FISHING THE NORTH COAST
Rain and Steelhead Both on the Horizon
341 West Harris St., Eureka 707 445-3138
poletskis.com
By Kenny Priest
fishing@northcoastjournal.com
W
inter steelhead season has yet to take off on the North Coast but that could soon change. A pretty sizeable storm is headed our way this weekend that should put all of the coastal rivers on the rise, and hopefully open them to fishing. And more rain is on the way next week according to the National Weather Service. Steady rain and pulse flows are just what we need to entice some steelhead from the salt. If the rains come as predicted, the Smith and Chetco should be in prime shape sometime next week. The Eel, South Fork Eel, Van Duzen and Mad will all see flows begin to rise over the weekend. The Mad could open early next week, while the rivers to the south may need another storm or two to get the flows up. Once all of the rivers crest and begin to recede to fishable levels, we should see the first wave of winter steelhead. After another tough late-fall salmon season, seeing the rivers loaded with bright steelhead sure would be a welcome sight.
Weather ahead The seven-day forecast is looking good for steelhead anglers. An atmospheric river is predicted for the weekend, which will put all of the coastal rivers on the rise. “Lighter rain is possible on Thursday and Friday, with the heavier rainfall totals coming over the weekend,” said Kathleen Zontos of Eureka’s National Weather Service. “Sunday and into Monday should produce light rain, with a potential small break on Tuesday. The next chance of wet weather is next Wednesday through Friday. The seven-day forecast ending next Tuesday is calling for 3 to 5 inches in the Smith Basin. Here locally, the Mad and lower Eel could see 1 to 2 inches. Further up the South Fork Eel, a half to an inch of rain is possible. From Dec.13 to Dec. 21, the probability of above normal precipitation is predicted.”
Mad River Steelhead Derby to start Jan. 1 The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCMichael McGahan, a guide with Wild Rivers Fishing and GASA) is hosting its second Brookings Fishing Charters, holds his first steelhead annual Mad River Steelhead of the season from the Chetco River. He caught the Derby from Jan. 1 through March hatchery fish Dec. 6 drifting roe. 31. Anglers must be signed up Photo courtesy of Wild Rivers Fishing prior to Jan. 1 to be eligible to win cash and prizes. Only hatchwith adult fish now spread throughout ery steelhead can be entered. The largest the system, reports Andy Martin of Wild steelhead wins $500, second place $300 Rivers Fishing. “The best fishing has been and third place $150. A youth division at Social Security Bar, where at least half winner (16 and under) wins a $150 tackle a dozen adult steelhead were caught on gift card. In addition, anglers who submit Sunday, but steelhead can be seen below a winning video of their catch in action spawning salmon all the way to the upper get a $100 gift card to Bucksport Sporting river,” said Martin. “A few bright kings Goods. Anglers can sign up online at www. are still around, with lots of salmon still ncgasa.org or in person at RMI Outdoors spawning. Drift boaters are seeing steeland Bucksport. Part of the proceeds head in the tailouts from Ice Box to the benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards head of tide. The river likely will blow out volunteer angler’s broodstock collection this weekend but should be in great shape program that works in concert with the next week.” California Department of Fish and Wildlife. According to Martin, shore anglers For more information, visit www.madriverhave been catching salmon near the Sixes steelheaderby.com Grange, while drift boaters were back on the Sixes after the weekend rains. “The big storm this weekend should lead to a big rise on both the Elk and Sixes, bringing Smith in another batch of fall kings and the The Smith opened back up to fishing first winter steelhead of the year,” added Sunday morning and remained open as of Martin. Wednesday. Another closure is possible ● this week as flows drop. A big storm is Read the complete fishing report at expected by the weekend, however. www.northcoastjournal.com. Boat pressure has been light but some kings were caught on the lower river last Kenny Priest (he/him) operates week. Riffles between the Outhouse and Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide the Outfitters were holding quite a few service out of Humboldt specializing half-pounders along with an occasional in salmon and steelhead. Find it on adult steelhead. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For Chetco/Elk/Sixes up-to-date fishing reports and North Steelhead are showing up in good Coast river information, email kenny@ early season numbers on the Chetco, fishingthenorthcoast.com.
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northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL
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