Fishing the North Coast

Parched January Could Lead to River Closures

By Kenny Priest

fishing@northcoastjournal.com

North Coast river levels have fallen from their December glory after an extremely dry January. And February, at least through the fi rst couple weeks, isn’t looking much better. This extended dry period could lead to fi shing closures on several North Coast rivers. Back in December, the California Fish and Game Commission voted to extend low-fl ow closures through April 30 from the previous closure date of Jan. 31. Rivers that are regulated by low fl ow closures include the Eel, Mad, Mattole, Redwood Creek, Smith and Van Duzen rivers. Of these, the South Fork Eel, Mattole, Redwood Creek, and the Van Duzen could close in the next week or so. With most forecasts now leaning towards a dry end to this wet season, our winter steelhead season, at least on some of the smaller coastal rivers, could come to a sudden end. For more information on low-fl ow river closures, visit www.rb.gy/ ofi br6.

The weather ahead

According to Eureka’s National Weather Service o ce, we’re looking at dry conditions at least through Feb. 10. The six- to 10-day precipitation outlook is showing below normal rainfall through that period.

CDFW seeks input on 2022 sport Pacific Halibut season dates

California anglers who are interested in the recreational Pacifi c halibut fi shery are invited to participate in an online survey to help inform the CDFW about angler preferences for open fi shing dates during the upcoming 2022 season. Results of the survey, which is open until Feb. 18, will be used to develop recommended season dates that will be provided to the National Marine Fisheries Service. The Pacifi c halibut fi shery takes place o Northern California. The 2022 quota will be 39,000 net pounds, the same as in 2021 and 2020. The online survey can be found at www. surveymonkey.com/r/RNDCG2S. For more information on the Pacifi c halibut fi shery in California, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/ Conservation/Marine/Pacifi c-Halibut.

Anastacia Gonzalez, left, and Francesco Latini, of San Anselmo, hold an Eel River steelhead landed on a recent trip.

Photo courtesy of Fishing the North Coast

The Rivers:

Mad

The Mad still provides your best opportunity to land a steelhead. Fish are spread throughout the river, as anglers are catching a mixture of hatchery and wild fi sh. Flows were down to 400 cubic feet per second as of Tuesday but it’s still holding some color. Minimum fl ow is 200 cfs at State Route 299 bridge.

Main stem Eel

The main stem is in good shape, with plenty of green water. As of Tuesday, it was running at 2,860 cfs and starring to clear in the tail outs. The fi shing isn’t red hot, but most boats are getting a few chances per trip. Minimum fl ow is 350 cfs at Scotia.

South Fork Eel

The South Fork is running at 445 cfs as of Tuesday. At this fl ow, the spots that hold fi sh are few and far between. However, there are still quite a few fi sh around, including some fresh ones. Minimum fl ow is 340 cfs at Miranda.

Van Duzen

The Van Duzen was down to 270 cfs by Tuesday and is clear. Fishing pressure has been light due to conditions. It could fall under 200 cfs by next week. Minimum fl ow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek.

Smith River

Flows were less than 1,700 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday. Not many anglers are still trying as the river is low, clear and snaggy. There are some fi sh around but it’s tough getting them to bite in the clear water. Minimum fl ow is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park.

Chetco/Rogue

Steelhead fi shing has slowed on the Chetco, as water levels reached their lowest of the season early this week, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “With fl ows of around 900 cfs, it’s di cult to drift the river, and the fi sh holding up in the lower river are spooky and reluctant to bite,” said Martin. “Most guides have shifted gears to other waters. Expect good action after the next rain, although there is none in the forecast. The Rogue has been slow because of low water. A few adult winter steelhead and half-pounders are being caught near Agness.”

Read the complete fi shing roundup at www.northcoastjournal.com. ● Kenny Priest (he/him) operates

Fishing the North Coast, a fi shing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.fi shingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fi shing reports and North

Coast river information, email kenny@ fi shingthenorthcoast.com

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