Freshwater fishing – Harvesting Chetco winter Steelhead will come at a price (plus latest river reports)

Much-needed rain arriving to the North Coast rivers

EUREKA – Rainfall is anticipated on the North Coast over the next two weeks, and there is the possibility of atmospheric rivers bringing up to 4 to 7 inches of rain in the mountain areas and 2 to 3 inches in the lower coastal areas. Another atmospheric river later in the week could push the rivers to monitor or even flood stage, and this comes on top of significant earthquake damage, particularly in the lower Eel River Basin.

Starting from north to south, according to Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing, the Elk and Sixes are still producing late salmon. He said, “Most are dark, but a few bright kings are in the mix. High flows around Christmas should bring in another shot of salmon in the week leading up to New Year’s Day.”

In the Chetco, steelhead are trickling in with a handful of fish being caught each day by plunkers and drift boaters. Martin said, “A mix of wild and hatchery fish are in the river. A boost in flows with this week’s rains should bring in bigger numbers. A few late salmon also are being caught.”

The Smith gained about 950 cfs on Thursday and was flowing at 1,960 cfs at Jed Smith. A decent rise is predicted for Friday morning and another smaller bump is likely for Sunday morning. The next big rise is forecast to begin late Monday morning. This has the potential to blow the river out for a few days, depending on how much rain we get next week.

The Mad was on a slight rise Thursday, and it’s predicted to peak Friday at about 1,900 cubic feet per second (8.7 ft.). It should drop and stabilize to a fishable level through the weekend, but the water will likely be off color. A bigger rise is expected for late Monday morning that will likely blow it out. As of Thursday, the hatchery was void of clipped steelhead, but that should change with the next big rise.

The main stem Eel was running just above 1,000 cfs as of Thursday, but changes are on the way. A small rise is predicted for the weekend with a larger rise beginning Monday evening. Only a handful of adult steelhead have been caught the last few weeks, but that should change soon.

The South Fork was closed to fishing as of Thursday as flows dipped below 215 cfs at Miranda. There’s a slim chance it could open to fishing over the weekend if the rain comes as predicted. The next big rise is forecast for Tuesday morning. The Van Duzen, tributary of the Eel, was rising slightly Thursday afternoon, flowing at 445 cfs. Flows are predicted to rise following rain Thursday night, peaking at 2,050 Friday morning. The flows likely be muddy through the weekend. The next rise, which should be substantial, if forecast to begin Monday afternoon.

The Mattole River will open to fishing Sunday, Jan. 1 from 200 yards upstream of its mouth to the confluence with Stanberry Creek. Only artificial lures may be used and barbless hooks are required. The Mattole is also regulated by low-flow closures, with a minimum flow of 320 cfs at the Petrolia gauging station.

The Nor-Cal Guides and Sportsmen’s Association (NCGASA) is hosting its fourth annual Mad River Steelhead Derby from Jan. 1 through Feb. 28. Anglers must be signed up prior to the start date to be eligible to win cash and prizes. Only hatchery steelhead can be entered. The largest steelhead in the adult division will win $500 for first place, $300 for second place and $150 for third place.

The three largest fish entered into the youth division (16 and under) will win gift cards to local tackle stores. Plus, the three best steelhead fishing videos will win product packages from our sponsors. Anglers can sign up online or in person at RMI Outdoors. Part of the proceeds benefit the Mad River Steelhead Stewards volunteer angler’s brood stock collection program that works in concert with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. For more information, visit madriversteelheaderby.com

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