van duzen river | Fishing the North Coast with Kenny Priest

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

Limited Options for Late Season Steelhead Anglers

Chris Hall, left, and Raj Desai with a late season steelhead taken on the South Fork Eel River earlier in March. Photo courtesy of Fishing the North Coast

Following last weekend’s drenching, all of the coastal rivers are now back on the drop. But with just a handful of days left in the season, and more rain predicted next week, the options are few for those looking for the last of the winter steelhead. The Smith, though still big but green, is always the first to clear and would be a good option. Even with rain coming over the weekend, it should remain fishable and will be in pristine condition early next week. For the Humboldt rivers, specifically the SF Eel, the only real opportunity will be next Tuesday and Wednesday. Flows are predicted to dip under 2,000 cfs at Miranda Tuesday, and Wednesday is looking even better. But then it’s predicted to all come crashing down. Rain is in the forecast beginning Wednesday night, which will likely blow out all the Humboldt rivers for the remainder of their season.

The Smith will remain open through April, and the main stem Eel is open year-round. So, there is a chance to get a few more days on the river, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

While these extremely wet winters on the North Coast may not bring much joy to steelhead anglers, they’re a blessing for the fish. The extra water will go a long way in helping the steelhead reach their spawning grounds and also provide a helping hand for the juvenile salmonids as they begin their journey down to the saltwater.

The weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, relatively steady light to moderate rain will continue into Friday and early Saturday. “Total accumulations are around 2 to 3 inches in Del Norte, 1 to 1.5 inches in Humboldt, and 0.1 to 0.5 in Trinity. Snow levels are around 3000 to 4000 feet, and Scott Mountain Pass and the highest passes of Highway 36 could see a light amounts of snow. Less than a quarter inch of precipitation is expected in Mendocino and Lake counties.

A warmer and dryer pattern arrives Sunday into early next week. Temperatures in the interior are forecast to rise into the 70s and 80s by Monday. 60s are possible at the coastal areas, but stratus may make a return, as well. Ensembles are showing a return to wet weather mid next week. Both the CPC 6-10 day outlook and the 8-14 day outlook are showing increasing chances for above normal precipitation.”

PFMC to hold public hearing on salmon season alternatives
The PFMC will hold a public hearing in Santa Rosa, CA March 24. The purpose of this 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. 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.

Perchin’ on the Peninsula coming April 26
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.

Trinity River flow release updates
The California Department of Water Resources March 90% B120 declaration was published on Mar. 10 as “wet” with the 90% determination at 1,415,000 acre feet.
The hydrograph developed by the Program with the “wet” water allocation for Mar. 15 – April 14 will commence on March 21 after Storage Management Releases from Trinity Reservoir come to a close.

The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad is still high and off-color, which won’t change anytime soon. With the steelhead season closing after March 31, it’s unlikely it will drop into fishable shape prior to closing. It’s predicted to drop through next Wednesday when the next storm is forecast to arrive.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is big and dirty, running at 24,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday. If we see an extended dry period lasting around 10 days, it could come around into fishable shape. But that doesn’t appear to be the case as rain is back in the forecast for later next week. 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
The South Fork is starting to turn green in the Piercy area, and will continue to drop through mid-next week. Right now, it’s looking like it will be in fishable shape on the lower end next Tuesday and Wednesday. Another rise is in the forecast beginning next Thursday, which will likely keep it off color through the end of the month.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen is still high and off color as of Thursday. It will be on the drop through the weekend, and could be fishable by mid next-week. It’s predicted to blowout next Thursday, likely putting an end to the season as it closes after March 31.

Smith
After topping out at nearly 26 feet at the Jed Smith gauge Sunday, the Smith has dropped back down to a fishable level. As of Thursday, it was down to 11.5 feet. Rain is in the forecast for the next couple of days, which will push flows to over 13 feet on Saturday. Conditions should be excellent early next week, before the next rise starts Thursday. Reports have been hard to come by as most anglers have called it a season or moved to other rivers.

