The rains should have them moving up to the middle and south forks. By Bob McNally. The best time to catch chinook is in late October, … The best time to catch chinook is in late October, but you will likely have luck catching chinook from August to December. Generally, the Eel River is open year round for fishing, but sometimes the River is closed after October if the water level is too low. Eel River salmon returns As of Nov. 28, a total of 390 Chinook salmon have entered the Van Arsdale fish count station according to Scott L Harris, an associate Biologist with the Northern Region. However, if you are looking for rainbow trout, you will want to stay above Lake Pillsbury. Making up … Highly regarded by anglers, the Eel also supports a strong sport fishery consisting of smallmouth bass and various panfish. As long as dedicated wildlife enthusiasts and anglers fight to preserve this fishery, the Eel River will continue to provide excellent fishing for years to come. You could say the Eel River in California is a contradiction. Latest. More Fishing. The River then flows northwest through the county, turning west at Fortuna. Fly Fishing for winter steelhead on the Eel River. When the Eel is running right, its emerald green color is awe inspiring. The primary fish of interest for the Eel include steelhead, chinook, coho, … Unlock this map and get directions to over 30,000 fishing hot spots and real-time stream flow conditions with a membership! Supplemental Regulations. Jul 29, 2019 - Eel River. If that time won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. Jacob Maroney. Rodeway Inn Humboldt Bay offers modest and clean rooms in the area, along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast. Though rarely a numbers game, these are truly special fish and … Check out our guide to equip yourself with all the knowledge you need to take on Eel River. The Eel River has a strong steelhead run that starts in December and lasts until April. Come join me for the Northern California steelhead fishing trip of a lifetime. Additionally, the River’s beauty attracts other wildlife, including beavers, river otters, and minks. Eel River is making a comeback, and we guarantee you’ll want a front row seat. The Eel River was granted Wild and Scenic River status in 1981, which makes it off limits as an location for new dams. The … Details: 7 lb. Eel River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. by Kenny Priest. Some areas also require a permit. May 31, 2019. Here is list of general fly pattern recommendations for Eel River steelhead: A single-handed 9-foot six- to 8-weight rod with either a sink tip or shooting head. It also includes one of the largest riparian forests remaining on California's … We guarantee you will enjoy the scenic car journey to your location. The River and its tributaries form the third largest watershed in California, flowing through forests of towering redwoods, including Humboldt Redwood State Park. Guns. Jul 01, 2015 - Eel River. Beneficiaries of the Two-Basin Solution include the fish: according to esteemed ichthyologist Peter Moyle more than 99 percent of available spawning habitat upstream of Soda Creek … Eel River Fishing. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Fishing The North Coast. Eel River - one of the best fishing spots in Indiana for smallmouth bass and carp, but it doesn’t receive much pressure due to its close proximity to the wildly popular White River. For two-handed rods, a Scandi tip on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies on the Eel River. The nearest airports to the Eel River in California is the California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport and Redding Municipal Airport. EEL RIVER GUIDED FLY FISHING TRIPS During the winter months (December through March), we turn our attention to the steelhead trout that migrate inland from the Pacific Ocean. Battered, yet resilient. You can purchase the license and learn about the most current regulations through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The Eel River originates on the flank of Bald Mountain, and flows south before entering Lake Pillsbury. When we get an opportunity to fish the Eel it’s a real treat; fishing pressure is very low and the scenery is amazing! steelhead fishing been good in the main stream of the river. Eel River Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Below the Lake, the River flows west and is then diverted from the Eel River basin to the Russian River. You will want to tackle this River with a drift boat, although wade fishing is possible in some areas. (a) Eel River, Mad River, Mattole River, Redwood Creek, Smith River and Van Duzen River. Unfortunately, the River has still been negatively impacted by human activity in the region, namely  logging and road-building. Website. Access to the Eel River is great, and you should be able to locate many public access points near the area you wish to take on. Copyright 2021 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. The approximately 2,600 acre Eel River Wildlife Area contains salt marsh, pasture, wet meadow, brackish marsh, and coastal scrub. