Submitted Fishing Reports
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REPORTS or REQUESTS for Reports ONLY!!

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05/24/09
Other trinity?
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Any reports on the Trinity near Douglas City? Spring (summer) salmon? Bob Simms mentioned that a 36 inch??? Brown trout was caught. It must have been huge. Last year (November) I caught an 8 pound Brown downstream from Douglas City. Is there a link to find reports on the Trinity? Different subject: Late this year, and the first of next year will be a banner year for Steelhead. They will be the first returning fish after the Hatchery was opened.

Posted by:bob P11


05/10/09
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       3. From South Fork Eel River to Cape Horn Dam. Jan. 1 through Mar. 31 and Fourth Saturday in May through Sept. 30. At all times, only artificial lures with barbless hooks may be used. Closed to all fishing Apr. 1 through the Friday preceding the fourth Saturday in May and Oct. 1 through Dec. 31. I copied this from the CDF&G web site.So you can fish from the Dam and down stream. I suggest you check the regs out for your self. They are also different regs for the N. Fork.

Posted by:skyhammer skyhammer


05/05/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       The eel river near lake pillsbury is closed to fishing yearround. Don't get caught wetting a line up there!!!

Posted by:Fishhead


04/28/09
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Question-Is the Eel River open for fly-fishing steelies near Lake Philsbury the last weekend of April? (Some tell me this part of the Eel River is closed) Please confirm. Thanks

Posted by:Mari Howard


04/27/09
Mad River General Area
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Looking for suggestions. I am from Southern California. Used to fish a LOT in Sierras and a bit in N. California. Looking to fly fish and do some surf fishing in July 09. No interest in keeping fish and don't care about size too much...I tried the Smith 3 years ago in Oct. for a bunch of super dink trout...I mean I would like to get into the 10-14 in. range if possible...not 3-5". Got some small red spot perch out of the surf...I use light gear and artificals and release everything. Any pointers for the area from say the Eel to the Oregon boarder? Both river fly and salt surf fishing Thanks Howie

Posted by:Howie Chudler


04/27/09
Mad River General Area
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Looking for suggestions. I am from Southern California. Used to fish a LOT in Sierras and a bit in N. California. Looking to fly fish and do some surf fishing in July 09. No interest in keeping fish and don't care about size too much...I tried the Smith 3 years ago in Oct. for a bunch of super dink trout...I mean I would like to get into the 10-14 in. range if possible...not 3-5". Got some small red spot perch out of the surf...I use light gear and artificals and release everything. Any pointers for the area from say the Eel to the Oregon boarder? Both river fly and salt surf fishing Thanks Howie

Posted by:Howie Chudler


04/24/09
Humboldt Bay
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       need a report on any serf fishing from south or north jetty

Posted by:Bill Welzbacker


03/31/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Post has nothing to do with fishing but looking for a Mad river guide names Bryce Blair Anyone know him ? Thanks

Posted by:Brandon ober


03/31/09
Van Duzen River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       Fished Clark's hole yesterday and today. Got a couple hookup's on lures. Also fished at Grizzly Creek and had a couple of good bites using roe. Saw 3 river otter yesterday and one this am coming down out of Grizzly Creek. We both scared each other! river dropping and clearing.

Posted by:Denise Lea


03/21/09
Smith River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Fly,N/A
Comments:
       I went fishin today, the fishing was amazing, I caught 7 steelhead but none were quite what I wanted to keep so I released em all. I don't want em unless they're 20 pounds or better. caught a few nice hens up in the 10 pound range though. the season's coming to an end so fish while u can, Good luck

Posted by:jared fillippa


03/19/09
Lagoons
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       TBall, Thanks for the tips. I am going to give it another try in a couple of weeks. I will try the nightcrawler/mallow combo.

Posted by:D Mag


03/19/09
Lagoons
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       DM, it's been a while for me but my go to method has been a night crawler or anchovey tail still fished with a marshmellow for floatation. walking up the spit from south end had been best or take boat to middle of spit. I have caught them on spinners and cleos both trolling and casting from spit. wading or float tubing the flats near the creek mouth with flys has produced for me also. BTW-no bait is allowed in stone lagoon. good luck

Posted by:T Ball


03/19/09
Lagoons
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Lure
Comments:
       TBall, How do you fish the Lagoons for the cutthroats? I would love to figure them out. I tried Big Lagoon last week with spoons and bait, with no luck. The spit was broken out to the ocean, and the color was off, so I expected better results. Any help would be appreciated.

