February on the north coast means one thing. Chrome ocean going rainbow trout (oncorhyncuismykiss). STEELHEAD! Recent rainfall this past week on California’s North Coast. Brought river levels up throughout the redwood forests of Northern California. Now with a weeks worth of sunshine in the forecast. Most all of your favorite steelhead rivers will drop into shape. Northern California rivers such as the Eel River, the Smith River, and the Mad River. Are all currently fishing for the steelhead anglers that are lucky enough to have the luxury of fishing the far less crowded weekdays. By the end of the work week every coastal river should fish, and fish well. February is the prime time for steelhead fishing. The very peak of “run timing” ( the length of any anadromous species’ existence in fresh water. From their arrival to their absence. In any particular body of water their migration takes place).

Fishing guides targeting coastal steelhead for their clients. Got off to a slow start this 2020 season. With very little rainfall to speak of in January. This early February rainfall was right on time. Steelhead that had been accumulating at the mouths of the coast rivers. Instinctively awaiting rainfall for their safe passage into and through their natal waterways. The much needed precipitation gave the milling steelhead exactly what they had been waiting for. Water! Steelhead fishing charters and fishing guides quickly went to work benefiting from the heavy migration of chrome steelhead charging up the coastal rivers. Fishing guide Dave Jacobs (530-646-9110) of Professional Guide Service sacramentofishing.com found great steelhead fishing for his clients over this past weekend. While bouncing back and forth between fishing in Southern Oregon on the Chetco River. As well as fishing steelhead on California’s Smith River. Located near Crescent City, Ca. With fishing being RED HOT on both rivers. The decision on where to fish becomes a matter of customer preference for the most part. Southern Oregon’s Chetco River located near Brookings, OR. Has one benefit to steelhead anglers that California doesn’t offer. The ability to retain a hatchery or wild steelhead for consumption. Something that some anglers who appreciate the mild salmon like taste of steelhead; still prefer to do. Where other die hard Steelhead anglers cringe at the thought of “bonking” a wild steelhead. Taboo if you will! Releasing the wild steelhead with a silent thought of respect and gratitude to have had the opportunity to catch such a magnificent specimen. This being the primary action taken by anglers when landing a wild steelhead these days.

Much farther to the south, and much closer to home. For those of us living in interior California. Is the Eel River! And it certainly has been pumping out it’s fair share of chrome trout this past week. As the popular South Fork Eel River came into shape. Quickly dropping and clearing all the way down to the “main”(confluence with the Middle Fork Eel River). By the weekend the entire river system should fish. Creating a endless amount of options for steelhead anglers and drift boaters of all skill levels. Literally over a hundred miles of river to chose from. Anywhere from the two day “murder mountain” drift at Alder Point, Ca. On the Middle Fork Eel River. Or the entire South Fork Eel River. Or maybe you like the long flats and lazy riffles of the Main Eel River. Whatever it is you want. The Eel River has it. Drift boating being the primary method of fishing. Plenty of bank fishing opportunities exist, don’t get me wrong. However drift boating is the thing! Fly fishing, drifting soft beads or roe, pulling plugs, chucking steel, float fishing…..it doesn’t matter. To each their own on this green water. Pretty laid back in true redwood fashion. Google it, ask a friend, book a fishing guide, or take a road trip. This is a fairly clean and easy river to steelhead fish. A great place to learn. With a large number of steelhead returning this season.

As always suggested! Get outside. Enjoy the sunshine of California’s drought stricken winter weather. Take a road trip, see something new, and realize all the outdoor opportunities that are waiting to be discovered and utilized by you. Northern California has a plethora of outdoor activities to choose from. If it’s fishing you chose to embark in. Give the North Coast and steelhead fishing a chance. It will not be regretted!

Mike's Fishing Guide Service for Sacramento River fishing targeting King Salmon, Striped Bass, White Sturgeon, American Shad and Rainbow Trout. The Best Sacramento River Salmon Fishing Guide and Striped Bass Fishing Guide on the Sacramento River.