eel river | Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

Saltwater Season Set to Kickoff Next Week

Pacific Halibut, Rockfish open May 1

The 2025 nearshore rockfish season, along with Pacific halibut, will kickoff next Thursday, May 1. Pictured is Katie Rogers from Rio Dell with a nice Vermilion rockfish caught a few seasons ago out of Shelter Cove. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell, Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

Following another tumultuous offseason for saltwater anglers that included far too many meetings, it’s finally time to start fishing. Our Pacific halibut and rockfish seasons are once again angler-friendly, and both will open next Thursday, May 1. And we even managed to sneak in a very abbreviated sport ocean salmon season beginning in June. Let the games begin!

Pacific halibut
The Pacific halibut season will be open until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The 2025 Pacific halibut quota for the California subarea is 4 percent of the yet to be determined allocation by the International Pacific Halibut Commission — with 500 pounds set aside for the area south of Point Arena. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will monitor catches of Pacific halibut during the season and provide catch projection updates on its Pacific halibut webpage.

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

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

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

Regulation changes for 2025
In Oct. 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted proposed changes to the 2025 groundfish regulations so the state recreational fishing regulations matched their federal counterparts. These regulation changes went into effect January 1, 2025 and include the following:

Copper rockfish limit: The copper rockfish sub-limit is one fish within the Rockfish, Cabezon, and Greenling (RCG) Complex 10-fish aggregate limit, statewide. The one fish sub-bag limit is designed to keep catches within established harvest limits.

Size Limits Eliminated for Some Species
The minimum size limits for cabezon, California scorpionfish (sculpin), kelp greenling, and rock greenling have been eliminated.

Regulations for Fish Filleted at Sea
Lingcod: When possessed onboard any boat or brought ashore (for example, when filleted at sea), lingcod fillets must have the entire skin attached. Fillets must still be at least 14 inches long.

California Scorpionfish (sculpin): When possessed onboard any boat or brought ashore (for example, when filleted at sea), California scorpionfish fillets can be of any size, and must have the entire skin attached.

Cabezon, Kelp Greenling, and Rock Greenling: Cabezon, kelp greenling, and rock greenling may now be filleted at sea. When possessed onboard any boat or brought ashore, cabezon, kelp greenling and rock greenling fillets must have the entire skin attached.

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

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

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

Important reminder:
In waters where groundfish species or species groups are closed to take or possession but authorized for take or possession in other areas, those species or species groups may be possessed aboard a vessel that is anchored, drifting, or transiting in or through that closed area. While anchored, drifting, or transiting through an area closed to take or possession of these groundfish species or species groups, no gear may be deployed other than for the take of crustaceans with hoop nets, Dungeness crab traps, and dip nets. For more information about recreational groundfish regulations within the northern management area, visit wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/GroundfishSummary#north

Weekend marine forecast
As of Thursday afternoon, Friday’s forecast is calling for winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 2 feet at six seconds and northwest 4 feet at 11 seconds. Saturday, winds will increase dramatically and will be out of the north 15 to 20 knots with northwest waves 5 feet at 10 seconds and southwest 2 feet at 17 seconds. Sunday, winds will be 15 to 20 knots out of the north with northwest waves 7 feet at nine seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or https://www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

Fishing events this Saturday, April 26

Kids’ Fishing Day at Sequoia Park Pond
Kids’ Fishing Day at Sequoia Park Pond will take place this Saturday from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Join Eureka Community Services, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Redwood Community Action Agency for a fun-filled day of free fishing. The pond will be stocked with local Rainbow Trout (with a 5 fish keeper limit per kid). Never fished before? No worries. Experienced staff will teach you how to tie those tricky knots, cast your line, and even lend you a fishing rod & reel. Don’t miss out on this awesome day of fun, fishing, and learning. (15 and under do not need a fishing license, 16+ do need a fishing license) For more information call 707-441-4080.