Posted by:D Mag


03/16/09
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Jason all/Most of the steelhead streams in CA close on april 1. the lagoons stay open and have some great cutthroat trout. check the regs before fishing anywhere after april 1. good luck

Posted by:T Ball


03/15/09
Other russian
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Mostly Cloudy    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       Drifted upper middle. water was a little high, but color was near perfect. No big takers. My buddy and I caught about 1/2 a dozen trout(pretty fish, but not the biggens!) and we were getting nailed by them all day. we weren't the only ones. There where about 10+ boats on that stretch and I herd of only one hooked and another landed(spent wild hen). I am gonna go out on a limb and say it is done. The returns have been really bad on the whole west coast...But hey, if you have fished anywhere else, I'd like to hear about it. CHEERS!

Posted by:jerem miah


03/13/09
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I am from oregon and am thinking of making a road trip to the eel river on the first weekend of april,can anyone tell me how the fishing has been?I will be fishing for the cutthroat or whatever bites my line.Any info on how to fish the river and what to use would be great. Thanks

Posted by:jason


02/25/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Does anyone post actual fishing reports on this site anymore?? I realize that most rivers are blown out right now but PLEASE!!

Posted by:Todd DiCello


02/23/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       For what is worth, in accordance with the 2008-2009 Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations, it is not necessary to have a Steelhead reporting card...if you are not "fishing for or taking Steelhead". Unfortunately, you would have a hard time telling that to a Game Warden if you were fishing with a hunk of roe or other method with the intent of catching Steelhead! Also, you do not need a Steelhead reporting card, during the Trout opening season when fishing in anadromous water for Trout. When in doubt...buy the reporting card. If you have further doubt...call the DFG Headquarters @ 916-653-7664 (they wont know!). The DFG has been challeged with their nebulas language and have lost. So, they will be covering their ass for more money by requireing a Steelhead report card while fishing in all anadromous waters in the state. That will happen in 2009-2010 regs.

Posted by:bob P11


02/17/09
Other Smith & Chetco
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Dude, You're a moron for fishing without knowing the regs! Don't go blaming anyone but yourself. Everyone knows you need a steelhead card on every river in CA with runs of steelhead! Smith and Cetco are fishing 2-5 fish per boat with a mix of fresh run and downers.

Posted by:Chris Smith


02/10/09
Van Duzen River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Fly
Comments:
       Hello all I am kinda new to the area (from florida) and am willin to bet anyone $10 that you can take me to your secret fishing hole on the Van Duzen or close bye and I will out fish you. I plan on heading out after 8 am when my son gets on the bus. Any takers on 2/10/09????? hookedonbottom@yahoo.com

Posted by:john masters


01/31/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Partly Cloudy    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Fished the hatcherie yesterday a couple caught 1 to 2 pounders waters to low for the big ones

Posted by:JR ROBY


01/29/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Fly,Bait
Comments:
       So....It looks like really no hatchery run this year. I've seen many of the wild fish hooked or snagged released....which is great. Take some pictures, you will never see so few anglers on the mad in late January as you see now! Despite lack of fish, it has been beautiful on the river!

Posted by:Steve Wartburg


01/29/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       When the Hatchery was closed about 3 or 4 years ago, no hatchery fish were taken at the Hatchery. The few fish that are now taken are probably 2,4, or 5 year olds. When the Hatchery opened (can't remember the exact year), those released fish are considered 3 year olds. My best guess is that late 2009 and early 2010...the 3 year old fish will return. Wild Steelhead quickly move upstream as soon as the river has enough flow. They can make the trip from the Ocean and past the Hatchery in one day! All of them usually spawn in March in the numerous creeks (all closed) that feed the Mad. Catching a wild Steelhead before March is by chance.

Posted by:bob bob p 11


01/28/09
Smith River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       no fish

Posted by:


01/28/09
Smith River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Can anyone post a current fishing report for the Smith River?

Posted by:c wag


01/27/09
Mad River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Raining    Fishing Method:Lure
Comments:
       The Mad is a tough gig this season. Only a few fish landed above and below the Hatchery. Me and by buddies fish all day for 2-3 bites and only land 1-2. Reports from other anglers are the same. January is typically the month for hatchery returns but there will still be some wild fish to catch and release. Good Luck!

Posted by:Big Don


01/20/09
Van Duzen River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Fly,N/A
Comments:
       Flows were reasonable.....decent visibility, 2 of us worked it pretty hard with popsicles & other swing flies.....1 fish hooked & lost in a day & a half.....quite a few folks out & no reports of fish....one driftboater said it was the 1st time they had ever been skunked.

Posted by:Michael Boehlert


01/24/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Overcast    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Well ive fished the river the last couple of mornings hooked up with one yesterday morning but broke off at the shore. Seen a few natives caught pretty slow. Fly fishin seem to be getting alot of action, the river level is low we need some rain and more fish.

Posted by:JR Roby


01/23/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       There is good news for the Hatchery. They have already met their minimum quota of 150,000 Steelhead eggs. The are still artificially spawning returned Steelhead and they will continue that for the next few weeks. I believe that their maximum capacity is about 250,000 eggs. That sounds good, but it would only be about 60 egg bearing Steelhead from the start of the spawning period in late December to about mid January. When that quota is reached the gates are closed. So my best guess is late January and February there could be many Hatchery fish for the taking.

Posted by:bob bob p 11


01/22/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Mostly Cloudy    Fishing Method:Fly,Bait
Comments:
       Ok, I want to stay positive about this years hatchery run of steelhead on the Mad, but......did we lose an age class of hatchery fish or what? In 7 straight afternoons on the Mad, I've seen not more than a dozen fish hooked. Most have been wild fish and just a few of hatchery origin. The pressure between the estuary and hatchery has been light the last couple of days, Most runs on north coast rivers have been off this last year....Klamath shad run was over 3 week late! Maybe the steelies are going to burst into the system soon! Let's hope.

Posted by:Steve Wartburg


01/22/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Where are the steelhead? Fished yesterday and today (Jan 21 and 22) nothing. The water looks OK. Someone at the Hatchery mentioned that there was only 3 steelhead. This time of the year the River should have many. Maybe more, and lots of rain may help...please keep this site posted if fishing becomes good.

Posted by:bob bob p 11


01/21/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Fly,Bait,N/A
Comments:
       Wow, talk about slow! Let's see, Monday morning 30+ guys at old Summer Bridge, 1 dark fish landed. Monday afternoon/late much better. I hooked 3 fish,landed 1, and guys below me hooked 8 or 9. Tuesday afternoon, 3 guys on Summer Bridge area, no fished hooked. Hatchery has very very few fish. I hope a run is coming, but really, it's getting kind of late....but maybe.

Posted by:Steve Wartburg


01/14/09
Mad River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       River flow and color was nice and we caught one at daybreak before it was even light enough to take a picture. Unfortunately we saw more fishermen than fish caught. We heard a few hoots and hollers downstream of the hatchery and stories of multipule fish landed the day before but it was pretty slow for us after that first fish. Hopefully it will improve in the next few days leading into the weekend. The Eel is way too clear to have much success. Waiting on more rain and less preassure before it will be fishing well again.

Posted by:Steelie Buster


01/14/09
Mad River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       The river could'nt be any better right now with the color and level. Fishing is a little slower then past years but you can't beat the weather. Saw a pretty nice fish caught yesterday heard of a few others being caught. A few right below the walk way other down and up river. Its seems alot fisherman and not that many fish though. Which is good and bad, good because you'll know where the fish are, bad cause not that many landed. "GOOD LUCK EVERYONE".

Posted by:JR ROBY


01/14/09
Mad River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Bait
Comments:
       Fihed the mad for a couple of days,saw some fish caught,slowest its been for twenty years

Posted by:mike kelly


01/13/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Modoff     Weather: Partly Cloudy    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       One of my buddies this weekend was fishing below the hactherie and hooked up with a decent steel head was thinkin about heading up there some time this week or weekend any other word on any fish being caught.

Posted by:JR Roby


01/10/09
Mad River
Water Condition: Modoff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I just fished this past week on the MAD. The river was high and muddy. There were not any fish. I hooked 3 fish total in 5 days of all day fishing. There wasn't anyone fishing either. While on the river for 5 days I saw 7 fish caught. The hatchery has been getting a few fish coming in every day. Not like the numbers from long ago. Where are the fish?

Posted by:Jim Kelly


01/05/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Hey everyone, i know its getting close to that time to start catching steel head at the Mad, but i was wondering what the best method is to use to catch them with is?

Posted by:Gabriel Leon


01/05/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       It might be best to wait until the river level drops. Visit: ca river levels. There are Steelhead in the Mad...but long leaders are the only way to catch them. Consider fishing the upper parts of the Trinity River. Lots of Steelhead, they are late, but it is better than last year! My best guess is that January 22 and later will be the best time to go to the Mad.

Posted by:bob P11


01/04/09
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I am driving up to the area and I'm looking forward to fishing on the Mad on or about the 10th or 11th or so. Anyone have a prognosis as to conditions? Appreciate an update on the conditions or changing conditions from those most experienced. Thoroughly enjoyed fishing on the Mad last year and meeting a number of fine folks.

Posted by:Steve Cousins


01/01/09
Smith River
Water Condition: Modoff     Weather: Raining    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       I just recently drove up from Ventura to fish the Madd River, but ended up on the Smith due to the conditions. I have been using this site to monitor the river levels and read the reports; it's been a great help. Too bad some of the people just can't get along. There are always more than one way to skin a cat. I have been fishing for over twenty years now, and have fished just about every species there is in the Pacfic and the Western US both in fresh water and salt. There is a time and a place for every type or method of fishing. When it comes to steelhead, I prefer throwing hardware but I will side drift, plunk, or use a float if I have to. A good fishermen has to be able to change with the conditions. Anyways enough about that, I ended up on the Smith and hooked a nice chrome steeley on roe (about 12 pounds). It's been about 12 years since I was in Washington and have had a chance to catch steelhead, so I just wanted to say thanks to this site and all the great imformation and help I was given at the Eureka Fly Shop, and the guys at Pro Sports. Thanks to you all!

Posted by:Reese


12/31/08
Other San Lorenzo
Water Condition: Modoff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Fly
Comments:
       Actually, if you read the report on DFG's website, Rivers are healthier and more conducive to Salmon reproduction in National Forests than the Hoopa Reservation where road building is contaminating the river.

Posted by:


12/28/08
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       can anyone tell me if there is anyone reliable for shuttles on the eel? thanks

Posted by:kevin


12/27/08
Van Duzen River
Water Condition: Blownout     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       gotta love the rain....

Posted by:


12/26/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       if you think this page is for fishing reports you are mistaken it is for complaining so get it straight call the eureka fly shop if you can not figure it out yourself.

Posted by:


12/25/08
Water Condition:     Weather:     Fishing Method:
Comments:
       What has affected the Klamath more, subsistence fishing by native Americans, or white mans dams, mining, and logging? Which has had the most dramatic negative impact, and which is not compatible with sutainable salmon populations? Why can't some people take responcibility for their own abuses and accept the truth with humility?

Posted by:scott gingerich


12/25/08
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: Raining    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Merry Christmas All. Yesterday, I drove down to Garberville to check out the Eel. It was muddy and rising. I then drove up the Van Duzen and the creeks were running high and muddy as was the river. According to the predictions on this site, it looks like tomorrow the Eel will be at its lowest level this week, and the Mad will be at its lowest level on the 27th. If the water clears we may have a chance to get our lines wet the next two days. There are fish in the Eel -- evidently last week (always) they were at the mouth of the Van Duzen and people were catching very large steelhead (10+ pounds). Good luck all.

Posted by:Shane


12/24/08
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Todds right! Hows the river look? Long linner or fly it doesn't matter. We are all fisherman. Is the EEl high and muddy in Garberville?

Posted by:Bill Welzbacker


12/24/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I am on here trying to give and get information about river conditions and fishing reports to assist eachother in our quest of cathing more steelhead. Are there any actual fishing reports or river conditions posted? It seems that all I see is fly fisherman and bait fisherman having a pissing match. I could care less about your technique of catching fish and we all know about long lining and snagging. I just want to fish and have the most up to date and accurate fishing conditions to help me. Is that to much to ask? Lets all try and remember what it is we love to do and get out there and do it.

Posted by:Todd DiCello


12/23/08
Mad River Eel
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       just because you see a flycaster using a shooting head it does not mean they are lining fish. I use a shooting head whenever I feel the need to get down to the fish more so they can see the fly. The fly gets to the fish first not the line and it is swung in front of the fish to piss them off they can strike or move out of the way if they want. To those of you who think you are fooling fish by lining them remember this the only one you are fooling is yourself. Anyone can snag a fish. I have been swinging flies for steelhead for 15 years every fish I have been fortunate enough to catch has been hooked properley because they are players and struck the fly.I have indicator fished for them a few times and found that you end up snagging more fish than you hook.

Posted by:


12/21/08
Mad River
Water Condition: Blownout     Weather: Raining    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       The Mad River is blown out right now -- high and muddy. I did see 6 spin fishermen in the parking lot. They fished for a couple of hours at the hatchery concrete access, but didn't hook anything. The hatchery appears to be shut down -- the raceways are empty -- there is no water in the processing raceways and the weir is dry. There is limited access for walking through the raceways -- blocked off and posted that nobody from the river is allowed access because of the danger of new zeland snails. In the past, the weir was nice to check if a slug of fish had come through. Guess the Mad is going to act like a "real river" this year--no hints from the weir. Tight lines all, once the rivers clear.

Posted by:Shane


12/18/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       The Mad River has been open since Sunday. I'm going out this weekend and will post something. It is early but there could be a slug of fish that were waiting for the first flows. As for long-lining: I was introduced to steelhead fishing on the Mad 20 years ago. The standard setup at the time was high-speed, hi-density shooting lines, with about a 6 foot leader of 8 - 12 pound Maxima. The hi-d line swings along the bottom and, I've been told, enters the mouth of the fish sitting on the bottom (when they open and close their mouths). The belly of the line moves downstream pulling the leader and fly through the mouth of the fish, snagging the fish in the mouth. One year there were a lot of fish and fishermen around the hatchery, with water visibility of about 2 feet. Some people were stating "that the fish have to be taking the fly". One of the local fly shop owners then put on a bare hook and caught 2 bright steelhead. The Mad River is a "put and take" fishery with some great fly fishing above the hatchery for natives. Last time I went out, there was a line of 30 spin casters filling up the slots where one could fly fish (by the hatchery). The experience is softened knowing that on a good day you can turn over several fish in a few hours. I was introduced to dry fly line, bobber, and fly, two years ago, and try to do that whenever possible. BUT, if there is a string of fly fishers, swinging shooting heads, and catching fish that came out of the hatchery, it is hard not to get into line (and the floating line with split shot will just hurt people when shoulder to shoulder. Don't fault the fly guys though -- many of the spin guys do their own version of this. Well, this is my first post to this forum and hopefully not too many flames will be sent my way. If I get out this weekend I promise to report what I see.

Posted by:Shane11 Feusier


12/11/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Hey Rude, go to this site to read an article out of the times-standard.com Kinda fills you in a bit on the local rivers. http://www.times-standard.com/ci_11193751 Another site is: http://www.times-standard.com/ci_11193751 by E. B. Duggan. He is pretty up-to-date. Another source is the Eureka Fly Shop. I don't have the phone number handy but they have a local river fishing report on the phone. theflyshop.com out of Redding has a good stream report if you are interested in the Trinity and Klamath and others in that general area. This rain that we are expecting is getting me all excited. I enjoy fishing but I like catching too. Good luck.

Posted by:Steve Cousins


12/08/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Wanted to get up to date info on fishing the Mad river. I have not fished it since the hatchery opened back up.I do know we need rain for all rivers but I want to see if any ones catching fish. Or are the low flow closers in effect.Are there any salmon coming up on the mad this year.Thanks for any and all info and tight lines to all. Merry fishmas The Rude Dude

Posted by:Rude Dude


11/28/08
Trinity River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Fly,Lure
Comments:
       Have been fishing the Trinity below Willow Creek and hooked many small half-pounders over the past couple days. lots of Salmon activity, splashing around, leaping out of the water. Landed a 15 pound chinook with a blue fox and a 5 lb steelhead. all other fish caught swinging an egg pattern on a t300 sinking tip. long-lining means snagging. I know someone who does it and he does it because he has no patience to learn how and why fish eat what they do, and he cackles about proudly. Most snaggers are impatient fools who do not practice catch and release ethics. It is their decision. Nothing we can do about it, but it is quite a shame. This area has such great potential to have fisheries like Canada but as long as the locals act like idiots it will never get there from here. Even fishing with bait encourages people to kill fish just for roe. Guides do it all the time. Go up to Canada and look at the absolute abundance of huge fish and ask why. It is certainly not because they all take as much as possible. Protect what you have by saving it, not decimating it!

Posted by:jr


11/24/08
Trinity River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Fished the Trinity last week 11/17-11/20, we were drifting from J.C. campgroud to Pigeion point, all but one fish were caught on plugs, my favorite plug being the cooper Brads wiggler, we had one fish take roe under a bobber. All hatchery fish ran about 7-9lbs, the wild fish of which we caught 5 were bigger going 8-12lbs. We release all fish, I did catch 3 tagged fish that all had 10 dollar reward tags in them "sweet". Now about "long lining", long lining is a term that is used loosely but the way I see it is this, with a long leader meaing about 10-15 feet you have a better chance of snagging the available fish because as the weight drifts downstream through the fish the long leader trails behind the weight upstream and being the leader is so long you have a better chance of running into a fish or "flossing" the fish in the mouth. The way I see it is the fish do not volintarilly take the bait most of the time you snag them somewhere other than the mouth!!!

Posted by:Fishhead


11/21/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       What is this "long lining" you are all talking about? Do you mean a long leader with a fly on the end that hooks the fish somewhere other than the mouth? Or are you talking about traditional steelhead fly fishing, casting across /down stream and drifting (skating) across the top of the water (or a foot or so below)? If the fish strikes the fly with its mouth are you calling that snagging? I am not familiar with this long lining term?

Posted by:JOsh


11/05/08
Klamath River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Raining    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       So I went out on Monday, can you say rain? I new you could. me and two others fished our hearts out and all we got was a little steely from under a tree at Blakes Riffle. it must have wanted out of the rain also.

Posted by:AJ


10/31/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Ted: I do understand your dissapointment that only a very few people post fishing reports. I go to the Klammath, Trinity, and Mad Rivers often...and I come from Sacramento. I think that the problem is that the locals do not want others to know that fishing is red hot...or that they do not have a PC to make a report. The best time to fish the Mad is January and Februrary. December is probably OK depending on water flow. But, use a long line. That is the best way to hook (snag) Steelhead. The Trinity River from Junction City to Lewiston is good now and will be good for a few months. Flys or bait works well. The upper Klammath is good. I went last week (about 10 miles west of Hwy 5) and caught 15 Steelhead in the riffles with a small Kastmaster. All but one were released. I concede that I am not "Bright"! Only a fool would fish in the rain or when ice crystals clogg the eyes of my rod..and spend 3 or 4 days and about $400 with the hope of catching a Steelhead. But, I'll never learn...I have been doing that for over 50 years. Have a nice day. Bob.

Posted by:bob P11


10/31/08
Other
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       You're not that bright are you bob... read the so-called reports below.

Posted by:Ted Nugget


10/31/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       To Ted Nugget: Get a life! Better yet...stay off this report page with your comments. Your language needs serious help. The reason that there are no recent reports...is because of low water.

Posted by:bob P11


10/24/08
Klamath River trinity river
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       fished the klamath in july hot and smokey we kept 2 nice bright jacks fishing near hoopa.Just got back from the trinity fishing eas good salmon and steelhead being taken on roe and gold spinners,as weather and water cleared fishing got tough.will be back on smith klamath or trinity as soon as the next storm hits.

Posted by:george arabian


10/19/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I meant no disrespect for those that fly fish. I fly fish on the Klammath for half pounders in the warm times of the year. But for the Mad...in late December through January...I do not use a fly rod. And I have never seen a fly fisherman use a floating line or in a floating tube. All of them use a sinking lines. The Mad is much different than the Trinity River. Fly fisherman do very well in the Trinity....I guess the reason is that the Trinity water is usually clear...not so for the Mad. Have a nice day...and start fishing the Mad in late December!

Posted by:bob P11


10/18/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Fly,N/A
Comments:
       Also you can take note that 90% of fly fishermen are using floating fly lines, therefore the line is on the surface, not down in the water column where the fish are.

Posted by:Polar Shrimp


10/18/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:Fly,Bait,Lure
Comments:
       I disagree Bob, though most of the time I am a fly fisher, I do occasionally fish with conventional gear on the mad. I Use a 24 inch leader under the mad with roe and catch several fish each year so I’m not sure why your convinced long lining is the only way to go. And as for calling fly fishermen snaggers, well that’s a bunch of BS. I fly fish the mad via floating an indicator (basically a bobber) and the line is perpendicular to the surface water, not strung out across the river like a long line. Therefore my line is not snagging fish.

Posted by:Polar Shrimp


10/17/08
Other
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I have fished the Mad river for many years and still do. I always used bait with a 24" leader. Never caught anything except a few small trout. I learned a few years ago that the bulk of the Steelhead...most are Hatchery fish...are caught via long leaders. In Sacramento they call it Flagging. It is snagging. If long leaders were not used very few fish would be caught. I pass no judgement on anyone and I now use a leader about 4 foot long. Anything longer for me is too cumbersome. Unfortunately, I have only caught (hooked) two in 3 years. Hatchery fish are meant to be caught...that is the whole purpose for inland fishing. It is interesting to note that Fly fishermen think that they are catching Steelhead voluntarily...wrong...they are snagging...their leaders are as long as all the line on their reel. Long leaders are legal...if you want to be skunked....use a short leader with bait!

Posted by:bob P11


10/15/08
Eel River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       First of all I know that this page is reserved for reports. But I must comment on the long lining, that is not fishing it should be refered to as snagging. And to top it off you sound so proud of your accomplishment, you even report you kept fish that were foul hooked. This in my opinion is not sportsman like at all, you are not a fisherman your a snagger. I'm not a purist, what I mean by that is I am a gear fisherman not a fly fisherman, but I would rather eat Sh-t that keep a fish that was foul hooked.

Posted by:Fish Head


10/08/08
Van Duzen River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Will be camping on Van Duzen weekend of 10/10. Ideas where to fish...what flies? THANKS!!!

Posted by:jim johnston


10/05/08
Smith River
Water Condition: SlightlyOff     Weather: Overcast    Fishing Method:Bait,Lure
Comments:
       Started the morning at the mouth..Inlet rough will lose gear if not careful min. action hooked 1 released, to small. Moved to cattle crossing action good landed 3 kept 1. Went home, brought friend down to Bailey Hole, fishing rolling and active. Kastmaster/spinners at the mouth as well as the Cattle Crossing. Rained all weekend except not much Sunday and river should hold shape/color. Going today (Monday). Back with an update..FISH-ON!!!

Posted by:Dennis Boydstun


10/05/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       hooked six by the mouth today on the long line, pretty much incredible right now, none hooked fairly..had to keep two...tasty little buggers. Hitten hard this weekend hopefully can get some more, 9 ft. leader with with yarn

Posted by:Cledus Buckwalter


10/05/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Dammm I missed out :(

Posted by:


10/01/08
Mad River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Fly
Comments:
       Saw a bunch of snagging crap holes out on the mad the past week before it closed. Learn how to fish slime bags!!

Posted by:Polar Shrimp


09/24/08
Smith River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       hooked six by the mouth today on the long line, pretty much incredible right now, none hooked fairly..had to keep two...tasty little buggers. Hitten hard this weekend hopefully can get some more, 9 ft. leader with with yarn

Posted by:cledus buckwalter


09/22/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       nothing finer than a long liner.......woo hoo

Posted by:ise busy


09/21/08
Smith River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I decised to fish the smith two days ago, Snagged 3 salmon on beads and 2 steelhead on beads in the tail. Released back to the water except two salmon for eating. Fishing is getting good for long-lining, hopefully we get rain to really get a good long-line fish in. Keep the tip up to the land the fish :)

Posted by:Cledus Buckwalter


09/18/08
Klamath River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I am going to the Klamath this weekend. Has anyone fished the mouth this week....sept 16-19th? What side north or south and how are the nets? I would appreciate a report. Thanks, Dave O

Posted by:dave o'ravez


09/07/08
Klamath River
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Clear    Fishing Method:Lure,N/A
Comments:
       You won't catch a thing on the mad river right now. From what I know the trout below the hatchery are just baby fish. Above the hatchery I've heard there is trout but I've never tried going for them because there is much better fishing elsewhere. If you go to the mad river you will probably get skunked unless you go for steelhead around January. I went to the Klamath a couple of weeks ago around Weichtepec and the half pounder action was going off. Then 4 weeks ago it was the same thing except 2 weeks ago I caught a 7 pound steelhead that was mixed in with the bunch. I want to go up to the Klamath again because by now there are more big fish in the mix. You fish the Klamath or Trinity right now with spinners and your not a moron you'll definitely catch yourself some steelhead

Posted by:Big Al


08/23/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       My brother posted the post below this. We would really like to know about the trout fishing on the river. Where is the best stretch of the river (camping) and is bait still allowed? Thanks for any info you can provide. I am coming from Oregon and I would like the info prior to driving the distance next Thursday.

Posted by:Jim Mabbott


08/07/08
Mad River
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I am headed for the Mad River up by Ruth around Labor Day. Can anyone tell me how the River is right now and what fishing has been like this summer? I used to go there as a kid 30 years ago and have not been back.

Posted by:Fred M


08/04/08
Other
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Gary: How long of a drive from Arcata to Kellog Beach and is access ok? Would I need a heavy surf pole? Thanks for your report. Bob.

Posted by:bob bob p 11


08/01/08
Other crescent city
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       using cut bait ( shrimp ) caught 5 red tail perch ( very nice size ) in about two hours at kellog beach.

Posted by:gary


07/25/08
Other
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Anyone catching redtail perch around the river mouths or beaches of late? Or is this site just for advertisment only. Thanks in advance.

Posted by:Don


07/24/08
Other
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       FYI: To place a message...type in the letters in the empty box from the letters in checker board box just above the send box...and then click send. I'm still waiting for a reply from my previous message...pier fishing, rock crab, etc. Thanks, Bob

Posted by:bob bob p 11


07/20/08
Humboldt Bay
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       I would like some information from locals that fish, crab, or clam at Humbolt Bay. I visit the North coast rivers in the late Fall and Winter for Steelhead. But that is a long time away. What Pier is worthwhile and are Crabs there? Shore fishing in the Bay...where would I go...I'm afraid of the jetty...too dangerous for me. I'm in Sacramento...too hot here! Any information will be appreciated. Thanks

Posted by: bob p 11


07/20/08
Humboldt Bay
Water Condition: N/A     Weather: N/A    Fishing Method:N/A
Comments:
       Testing...my messages have not been printed...tryin something different,

Posted by: bob p 11


07/18/08
Redwood Creek
Water Condition: Clear     Weather: Partly Cloudy    Fishing Method:Fly,N/A
Comments:
       Yuck. I just read a posting that was listed on 5/24/08. This guy actually sounds PROUD that he was snagging salmon. It's very easy to snag them...used to do it by accident all the time on the Feather River. Sorry to say but this F/U attitude is exactly was is killing fishing. Mr., there's a reason it's illegal. If you really need to kill a fish, do it in some other stae....like Oregon. See how they respond to you there.

Posted by:fred fly