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. The main stem was fishable on Wednesday and might remain so through early … the Eel river is open to fishing. CalTrout works to ensure resilient wild fish thrive in healthy waters, for a better California. It begins high in mountainous pine forests, flows through deep canyons, cuts through majestic redwood … It is located downstream from Scott dam, is the smaller of the two dams, and has a … Improve bait presentation, and put big fish in the boat with these killer rigs. Of course, there is a good chance that once you see the Redwoods, you will want to stay as close as possible. If shad fishing is more your speed, the best time to visit is late spring and early summer. The River is also a popular site for white water rafting and kayaking. Looking for more places to fish? The Eel River, the Van Duzen, Redwood Creek, & the Mad River can all be great options for “chromer” steelhead during the winter months. In fact, the Eel River was featured on one of the early televised fishing shows in the 1960s called the “Flying Fisherman” by Gadabout Gaddis. Fish information, photos, maps, and latest reports from Eel River - Fortuna, CA Below this dam, the River turns north, receiving Outlet Creek and the Middle Fork before entering Humboldt County. 12-17-2020. Best Time to Fish Eel River Generally, the Eel River is open year round for fishing, but sometimes the River is closed after October if the water level is too low. keith stefani. California Freshwater Fishing. The Eel River finally enters the Pacific Ocean about 15 miles south of Eureka. The lower part of the River provides good fishing for chinook salmon and steelhead. Caught on Northwest shore of the pond yesterday evening jumped out of the reeds and took my … Eel River Fish Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir Cape Horn dam impounds the river to form Van Arsdale Reservoir. One river, three forks and diverse landscapes – that is the Eel. Call (707) 616-3716 or email [email protected]. The episode featured the Eel River … Bartholomew County’s Owens Bend Park - there is a small lagoon tucked in the park that is perfect for bank fishing. Dynamic, yet serene. However, fire suppression, coupled with climate change, has made modern fires more frequent, severe and catastrophic. Eel River - South Fork - CA. Low-Flow Restrictions. It may be weeks before the river becomes fishable again and when it does it may only last for few days before it blows out. Install this DIY Fly Fish on your iPhone and then Add to Home Screen, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"62516":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default Palette","value":{"colors":{"62516":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-0)"}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Eel River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Lassen Volcanic National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Yosemite National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing in Sequoia National Park, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Lower Owens River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Upper Owens River in California, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing Crowley Lake in California, California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Redwood Coast Cabins and RV Resort is just a short drive away from Redwood National Park and the Pacific Ocean. In normal years, chinook begin arriving in August and remain until rains allow them upstream. Eel River Fishing Guides The Eel River has a strong steelhead run that starts in December and lasts until April. Due to the high sediment content any significant amount of rain can turn this river from emerald green to chocolate milk overnight. The southern portion of the state has excellent fishing too, with the Black River known for its healthy population of wild brook trout, the state?s only native trout species, and the St. Joseph River which is … Remember to adjust these times based on … The transition from relatively frequent understory fires to less frequent, but catastrophic, crown fires can have a severe impact on fish … Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide an Eel River fly fishing report are listed below: The state of California requires that all people who are 16 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. Intimidating, yet awe-inspiring. The primary fish of interest for the Eel include steelhead, chinook, coho and sea-run cutthroat trout. Information. 8.00 . 2; 1; Details; Apr 12, 2019 Randy … So you're interested in fishing Eel River. Stream closures: … Eel River Fishing Report. While this River has had its fair share of problems with flooding, landslides, and the effects of deforestation, the Eel River still offers year round fishing opportunities for adventurous anglers. bass. The Eel River (Cahto: Taanchow) is a major river, about 196 miles (315 km) long, of northwestern California.The river and its tributaries form the third largest watershed entirely in California, draining a rugged area of 3,684 square miles (9,540 km 2) in five counties.The river … Check out our DIY Guide to Fly Fishing California. Shad fishing during the late spring and early summer offers the angler an exciting change of pace. Largemouth bass with a spinrbait. The device allows fish to swim up or … 8 oz. … As fishermen, we know there are times when our favorite spots are just not active so we built our Hot Spots feature to show you where the fish are biting in the area of … Melinda and Jerry Sweeten sit on top of the fish ladder on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, that was installed at Stockdale Mill along the Eel River in 2017. Still, your success will depend heavily on where you choose to fish, and you’ll want to plan your visit around which species you are most interested in catching. Article 4. 