Perchin’ on the Peninsula
The Samoa Peninsula Fire District will be bringing back their Annual Perchin’ on the Peninsula Surfperch Fishing Tournament and Fish Fry/Oyster BBQ Fundraiser this Saturday. The 11th annual event will be held 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 kids fishing derbies

On Saturday, May 17, 2025 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at 11:30. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 51st annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize. Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

The Rivers
Main Stem Eel
The main stem is in perfect shape, and has been all week. As of Thursday, flows were 3,800 cfs at Scotia and predicted to rise and fall slightly through Monday as the small storm moves through. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used through Sept. 30.

Smith
The Smith River will close to fishing after Wednesday, April 30 from its mouth to the confluence of the Middle and South Forks; Middle Fork Smith River from mouth to Patrick Creek; South Fork Smith River from the mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craigs Creek to Jones Creek. It will re-open May 24.

Jarrod Black holds a limit of Rogue springers caught Wednesday morning with guide Rye Phillips of Brookings Fishing Charters.

Lower Rogue
Spring salmon fishing has been decent on the lower Rogue, with a mix of hatchery and wild kings moving through each day reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The best fishing has been on the lower end of Elephant Rock, but fish are being caught from the tidewater area clear up to Agness,” said Martin. “Salmon have already arrived on the upper Rogue and the Umpqua above Winchester Dam, a sign big numbers of fish moved during high water in late March. Anchovies with spinner blades are working best.

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, lingcod and rockfish action is good out of Brookings on calm weather days, while surfperch fishing is wide open at Crissy Field, Chetco Point and Lone Ranch a few hours before high tide each day. “Gulp sandworms and raw shrimp are working best. Perch also are being caught from both jetties of the Chetco. Anglers casting sabiki rigs are catching herring, smelt and sardines, which have attracted large numbers of pelicans. Rockfish are throwing up baitfish as well.”

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

Boat-Based Deep Water Rockfish Open as of April 1

Iowa resident Gina Schmidt holds a nice black rockfish caught a couple years ago out of Crescent City. The offshore rockfish season opened on April 1, while the nearshore rockfish season will open May 1. Photo courtesy of Steve Huber/Crescent City Fishing

As of April 1, the 2025 boat-based season for rockfish and lingcod is officially open state-wide. This year’s season and depth structure is identical to 2024 for the Northern Management Area, which runs from the CA-OR border to the 40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino). The seasons in Mendocino, San Francisco, Central GMA North of 36º N. Latitude, Central GMA South of 36º N. Latitude and Southern GMA are the same as 2024 as well. The species authorized, specific bag and possession limits for each Groundfish Management Areas are different across the state, so be sure and check before you head out.

The season and depth structure are as follows:

Apr. 1 – Apr. 30: 50-fathom offshore only fishery
May 1 – Sept. 30: 20-fathom inshore only fishery
Oct. 1 – Oct. 31: 50-fathom offshore only fishery
Nov. 1 – Nov. 30: 20-fathom inshore only fishery

During the months of offshore fisheries, it is unlawful to possess in all waters: black, black and yellow, blue, brown, calico, China, copper, gopher, grass, kelp, and olive rockfishes; treefish Cabezon and Greenlings.

Take is prohibited shoreward of the 50 fathom (300 feet) Rockfish Conservation Area boundary line, which is a series of connected waypoints defined in Federal regulations. Only Shelf and Slope rockfish can be retained.

During the inshore fishery, take is prohibited seaward of the 20 fathom (120 feet) boundary line, which is defined by connecting the appropriate set of waypoints adopted in Section 35.00 of the regulations. The fishery allows opportunity to retain nearshore, shelf and slope rockfish, lingcod, cabezon and greenling.

In Oct. 2024, the California Fish and Game Commission adopted proposed changes to the 2025 groundfish regulations so the state recreational fishing regulations matched their federal counterparts. These regulation changes went into effect January 1, 2025 and include the following:

Size Limits Eliminated for Some Species
The minimum size limits for cabezon, California scorpionfish (sculpin), kelp greenling, and rock greenling have been eliminated.

