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Fishing the North Coast
Kenny Priest
Times Standard Fishing Report
It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Steelhead
December 24, 2009
Chetco, Smith best bets for the weekend
Steelhead fishermen can expect one extra gift this year, though it won’t be wrapped or under the tree. For the first time in years, two of the most productive steelhead rivers on the North Coast will be in pristine shape on Christmas day. The Smith — which already kicked out a good number of steelhead — is predicted to be at 8.5 ft on the Jed Park gauge, which is a perfect level for side-drifting roe. The Chetco — which started off slow but improved on Wednesday — is forecasted to be just under 4,000 cfs, which will provide plenty of water for boats, bankies and steelhead. Serious fishermen should consider opening their gifts in the evening time rather than in the morning this year.
Last Saturday, I spent the day at one of my favorite bank fishing spots on the Smith. The river was in perfect shape and I was sure everyone knew it, so I prepared to deal with a crowd. The alarm went off at 3 a.m. and I took a quick shower, downed some coffee and hit the road to Crescent City. Along the way, I found myself daydreaming about the big, bright steelhead I knew were in the river. I started to get paranoid watching vehicles pass me. I was sure they were heading to my secret spot. When I arrived at the river, my heart started pounding and I said a few prayers. Pfew! No parked cars. I was the first one there. Now I could take my time getting ready and walk down to the river knowing I’d have first shot at the sweet spot in the riffle.
Once I reached the river, I looked at my watch and realized I had an hour to kill before daylight. Now what? I had prepared all my gear the night before, even cutting my roe into bait-size pieces, so there was nothing to do but sit and wait. Just after 7 a.m., it was light enough to begin making casts. Cast after cast, after cast, I tried multiple color combinations of yarn and Fish Pills for three hours. I finally hooked and landed my first fish — a 15lb hatchery male. I quickly pulled the hook and revived the fish, sending him on his way up river. At this point, I could have called it a day and been happy. But my addiction once again took over and whispered to me — where there’s one, there’s two — so, I casted again. Around noon, I told myself it was time to take a break and grab a snack. Two more casts and then I’ll walk back to the bank. Second cast and fish on! This fish put up a much better fight and after about 10 minutes, it finally started to tire. Once it got close, I could see that it was a bright fish, around 10 lbs and was another hatchery male. This one had Christmas dinner written all over it. A great way to end the day.
The Rivers:
Chetco River
Following last weeks storm, steelhead fishing is heating up on the Chetco. “The Chetco dropped back into shape Wednesday after blowing out Sunday, and there were fish spread throughout the lower river,” guide Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing said. “We hooked five fish and got bit in just about every hole. Since a good push of fish arrived last week, there should be decent numbers of steelhead clear up to the South Fork by now,” Martin added. More than half of the catch so far has been wild fish, an indication of a strong run this season. “The best fishing has been from the Piling Hole down, but it’s worthwhile to drift from Ice Box or even higher. Sploosh balls combined with five-shot slinkies worked to get down the lines down quick, and slightly larger-than-normal roe clusters worked best,” Martin said. Steelhead fishing typically peaks in late January or early February on the Chetco, so anglers appear to be in store for a great season, according to Martin. The steelhead are averaging a solid 8 to 12 pounds, with fish in the high teens already showing up.
Smith River
Guide Mike Coopman was on the water with clients Tuesday and went one for three while fishing tough conditions. “The water was high and off-color and loaded with leaves, but there’s definitely steelhead in the river. Wednesday he was back on the water and reports the river is in prime shape and should stay that way for the weekend. For the day, he landed two nice kings to 25 lbs. that were both sporting sea lice and a dime-bright steelhead. “There are still quite a few fresh salmon around, so don’t put away the back bouncing gear quite yet,” Coopman said.
Upper Trinity River
Guide Steve Huber reports there’s a bunch of fresh steelhead in the Junction City area. “The rain definitely brought some fish into the upper river, both wild and hatchery, but now we’re back to low and clear conditions, according to Huber. Huber’s been catching most of his fish on plugs, but the guys fishing bobbers and flies are getting them as well.
Eel and Van Duzen
The main stem Eel is blown out and won’t be fishable for at least four to five days — that’s if we don’t get more rain according to Fred Grundman of Grundman’s Sporting Goods in Rio Dell. “The South Fork could be fishable in the Garberville area this weekend as well as the Van Duzen above Yaeger Creek,” according to Grundman.
