, 2027 – April 30, 2028) at no cost ($0) when the card is available for purchase on July 1, 2027.
For more information, visit Sport Fishing Licenses and Report Cards
The Rivers
As of Thursday, all North Coast rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures, including the Eel, South Fork Eel, Mad, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen are closed. Sections of rivers that are open include the main stem Smith River from its mouth to the mouth of Rowdy Creek.
The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is no longer in service. You can now find river openings and closures in real time online at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Inland/Low-Flow/North-Coast.
Low-flow information for all North Coast rivers is available here.
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, 2027.
Mad River
Predicted to peak at 700 cfs early Monday morning. Minimum flows are 200 cfs at the gauging station at the Highway 299 bridge to lift angling restrictions.
Main Eel
Forecasted to reach 1,650 cfs early Tuesday morning. Minimum flows are 350 cfs on the Scotia gauge to lift angling restrictions.
Van Duzen
Predicted to peak at 350 cfs early Monday morning Minimum flows are 150 cfs at the gauging station near Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park to lift angling restrictions.
South Fork Eel
Flows are predicted to peak at 555 cfs Saturday afternoon. It will drop quickly Sunday, dipping below the minimum flows. Another rise to 500 cfs is forecast by Monday morning. Minimum flows are 340 cfs at Miranda to lift angling restrictions.
Smith
The Smith is likely to see heavy boat traffic this weekend. If the predictions hold, it could open sometime Friday. It’s forecast for a steep rise through Sunday but should be in great shape Monday. It could be a little dirty and leafy, but fish should be coming. Minimum flows are 600 cfs at Jedediah Smith State Park to lift angling restrictions.
Chetco
Salmon are spread throughout the Chetco River, but the biggest numbers are still on the bottom end, from the head of tide to Loeb Park reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Anglers did well fishing bobbers and roe in the tidewater before this week’s rains, and now are using bobbers upriver,” said Martin. “This weekend’s heavy rain should raise flows enough to lift the bobber-only restrictions, which continue until Dec. 31, or when flows increase enough to allow fish to move upriver. ODFW held off on lifting the restriction on Tuesday. Heavy rain is expected Friday.”
Dungeness crab season delayed in parts of Humboldt
As a reminder, the Dungeness crab season has been delayed from the southern boundary of the Reading Rock State Marine Protected Areas (41⁰ 17.6’ N. latitude) to the southern boundary of the Ten Mile State Marine Reserve (39° 33.3’ N. latitude). State health agencies have determined that Dungeness crabs pose a human health risk due to elevated levels of domoic acid. Areas to the north of this, including Crescent City, remain open with the use of crab rings. The areas to the south of Ten Mile, including Fort Bragg are open as well to the use of rings. More information regarding domoic acid and the latest test results can be found here.
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.
