Fishing Articles

Oregon postpones 2018 sport abalone season until further evaluation
by ODFW, DECEMBER 28, 2017

ODFW is calling a time-out on abalone season, postponing the 2018 recreational season that was set to open on Jan. 1until further review and Commission consideration in March. The decision follows California’s closure of its 2018 abalone season due to concerns over the health of the population. Abalone stocks in California have fallen below target levels as abalone face ongoing environmental conditions that have...
Full Story

Captain Roger Thomas Dies
by GGSA Staff, DECEMBER 28, 2017

It’s with great sadness that the Golden Gate Salmon Association announces the passing of Captain Roger Thomas from pancreatic cancer. Thomas passed Tuesday morning with his lifelong friend and partner Captain Jacky Douglas at his side. Roger Thomas was captain of the charter boat Salty Lady, a member of the California Outdoor Hall of Fame, and a lifelong advocate to keep west coast...
Full Story

Humboldt Steelhead Days returns to its roots
Kenny Priest
by Kenny Priest, DECEMBER 28, 2017
Humboldt County Coast

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 Days (HSD) is to inspire community awareness, promote river restoration and the recovery of Humboldt’s iconic wild winter steelhead populations. Humboldt’s only annual signature wintertime event,...
Full Story

Trout Plants Mean California Fishing Opportunities Abound Over the Holidays
by CDFW, DECEMBER 23, 2017

The winter holidays are a great time for families and individuals to enjoy recreational trout fishing, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s (CDFW) trout hatcheries plan to provide plenty of opportunities for anglers of all ages over the next two weeks. Specific plants of catchable trout are scheduled at 79 waters in 25 counties between now and Jan. 5. CDFW trout...
Full Story

December Rains Usher in First Runs of Chetco Steelhead
Southern Oregon
by Larry Ellis, DECEMBER 23, 2017
Chetco River

I always tell anglers that the first rains around the Christmas holiday signals the first major runs of winter steelhead to head up the Chetco River. But low, gin-clear water conditions have been the plague of Oregon south coast rivers this year. I was beginning to worry that the old Christmas adage was not going to come true this year. Not...
Full Story

Northern California Commercial Dungeness Crab Season Opener Delayed Again Due to Quality Testing
by CDFW, DECEMBER 22, 2017

The Director of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced a final 15-day delay for the northern California commercial Dungeness crab season. Crab condition improved from the last round of pre-season quality testing conducted on Dec. 19. However, crab had not reached the minimum meat recovery criteria as established by the Tri-State Dungeness Crab Committee testing protocol. The...
Full Story