Marine forecast
Winds and seas will diminish significantly by Friday and Saturday, but another frontal system is forecast to arrive Sunday as a large long period swell fills into the waters. Friday is calling for north winds 5 to10 knots and northwest waves 4 feet at eight seconds. Saturday is calling for winds out of the southwest up to 5 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at eight seconds. The wind will increase slightly Sunday, coming out of the south 10 to 15 knots. Waves will be from the south 3 feet at seven seconds and west 6 feet at 13 seconds. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com/. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Upcoming salmon meetings

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.

Upcoming events

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

Perchin’ on the Peninsula coming April 26
After taking a few years off, 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.

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

Eel (main stem)
The main stem Eel is back on the drop after reaching 56,500 cfs at Scotia Wednesday. Needless to say, it remains high and off color. It will need up to 10 days of dry weather before it drops to a fishable level. With more rain on top for Sunday and Monday, it doesn’t look like it will fish for quite some time. The main stem Eel to the South Fork is open all year. Only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Sept. 30.

Smith River
Storms earlier in the week pushed the Smith up and over 14 feet on the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday. It’s now back in prime condition and should remain that way through Sunday afternoon, when the next rise is forecast. These late-season rises should flush some of the last spawned-out steelhead downriver and could bring in a few fresh ones. The main stem of the Smith will remain open through the end of April from its mouth to the confluence with the Middle and South Forks. The Middle Fork will also remain open through April from its mouth to Patrick’s Creek. The South Fork is open through April, as well, from its mouth upstream approximately 1,000 feet to the County Road (George Tryon) bridge and Craig’s Creek to Jones Creek.

Southern Oregon rivers
“Spring salmon are being caught on the Rogue, both by plunkers fishing the lower river gravel bars, and jet boats anchoring on the side with anchovies”, said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “With decent catches in high water, anglers expect catch rates to sore late this will as the river drops into prime shape. Huntley Park has produced a handful of springers a day for shore anglers, while boaters are anchoring at the old mill, Elephant Rock and above Canfield Bar. The Chetco, Elk and Sixes are now closed for the season.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, lingcod and rockfish action is good out of Brookings on calm weather days. “Good weather returns the second half of the week. Bird Island and House Rock have been solid producers for quick bottom fish limits. Surfperch fish also has improved.”

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

A Wet Ending to the Winter Steelhead Season

John Murray of San Francisco hold a fresh Smith River winter steelhead from late February. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast Guide Service

It looks like this year’s winter is refusing to end, but unfortunately, the winter steelhead season will. Enough rain will fall over the next few days to keep just about all of the coastal rivers high and off-color, essentially washing away the last weekend of steelhead season.

As of Thursday, all of the coastal rivers, most of which were still off color, were back on the rise and headed towards blowout status. Only the quick-clearing Smith will have a shot at being fishable this weekend. Humboldt rivers, including the Mad, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Redwood Creek, are all toast as far as green water goes.

As we look back on the season, it was another wet one. The fishing this year was slightly better than the last couple, so things are looking up. And the last drought year of 2022 is now three years behind us, so we should see the steelhead numbers begin to build.

But as one season comes to a close, more will soon open. As the calendar nears April, it’s time to change gears and look toward the next angling opportunity. The rockfish (April 1 for deep water) and Pacific halibut openers are right around the corner and the California halibut will hopefully show up in Humboldt Bay. It’s also time to think about spring salmon on the lower Rogue River. There’s redtails to be had from all the local beaches, and the lagoons are full of trout. It’s been a wet and wild steelhead season, but I for one am ready for a little sunshine.

Steelhead rivers openings/closures
After Monday, March 31, the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Mattole, Mad, Redwood Creek, Mattole and Chetco rivers will all be closed to fishing.

The main stem Eel, from its mouth to the South Fork, is open to fishing all year.
From the mouth to Fulmor Road, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used from April 1 through Friday, May 23, 2025. Only barbless hooks may be used from May 24 through Mar. 31, 2026.

From Fulmor Road to the South Fork, it’s open all year. From April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Only barbless hooks may be used from Oct. 1 through Mar. 31, 2026.

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

Sections of the Klamath and Trinity rivers are open to fishing but are subject to in-season changes. More information can be found here.

