Fishing the North Coast: Coastal Rivers Predicted to Swell

Posted: November 29, 2012  |  By: Kenny Priest [Times Standard]

I think it's safe to say that all the North Coast rivers are finally going to get the flushing they've needed -- and then some. Weather forecasts are calling for up to 14 inches of rain over the next several days in some areas, putting a few of the local rivers near flood stage and others near monitor stage. The downside -- there won't be many angling opportunities until early next week due to blown-out rivers. But looking at the big picture, the massive amounts of water forecasted to flow will provide a much-needed cleaning, moving built-up sediment and debris downstream. 

When the rivers do drop back into fishable shape, my guess is we'll see the first signs of the impending winter steelhead run. There's already been a handful caught on all the rivers, but with the high water coming, expect the steelies to start showing in numbers. But don't give up entirely on salmon just yet. The Smith is still seeing fresh fish coming in daily and there should be some smaller spurts of fish coming into the Eel and Mad. 

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