Humboldt’s Friday Fishing Report 3/10/2017
Reports
River Reports:
River flow conditions and fishing were good for the Chetco, and Smith last week. The upper Trinity River has also provided more opportunities for fishing due to river conditions. Conditions for some coastal rives may become suitable for fishing this weekend and into next week. Steelhead are in the river systems, with most action on the Smith, Chetco and upper Trinity River due to favorable conditions.
Chetco River- Great reports of Steelhead entering the system in the past weeks. Conditions may be favorable this weekend for Steelhead as rivers are descending. Side drifting and roe have been good for Steelhead when they are around.
Smith – Similar river and fishing conditions to the Chetco. Good reports of Steelhead in the system. Conditions may be favorable this weekend and for Steelhead. Side drifting and roe have been good for Steelhead.
Klamath River – Currently high flows. Steelhead are in the river however with predicted high flows. No reports for the upper Klamath area.
Trinity River- Most reports are good for Steelhead on the Upper Trinity where conditions are more favorable. Flies, plugs, and side-drifting have been working for Steelhead. The numbers of returning Steelhead to the hatchery have declined the past weeks. There have not been any new reports for the CDFW Trinity River Trapping Summary.
The CDFW’s Trinity River Project 2017 trapping summary through Feb. 25, 2017.
Total combined Chinook did not change from 0 (12/24-12/31) to 0 (2/19-2/25).
Total combined Coho did not change from 0 (12/24-12/31) to 0 (2/19-2/25).
Total combined Steelhead doubled from from 121 (2/12-2/18) to 47 (2/19-2/25).
See Full 2016 TRP_ Trapping_Summary
Mad River –The river has been high and turbid with some reports of success. There may be some opportunities this weekend despite the conditions. Side drifting and roe have been effective for Steelhead.
Van Duzen- Steelhead should be in the system although poor water quality. RIver flow should be descending and conditions are looking favorable this into next week for Steelhead. Side drifting and roe have been effective for Steelhead.
Eel River/South Fork – River conditions have not been favorable due to high flow for the main stem. Steelhead should have been entering the system in recent weeks. Rivers are predicted to descend into next week for Steelhead and conditions my be favorable for the South Fork. Side drifting have been effective for Steelhead.
- On Mar. 7, the Van Arsdale Fish Count Station reported “The ladder was back online on the 28th. The Chinook count stands at 435 (Male 191, Female 188, Jack 56). A total of 7 steelhead were trapped this week. The steelhead count stands at 20 (Male 9, Female 11).”
Ocean Reports:
Recent
CDFW-2017 Salmon Forecasts Point to Reduced Fishing Opportunities
Anglers Can Retain Canary Rockfish in 2017
Dungeness Crab and Shellfish
The recreational fishery for Dungeness crab (Metacarcinus magister) is open from November 5, 2016 through July 30, 2017. The daily bag limit is 10 crab, and the minimum size limit is 5¾ inches. Note that the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) advises that consumers not eat the viscera (internal organs, also known as “butter” or “guts”) of crabs caught north of Point Reyes. Recreational crabbing is not allowed from vessels licensed for commercial Dungeness crab fishing. Review new crabbing regulations that went into effect on August 1, 2016, 
crab measurement methods (PDF),and the current Ocean Sport Fishing regulations booklet for more Dungeness crab fishing information.
- Call the CDFW Domoic Acid Fishery Closure Information Line at (831) 649-2883 for the latest status of the Dungeness crab season.
- Call the CDPH Shellfish Biotoxin Information line at: (510) 412-4643 or toll-free at (800) 553-4133 for updated crab consumption advisories, or check CDFW’s Finfish and Shellfish Health Advisories web page.
More info on our Sport Fishing Regulations page.
Ocean Sportfishing Regulations
Open Fishing Seasons
= Partially closed fishing season
Rockfish
Cabezon
Kelp and Rock Greenlings
Lingcod
Leopard Shark
Soupfin Shark and Spiny Dogfish
Other Federally Managed Groundfish
Sharks (State-managed)
Pacific Sanddab and Other Flatfish
California Halibut
Surfperch
Sturgeon
Tunas
Dungeness Crab
Rock Crab
Mussels
Other species
Closed Fishing Seasons
River Flow
All North Coast rivers are high and very dangerous. Subjected to low flow fishing closures during dry times of the year.
The low flow closure hotline for North Coast rivers is 707-822-3164.
Weather Forecast
Ocean Conditions
COASTAL WATERS FORECAST FOR NORTHWEST CALIFORNIA
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE EUREKA CA
850 PM PST THU MAR 9 2017
PZZ400-101130-
850 PM PST THU MAR 9 2017
SYNOPSIS FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WATERS
HIGH PRESSURE WILL
REMAIN IN CONTROL OVER THE FORECAST FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS
LEADING TO LIGHT WINDS THROUGH THE WEEKEND. A FRESH SWELL ENTER
OUR WATERS ON FRIDAY CAUSING THE SEAS TO BUILD AND THEN
SUBSIDING THROUGH THE WEEKEND.
PZZ450-101130- PT ST GEORGE TO CAPE MENDOCINO OUT 10 NM- 850 PM PST THU MAR 9 2017 TONIGHT S WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES W 6 FT AT 13 SECONDS. CHANCE OF RAIN. FRI NW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES W 9 FT AT 13 SECONDS. FRI NIGHT NE WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES W 8 FT AT 12 SECONDS. SAT S WINDS UP TO 5 KT. WAVES W 4 FT AT 11 SECONDS. SAT NIGHT S WINDS UP TO 5 KT. WAVES W 4 FT AT 11 SECONDS. SUN NW WINDS UP TO 5 KT. WAVES W 4 FT AT 10 SECONDS. MON NW WINDS UP TO 5 KT. WAVES W 5 FT AT 12 SECONDS. TUE W WINDS UP TO 5 KT. WAVES W 6 FT AT 12 SECONDS.