Eel River steelhead returns
Over the past two weeks, March 10-23, a total of 26 adult steelhead and two subadult steelhead were observed moving upstream through the fishway at Cape Horn dam according to Andrew Anderson, an Aquatic Biologist with PG&E. The season total for upstream migrating adult steelhead now stands at 334 (female 155, male 104, unknown adult 75). The last time the Van Arsdale Reservoir saw more than 300 steelhead was back in 2019. This count doesn’t reflect the entire population; it only includes the fish who travel over 150 miles to make it to the fish ladder at Cape Horn Dam. Many salmonids spawn in tributaries downstream. For more information, visit www.eelriver.org/the-eel-river/fish-count/.

Upcoming salmon meetings
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.

Cal Poly Humboldt looking for summer surfperch anglers
The Cal Poly Humboldt Department. of Fisheries Biology is looking to hire two students to help hook and line sample for surfperch in six Humboldt and Mendocino beaches from May to October, six days a month, four to eight hours per day, including three two-day trips. The Pay is $17 per hour. Applicants need to have their own gear. To apply, send CV and cover letter to noah.gabay@Humboldt.edu by April 15. Or for more information, visit www.facebook.com/HumboldtFishBio.

Englund Marine saltwater seminar coming this Saturday
On Saturday March 29, Eureka’s Englund Marine will host a saltwater seminar at the Englund Marine store located at 590 W. Waterfront Dr. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Guest speakers include Captain Del “Tuna Dog” Stephens, Scott Fordice of Lowrance, and Matt Dallum with an update from HASA. Additionally, there will be reps from Star brite boat products and CDFW. More information will be available at https://www.englundmarine.com/pages/seminars.html.

The Rivers:
Mad, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Redwood Creek
All are on the rise, or soon will be, and won’t drop back into fishable prior to the season closing after Monday, March 31.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is high and off color and will back on the rise Thursday afternoon. It’s predicted to reach 30,000 cubic feet per second Friday night. After a break in the rain Saturday where flows will drop to roughly 17,000 cfs, Sunday and Monday’s storm will again push flows above 30,000 cfs early Tuesday morning. It will take at least a couple weeks of dry weather to drop it back into fishable shape. It starts to fish once it drops to right around 5,000 cfs.

Smith
The Smith was at 11.6 feet at Jed Smith gauge Thursday at noon, but is forecast for a big rise later in the day. It’s predicted to reach nearly 16 feet by Friday morning before dropping all day Saturday and most of Sunday. It should be fishable Sunday before more rain will likely blow it out for Monday and Tuesday. Looking at the 10-day ensemble forecast, it predicted to be above 11 feet all week.

Southern Oregon rivers
The Chetco has been high and muddy for much of March, and will be blown out again this weekend reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Monday is the final day of the season,” said Martin. “Fishing was hit and miss most of the season, with the majority of the fish smaller adults, less than 6 pounds. Most anglers have already turned their attention to spring salmon on the Rogue, where action should pick up substantially after this current rise in flows. April and early May tend to produce the best fishing for hatchery springers. A few fish were caught earlier this week.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, the ocean out of Brookings has produced good lingcod and rockfish action when boats can get out. “This weekend looks fishable, as long as the bar crossing isn’t too rough. High flows on the Chetco could make for rough conditions on Saturday. Sunday has a smaller swell. Halibut season opens May 1.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.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.

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 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.”

Low Salmon Forecast will Constrain 2025 Season

Ocean and River Salmon Closures Likely

An incredibly low ocean abundance forecast of king salmon, like pictured above, was presented to the public Wednesday by CDFW and fishery agencies. Photo courtesy of Lowell Wallace/Humboldt Charter Company

On Wednesday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) hosted its annual 2025 Salmon Information Meeting where fishery agencies provided ocean salmon abundance forecast information to the public. And if these forecasts are accurate, Chinook salmon will once again be scarce this year in both the ocean and rivers. It will also likely result in another year of constrained fisheries, or another state-wide closure in an effort to protect stocks.

Both the Sacramento and Klamath river have incredibly low numbers of salmon swimming in the ocean according to CDFW. The forecast estimates for the Sacramento River fall Chinook, the predominant stock harvested in California fisheries, came in at 165,655 adults, one of the lowest forecasts since the current assessment method came into play in 2008. In 2024, the Sac ocean abundance forecast was 213,600, but the post season estimate came in much lower at 102,965.

