Fishing the North Coast

from North Coast Journal 12-02-2021 Edition

News

From Salmon to Steelhead: Transition Time for Coastal Rivers

By Kenny Priest

fishing@northcoastjournal.com

With 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 fi shermen, as only a couple storms hit the coast and dropped enough rain to keep the Smith and Chetco up to ideal fi shing levels. While the fi shing 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 fl ip 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 o ce, 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 entered. The largest steelhead wins $500, second place $300 and third place $150. First place in the youth division (16 and under) will win a $175 RMI Outdoors gift card, second and third place fi nishers will win prizes to be announced. Anglers can sign up online at www.ncgasa. org or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part of the proceeds benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler›s broodstock collection program that works in concert with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit www.madriversteelheaderby.com.

The Rivers:

As of Tuesday, Redwood Creek and the South Fork Eel were closed to fi shing. All other North Coast rivers subjected to low-fl ow fi shing closures, including the Smith, Eel, Mad and Van Duzen were open to angling. Be sure and call the low-fl ow closure hotline at 822-3164 to determine if the river is open prior to fi shing. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife will announce whether rivers will be open by a telephone-recorded message each Monday, Wednesday and Friday. NOTE: The main stem Eel from the South Fork to Cape Horn Dam, the Mattole River and the Mad River from the mouth to 200 yards upstream are closed until Jan. 1, 2022.

Mad

Tyler Blevin of McKinleyville landed a bright winter-run steelhead over the weekend while fishing the Mad River.

The coastal winter steelhead run will kick into high gear over the next couple weeks. Photo courtesy of Ross Lane arrive after the next signifi cant rainfall, as well as the fi rst of the steelhead.

Van Duzen

Flows were down to 160 cubic feet per second on Tuesday and will likely close to fi shing before the next rain event.

Smith

With no rain for a couple weeks, the Smith is low and clear, but remains open to fi shing. Boat pressure has been light, as most guides have canceled their salmon trips due to the conditions and lack of fi sh. Winter steelhead should start to trickle in even during the low-water conditions. As of Tuesday, fl ows were right around 1,120 cubic feet per second on the Jed Smith gauge.

Chetco/Elk/Sixes

Low water has slowed salmon fi shing on the Chetco, Elk and Sixes rivers, reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. He said, “The Chetco is still driftable but very few fresh salmon are still in the system. Expect a few new kings and some early steelhead after next week’s expected rain. An early December rain typically produces good fi shing on the Elk and Sixes, especially after a few weeks of low water.” ●

The Mad is low and clear, but still open to fi shing. 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 signifi cant 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 fi shing report 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.