Both rivers have steelhead in them, but no reports of big numbers yet.
Mad
The Mad is currently at a fishable height, but may need a couple more days to clear, according to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s Redwood Marine. “Steelhead were caught over the weekend and up until the river blew out on Monday morning. There’s water coming down the ladder now, so we should see some steelhead milling around the hatchery,” Kelly added.
Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
2009 coastal river salmon return best in recent memory
December 3, 2009
Low and clear conditions for the weekend
This years late fall salmon return on the North Coast has been one of the best in the last five or six years, according to local tackle shops and fishing guides. The Chetco, Eel and especially the Smith River have been plum full of Chinook salmon. The November 19 opener on the Chetco produced limits of salmon for just about everyone. The Eel and Van Duzen, when fishable, have given up ridiculous numbers. Reports of anglers hooking and landing 10 to 15 fish a day were not uncommon. The Smith — one of only a few coastal rivers where you can retain salmon —has had a phenomenal year to date. When conditions were right on, double-digit scores were the norm for experienced guides.
Most of our coastal rivers had very little rainfall since last Friday, and now they are running low and clear and some may close this week due to low flows. Currently, the Chetco, Smith, Klamath and main stem of the Eel river are open to fishing. But better news is on the horizon. According to the National Weather Service, the forecast is calling for a fairly decent storm to hit our area next Wednesday.
Tip of the Week:
Leaky waders are one of the inevitabilities of fishing and nothing is more miserable than standing in a cold river and feeling the sensation of freezing water seeping into your waders. With winter steelhead season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to test your waders for those annoying leaks that can put an end to the perfect day of fishing.
Finding the leak: Below are the three most common methods to finding holes in your waders.
1) Turn your waders inside out and let them dry completely. Pour some rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the area you suspect to be leaking. If lingering dark spots appear as the alcohol evaporates, you’ve found your leak. This method works great on breathable waders, but will not work for neoprene waders.
2) Put a low-pressure air hose (e.g. a blower side of a vacuum cleaner) into the waders and tie it off at the chest opening. Turn on the vacuum and gently inflate the waders like a balloon.
Rub the waders with soapy water and look for air bubbles. Anywhere you get bubbles you have a leak. Mark the leaking spots. (Remember to use a low air pressure for not damaging the wader).
3) Take your waders into a darkened room along with a strong flashlight and a marker. Insert the flashlight into the wader legs and run it back and forth as you watch for pinpoints of light. If you see a light coming out at one point, this is a leaking point.
Fixing the leak: Most fishing waders come with a repair kit to be used once you find the leak, and are best used in the following manner:
1) Make sure you have marked the entire area that’s leaking; 2) Dry and clean the repair area and keep it free of any loose debris, oil or grease; 3) The patch should overlap the tear by at least 1 cm in all directions; 4) Lay your waders on a smooth, flat surface and apply patch using finger pressure. Rub patch surface in a circular motion from the center out covering the entire patch area. Applying heat can enhance the durability of the patch. Using a clean iron set to medium heat, press with moderate pressure in a circular motion for 30 seconds; 5) When the leak in your waders is caused by a small hole, the easiest way to fix the leak is with Aqua seal. Aqua seal is a liquid patch that you spread over the area in need of a patch and let it dry. It works great on small holes and it’s better than using the patch. Aqua seal can be found at most sporting good stores and tackle shops.
Preventing leaks: When you get home from fishing, make sure you hang your waders upside down to dry out. Leave them hanging this way until you use them again. This is true for both neoprene and breathable waders. This prevents folds, which are potential weak points and also allows the air to get inside the wader to help prevents mold.
The Rivers:
Chetco River
Low and clear conditions are in effect — currently running below 1,200 cfs and dropping. There are very few bright salmon still around — most have moved into the tributaries to spawn reports Val Early of Early Guide Service. “A handful of steelhead have already been caught by side-drifters casting below spawning salmon. This week the best bet for steelhead has been from the Piling Hole down to the tidewater. With afternoon outgoing tides, the outflow from Social Security down to Joe Hall Creek has been an option. By mid-December, steelhead fishing should really pick up,” according to Guide Andy Martin. “All indications are we will have a great steelhead run,” Martin said.
Smith River
Like the Chetco, the Smith is running low and clear. Currently hovering around seven feet at the Jed Park gauge and on a slow descent. Salmon are holding in the deep holes and anywhere where they can find broken water. Even with the tough conditions, guides are still reporting up to four hook-ups a day back bouncing roe. Quite a few steelhead are now starting to show as well.