The Klamath River Chinook forecast was announced at 82,672 adults swimming in the ocean, the lowest forecast since that body of water’s assessment method started in 1997. In 2024, Klamath ocean abundance was 180,700, with the post-season abundance coming in at 118,415.

These ocean abundance forecasts provide science-based advice to the Pacific Fishery Management Council during its annual salmon fishing season setting process that will take place over the next couple months. The first PFMC meeting will be held March 5-11 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. There’s a high probability that closures will once again be in place for all of our salmon fishing in 2025. And don’t be surprised if a couple of the ocean salmon alternatives included the words “closed.”

Please see the ocean salmon webpage at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Fishing/Ocean/Regulations/Salmon/Preseason for a complete calendar of events and contact information regarding the Salmon Preseason Process, including other opportunities for public engagement in the season-setting process. For information on the PFMC meetings, visit pcouncil.org/managed_fishery/salmon/

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, warm and pleasant weather is on tap through Friday. “An abrupt change in the pattern will occur Saturday when an approaching trough drives in an associated cold front and brings in light rainfall. The trough will slowly progress in through the weekend, maintaining the chances for light rainfall. Total rainfall still looks low for the weekend, with, chances for over an inch ranging from 40 to 60 percent. Westerly winds will increase Sunday with the trough passing. Chances for wind gusts over 30 mph are high for the ridges and low to moderate for the coastal ridges and headlands. Chances for at least .25 inches of rainfall in 24 hours are moderate to high through much of next week, so there is a good shot of at least additional light rainfall.”

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad was under 10 feet as of Thursday, but is still high and off color. It’s forecast to drop through Sunday morning when the next round of rain is forecast to arrive. It should have a hint of green by Saturday, but still pushy. Over 150 steelhead arrived at the hatchery Tuesday, so there’s still plenty of fresh fish making their way in.

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel was running at 10,500 cfs as of Thursday, and is still big and dirty. It will continue to drop through the weekend, but the rain coming Sunday will push flows back up above 10,000 cfs by Monday night. It doesn’t look like it will drop down to a fishable flow for at least a couple weeks.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork dropped into fishable shape around Benbow Thursday where flows were 2,400 cfs at Miranda. It will fish through at least Saturday and possibly Sunday, but it all depends on when and how much rain falls at the slide in the Confusion Hill area. It has been off and on spilling mud this week.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen dipped below 1,200 cfs Thursday and will continue to drop through Saturday. There’s a chance it could fish Friday and Saturday with flows falling below 900 cfs. Another blowout is predicted for Sunday with flows going to back to 2,000 cfs.

Rob Rowe of Smith River holds a steelhead caught and released last week on a Corky and roe while fishing the Smith River with Wild Rivers Fishing.

Smith
The Smith dropped back into fishable shape Wednesday, when some boats chose to plunk and others drifted from the forks down in the high water. With no rain until possibly Sunday, conditions should be excellent the next few days. The next significant rise is forecast for next weekend. Boat traffic should be light this weekend as the Chetco should begin to fish on Friday. Fresh fish are still making their way through the lower river and a few downers have been caught as well.

Southern Oregon rivers
“Steelhead fishing was fair on the Chetco last week, with guides getting one to two fish a day, and plunkers picking up an occasional fish,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The river blew out Saturday night and will be high through this week, although it could fish by Friday. The Elk also will come back into play. Rogue River anglers will begin fishing for springers as that river comes into shape.”

Brookings ocean report
After a week of extremely rough conditions, the ocean should be fishable out of Brookings lingcod and rockfish beginning Thursday reports Martin. “Fishing has been good on calm weather days. Surfperch also are biting throughout the Brookings area.”

Klamath King Numbers Plummet in 2024

Our 2025 ocean sport and commercial seasons could potentially be canceled or heavily restricted for a third consecutive year based on the river return numbers the PFMC provided this week. Photo courtesy of Gary Blasi/Full Throttle Sport Fishing

The Pacific Fishery Management Council released its “Review of 2024 Ocean Salmon Fisheries” report Wednesday, and the news was not good for the Klamath Basin.

