Last Hoorah
The first storm in a week and the third since the New Year is just moving in here on Tuesday 3-19. Rainfall totals are expected to run from a 1/2 to 1.5" through late Wednesday. With the dry watersheds we don't expect any big rises but flows will increase on all rivers and fishing opportunities will improve on many systems. Top bets will lay on rivers like the Eel where guides like Tony Sepulveda have been seeing 5 to 10 plus fish per day a mix of mostly ocean bound fish and a few fresh late run steelhead.
The recent lack of rain has killed the interest on the Smith but a spike in flows will push a bunch of fish that have been trapped into the tributaries into the main stem and bring the usual "March Madness"  of blue backs or two and three years olds into the river. The Smith is currently running at 7.5 feet and any bump in flows above 9 feet will turn things back on.
On the Chetco last week's rain turned the bite back on with guides seeing 2 to 4 fish per stick of mostly runbacks and a few fresh run fish. Since then counts and flows have steadily dropped. As flows rise and then drop later this week the bite could improve here one last time.
The drought conditions made for some great fishing on the Eel and Klamath this winter but overall it's been a long, dry and frustrating season for the majority of rivers. For anglers lucky and smart enough to concentrate on these rivers or book with a guide you likely did well.
We received word last week from a couple of readers that new regulations for 2013 will close the Eel to C & R salmon fishing next fall. Talk about bullshit... The Eel has been under C & R regulations for what ? 20 years and both the salmon and steelhead runs have rebuilt to numbers not seen since the 70s. Angler groups have successfully fought against overly restrictive regulations in the past and hopefully local businesses, guides and sport anglers can come together and work with CDFW to not only restore the C & R fishery but one that allows some limited take. How DFW allowed the C & R fishery to end (or why) is ludicrous with both steelhead and salmon runs at 20 + year highs. Allowing a C & R or a limited take salmon and steelhead fishery would support many local businesses from guides to hotels and bring in huge dollars for a region dependant on pot farming.
Time is running short and the next week looks to be reader's last chance at hooking a steelie until July when the Klamath summer run fish push in.

For readers looking for river front fishing access and lodging a reader turned us on to this little gem. The BNBHiouchi.com is located right on one of the best holes of the main stem, just below the Forks flat and directly across from the "Covered Bridge". 
They have three rooms, a single and two doubles and very reasonable rates that include breakfast or lunch and just a nominal fee for dinner if you wish. You have full access to their private bank access, great meals and clean comfortable rooms. Rates are VERY reasonable and you will never stay in a hotel when fishing here again.  I'm making reservations for February and can't wait to go! 510 967-4615