Lower Klamath River
Always a good plan B if the other coastal rivers are low and clear. Currently running a little high, but steelhead can be found in the riffles using roe and a fish pill.
Eel River
The main stem from the mouth to the south fork remains open, but for how long remains to be seen. On the Scotia gauge the flow is down to 730 cfs and dropping. There’s salmon to be had in the deep holes from Holmes on down, but it’s getting too low to drift now. Back bouncing roe would be your best option from the boat and silver Kastmasters and Cleos will work from the bank.
Van Duzen
Currently Closed to fishing from its mouth to the Highway 36 bridge.
Upper Trinity River
Same old story here, guides pounding the river for one to three opportunities a day at steelhead. Conditions will not change until the river sees a dramatic rise in the flows.
Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
Time to prepare for cold weather fishing
November 19, 2009
Chetco, Eel and Van Duzen open to salmon fishing
When I waded into the cold water of the Klamath River just before daylight last Sunday, it hit me — fall had quickly turned to winter — and it was time to start dressing appropriately. I made the mistake of not checking the weather before I left in the morning, and I paid the price. Dressed in only a long sleeve shirt, a hoodie and jeans under my waders, I immediately realized that I was not wearing the proper attire for fishing in November. I don’t mind fishing when I’m freezing cold, but it became a real problem when I couldn’t tell what was making my rod tip wiggle — my shivering or a fish. I lost count of how many strikes I missed, as my only real concern was how much longer I’d have to wait before the sun came out and warmed me up.
As we settle in for the winter, I thought it would be a good time to provide some tips on cold weather fishing. Having the proper attire is critical for comfort and safety. Not only will the right clothes and portable heating options keep you cozy while fishing, they will keep you sharp and ready to set the hook. If you're cold and wet, you won’t be focused and trust me — you'll miss fish.
Start Dry: Make sure your undergarments are dry when you put them on in the morning. Don’t wear the same ones you slept in or could have possibly sweated in while eating breakfast. They may appear dry, but they have absorbed moisture — which will turn you into a Popsicle in an open boat.
Dress in layers: The key to staying warm is to dress in layers. Layers allow you to regulate your body temperature by taking off or putting on clothes. A layered clothing system should consist of three layers, an inner, a mid and an outer layer. The inner layer directly contacts your skin and should fit snug. Its job is to wick moisture away from your body. This wicking is critical to cold weather comfort, because wet clothes left on your skin will pull heat away from your body. A mid layer will provide insulation, while still wicking moisture away from the body. Fleece, wool, polyester and other synthetic fabrics work best. The outer layer of your system provides protection from wind and rain. High-end outer layers will also breathe, allowing the moisture that's trapped inside your clothes to escape, while preventing outside moisture from getting in.
Avoid Cotton: Cotton does not wick moisture and when wet, takes forever to dry.
Protect your extremities: Keep your hands, feet, head, ears and nose warm at all costs. It’s a good idea to carry several pairs of gloves in the boat because once your hands get cold, it makes it tough to hold a fishing pole. No hat or the wrong hat can be a big mistake. A warm hat can help keep in the 40 - 50% of heat lost through the head.
Avoid Overheating: If you get too warm, remove a layer. You want to avoid overheating and sweating as sweat makes clothing next to your skin damp and as the moisture evaporates, a chill will set in on your body in a hurry — especially in the wind. The idea is to remove moisture faster than it can be produced.
Fuel your body: A couple of energy bars before you start your day will help keep you warm. An empty stomach will tire you out quicker. Hydration is also important and you should avoid anything with caffeine, as caffeine will only make you thirsty. Water or a sports drink such as Gatorade is best. Taking a drink in bitter cold weather may be the last thing on your mind, but it takes a lot of energy to keep your body warm.
Quality raingear and waders: Lightweight and breathable raingear is your best option if you plan on being active, like rowing a drift boat. Shells without insulation work great. If you’re sitting in the front of a drift boat, non-breathable heavier raingear like Grundens is preferred. It’s durable and can take lots of abuse. Neoprene chest waders with boots are a good choice for all around use. They not only keep you warm but they float.
Heating options: When fishing out in the cold, hand and feet warmers are useful to have and come in various models. There are disposable heat packs that release heat once the contents of the packs are mixed and exposed to air and they usually last six to 10 hours. Keeping a few of these in your backpack is always a good idea. Additionally, there are warmers that use lighter fluid and can be refilled and used again.
