ALL ABOARD!!! If you haven’t jumped on that coastal steelhead train yet. You might just want to pack your bags and jump on it. There is definitely no time like the present. Northern California coastal rivers, creeks, and tributaries await you. Which ones in particular? It doesn’t really matter at this point. My answer would have to be, “your favorite place, a new place, where your buddies are fishing”….anywhere there is running green water, and redwood trees basically. The whole California north coast is in shape and ready for your visit. “Steelhead green” waters can be found throughout the redwoods. The timing couldn’t be better. Two tone, chrome dome, metal heads are migrating up all coastal waterways as we speak! The only regrettable decision here is, staying on the couch.

Becca holds a picture perfect winter steelhead she caught chucking a spoon on the most challenging steelhead river in the state. The mighty Smith River! This young lady got it done on the South Fork Smith River. After nearly being spooled.

“What are you catching the steelhead on”? A very common inquiry when interest has been gained by the hype. However the inquirer is still reluctant to leave the couch. My answer is this. “Everything”! How do you prefer to target your trout? Fact of the matter is. It’s all going to work. Conditions couldn’t be better for California steelheaders at the present time.

Steelhead fishing guide Ryan Tripp spent his 21st birthday on the banks of the SF Smith River. Where he landed this dime piece.

If drift boat fishing is your thing. You have options. The Smith River always welcomes anyone who likes a challenge. If you are looking for less challenging waters, many other options currently exist. Several weeks of California sunshine has allowed all coastal rivers to fall into shape. The entire Eel River watershed is ready for the taking. From the top of South Fork Eel River in Legget, Ca. The Middle Fork Eel River from Alder Point, Ca. Down river to the Pacific Ocean. Including the main stem Eel River. Where winter steelhead fishing guides are gathering for the remainder of this dry spell. Other coastal tribs including the Mad River, Mattole River, Klamath River, Navarro River, and Russian River are all drift boat accessible and ready to row.

A SF Eel River steelhead caught pulling plugs in Garberville, Ca

If bank fishing is how you prefer to get down for these bad ass trout. Your options are even more plentiful. From San Francisco, Ca to the Oregon border. Every fresh water tributary entering the Pacific Ocean has what you’re looking for. With a little adventure and some hiking through the redwoods. Smaller tributaries like Redwood Creek, Ten Mile River, Big River, and the Van Duzen River. Are all accessible to bank anglers and in great shape at the current time. There are many more tribs steelhead bank anglers can choose from. With a little research you will find there are dozens of waterways on the north coast that host this amazing fish.

Those of you steelheaders who target trout in the footsteps of the legendary Eddy Pope! The timing couldn’t be better. Clearing water warrants optimal conditions for pulling plugs. Hot Shot’s, Maglip’s, Tadpoli’s, Wiggle Wart’s, and just about any other smaller profile billed lures. Should get your rod flattened out. On any river you can get a drift boat in and out of this coming week.

Amanda Gradney one hands a “half pounder” she caught and released on the north coast this past weekend. The “half pounder” it’s the steelhead equivalent of a “Jack Salmon”. A great sign for next years run!

If chucking hardware is your preferred method of take for winter steelhead. Conditions couldn’t be better. Spoons like Little Cleo’s, Crocodile’s, or Gypsy King’s are ready for the swinging. The colors of silver, gold, brass and copper will all surely get you bent. Personal preference should be the determining factor in color selection. The appropriate approach to your favorite trout fishing spot will determine the rest.

And for those of you wanting to experience steelhead fishing for the first time. Or just enjoy sitting back in the front of a drift boat. While your professional fishing guide rows you down a coastal redwood river. Catching chrome and crazy steelhead along your drift. You folks too have opportunities available for the coming weeks. Steelhead specialist Ryan Tripp (ryantrippsguideservice.com) is on the North Coast for the entire winter steelhead season (January-March). Ryan still has availabilities for booking reservations for the 2022 season. Currently fishing the main Eel River system near the town of Fortuna, Ca. Ryan will always keep his guest fishing at the location for your best results. Full day guided drift boat trips run $325 per person. Two person min/max occupancy on these specialty winter steelhead trips. Leaving you booking for the next season before you even get off his boat. Don’t be afraid to give Ryan a call for any inquiries about availability, or other general questions you may have in regards to a fully guided steelhead fishing trip of your own. Ryan can be reached at (530) 635-3719, or by messaging him on social media platforms Facebook and Instagram.

No matter how you choose to spend your time on California’s north coast. It will be time well spent. It’s prime time and just being out there is half the battle. Whether it be bank fishing, drift boating, or floating with a professional guide. With this beautiful California sunshine and mild air temperatures. You can’t go wrong. The scenery is unforgettable, the experience’s are priceless, and the fish don’t come any more hard fighting and acrobatic. If you’ve been making excuses not to head to the coast. Stop doing so. Jump in your rig and hit the blacktop! It’s steelhead season don’t you know?

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.

Brandon Brownfield caught and released this spent buck steelhead earlier in the month. This steelhead passed through three river systems. Traveling roughly 117 mile to spawn.