Report Updated April 8, 2013
LAST CHANCE FOR STEELHEAD
The Main Stem below the Forks remains open to steelhead fishing all month of April. No bait or barbs are allowed. There are still fish a round…mostly downers…but if you gotta get that last fix, this is the place!
Trusted Guides
JOHN’S GUIDE SERVICE
Extremely dedicated, thoroughly professional and an all-around great guy, John Klar is truly one of California’s premier guides. We’d fish with him any day of the week…and twice on Sunday!
REDWOOD COAST FISHING
Mike Stratman is an excellent guide who specializes in drift boat trips in the quiet, remote corners of Northern California. He’s super friendly and a real pleasure to spend the day with.
GREENWATER FISHING ADVENTURES
Tony Sepulveda offers drift boat fishing adventures on California & Southern Oregon’s best salmon & steelhead streams. Good fisherman, good guy…need we say more?
Current River Conditions
North Coast Low Flow River Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164
Current Weather
Main Stem Eel River map
About Main Stem Eel River
The “Main” as it is known is technically the stretch of river from the bay up to the mouth of the South Fork Eel. In that stretch, you can find some excellent catch and release fishing for fall chinook and steelhead. The big native steelies that call the river home can top 20 pounds on occasion and are among some of the best fighting fish you’ll encounter in freshwater. Kings to 50 pound used to be fairly common, too.
Because of decades worth of heavy logging in its headwaters, the Main Eel muds up quickly after a rain and can stay off-color for weeks on end. Hit it as she’s just dropping into shape, however, and you can have some incredible days of fishing…
How to Boonedogg for Steelhead
DFG Fishing Regulations Booklet
Species of the Main Stem Eel
Winter Steelhead
December-April
Fall Chinook
October-December. All kings must be released unharmed.
Photos from the Eel River
The \”Main\”
South Fork Eel, just above the “Forks.”
Below Sylvendale
Fishing Reports Copyright Fishwithjd.com
All Rights Reserved
