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CDFW Seeks Input on 2022 Pacifi c Halibut Season

By Kenny Priest

fishing@northcoastjournal.com

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 and 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.

The weather ahead

According to Je Tonkin of Eureka’s National Weather Service o ce, there’s a 30 to 40 percent chance of light rain Sunday into Monday. “Up in Del Norte, we could see up to a quarter inch while we’ll probably see less in Humboldt,” said Tonkin. “After Monday, we’re back to dry conditions with the ridge of high pressure pushing everything way to the north.”

River Closures

The South Fork Eel, Mattole and Redwood Creek were closed to fi shing as of Feb. 15 due to low fl ows. The South Fork Eel is closed from its mouth to Rattlesnake Creek. The Mattole is closed to fi shing from the mouth to Honeydew Creek. Redwood Creek is closed from its mouth to the confl uence with Bond Creek.

The Rivers:

Mad

According to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s RMI Outdoors, the river is super low right now. “There’s still a little color in the deeper holes and slots,” said Kelly. “There are quite a few fi sh around but it’s been tough getting them to bite.” Flows were down to 275 cubic feet per second as of Tuesday. Minimum fl ow is 200 cubic feet per second at State Route 299 bridge.

Fortuna resident Bob Crane landed this nice Pacific halibut out of Eureka last summer. CDFW is currently seeking input for the 2022 sport halibut season. Photo courtesy of Gary Blasi/Full Throttle Sport Fishing night following the small storm. This could have brought in some fresh fi sh but fl ows Main stem Eel will remain extremely low. Minimum fl ow

As of Tuesday, it was running at 2,300 is 600 cfs at Jed Smith Park. cfs and dropping. Flows went up about 400 cfs to 2,500 cfs over the weekend Southern Oregon rivers due to snowmelt from last week’s warm The Chetco is approaching summertime temperatures. The fi shing has been incon- levels, with fl ows below 600 cfs, reports sistent with boats getting anywhere from Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Steelzero to three fi sh per day. Most of the fi sh head fi shing is slow because of the low, being caught are bright. Minimum fl ow is clear water, although a few fi sh are trick350 cfs at Scotia. ling in. E ort is light. Expect catch rates to jump after the next major rain. Low water South Fork Eel also has brought the action to a standstill

The South Fork is closed to fi shing as on the Elk and Sixes, while fi shing also is of last week. On Tuesday, fl ows were 280 slow on the lower Rogue. A few steelhead cfs at Miranda. Minimum fl ow is 340 cfs at are being caught near Agness, and action Miranda. has been good in the canyon for anglers taking advantage of the low water. Expect Van Duzen the fi rst spring salmon of the season after

The Van Duzen bumped up slightly due the next major rain.” to snowmelt in the hills. As of Tuesday, fl ows were hovering just above 200 cfs. ● The river is extremely clear and low. Bank fi shing e ort has been light due to Read the complete fi shing roundup at conditions. If the river forecast holds, it www.northcoastjournal.com. should close to angling later in the week. Minimum fl ow is 150 cfs at Grizzly Creek. Kenny Priest (he/him) operates Fishing the North Coast, a fi shing guide service out Smith River of Humboldt specializing in salmon and

Last week’s warm weather triggered steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, snowmelt pushing fl ows to 1,600 cfs on YouTube and www.fi shingthenorthcoast. the Jed Smith gauge last Friday. It has since com. For up-to-date fi shing reports and dropped back to 1,390 cfs as of Tuesday. North Coast river information, email There was a slight bump in fl ows Monday kenny@fi shingthenorthcoast.com.