Based on an ocean abundance of 178,200 Klamath River fall Chinook thought to be swimming in the ocean last fall, forecasters predicted roughly 65,138 adults would return to the river. Unfortunately, the run fell well short of the preseason predictions. A total of 36,568 adults returned to the river. Of those, just 24,032 escaped to natural spawning areas, which was 66 percent of the preseason prediction of 36,511 adults and well below the 40,700 floor escapement goal.

The estimated hatchery adult return was 4,489 compared to 21,964 in 2023. Jack (2-year-old kings) returns to the Klamath basin were 7,085, including 5,959 that escaped to natural spawning areas. In 2023 11,673 Jacks returned to the basin.

Spawning escapement to the upper Klamath River tributaries (Salmon, Scott and Shasta rivers), where spawning was only minimally affected by hatchery strays, totaled 7,317 compared to 7,765 in 2023. The escapement in 2024 to the Shasta River was 4,951 adults. Escapement to the Salmon and Scott rivers was 1,520 and 846 adults, respectively.

The above river return and escapement numbers reflect no ocean commercial or recreational salmon fishing as well as salmon closures on both the Klamath and Trinity rivers. According to the report, an estimated 136 fall Chinook were harvested in the Klamath River basin recreational fishery in 2024. Tribal adult harvest was 7,249 (Yurok: 4,963 adults; Hoopa Valley: 2,286 adults), which was 113 percent of the tribal allocation of 6,434.

The report also states:

“In 2024, four dams were removed from the Klamath River which allowed salmon to move volitionally upstream from the site of Iron Gate Dam for the first time in many years. Newly available mainstem and tributary habitats were occupied by salmon following dam removal. Substantial monitoring efforts Oregon and California provided age-specific spawner estimates for the 2024 run. The estimated run size in the Klamath mainstem and its tributaries from of Iron Gate (California) to Keno Dam was 1,494 adults and 151 jacks in 2024.”

In 2024, recreational angling for salmon in the Sacramento River and its tributaries was closed as well. A total of 99,274 hatchery and natural area adult spawners were estimated to have returned to the Sacramento River Basin in 2024, substantially lower than the 180,061 predicted. Fall Chinook returns to Sacramento River hatcheries in 2024 totaled 26,834 adults and 8,301 jacks, and escapement to natural areas was 72,440 adults and 10,864 jacks.

With the Klamath Dam removal project now completed, what our ocean and river salmon seasons will look like in the coming year is still a work in progress and will be flushed out in the coming weeks.

Next up is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Annual Salmon Information Meeting, which will be held via webinar on Wednesday, Feb. 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.

Following the Salmon Information Meeting webinar, California representatives will work together to develop a range of recommended ocean fishing season alternatives at the March 5-11 Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Vancouver, WA. Final season recommendations will be adopted at the Council’s April 9-15 meeting in San Jose, CA.

Salmon information meeting details can be found on the CDFW’s Ocean Salmon web page.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, a long fetch of moisture emanating from the subtropics will get ingested into a frontal system that will approach the west coast on Saturday. “The front will most likely stall offshore or just to the north of the OR/CA border containing warm fronts producing bouts of moderate to locally heavy rain across Del Norte County. The brunt of this atmospheric river will be aimed north of the area with Del Norte on the southern edge. Thus, expect mostly beneficial rainfall. Minor nuisance flooding will be possible and as we have seen with multiple rainstorms, possible landslides in steep terrain on 199. Heaviest rain appears to arrive Saturday night (4pm-4am). Otherwise, expect mild temperatures with a chance for light rain for the remainder of the area during the weekend.

Gusty winds will also occur with this stationary boundary and minor impacts are possible especially over the coastal headlands. A frontal wave is forecast to develop early next week (Monday) and stronger wind gusts to 40 mph or more are more probable as a cold frontal boundary pushes across the area.”

