Extended fishing report for Jan. 2
NORTH COAST RIVERS
North Coast streams and rivers are regulated by low flow closures. Always call ahead to determine the condition of the river you want to fish. If not mentioned, the river is closed or no reports. The DFG’s Low Flow Closure Hotline for north coast rivers is (707) 822-3164. For the Russian River and counties of Mendocino, Sonoma and Marin, call (707) 944-5533. South Central Coast streams number is (831) 649-2886. Many streams close, and others change to artificial/barbless only on, March 31 and others on April 25. Trouble identifying salmon or steelhead? Go to: http://www.swr.noaa.gov/fmd/identify.htm .
CHETCO RIVER, Ore.-December was good steelheading despite the lack of rains, but that was all changed over the New Year’s weekend when it blew out big time. Plunkers were finding lots of fresh steelhead moving into the river by Sunday. The river is dropping and was expected to be in prime condition by Wednesday, with the steelhead season in full swing.
COQUILLE RIVER, East Fork, Myrtle Point, Ore.–This small river was still a little high on January 1, but still fishable. WON Field Reporter and guide Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service and 4 other boats fished until noon and couldn’t find a steelhead between them. “Due to the extreme low water during the month of December, it appears that the fish have not made it up this fork yet, but will be there in a week, that I am sure of!” he said.
COQUILLE RIVER, South Fork, Powers, Ore.-WON Field Reporter Curtis Palmer of River Secrets Guide Service and a few friends fished New Year’s Day. They launched the drift boat at Haze Ranch around 1:00 p.m. after fishing on the East Fork. The river was at 3.7 feet and dropping–perfect fishing conditions for this river. “We had our first steelhead of the new year within a half hour of starting. The second fish for the day came an hour after that. “With this river on such a fast drop and judging by the color change, I feel the hot spot in Southern Oregon for winter steelhead is going to be the South Fork of the Coquille River.
Fake Palm Vines - News
Though Pea Vine Ridge Road was open, it is riddled with pot holes and icy spots according to Kyle Neeser at Crystal Basin Tackle. Dale Daneman expressed some concern as to whether the ramp at West Point by the dam was even in the water at the current
