FISHING THE NORTH COAST
From Salmon to Steelhead: Transition Time for Coastal Rivers By Kenny Priest
fishing@northcoastjournal.com
W
ith very little rain over the past couple weeks and the rivers on the drop, the end is in sight for the late, fall-run salmon season on the North Coast. The season has been somewhat of a disappointment to fishermen, as only a couple storms hit the coast and dropped enough rain to keep the Smith and Chetco up to ideal fishing levels. While the fishing window was short, that doesn’t necessarily mean the number of returning salmon was small. Even during the low-water conditions, salmon were seen making their way upriver on all our coastal streams. On the other hand — as we flip the calendar one last time in 2021 to December — it’s transition time here on the coast. The majority of the salmon have reached their end destination and we now wait for the winter steelhead to make their way into the coastal rivers. All the rivers have seen a few adults push in, hopefully with plenty more right behind ’em. But don’t give up entirely on salmon just yet. The Smith, Chetco and the Eel should each see another spurt or two of fresh kings move in on the next substantial river rise.
Weather ahead According to Matthew Kidwell of Eureka’s National Weather Service office, this rest of this week is looking dry. “The next chance of rain is for Monday and Tuesday,” said Kidwell. “The Smith basin could see up to an inch of rain while Humboldt could see a half to three-quarters. Beginning Dec. 5, the forecast models are trending toward above normal precipitation.”
Mad River Steelhead Derby Starts Dec. 18 The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) is hosting its third annual Mad River Steelhead Derby from Dec. 18 through Feb. 28. Anglers must be signed up prior to Dec. 18 to be eligible
to win cash and prizes. Only hatchery steelhead can be Tyler Blevin of McKinleyville landed a bright winter-run entered. The largest steelhead steelhead over the weekend while fishing the Mad River. wins $500, second place $300 The coastal winter steelhead run will kick into high gear and third place $150. First over the next couple weeks. place in the youth division (16 Photo courtesy of Ross Lane and under) will win a $175 RMI arrive after the next significant rainfall, as Outdoors gift card, second and third place well as the first of the steelhead. finishers will win prizes to be announced. Anglers can sign up online at www.ncgasa. Van Duzen org or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part Flows were down to 160 cubic feet per of the proceeds benefit the Mad River second on Tuesday and will likely close to Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler›s fishing before the next rain event. broodstock collection program that works in concert with the California Smith Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more With no rain for a couple weeks, the information, visit www.madriversteelheadSmith is low and clear, but remains open erby.com. to fishing. Boat pressure has been light, as most guides have canceled their salmon trips due to the conditions and lack As of Tuesday, Redwood Creek and of fish. Winter steelhead should start the South Fork Eel were closed to fishing. to trickle in even during the low-water All other North Coast rivers subjected to conditions. As of Tuesday, flows were right low-flow fishing closures, including the around 1,120 cubic feet per second on the Smith, Eel, Mad and Van Duzen were open Jed Smith gauge. to angling. Be sure and call the low-flow Chetco/Elk/Sixes closure hotline at 822-3164 to determine Low water has slowed salmon fishing if the river is open prior to fishing. The on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers, reports California Department of Fish and Wildlife Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. He will announce whether rivers will be open said, “The Chetco is still driftable but very by a telephone-recorded message each few fresh salmon are still in the system. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. NOTE: Expect a few new kings and some early The main stem Eel from the South Fork steelhead after next week’s expected rain. to Cape Horn Dam, the Mattole River and An early December rain typically produces the Mad River from the mouth to 200 good fishing on the Elk and Sixes, especialyards upstream are closed until Jan. 1, 2022. ly after a few weeks of low water.” ●
The Rivers:
Mad
The Mad is low and clear, but still open to fishing. It’s a little early for steelhead in big numbers, but a few have reportedly been caught. Expect the steelhead numbers to improve after the next significant rise.
Main stem Eel
Flows were down to 1,150 cubic feet per second Tuesday and it’s getting clear. There are some coho around, but not many kings. The last push of kings should
Read the complete fishing report at www.northcoastjournal.com 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.
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northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL
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