Fishing the North Coast

massive ship slides through shining waters. Commerce still holds some sway.

We continue, undaunted by a prickly bush that has staked a claim to the center of the path, snaking our way along a thin line made by previous hikers. My companion stops to marvel at a massive redwood carcass. Did it grow here centuries ago and is just now reaching the end of its decay? Or was it storm-tossed this far inland? Either way, great forces are at foot.

I still can’t see the ocean, but sun, salty air and unseen crashing enthralls us. Our pace quickens as we each strain to be the first to see the waters. And there it is. The Pacific Ocean makes me catch my breath each time I see it. I was the same with Lake Michigan, the Mississippi and the little spring-fed river that I once lived along.

We reach the end of the corridor, where the entrance is clearly visible with “No Vehicle” signs and a pedestrian gate. A small dip in the sands rises to meet the last line of dunes before giving way to water. We cautiously cross over the vehicle trails, since we can hear them coming but their field of vision is greatly reduced by dunes. Some quick steps and we reach a trail marker set at the edge of tall sea grass. I pin it on my map app, as the trailhead can be easily lost from the beach. I once passed it up and added another mile to our walk. Neither one of us minded.

A scan north and south shows off-roaders’ intersecting tire tracks weaving patterns in the hard sands of the tidal zone. Some tread marks disappear into the mist as the outgoing tides smooth out others with sweeping arches of surf. We spend a few hours walking lazily, making sure that four-wheelers and dirt bikers can drive through the surf without worrying about running us over. This is their domain and we were happy to share.

We head back to our not-so-secret corridor and zig-zag through the pedestrian gate. The ocean quiets as dunes absorb its roar. The occasional buzzing of a nearby off-roader dips in and out like a stalking mosquito until it, too, falls silent. We stroll along the path in the afternoon sun, surrounded but alone. We pause to look at the bay and the campground. The mountains rise behind Eureka, mists mingled with low clouds. We move on reluctantly, hunger now driving us on. Too soon, we’re at the Hum Co 0 marker again. We climb back into the van, grinning. l

Meg Wall-Wild (she/her) is a freelance writer and photographer who loves her books, the dunes of Humboldt, and her husband, not necessarily in that order. When not writing, she pursues adventure in her camper, Nellie Bly. On Instagram @megwallwild. Jim Rawson, right, and Fisher Baxter joined forces to catch and release this beautiful wild steelhead on a recent outing to the Smith River.

Photo courtesy of Mike Baxter

Coastal Rivers in Need of Rain

By Kenny Priest

fishing@northcoastjournal.com

It’s been nearly three weeks since we’ve had any measurable precipitation and most of the coastal rivers are now feeling the effects. Other than the main stem Eel and the

Mad, which are both in pristine shape, all the rivers are now 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 good 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. And there is some positive news on the horizon.

Weather forecasters are predicting a return to wintry weather conditions beginning the first week of February.

Weather outlook

According to Eureka’s National Weather Service office, we’re looking at dry conditions the rest of the week. There is a chance for light rain Sunday but it doesn’t look like it will affect the river levels. There is a pattern change forecast for later next week that continues to show a very promising return of rain.

The Rivers Mad

The Mad is in great shape and loaded with steelhead. Excellent conditions drew plenty of bank anglers and boats over the weekend, and the fishing was good. The river will be in great shape the rest of the week, with steelhead spread out from top to bottom. As of Tuesday, it was right at 8 feet and holding good color. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, it’s probably your best option.

Main stem Eel

The main stem dropped into shape late last week and is nice and green. It was running at 4,000 cubic feet per second as of Tuesday and should be in great shape through the weekend. There are some steelhead around but the bite isn’t wide open.

South Fork Eel

The South Fork is running at 650 cfs as of Tuesday and getting clearer. At this flow, the spots that hold fish are dwindling. The good news is there are plenty of fish around. You’ll need to be stealthy to be successful. Forecast to be around 500 cfs on the Miranda gauge by Saturday.

Van Duzen

The Van Duzen was down to 400 cfs by Tuesday and is in great shape. Catch reports are hard to come by but there are plenty of bank anglers out trying. It will be down to 300 cfs by the weekend.

Smith River

Flows were less than 2,500 cfs on the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday. 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 stealth.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes

The Chetco is now low and clear, but steelhead are still being caught by the handful of local guides still focusing on the river, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “Rain expected next week should give fishing a boost,” says Martin. “A few fish a day are coming in on the afternoon tides, with drift boaters getting a fish or two a day. Flows are down to 1,200 cfs and will drop below 1,000 cfs this weekend. Fishing also has slowed on the Elk, Sixes and lower Rogue.”

Kenny Priest (he/him) 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