The Rivers:
Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad was just above 11 feet (5,500 cfs) and starting to drop. It’s forecast to drop to 9.45 feet by Saturday evening, but a smaller system will bump up the flows back over 10 feet Sunday. It will need at least a week of dry weather before it turns green. That doesn’t appear to be in the cards for the next 10 days.

Main stem Eel
The main stem Eel was running at 20,500 cfs as of Thursday, and is still big and muddy. If the forecast is correct, it could be fishable sometime within the first or second week of March.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork should be down to a fishable height by early or mid-next week. As of Thursday, it was down to 4,500 cfs at Miranda and predicted to be around 2,200 cfs by Tuesday. Whether it’s fishable will be contingent on the slide in the Confusion Hill area. It was spilling mud earlier in the week.

Van Duzen
Similar to the South Fork Eel, the Van Duzen is on the drop following a peak of 2,500 cfs Wednesday near Bridgeville. This will likely be short-lived as more rain is in the forecast for the weekend which will push flows up to roughly 3,000 cfs. Will need a solid week of dry weather before it starts to fish.

Smith River
The Smith dropped into shape Wednesday, when some boats chose to plunk and other drifted the high flows. With no rain until the late Saturday, conditions should be excellent the next few days. Another big rise is forecast for Sunday, with flows reaching 21,000 cfs (15.2 feet) at the Jed Smith gauge. Boat traffic should be lighter as the Chetco will begin to fish on Friday.

Southern Oregon rivers
Steelhead fishing continues to be fair at best on the Chetco reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Guides are getting a couple fish a day, while plunkers are finding an occasional steelhead at Social Security Bar and Loeb Park,” said Martin. “Good conditions are expected just before the weekend. Steelhead fishing also is fair on the Elk and slow on the Rogue. Fishing has been much slower than normal on the entire Oregon Coast.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, rough weather has kept boats at the dock in Brookings. “Calm winds are in the forecast Thursday and Friday before another round of stormy weather.”

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.”

Smith and Chetco Only Green Water on the Coast

Brody and his father Jeremy from Monterey County with a nice Smith River steelhead caught Wednesday with guide JD Richey. Photo courtesy of JD Richey Sportfishing.

While the rest of the North Coast rivers were nearing monitor or even flood stage this week, the Smith and Chetco remained green and fishable. And were actually on the drop. You can chock that up to the frigid temperatures up north that turned rain to snow. These two rivers should remain in good shape, though they will start to clear, until the rain returns by mid-next week. The local rivers won’t be fishable anytime soon and next weeks rain will set them back a few more days. Hopefully we’ll be able to get back on these rivers before the end of the month, but I’m not holding my breath.

Weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, showers will gradually dissipate into the weekend. “A period of dry weather is then expected this weekend into early next week. Dry conditions, clear skies, and gentle offshore flow will all help contribute to unusually cool temperatures each night. Even along the coast, highs are expected to drop below freezing with lows in the teens for much of the interior. There is high model confidence that moist weather will return around mid-next week, but few ensemble members show a proper atmospheric river or anything more than light rain. Only as far out as February 17th do around 50% of ensemble members show another, stronger rain system.”

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.

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.

Low-flow open and closed river regulations now online
Rivers subjected to low flow fishing closures and whether they are open or closed to fishing can now be found online. The site includes three districts, North Coast, Central Coast, and South Central Coast. All rivers, creeks, and streams subjected to low flow fishing closures are listed along with their respective minimum flows. Questions can be sent via email to LowFlows@wildlife.ca.gov.

Mad
The Mad peaked at 21.4 feet (30,500 cfs) Monday evening, and is big and muddy. It’s predicted to drop through the weekend, but another rise is expected early next week. With Ruth spilling over muddy water, it will be some time before the river turns green again.

Main stem Eel
The main stem was flowing at roughly 55,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday after peaking at over 156,000. It’s predicted to drop through early next week before the next round of storms hit. Will need a couple weeks of dry weather before it’s green. It will start to fish once it gets below 5,000 cfs.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork peaked at over 35,000 cfs at Miranda Tuesday morning. After a small rise Friday, it’s predicted to drop through mid-next week before the next storm hits. It will need a solid week of dry weather to get it close to fishable, and that doesn’t look likely any time soon.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen peaked at nearly 21,000 cfs Monday evening and is back on the drop. Flows are predicted to drop through mid-next week and will be under 1,000 cfs when the next round of rain is predicted to hit. It will need at least a week of dry weather before it’s fishable.

