humboldt | Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

CA Salmon Closures a Possibility Again in 2025

The PFMC released its salmon alternatives for the upcoming season Tuesday, and anglers are holding out hope that we could have some type of short season. With salmon abundance less than last year, there’s also a real good chance we’re looking at another year of no ocean salmon fishing this summer. Shelter Cove king photos courtesy of Jared Morris/C’Mon Sport Fishing

After a long week of meetings in Vancouver, WA that were full of delays and last-minute agenda changes, the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) released its ocean and inland salmon season options Tuesday. After two straight years of closures, the PFMC again took a precautionary approach in setting the season alternatives.

Fewer Chinook salmon returned from the ocean to spawn last year than in 2023, and many argued how there could possibly be any type of season based on the numbers and the fact that last year was closed with lower numbers.

But when the final options appeared in print for the first time Tuesday, some in the industry were alarmed that we could be fishing on a dwindling resource even if the abundance numbers turn out to be as predicted. Though still heavily restricted or banned in some zones, there is opportunity up and down the coast for both recreation, commercial, and inland harvest.

Continuing in 2025, CDFW has put in place in-season management and harvest limits, which are new concepts in management of commercial and recreational ocean salmon fisheries off California. Given the low abundance forecasts and spawner returns in recent years, it is crucial that any limited salmon fishing ultimately authorized be managed to ensure most of the fish return to the river this fall. Use of these strategies in 2025 ocean fisheries is expected to keep catches within pre-season projections.

For the ocean recreational salmon season within the California KMZ, which runs from the Oregon-California border to latitude 40°10’ N and includes Humboldt County, the three alternatives currently on the table are:
Alternative 1: June 5-8; July 3-6; July 31-August 3; August 28-31.
Alternative 2: June 5-8; July 3-6; July 31-August 3; August 28-31.
Alternative 3: Closed
In season action may be taken to close open days when total harvest is approaching a statewide harvest guideline of 6,500 Chinook.

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

These three alternatives are identical for the Fort Bragg area. All of the salmon management alternatives for the West Coast can be found here.

Klamath/Trinity fall Chinook allocations
The recreational allocations, or quotas, as proposed by the PFMC:
Alternative 1: 532 adult Klamath River fall Chinook. Tribal allocation: 1,384 adult KRFC.
Alternative 2: 148 adult KRFC. Tribal allocation: 989 adult KRFC.
Alternative 3: 7 adult KRFC. Tribal allocation: 44 adult KRFC.

Up next
Next in line is the PFMC public hearing in Santa Rosa, CA March 24. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive comments on the proposed management alternatives in preparation for adopting final salmon management recommendations at the April 2025 Council meeting. A summary of verbal comments heard at the hearings will be provided to the Pacific Council at its April meeting. This public hearing will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriot in the Sonoma Room, 175 Railroad Street, Santa Rosa, CA 95401. Details on how to attend the public hearing and PFMC meeting, as well as instructions to provide public comment, can be found here.

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 include Captain Del “Tuna Dog” Stephens, Scott Fordice of Lowrance, and Matt Dallum with an update from HASA. Additionally, there will be reps from Scotty, Pro-Cure, Humboldt County Sherrif’s Office, and CDFW. More information will be available at https://www.englundmarine.com/pages/seminars.html.

The Rivers:
Mad
As of Thursday, the Mad had peaked at 10.5 feet (3,700 cfs). It’s predicted to drop through Friday afternoon when the next big rise is expected. It’s predicted to top out at 14.2 feet Monday morning. It will likely remain off color during the time it will remain open, which is through March 31.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel was running at 10,000 cfs at Scotia as of Thursday afternoon, and rising slowly. With quite a bit more rain on the way, it’s predicted to peak at over 50,000 cfs Monday evening. It will need a couple of weeks of dry weather to get down to a fishable height. The main stem Eel is open year around, from April 1 through Sept. 30, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork blew out Wednesday and is now muddy. It fished pretty well over the weekend and earlier this week where anglers were catching a mix of downers and bright fish. As of Thursday, flows were right around 2,800 cfs at Miranda and rising. It’s not predicted to come down to a fishable height over the next few days, and will really blow out Monday when flows are forecast to reach 11,600 cfs. It will be close as to whether it will drop back into shape prior to it’s closing at the end of the month.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen peaked at 1,800 cfs early Thursday morning and will be on the drop through Friday. Flows will be under 800 cfs, but it will likely remain off color. Rain over the weekend will push flows to 8,700 cfs by Monday morning, keeping it dirty throughout next week. The Van Duzen will close to fishing after March 31.

Smith
The Smith peaked at 9.9 feet on the Jed Smith gauge early Thursday morning and remained fishable. Anglers should be able to get Friday in before the steeper rise begins Saturday. It forecast to reach 17.5 feet (30,000 cfs) late Sunday night. It should drop down to fishable shape mid-week. There should be a mix of fresh fish and downrunners in the river.

Southern Oregon rivers
“The Chetco has a mix of small adult steelhead and downrunners. Fishing remains fair at best, but a few bright fish are still being caught,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The smaller coastal rivers near Brookings also have had fresh fish this past week for anglers banking it in the Forest Service sections. A few spring salmon are being caught on the Rogue River, along with late winter steelhead, including a few more hatchery fish. This week’s rain may kickstart the springer season, bringing in enough salmon to make anchoring all day and fishing anchovies or spinners worthwhile. Many of the boats fishing in recent days have been running steelhead plugs on their inside rods and an anchovy with heavier salmon gear on the outside. Plunkers also are catching primarily steelhead on large Spin-N-Glos.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, lingcod fishing was good for a few days last week, despite rough weather, but stormy conditions this weekend will keep boats at the dock. “Surfperch have arrived, but big swells and surf will challenge fishermen this weekend.”

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

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.”

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.

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.”

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

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.”

Coastal Rivers Could Use Some Rain

Nine-year-old Kai Mykham is all smiles after landing his first-ever steelhead while fishing the Mad River with his father Jeperson. Photo courtesy of Jeperson Mykham

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

Weather outlook
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service, we’ll see mostly dry conditions for the next seven days with the exception of potential light rain or snow late Friday night into Saturday morning for parts of central and southern Lake County. “Chilly nights and mornings for this weekend. Potential for gusty winds return to the area Friday through Sunday, focusing on the coast Friday, and then including interior locations Saturday into Sunday.”

Mad River Steelhead Reward Program Returns for 2024-25
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.

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 in good shape and steelhead are finally showing up according to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s RMI Outdoors. “Excellent conditions drew plenty of bank anglers and boats this week and the fishing was good,” said Kelly. “Steelhead are currently spread out from top to bottom, and conditions should continue to get better throughout the week.” As of Thursday, it was right at 7.25 feet and holding good color. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, it’s a good option.

Main stem Eel
The main stem dropped into shape this week and is nice and green. It was running at 3,800 cubic feet per second as of Thursday and should be in great shape through the weekend and likely through the end of the month. There are some steelhead around but the bite isn’t wide open.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is running at just under a 1,000 cfs at Miranda as of Thursday. It’s been in really good shape for over a week, and has provided some pretty good fishing from the top to the bottom. It should continue to fish through the weekend, but will continue to clear, making fishing a little tougher. It was fairly crowded over the weekend, but has since thinned out.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down to 290 cfs Thursday and is in great shape. Catch reports are hard to come by, but it’s a great option if you’re looking for a spot to bank fish.

Smith River
Flows were less than 1,800 cfs (6.9 feet) on the Jed Smith gauge Thursday. Fishing has been tough as the river is low, clear and snaggy. Fishing pressure has been very light as a lot of anglers have moved to other rivers. There are some fish around but again, you’ll need to be stealthy.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
“The Chetco is low and clear, with a handful of steelhead a day being caught,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Plunkers are landing a fish or two a day at Social Security Bar, but most shore-based anglers are going home fish less. Drift boats also are reporting low catch rates, with a few fish a day being landed. Trees in the river at Emily Creek, above Ice Box and below Miller Bar could making drifting anywhere above Loeb Park difficult this weekend. A few late salmon also surprised anglers this week on the lower river. Rain isn’t expected until the very end of the month. The Elk and Sixes are low and clear, while the Rogue also is slow, although a few fish a day are being caught by boaters anchoring a running plugs.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the lingcod, rockfish and crab action has been good out of Brookings on calm weather days. “Windy weather is in the forecast this weekend.”

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

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

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