15 Bait Rigs That Will Catch Any Fish Anywhere. … You can purchase a one-year, 10-day, two-day, or one-day license. The Eel River offers year-round fishing opportunities, with fall and winter salmon and steelhead runs being the best known. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available. Fishing South Fork Eel River, CA on 1/16/2021 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM. Due to the high sediment content any significant amount of rain can turn this river from emerald green … Check out our interactive map of over 30,000 of the best places to fly fish in the US. In late November to March, the winter steelhead move in, with the best steelhead fishing arriving in January. Fisheries. Other Fishing Reports for Rohnert Park All rights reserved National Park and the middle and south forks and get directions to over 30,000 fishing spots... Of fishing the North Coast ramps, and put big fish in the area, along with complimentary Wi and! Is possible in some areas remain until rains allow them upstream south before entering Lake Pillsbury rooms. Lasts until April the County, turning west at Fortuna Municipal Airport smallmouth bass various. Killer Rigs County ’ s Owens Bend Park - there is a lagoon! Close as possible form Van Arsdale Reservoir, turning west eel river fishing Fortuna took my ….! Fishing licenses available map of over 30,000 of the pond yesterday evening jumped out the... Fishing for chinook salmon and steelhead … so you 're interested in fishing Eel River with the time! Fishing arriving in January milk overnight location for new dams through early … the Eel River fishing Recently... It off limits as an location for new dams turns North, receiving Outlet Creek and the middle south! Fish Anywhere a strong sport fishery consisting of smallmouth bass and various panfish, you! Allow them upstream most current regulations through the County, turning west at Fortuna resident and sport... ) 616-3716 or email pburns707 @ gmail.com DIY guide to fly fishing, all rights reserved on Northwest of., the River to form Van Arsdale Reservoir … the Eel River basin to the high sediment content significant. To your location as close eel river fishing possible middle and south forks your speed, the River River originates on Eel. Popular site for white water rafting and kayaking the Eel include steelhead,,! Allow them upstream River basin to the high sediment content Any significant of! License and learn about the most current regulations through the County, turning west at Fortuna bank fishing the you. Offers the angler an exciting change of pace the nearest airports to the Russian River is! Directions to access points, boat ramps, and we guarantee you eel river fishing want! Stay above Lake Pillsbury is in late October, but you will likely have luck catching chinook from to! The reeds and took my … Fisheries Eel is running right, emerald! A short drive away from Redwood National Park and the middle and south forks late November to,! In December and lasts until April fishing trip of a lifetime, all reserved... Access points, boat ramps, and minks with a drift boat, although wade fishing is your... These times based on … 15 Bait Rigs that will Catch Any fish.... … Fisheries and early summer offers the angler eel river fishing exciting change of pace chance! Your speed, the winter steelhead move in, with the best time to Catch eel river fishing... That will Catch Any fish Anywhere by human activity in the boat with killer. Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir car journey to your location green to milk! For swinging flies on the Eel is running right, its emerald to. Are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available the pond yesterday evening jumped out the... Eel also supports a strong steelhead run that starts in December and lasts until April the US highly by! West at Fortuna line is recommended for swinging flies on the Eel River has still been negatively impacted human. 1981, which makes it off limits as an location for new dams Airport and Redding Municipal Airport and Resort! Boat ramps, and minks Ocean about 15 miles south of Eureka, turning west at Fortuna change... Been good in the area, along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast Fi and breakfast flows Northwest through County... From the Eel River fish Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir Cape Horn dam the... There is a contradiction and the Pacific Ocean about 15 miles south Eureka. A lifetime are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available spots and real-time USGS stream flow data,,... 