Chetco/Rogue
The Chetco reached flood stage over the weekend, cresting just below 60,000 cfs reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “It appears to be on pace to be blown out through the weekend, but could be in shape for late-season steelhead Tuesday or Wednesday,” said Martin. “The Rogue also flooded and will likely be too high even for springers through the weekend. Expect plenty of spring salmon as it drops next week.”

Brookings ocean report
According to Martin, the ocean had a brief window for bottom fishing on Tuesday, with limits of rockfish and a few lingcod. “More fishable weather could arrive on Saturday, with a better forecast early next week.”

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.

Upcoming salmon meetings
March 5-11: PFMC March Meeting in Vancouver, WA. The Council will determine whether any in-season actions are required for fisheries scheduled to open prior to May 16. They will also craft three regulatory alternatives for ocean salmon fisheries in effect on or after May 16. Final adoption of alternatives for public review is tentatively scheduled for March 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

Coastal Rivers Done in by Rain Once Again

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

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

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

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

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

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

From the CDFW January 7 announcement:

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

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

Tomales Bay
Humboldt Bay
Crescent City Harbor
San Francisco Bay

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

Free fishing days this weekend in Oregon
It’s free to fish, crab or clam on the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day Weekend, Feb. 15-16. During these two days, no fishing licenses or tags (including a Combined Angling Tag and a Columbia River Basin Endorsement) are required to fish, crab or clam anywhere in Oregon. Although no licenses or tags are required, all other regulations apply including closures, bag limits and size restrictions. For more information, visit https://myodfw.com/articles/2025-free-fishing-days-and-events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

Better Late Then Never – Rivers Finally Turning Green

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

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

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

Mad River Steelhead Reward Program Returns for 2025
For the Mad River steelhead fishery in the upcoming 2025 season, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will once again attach reward tags to a small subset of hatchery-origin (i.e., adipose-clipped) adult steelhead upon their return to freshwater. This is in effort to estimate the steelhead harvest on the Mad River. According to John Deibner-Hanson, a Northern Region Environmental Scientist for CDFW, a number of fish will be captured in the lower river using tangle nets and affixed with spaghetti tags worth $20, $50 or $100 rewards. Once the tags are applied on their backs behind the dorsal fin, the fish will be released.
Upon capturing a reward tag, anglers will need to follow one of the methods outlined below to answer a series of questions about how the tag was acquired (e.g., caught on fish, found on dead fish, found on bank). Anglers will have until April 15, 2025 to report tags and claim rewards, after which reward tags from this season will expire. To attain accurate harvest estimates, we must assume 100% tag return rates on harvested steelhead, so getting the word out for our tagging program will be vital to its success.

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

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 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

Smith River Best Option for Holiday Steelhead

Bay Area resident Francesco Latini with an Eel River winter steelhead taken from a previous season. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast

If you’re looking to tangle with a coastal winter steelhead between now and the end of the year, your options will likely be limited to the Smith River. It’s currently the only river on the coast that’s green and fishable, and likely will remain that way as we navigate through these extremely rainy next couple of weeks. Flows through this weekend will be on the upper end of safely drifting, but plunking will be an excellent option. Beginning Monday and through next week, flows are predicted to range from 12 feet on the Jed Smith gauge to 17 feet. Again, these are perfect plunking conditions from either a boat or off the bank.

As for the other coastal rivers from the Mad to the South Fork Eel, it’s looking like we won’t see green water prior to 2025. Two storm fronts will bring rain this weekend, followed by additional rain next week where we could see some potential river flooding.

Weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, dry conditions will develop and skies will be clear through Thursday. “By Friday, the ridge will quickly be pushed east as a very deep trough develops over the eastern Pacific Ocean. Lower temps and high southerly winds are forecast for Friday bringing a slight chance of rain over Humboldt and Del Norte counties. A more potent front will then approach the region Friday night into Saturday. Widespread rain is expected to expand over the region and stronger southerly winds to develop on Saturday morning.

The Weather Prediction Center has placed much of Northwest California in a marginal risk of extreme rainfall in their day 4 Saturday outlook while the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is favoring above normal precipitations for Northwest California and the Pacific Northwest in their 6-10- and 8-14-day outlooks. Additionally, the CPC is highlighting our region for heavy precipitation from the 26th through the 27th with flooding possible.”