Smith River
The Smith continues to be the lone fishable river on the North Coast. While the rest of the coastal rivers headed towards flood stage, the Smith was holding steady, or even dropping. You can chalk that up to the cold temperatures, which turned the rain to snow in the hills. As of Thursday, it was right around 9 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. A very small rise is predicted for Friday, but after that it will be dropping through mid-next week. Rain is predicted to return next Wednesday, and it remains to be seen if it will blow out for a day or two. Boat traffic has been light, as most have moved to the Chetco. A few fish are being caught daily.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
The Chetco dropped into prime shape for steelhead this week, but cold weather, and water temperatures close to 40 degrees, made fishing tough reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Plunkers did well over the weekend, but drift boaters reported slow fishing Tuesday and Wednesday, after a good bite on Monday,” said Martin. “The river should be in good shape through most of next week, before more heavy rain returns. The Elk and Sixes have been slow, also because of cold water. The Rogue is dropping into prime shape for the weekend.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, lingcod and rockfish are biting out of Brookings, with limits for charter boats heading north of Twin Rocks. “Crabbing has been decent, with big numbers of females and some keeper males. There is a weather window Friday and Saturday. Surfperch have arrived at beaches close to Brookings.”

Plenty of River Options for the Week Ahead

A couple of happy anglers with a nice South Fork Eel River steelhead caught last weekend. Photo courtesy of Blake Manning/Redwood Fishing Adventures

It’s been a solid couple of weeks since we’ve had any measurable precipitation, and most of the coastal rivers are now feeling the effects. Some good, others not so much. First the good. The Mattole, South Fork Eel, and Van Duzen are all in great shape at the moment and should be through the weekend and into next week. However, it won’t be long before they’ll need a shot of rain. The main stem Eel and the Mad River are just on the cusp of dropping into prime shape. By the end of next week, both should be emerald green. The Smith and Chetco, which are the quickest to clear, could use a few inches of rain as both are now getting low and clear. Reportedly, dry weather is predicted to persist through the end of the month. However, some ensemble forecasts are showing some potential river rises next weekend. I for one am hoping for some rain sooner rather than later.

Mad
The Mad is starting to come around, both in color and height. As of Thursday, it’s dipped below 1,000 cfs (8.15 feet) and should be in decent shape by the weekend with a couple feet of visibility. It may still be a little on the pushy side. Steelhead returning to the hatchery slowed this week, but anglers have been catching a few.

Main stem Eel
The main stem is still big, but starting to turn green as of Thursday, flowing at just above 6,000 cfs at Scotia and dropping. It should be down to a fishable height, though still big, by next week. It’s forecast to be under 5,000 cfs by late in the weekend. With no rain in sight, will be a good option for the next couple weeks.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is green, and was holding right around 1,500 cfs at Miranda Thursday. It dropped into shape over the weekend, but boat traffic wasn’t too bad. Not a wide-open bite by any means, but there were some nice fish caught.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 325 cfs as of Thursday and has been fishable since last week. It should be a good option for the weekend, especially for bank anglers. Flows are predicted to be just above 280 cfs by Saturday morning.

Smith River
The Smith is getting low and clearing, sitting at just below 8 feet at the Jed Smith gauge as of Thursday. There are fish to be had, but you’ll need to be stealthy with these conditions. Most anglers have moved north to the Chetco where conditions are a little better. Predicted to be 7.6 feet on the Jed Smith gauge by Saturday morning.

Chetco/Lower Rogue
Steelhead are spread throughout the Chetco, but catch rates have been best on the lower half reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Fishing is fair, with most guide boats getting one to three fish a day, and plunkers getting fish at Social Security Bar,” said Martin. “The river is dropping fast, but still had good color. No rain is in sight. The lower Rogue has yet to take off for steelhead. Plunkers have caught a few fish, but overall fishing has been slow.”

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:

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

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

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