Headline News from Northern California & Southern Oregon

Eagle Lake, Lassen County
Fly fishing from shore allows the angler to enjoy the tussle, revive the fish and let it go free.


 


Back in Business: KMZ Salmon Season Opens Wide in 2026
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, APRIL 17, 2026



For the first time in three years, not one of the salmon season alternatives in the KMZ developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) included the word “closed.” That alone tells you everything you need to know about where we’re at heading into 2026. In fact, North Coast anglers are looking at a solid opportunity this season, with 68 days...
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Solid start to rockfish, halibut season across local ports
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, APRIL 10, 2026



The much-anticipated rockfish and Pacific halibut seasons kicked off last Wednesday, but rough ocean conditions kept most boats at the dock. Fortunately, the weather window didn’t last long, and by Friday — and through the weekend — anglers were back on the water. Since then, conditions have lined up nicely, giving boats across all ports a solid stretch of fishable...
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Brookings Salmon Bite Off to Strong Start
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, APRIL 2, 2026



The early salmon opener delivered a surprise most weren’t expecting — and anglers along the southern Oregon coast are taking full advantage. Out of Brookings, the season kicked off with some of the most consistent early action seen in a very long time. Opening-day reports pointed to roughly a fish per rod, with some boats finding limits. While most anglers initially...
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Steelhead season ends dry, but one more storm looms
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 26, 2026



Winter steelhead season is shaping up to end on a much drier note than it began back in January. The forecast is calling for dry weather through March 31, when most rivers close. However, a late-season storm is brewing that could drop 3 to 6 inches of rain on the main stem Eel and the Smith — two rivers that...
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Coastal Rivers Teeter Between Prime and Done
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, MARCH 19, 2026



With no measurable rain over the past three weeks, coastal rivers are all over the map right now. Some systems are getting low and clear, others are still in decent shape, and a few are nearing or at low-flow closures. The Smith is extremely low and clear, with the Chetco not far behind and dropping fast. The South Fork Eel is...
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Winter Fishing Has Been Slow
Trinity River Fishing
by E.B. Duggan, MARCH 15, 2026

Trinity River - Willow Creek Weir

I am back! I know it has been some time since the las Fishing Report but I hope to do much better now that I am back. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! I hope you have a safe and great Saint Patrick’s Day! I am waiting for the latest reports from CDFW to see if we will have a Salmon Fishing Season this...
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