Mad River Steelhead Reward Program Returns for 2024-25
For the Mad River steelhead fishery in the upcoming 2024-25 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

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 and Smith rivers. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2025. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad was down to 8.8 feet on Thursday and will continue to drop through Friday. The incoming storms will keep it high and off color through next week and likely through the end of the year.

Main stem Eel
The main Eel is dropping, but still high and off color running just above 17,000 cfs Thursday. The next round of storms, including next week, will keep it from being fishable through the end of the year.

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is on the drop, flowing at 3,600 cfs at Sylvandale Thursday. The river was green and in great shape Wednesday above the East Fork, but off color below. The lower river could fish Saturday, with flows down to 2,650 cfs. However, Saturday’s storm is forecast to put it back on the rise in the afternoon, likely blowing it out for the rest of the year.

Van Duzen
The Van Duzen was down under 900 cfs Thursday and will be dropping slowly through Saturday morning. The next round of storms will likely do it in for the rest of the year. Flows are predicted to hit 8,600 cfs Tuesday morning with more rain predicted for most of next week.

Smith
The quick-clearing Smith is in perfect shape as of Thursday, sitting at 10.45 feet on the Jed Smith gauge. It’s predicted to drop through Saturday morning before it goes on the rise throughout the day. Sunday and Monday are looking like fishable conditions before it goes on a bigger rise Tuesday. The 10-day forecast shows the river being just above being driftable, but good conditions for plunking from shore or a boat. There should be some steelhead moving in with the next few storms.

Chetco/Elk
“Plunkers are catching a few steelhead on the Chetco, which has been too high for drift boats the past week and is expected to remain high through Christmas,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Flows could subside enough for a brief period this weekend. A few late kings are being caught on the Elk River, where flows have been low enough to fish, but strong winds have made fishing difficult. More stormy weather is expected through the week.”

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

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.

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.

Winter Steelhead Season Knocking on the Door

Fresh kings still coming into the Chetco, Smith likey done for the year

McKinleyville resident Alyssa Brooke Cardoza landed this hefty king salmon over the weekend while fishing the Chetco River. Photo courtesy of Curtis Wilson.

With the late-fall king season all but wrapped up on the coastal rivers, it’s time to turn our attention to winter steelhead, likely the most popular fishery on the North Coast. With the last storm providing plenty of water to all of the rivers, anglers are primed and ready to do battle with the gray ghosts. There’s been a smattering of steelhead caught on most coastal rivers already, but few more good rain events should get the season underway.

With regards to the salmon season, it was definitely one to remember. Or to put it another way, it was much like the old days. The Smith and Eel rivers both saw good returns of kings. There’s also a good number of returning coho to the Eel basin. The Chetco also saw numbers they haven’t seen in some time. And they’re still coming. Schools of big, fresh kings have been moving through the lower river all week. And more and more steelhead are being seen and caught.

But now with more rain in the forecast next week and the calendar saying December – it’s time to get our steelhead on!

Weekend marine forecast
The next couple of days look good before the wind picks up on Saturday evening. As of Thursday, Friday’s forecast is calling for north winds 5 to 10 knots with west waves 6 feet at 12 seconds. Saturday is looking similar, with winds coming out of the north 5 to 10 knots with northwest waves 6 feet at 14 seconds. Winds will strengthen beginning Sunday, coming out of the north 15 to 20 knots with north waves 6 feet at seven seconds and west 9 feet at 14 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Weather ahead
According to Eureka’s National Weather Service, the high pressure ridge will build back behind the front that moved through on Thursday and will keep Humboldt mostly dry through the weekend, Northern Humboldt and Del Norte counties could see some light rain this weekend, but it won’t add up to much. A more active weather pattern is developing for later next week that could bring higher rain totals.

