News and updates | Humboldt Steelhead Days

Arcata resident Scott McBain landed this nice winter steelhead on a drift down the South Fork Eel River in early February. Steelhead season will come to a close after Saturday for most rivers, including the South Fork Eel. The Smith and the main stem Eel will remain open to fishing. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest/Fishing the North Coast

Winter steelhead season coming to a close

Posted on: March 29, 2018

Fishing the North Coast by Kenny Priest March 29, 2018 Last weekend’s storms brought a little more rain than expected, with enough falling to keep the majority of the coastal rivers high and off color leading into the final week of steelhead season. As of Wednesday, only the Smith, Chetco, and the very upper reaches […]

Fortuna resident Aaron May landed this quality winter steelhead while fly fishing on the Van Duzen River last weekend. The fish measured 31-inches. Photo courtesy of Aaron May

Klamath salmon on the rebound

Posted on: February 23, 2018

Photo Caption: Fortuna resident Aaron May landed this quality winter steelhead while fly fishing on the Van Duzen River last weekend. The fish measured 31-inches. Fishing the North Coast, Posted on February 22, 2018 by Kenny Priest/For the Times-Standard We’ve got a long way to go, but it looks like the worst may be […]

2018 HSD Fishing Contest Results

Posted on: February 18, 2018

HSD Year #5 Fishing Contest: Click Here to view photos Mad River Contest Final Results: 1) Gary Fogle: 37 inch hatchery steelhead (also caught a 32 inch steelhead, but donated his other prize to next angler on leaderboard) 2) Garrett Miller: 33 inch hatchery steelhead 3) Brian Larsen: 31.5 inch hatchery steelhead 4) Dan Heffernan: […]

Chico resident Evan Oetinger landed this nice winter steelhead on a recent trip to the Smith River. With very little rain in the forecast, coastal rivers are running low and clear, making conditions tough for steelhead anglers. Photo courtesy of Evan Oetinger

Mad River is probably as good now as it’s been all season

Posted on: February 16, 2018

Despite low flows, steelhead options are plenty Posted on February 15, 2018 by Kenny Priest of fishingthenorthcoast While the lack of rain has most steelhead anglers singing the blues, there are however, a few bright spots. Especially if you like to throw on a pair of waders and head to the river bar. The Mad River is probably as […]

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Coastal rivers are in great shape, but bite remains tough

Posted on: February 8, 2018

Mad River is just turning steelhead green Posted on February 8, 2018 by Kenny Priest of fishingthenorthcoast This past weekend saw all of our coastal steelhead rivers turn some shade of green – some emerald and some olive. Condition-wise, it was probably the best we’ve had this season. But pristine conditions only last so long. And […]

Nine-year-old Sean Jones of Santa Rosa landed this nice steelhead all by himself on a recent trip to the Mad River with his father Troy. This weekend should be ideal for winter steelhead anglers as most of the coastal rivers will be fishable. Courtesy of Troy Jones — Contributed

River conditions looking ideal for the weekend

Posted on: February 3, 2018

Fishing the North Coast by Kenny Priest Times-Standard newspaper It’s shaping up to be one heck of a weekend on the North Coast — expect the green water euphoria to be in full effect. All of the coastal rivers, except for possibly the main stem of the Eel, will be some shade of green. This […]

Green water on the horizon

Posted on: January 25, 2018

Chris Anderson of Laytonville landed this bright hatchery steelhead at daybreak last week on the Mad River while fishing with guide Damon Albright. Photo courtesy of Damon Albright Green water on the horizon Posted on January 25, 2018 by Kenny Priest of fishingthenorthcoast Our coastal rivers are finally getting the flushing and scouring they desperately need. The latest […]

Redwood EdVentures Quests – Steelhead Days Edition

Posted on: January 24, 2018

Visit: http://www.redwood-edventures.org/quests-hsd.php Enjoy a special collaboration between Redwood EdVentures and Humboldt Steelhead Days until Feb. 17, 2018! Go on one or more of these selected Redwood EdVentures Quests during Humboldt Steelhead Days. Take a picture of yourself somewhere on the Quest while holding either the EdVentures brochure or a piece of paper with the hashtag #HSD on it. Register your Quest […]

Eric Stockwell, of Loleta Eric's Guide Service, caught and released this wild steelhead in the Eel River last year during Humboldt Steelhead Days.

Steelhead contest returns to its roots

Posted on: January 10, 2018

Photo Caption: Eric Stockwell, of Loleta Eric’s Guide Service, caught and released this wild steelhead in the Eel River last year during Humboldt Steelhead Days. Humboldt Steelhead Days, year #5, Jan. 13 to Feb. 17, 2018 Humboldt County, CA — Humboldt Steelhead Days is more than just a fishing contest – it’s a winter celebration of […]

CA Dept Fish and Wildlife Regulations

Posted on: January 7, 2018

Anglers should be aware the 2017-2018 CA Sport Fishing Regulations book is in effect from March 1, 2017 to Feb. 28, 2018. Therefore, any new rules that are added will be included in the new book that comes out in March. The effective dates are located on the bottom of the cover. Anglers can download […]

HSD Year #5 Gearing Up

Posted on: December 29, 2017

Humboldt Steelhead Days returns to its roots Posted on December 29, 2017 by Kenny Priest at fishingthenorthcoast The ever-evolving Humboldt Steelhead Days — which bills itself as more than just a fishing contest — is entering its fifth year and will continue to host an array of watershed-related activities throughout Humboldt County. The goal of Humboldt Steelhead […]

Mad River subject to low flow closures

Posted on: December 26, 2017

Due to low flows, the Dept of Fish & Wildlife can close the Mad River to fishing. Call the Low Flow Hotline for Closures: (707) 822-3164. Follow Fishing the North Coast or Humboldt Fish for up to date info. Mad River River Conditions: click here.