Pack extra clothes: It’s always a good idea to bring extra layers that you can change into if needed. Keeping them dry is equally important. A dry bag is perfect for storing extra clothes as well as any items you don’t want exposed to rain, like a camera or a cell phone.
The Rivers:
Chetco River
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife will open the Chetco to salmon fishing on Thursday, Nov. 19 according to a press release issued on Tuesday. River flows were expected to exceed 2,500 cfs by Wednesday and were expected to peak on Nov. 21 at over 8,000 cfs.
Angling information:
The main stem of the Chetco River and tributaries upstream of Highway 101 have re-opened for Chinook and steelhead, with the Chinook bag limit as per the temporary emergency two-fish limit outlined below.
• Downstream of the Highway 101 bridge is open to Chinook and steelhead fishing. The bag limit on wild Chinook is one per day and two per season (Aug. 1 – Dec. 31) total in combination with other streams that have a two-fish season limit. These streams include the Siletz, Yaquina, Yachats, Alsea, Floras, Sixes, Hunter and Pistol.
•The Chetco River upstream of the U.S. Forest Service bridge at river mile 10.5 (Icebox) remains closed to Chinook angling through Dec. 31.
Smith River
With Tuesday’s storm, the Smith swelled to nearly 11 ft at the Jed Park gauge on Wednesday, it’s highest point of the year. The downside was a dirty and leafy river — which meant pulling debris off your Kwikfish and terminal gear constantly. The upside — the river, from top to bottom, was full of dime-bright salmon. Guide Mike Coopman of Coopman’s Guide Service landed a 40lb and a couple in the 20 lb class and missed a few others on Wednesday. According to Coopman, Thursday is shaping up to be a great day with the river on the drop, but Friday and Saturday might be iffy with a couple inches of rain in the forecast. Word has it that four or five steelhead were also caught on Wednesday.
Eel River
The main stem from the mouth to the south fork opened on Wednesday morning along with the Van Duzen from its mouth to the Highway 36 bridge. They both should be full of fresh salmon. Both rivers are dropping quickly and should be fishable until the next storm, which should hit us on Friday.
Trinity
Upper River
Guide Steve Huber of Steve Huber Guide Service is still getting an opportunity at up to four fish per trip. The river is currently on the rise and he’s moving upstream away from some of the larger feeder creeks. He’s catching a mix of late fall and early winter steelhead and all are coming on plugs.
Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
Sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good
November 5, 2009
Sport Dungeness opener set for Saturday
What started out as a relaxing Sunday — tooling around the lower Eel River in my new Willie drift boat — quickly turned into a fishing adventure. I knew there were big fall kings milling around the tidewater waiting to head up river, but this trip was supposed to be about getting a feel for the boat. Plus, at high tide, the estuary is as wide as a small lake and at first glance, I couldn’t tell where the fish would be holding or traveling.
After a quick conversation with a duck hunter friend of mine who was pulling out, my girlfriend and I launched the boat at Petrazinni Park ramp and rowed up river. After about 10 minutes, I dropped the anchor on what appeared to be the deep side of the river and started getting some gear ready. After handing Tracy her pole, she questioned my lure selection of a blue and silver Kastmaster. “This is more of a Smith River lure isn’t it?” she asked. “Trust me, this is what everyone uses on this river,” I answered. I proceeded to get my pole ready as she made a couple of practice casts.
With one eye on her and one focused on tying a couple knots, I watched her make her third cast, this time almost directly upstream. Seconds after the lure hit the water, she exclaimed, “I think I’m snagged.” Having fished with Tracy for last six years, I’ve heard her say those words numerous times, only to realize there’s usually a big fish tugging back on the other end. I looked up and saw the tip of her rod begin to bend, slow at first and then several big pulls. “That’s no snag Tracy, you’ve got a fish on,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief. She felt the head shake a couple of times and her fishing instincts took over, she quickly set the hook and began to apply pressure.
After having spent a whole 15 minutes in my new boat, I suddenly found myself having to do battle with what looked like a very large salmon. All kinds of thoughts about nets, oars and anchors were running through my head as the fish began to peel line off the reel. “You’ve got to be the luckiest person I know,” I mumbled under my breath. With the sound of the drag squealing, adrenaline kicked in and I pulled up the anchor and started chasing after the salmon — which was now roughly 75 yards from the boat.