Eureka/Trinidad sport crabbing
Sport crabbing continues to be excellent out of Eureka. Boats fishing either side of the entrance in roughly 100 feet of water were averaging 10 to 15 keepers on an overnight soak. Conditions look good through the Saturday before the wind and seas pick up on Sunday. Up in Trinidad, the crabbing has slowed down. Anglers are having to go a little further outside the harbor area to get their limits.

Shelter Cove update
We had a really good week of weather at reports Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. He said, “We spent the last few days of the nearshore rockfish season up around Rodgers Break for quick limits each day. Once it switched back to deep water, we fished outside the Hat, where the fishing was pretty decent as well. Crabbing is still going strong. It’s slowed down a little since the start, but still getting easy limits.”

Young deckhand Mason Mitchell holds a nice yellowtail rockfish caught out of Shelter Cove while fishing with his dad Jake. Photo courtesy of Jake Mitchell/Sea Hawk Sport Fishing

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

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 and Smith rivers. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2025. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad was just above 700 cfs Thursday and dropping slowly. The water is turning green with about a foot of visibility. Should be in excellent shape by the weekend. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/madStages.html

Main stem Eel
Flows were just under 5,000 cfs Thursday morning as it continues to drop. If it continues to drop as predicted, it will be plenty fishable by the weekend. Flows will be a little high, but the color should be good. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

South Fork Eel
The South Fork is in perfect shape, running at 1,750 cfs at Sylvandale Thursday. It’s dropping slowly, and will be in prime shape this weekend. It’s a little early for big numbers of steelhead, but there could be some late-arriving kings and coho around. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Van Duzen
Like the Sf Eel, the Van Duzen is fishable, but it’s starting to get low. As of Thursday, flows were just above 200 cfs. With no rain in the immediate forecast, it could close after the weekend. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Smith
The Smith is low and clear, registering 7.5 feet at the Jed Smith gauge Thursday morning. The salmon season is all but wrapped up, and some rain is needed to bring in the steelhead. A few were caught last week. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/smithStages.html

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
“The Chetco had a surprising number of bright kings on Thanksgiving weekend, with several fish over 40 pounds caught, along with a 52-pounder,” said Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Plug fishing has been good on the lower river. A handful of steelhead also have been caught, both by plunkers and boaters side-drifting. While rivers to the north are low and clear, the Chetco still had plenty of flow and color on Tuesday.”

Brookings rockfish update
According to Martin, the lingcod and rockfish action has been good out of the Port of Brookings. “Recreational crabbing opened back up Wednesday after two consecutive tests indicated levels of domoic acid were below the safety threshold. Calm conditions are expected through the week, but choppy seas are possible 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.

‘Offshore Only’ Rockfish Season Begins Dec. 1

Nearshore season ends Saturday

Redding resident Tyler Somonis holds a nice vermilion rockfish caught Wednesday while fishing out of Crescent City. The nearshore rockfish season will close after Saturday. Photo courtesy of Crescent City Fishing/Steve Huber’s Guide Service.

Following a month of mostly unfishable conditions, the month of December will once again force rockfish anglers back to deep water. With the opening of sport Dungeness crab season and rockfish within reach, hopes were high for a November full of combo trips. But Mother Nature had other plans and failed to provide many fishable days. The past few days have been the best we’ve seen all month.

But now, starting Sunday Dec. 1 within the Northern Management Area, which includes ocean waters between 42°00’ N. latitude (CA-OR Border) and 40°10′ N. latitude (near Cape Mendocino), fishing for rockfish will only be allowed seaward of the 50-fathom boundary line, and only shelf rockfish, slope rockfish and lingcod may be retained. Take and possession of nearshore rockfish, cabezon and greenling are prohibited during the offshore fishery.

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.

Divers and shore-based anglers will continue to be exempt from boat-based season restrictions affecting rockfish and other federally managed groundfish, which allows for year-round diving and shore-based angling, in line with current regulations. Rockfish season for boat anglers will close statewide after Dec. 31.

Regulation change reminder for 2024
Changes to the sub-bag limits within the 10-fish daily Rockfish, Cabezon, Greenling (RCG) complex bag and possession limit include a new statewide ban on possession of quillback rockfish. Also new in 2024 is the mandatory possession of descending devices . No person shall take or possess any federal groundfish from any boat or other floating device in ocean waters without having a descending device in possession and available for immediate use to assist in releasing rockfish to the depth of capture.

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

Minimum size for Cabezon is 15 inches total length and for Kelp and/or rock greenlings it’s 12 inches.

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.

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 weather and marine forecast
According to the Eureka’s National Weather Service, high pressure will continue to build over the area, bringing mostly clear skies and chilly overnight temperatures. By early next week some warmer valleys could see temperatures in the 70’s. There is no clear end in sight for this pattern yet. Ridging to will likely continue to dominate the west coast for the next seven days.

The weekend marine forecast is looking good for offshore crabbing and/or rockfish. As of Friday, Saturday’s forecast is calling for northeast winds up to 5 knots with northwest waves 3 feet at seven seconds and 2 feet at 12 seconds. Sunday looks similar, with northwest waves 2 feet at 11 seconds and 5 feet at 18 seconds. Conditions early next week also look favorable. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at 443-6484.

Eureka/Trinidad sport crabbing
After the storms, boats were finally able to get back on the water Tuesday. And the reports were excellent with boats reporting easy limits of big crab. Boats fishing either side of the entrance in roughly 100 feet of water were averaging 10 to 15 keepers on an overnight soak. Conditions look good through the weekend.

Sport crabbers are also doing well in Trinidad, averaging 10 to 12 per trap for an overnight soak. The quality has been excellent. Expect the beach to be crowded over the holiday weekend and the last few days of the inshore rockfish season.

Shelter Cove update
“We finally got back on the water Tuesday, and the fishing was excellent,” said Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing. “We had limits of rockfish, lingcod, and crab and back at the dock by noon. Rogers Break has been good for rockfish and lingcod, while we’re crabbing off Black Sands Beach. On an overnight soak, we’re getting 10 to 20 keepers per pot.”

The Rivers:
As of Friday, 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 and Smith rivers. The Department of Fish and Game will make the information available to the public by a telephone recorded message updated, as necessary, no later than 1 p.m. each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday as to whether any stream will be closed to fishing. The rivers can be opened at any time. The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream and the Mattole River will be closed until January 1, 2025. More information can be found here.

Mad
The Mad is dropping quickly and should be at a fishable height by mid-week. There should be some early steelhead making their way into the lower river this week. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/madStages.html

Main stem Eel
Flows were down to 12,800 cfs Friday as it continues to drop. With a mostly dry week forecasted, it could be fishable by next weekend. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

South Fork Eel
The South Fork was just above 3,000 cfs Friday and should be fishable by the first of the week. It’s a little early for steelhead, but there could be some late-arriving salmon around. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Van Duzen
Like the Sf Eel, the Van Duzen should be fishable by the early next week. As of Friday, flows were right around 800 cfs. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/eelStages.html

Smith
The Smith was just above 9.5 feet at the Jed Smith Park Friday morning. The river is forecast to drop slowly through the week. The salmon run is mostly done for the season, and we should start to see a few early steelhead show up. Current river conditions: cdec.water.ca.gov/river/smithStages.html

Nov. 29 and 30 free fish days in Oregon
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is waiving all fishing licensing requirements on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to experience fishing with friends and family during the long holiday weekend. All fishing, crabbing, and clamming in Oregon will be free for both Oregon residents and non-residents. No licenses, tags or endorsements are needed on those days, but all other fishing regulations apply. Visit https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2024/11_Nov/111324.asp for more info.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes
The Elk River was back in shape on Tuesday, and fresh hatchery kings were spread throughout the river reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The Elk River could be low by the end of the week,” said Martin. “The Chetco remains blown out but should fish by the end of the week. Steelhead season opens Dec. 1 on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes. The Chetco also will open to fishing, steelhead only, for the first time this fall above Nook Bar.”

Brookings rockfish update
According to Martin, the ocean out of Brookings calmed down this week, with flat conditions expected this weekend. Lingcod fishing was good before the latest storms.

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.