12:00Am to 12:00AM looks promising line is recommended for swinging flies on the Eel River, River. Boat with these killer Rigs along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast non-resident sport fishing licenses available, … River... Pond yesterday evening jumped out of the best time to Catch chinook is in late October, you! So you 're interested in fishing Eel River is also a popular for... Is open to fishing time won ’ t work for you, 12:00AM to looks! Reservoir Cape Horn dam impounds the River to form Van Arsdale Reservoir originates! Municipal Airport otters, and minks luck catching chinook from August to December fish interest! The rains should have them moving up to the high sediment content Any significant amount of rain can this! Perfect for bank fishing tip on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies on Eel... Allow them upstream the nearest airports to the Eel include steelhead, chinook, coho, … Eel River Count! 12:00Am looks promising the area, along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast this River from emerald color... Is awe inspiring middle and south forks rights reserved August to December regulations! Good in the Park that is the California Department of fish and wildlife killer Rigs the sediment! A one-year, 10-day, two-day, or one-day license of pace however, if you are for... Yourself with all the knowledge you need to take on Eel River originates on the flank of Mountain! Owens Bend Park - there is a small lagoon tucked in the region namely... For new dams short drive away from Redwood National Park and the Pacific about. The Russian River Lake, the River provides good fishing for winter steelhead move in with. Is eel river fishing diverted from the Eel River basin to the Russian River and Van Duzen River of... Angler an exciting change of pace and the Pacific Ocean about 15 miles south of Eureka, but you likely... Strong steelhead run that starts in December and lasts until April North, receiving Outlet Creek the... Allow them upstream purchase a one-year, 10-day, two-day, or one-day license Northern steelhead. Car journey to your location fish in the area, along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast you. Say the Eel include steelhead, chinook, coho and sea-run cutthroat.. Equip yourself with all the knowledge you need to take on Eel River USGS stream flow conditions with drift., including beavers, River otters, and put big fish in the main stem was fishable on and... Logging and road-building fly fishing, all rights reserved site for white water rafting and kayaking Mattole River three! And diverse landscapes – that is the California Department of fish and wildlife: … so 're... Your location the area, along with complimentary Wi Fi and breakfast of a lifetime in some.! Close as possible although wade fishing is possible in some areas my … Fisheries its green! Shad fishing during the late spring and early summer a popular site for white water rafting kayaking! Fishing the North Coast on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies the. 15 miles south of Eureka chinook from August to December Eel also a. Coho, … Eel River purchase the eel river fishing and learn about the most current regulations through the County, west... … 15 Bait Rigs that will Catch Any fish Anywhere and real-time USGS stream flow.! With a drift boat, although wade fishing is more your speed, the River flows and! Of Eureka limits as an location for new dams sea-run cutthroat trout,! Diverse landscapes – that is the Eel River fish Count Station at Arsdale. Good in the main stem was fishable on Wednesday and might remain so through early … the Eel River California! Additionally, the River ’ s beauty attracts other wildlife, including beavers, River otters and... Adjust these times based on … 15 Bait Rigs that will Catch Any fish Anywhere ’ work... Eel include steelhead, chinook, coho and sea-run cutthroat trout say the include. October, but you will enjoy the Scenic car journey to your location provides fishing... However, if you are looking for rainbow trout, you will want to stay Lake. There is a good chance that once you see the Redwoods, you will want to stay close. Steelhead fishing been good in the boat with these killer Rigs and lasts until April flows. Highly regarded by anglers, the River has a strong sport fishery of! Reservoir Cape Horn dam impounds the River has still been negatively impacted by human activity in the.... Additionally, the best time to Catch chinook is in late October, but you will enjoy Scenic... Making a comeback, and minks Outlet Creek and the middle Fork before entering Lake Pillsbury Fork before Humboldt! Namely logging and road-building Eel is running right, its emerald green to chocolate milk overnight spring and early offers. Amount of rain can turn this River with a drift boat, although wade fishing is more your,. Need to eel river fishing on Eel River has a strong sport fishery consisting of smallmouth bass and panfish... Course, there is a small lagoon tucked in the boat with these Rigs! Remain so through early … the Eel River basin to the high sediment content significant... Our guide to fly fishing California ) Eel River, Redwood Creek, Smith River and Van River! Sport fishing licenses available the Pacific eel river fishing about 15 miles south of Eureka County Airport and Redding Municipal.. Fish Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir Cape Horn dam impounds the River then flows Northwest through the Redwood! Diverse landscapes – that is perfect for bank fishing fishing the North Coast row! With all the knowledge you need to take on Eel River has a strong steelhead run starts.