We quickly gained most of the line back and Tracy spent the next 15 minutes playing tug-of-war with the biggest fish she had ever hooked. Head shake after head shake, under and around the boat, the fish finally showed signs of tiring. As it came along side the boat, I made a rookie mistake — I tried to net it when it wasn’t ready and almost got the line hung up in the net. After a couple expletives and dirty looks from Tracy the fish finally rolled on its side and she led it perfectly into my awaiting net.
We both leaned over the boat to get a good look at the salmon and were amazed by the size of this monster and how bright it was. I remarked to her, “Wow, do you realize you caught that fish on 12lb test line with a steelhead rod?” I removed the barbless hook and we snapped a couple quick photos. Once the fish was completely revived, I released the biggest salmon of her lifetime. As I watched the fish swim away I muttered, “This would never happen to me, I can’t believe how lucky you are.”
Sport Crab Season:
Sport Dungeness crab season opens statewide this Saturday, November 7 and in talking with a couple of party boat captains, the outlook sounds good — the numbers should be as good as last year, if not better. The weekend weather, however, is not looking so promising. Fifteen to 20 foot swells are predicted for Saturday and Sunday! The forecast will likely change so before you head out, check the marine forecast at http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/ and click on the marine tab.
Captains Phil Glenn of Celtic Charter Service and Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sportfishing are both booking crab trips, which generally last two to three hours. Departure times will depend on the tides, but normally they’ll leave sometime in the morning. To book a trip with Celtic Charter call (707) 442-7843. Reel Steel Sportfishing can be reached at (707) 499-4925.
If you don’t have the means to head offshore, you have a few options according to John Corbett of Pro Sport Center in Eureka. One of the better places to drop a few pots is Crab Park, located at the end of Cannibal Island Rd., in Loleta. There’s easy access to launch a kayak or canoe in the estuary of the Eel River. Another good location is the beach inside Trinidad Harbor. You can launch your small boat, kayak or canoe right off the beach and head out to Prisoner Rock, where the bottom is sandy and 40 to 50 ft. deep. The south end of Humboldt Bay will also produce crabs. A good spot is in front of the PG&E power plant or anywhere outside of the shipping channel. It’s a short boat ride from the launch at Fields Landing.
For bait, black cod carcass, if you can find them, works great. Squid also works well and is available at any local sporting good store.
Regulations:
The season runs from Saturday, November 7 to Friday, July 30, 2010. The minimum size is five and three-quarter inches measured by the shortest distance through the body from edge of shell to edge of shell directly in front of and excluding the points (lateral spines) and the limit is 10.
The Smith and Eel Rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Call the DFG’s low flow closure hotline at (707) 822-3164 to determine the condition of the rivers.
The Rivers:
Smith River
Fresh salmon continue to pour into the mouth of the Smith according to Leonard Carter from Englund Marine in Crescent City. “Bank fisherman throwing Kastmasters on the outgoing tide and boats anchored up using spinners on the incoming tide have taken quite a few fish the last couple days,” Carter said. The Piling hole is also holding fish and anglers using sand shrimp or roe under a bobber are getting a few each day. The main stem of the Smith remains closed due to low flows above Rowdy Creek, but that could change this weekend as rain is predicted to hit Crescent City Thursday and Friday and linger through at least Sunday.
Klamath River
Salmon season is winding down on the Klamath, though there are still a few salmon around. You’ll have to work to catch them this time of year, but there’s virtually no fishing pressure. Steelhead are starting to show in bigger numbers now.
Eel River
Remains closed above Fulmor Rd. due to low flows. There are big fall kings coming in and out of the mouth with the tides. Trolling spinners or silver Kastmasters is your best bet in the tidewater. With the storm coming in on Thursday, hopefully we’ll get enough rain to open the main stem.
Trinity
Lower River
Guide John Klar of John’s Guide Service cancelled the last few trips of his season due to lack of fish in the system. Most of the other guides have also called it quits for the year.
Upper River
Guide Steve Huber has been fishing the Junction City area and reports between one to three fish per day, a mix of salmon and steelhead. The few salmon around are dark so Huber has made the switch over to targeting steelhead. There seems to be quite a few steelhead in this section of the river, but the water is low and clear and needs a good shot of rain.
Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
October 22, 2009
Timing is everything for coastal river salmon
Or better yet, timing was everything. When you fish coastal rivers like the Smith and Eel, where flows are dictated by rainfall, timing is everything if you want to catch fish. This was certainly the case last week when our first storm of the season opened up both rivers to fishing above the estuaries. Local anglers know that the first significant rain in October normally brings in a big batch of fresh kings from the ocean — and also triggers the fish that have been mulling around the tidewater to move up river — and those who pay attention to the weather forecast, the river flows and closures can be rewarded with unbelievable fishing.
Case in point last Wednesday. If you’re a hardcore fisherman — or even just the casual angler, you’ve probably heard the stories by now about the stellar fishing on the Eel and Smith rivers. Some of the guides I spoke with reported some of the best salmon fishing they’ve seen in many years — possibly ever. Both rivers opened Wednesday morning when the rain put them on the rise. Thursday was the day to be on the Smith when the moss cleared, the flows peaked at 4,510 cfs and the river was chocked full of big, fresh salmon. Guides were landing 10 to 20 fish per boat — with quite a few salmon in the 40lb class. Wednesday and Thursday were fantastic days on the Eel with reports of 30-fish days for drift boats who were on the water first thing Wednesday. The hot bite continued through the weekend as anglers caught fish from Holmes down to Fernbridge — and everywhere in between.
But the action will be short-lived as both rivers, according to Wednesday’s recorded message on the DFG low flow hotline (707-822-3164), will be closed to fishing beginning Thursday and won’t open again until we receive the next shot of significant rain. Until then, the Smith will remain open from the mouth to Rowdy Creek and the Eel will be open from the mouth to Fulmer Rd.
The Ocean:
Ronald Konicke of Bayside caught the biggest halibut of the season to date on Wednesday, a whopping 115 lbs. Ronald was fun fishing with Edward Rasmussen of E & D Charters of Eureka. With the big halibut, Ronald is currently leading Englund Marine’s Big Halibut contest and has a real good shot at staying in first place as the season closes October 31.
Captain Tim Klassen of Reel Steel Sportfishing is still working the halibut grounds. He had a single on board Tuesday and boated a nice 30 lb halibut. Klassen will book trips right up to the end of the season if the ocean cooperates. He can be reached at (707) 499-4925.
The ocean looks like its going to rough-up starting Thursday and the outlook isn’t good for the weekend with eight to nine foot swells forecasted.
The Rivers:
Rogue/Chetco
“The Chetco estuary is still open and the bite has been up and down, slow at times and decent during others,” according to Val Early of Early Fishing Guide Service. “The best time is after the high tide,” according to Early.
Early reports that the Rogue had a push of silvers come in during last weeks storm, but the fish aren’t holding anywhere upriver. There are still some fish in the bay and the Indian Creek hatchery fish are coming through. Steelhead fishing on the Rogue has been fair, with lots of half-pounder action in the riffles. Worms or flies have worked best.
Smith River
After four or five days of solid fishing, we’re back to summertime river levels. The river is currently running below 500 cfs and will close Thursday, October 22 above Rowdy Creek. “After some of the best fishing salmon fishing we’ve had in the last three years, we’re now back to trolling anchovies or sardines in the estuary until we get more rain”, according to Mike Coopman of Coopman’s Guide Service. “The big tide swings have been bringing lots of fish into the mouth and the bank fishermen hooked quite a few on Monday on the outgoing tide. As soon as we get more rain, I’d expect the fishing to be wide-open again,” Coopman said.
Klamath River
There are still fresh fish pushing into the lower river and they are spread out from the mouth to Blue Creek. The few guides that are left are reportedly getting a few fish each day.
Eel River
After a good five-day run, the main stem of the Eel will close to fishing on Thursday October 22 from Fulmer Rd. to the south fork due to low flows. For the first three to four days of the opener, the fishing on the lower Eel was as good as it gets. I was on the river Sunday afternoon and from what I witnessed, it looks like we’re in for a good salmon run this year. Kwikfish and back bouncing roe was the bait of choice for the boats, while the bankies were scoring throwing silver Kastmasters and silver/blue Cleos.
Trinity
Lower River
Guide Brice Dusi of Brice Dusi Guide Service reports that the salmon fishing on the Trinity has been fair at best, with not a lot of new salmon entering the system at the moment. He’s managing to catch fish each day, but he’s working hard for them. The river is currently full of smolts, making it nearly impossible to fish with bait according to Dusi.
Guide John Klar of John’s Guide Service reports he was getting six to 10 fish a day —with an even mix of salmon and steelhead — on the Trinity once it settled down from the rains.
Questions, comments, tips, and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com
More information can be obtained by clicking on the links below: