The Fishing Report: Happy New Year

Hard to believe I have been writing this column now for 20 years. Not sure what has really changed but upon reflection I used to write it on a legal yellow pad and handed it in to my editor. So I guess times have changed just a bit. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is that January is still the best month to chase steelhead. From north to south, I will give you a run down on the current conditions of the rivers and what you might be able to expect. Some rivers are clearing, some are coming into shape, and others might not fish for a while.
Starting with the Chetco, just across the border in Oregon, this cozy little river is probably fishing the best of all the rivers I will mention. Guides averaged three fish a boat in dropping and clearing conditions. Predicted rain on Monday and Wednesday this week could keep this river right on track through the weekend. Long range has a dry spell for next week.
The beautiful Smith is one of California’s last wild and scenic rivers. This is a big river and can be fished from the bank but is best fished by a boat preferably manned by a professional guide. John Klar is one I would recommend. His website is very useful and informative and has up-to-date  fishing reports. Over the last three days, John averaged three fish in his boat, which is good. His forecast is for a period of dry weather so that this river will drop and clear without snow melt. Look for river heights of 16.5 at the Dr. Fine bridge gauge
I have no report on the Matole, except that it is still high and now open to fishing as of the first of the year
Further south, the Mad is beginning to produce the huge hatchery numbers that people expect from this system. Conventional tackle will be utilized this week as opposed to the lining techniques that are used when the river is up and off color. I have seen some pretty good fish pictures from anglers fishing up there last weekend.
The South Fork Eel is coming into shape in the upper reaches around Leggett. By mid-week, without approachable rainfall, the Garberville area should start to produce and my favorite section to Meyers Flat will fish by the weekend. Leggett River height here needs to read 8.5 and dropping. Good numbers of wild fish can be caught and released here to 20 pounds. Great access and beautiful floats!
The Garcia and Gualala are both past there prime right now. I am sure they fished well last Thursday and Friday, but as it goes with secret spots, no one is talking.
And that brings me to the mighty Russian River. “Ugh!” is about all I can say. It is still high and muddy and will probably remain that way until this Friday when the upper stretches from Hopland to Ukiah start to green up. Healdsburg and below won’t fish until the weekend when bankies will begin to get into to the act. Flows at Hopland need to be in the 500s, and first day to float Healdsburg down, the gauge needs to read 1,500 cfs. Warm Springs Hatchery is reporting 400 returning steelhead as of the 31st. There are still a lot to come.
If you’re not into football and are interested in everything out doors, The International Sportsman’s Expo in Sacramento will be running from January 10 through January 13.
 
For more fishing information and or reports, please contact Hunt Conrad at Prospect Mortgage, 431-9715.