The much-anticipated rockfish and Pacific halibut opener was slated for Wednesday, but Mother Nature wasn’t having it. Ocean conditions out of Eureka weren’t very good, with strong winds keeping the Eureka fleet tied to the dock. That’s the bad news. The good news is the seas calmed and boats headed out through Humboldt Bay Thursday in search of the season’s first haul of Pacific halibut. And once the boats made it to the halibut grounds, it didn’t take long to find the season’s first biters. A few charter and private boats took advantage of decent weather, with some boats putting in limits of halibut to 50 pounds. Most of the action was straight out in 300 feet of water. Ocean conditions look fishable at least through the Monday, and we now know the fish are there.

The Pacific halibut season will be open until Nov. 15 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. The fishery will be open seven days a week, and the limit remains at one with no size restrictions.

Up in Crescent City, where ocean conditions were a little better and no bar crossing to contend with, boats hit all the usual spots and found plenty of hungry rockfish and ling cod. Most boats were able to put aboard limits pretty quickly. There weren’t any reports of Pacific halibut taken Wednesday or Thursday.

Down in Shelter Cove, boats were battling rough conditions, but managed to catch some rockfish. According to Jake Mitchell of Sea Hawk Sport Fishing, the first couple days was a little slow, mostly due to conditions. “The lingcod bite was a little slow too, we managed about a fish per rod fishing right out front,” said Mitchell. “The weather hasn’t cooperated enough to let us get to the halibut grounds yet.”

Weekend marine forecast
Other than a decent amount of rain forecasted for Saturday, ocean conditions look good through Monday. Saturday, winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 10 knots with west waves 5 feet at seven seconds. Sunday, winds will be 5 to 10 knots out of the southwest with west waves 6 feet at nine seconds and northwest 3 feet at 14 seconds. These conditions can and will change by the weekend. For an up-to-date weather forecast, visit www.weather.gov/eureka/ or https://www.windy.com. You can also call the National Weather Service at (707) 443-7062 or the office on Woodley Island at (707) 443-6484.

The beach/jetties
The wind has made the beaches tough for anglers looking for redtail perch. When the ocean is rough, the mouth of the Elk River (stinky beach) or King Salmon are two of the better options to get out of the wind. Both can produce quality perch action. Conditions look better the next few days. Centerville, Table Bluff, Samoa, and any of the lagoon beaches can provide excellent fishing. Both jetties, weather permitting, have been giving up some nice black rockfish and some nice lingcod. The south jetty hasn’t been as good, but that will likely change as water and weather conditions improve. Small swimbaits or scampi jigs are catching fish as well as herring fished under a float.

Humboldt County razor clam closure
On May 2, the California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife closed the recreational razor clam fishery in Humboldt County following a recommendation from state health agencies. It was determined in late April that consumption of razor clams in the area poses a significant threat for domoic acid exposure. The recreational razor clam fishery in Del Norte County remains closed due to elevated levels of domoic acid. The closure, which began in November 2023, will remain in effect until state health agencies determine razor clams no longer pose a health risk. More information can be found here.

Annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels Begins May 1​
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a press release on April 30 announcing the annual quarantine of sport-harvested mussels gathered along the California coast. The quarantine began May 1 and applies to all species of mussels that are recreationally harvested for human consumption along the California coast, including all bays and estuaries. During the quarantine, mussels may only be harvested for non-consumptive uses, such as for bait.

The quarantine is in place to protect the public against poisoning that can lead to serious illness, including coma and death. According to the press release, the quarantine does not apply to commercially sold mussels, clams, scallops, or oysters from approved sources. State law permits only state-certified commercial shellfish harvesters or dealers to sell these products. Shellfish sold by certified harvesters and dealers are subject to frequent mandatory testing to monitor for toxins. More information can be found here.

Upcoming kids fishing derbies
On Saturday, May 18, 2024 all kids 15 years old and younger are invited to the Ruth Lake Marina for the Kids Free Fishing Derby. The event will be from 8 a.m. until noon. Kids must bring their own fishing poles and must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a hot dog feed at noon. For more information, call the Ruth Lake Community Services District at 707-574-6332 or visit https://www.ruthlakecsd.org/local-events/

On Saturday, May 18, 2023, all kids age 4 to 15 are invited to the Carrville Dredger Pond for the 50th annual Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby. The pond is located five miles north of the Trinity Center. Registration is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. The fishing derby will last until 11 a.m. Free fishing tackle will be provided to the first 100 kids registered. Kids must bring their own fishing poles, and only bait will be allowed. Prizes will be awarded in many categories, along with a grand prize.  Free hot dogs, chips and drinks for everyone. For more information, call Scott at 408-401-8333.

RMI Outdoors fishing contest
RMI Outdoors of Eureka is holding their annual Screamin’ Reels fishing contest starting April 1 and running through Sept. 2. To enter, take a picture with your fish and like the RMI Facebook page at facebook.com/RMIOutdoors. Message RMI or email your picture to megan@rmioutdoorseureka.com. There are two categories, youth and adult youth. The youth with the most likes wins a fishing package and $50 RMI gift card and the adult youth with the most likes wins a $50 RMI gift card and a fishing rod. Visit rmioutdoorseureka.com/screamin-reels for more information.

Lower Rogue
Spring salmon action has been hit-and-miss on the Rogue, but some boats are getting a fish or two a day reports Andy Martin of Wild Rivers Fishing. “The best action has been at the head of the bay, where boats are anchoring on the outgoing tide,” said Martin. “The first springers of the year have been caught on the upper Rogue near Shady Cove.”

Brookings ocean update
According to Martin, the lingcod and rockfish bite continues to be good out of Brookings during calm weather days. “This weekend looks decent. Halibut season opened Wednesday, but boats stayed close to shore because of windy weather. A few boats were expected to venture out for halibut on Thursday. Surfperch action has been very good at Chetco Point, Lone Ranch and the mouth of the Winchuck.”

Kenny Priest operates Fishing the North Coast, a fishing guide service out of Humboldt specializing in salmon and steelhead. Find it on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and www.fishingthenorthcoast.com. For up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information, email kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.