March can be good on many Steelhead rivers

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

March is big on the Grand Ronde and the Applegate Rivers in Oregon.

I think that March can be very good for Spring-run fish on longer rivers.

I think April is big on the Skagit River?

I think we just don't think about Steelhead in the spring.

[Luke P.]

Does anyone know if the coastal streams still have decent numbers of fish in them at this time? I am going to be in the Mendocino area this weekend and was wondering if anyone thought it would be worthwhile to fish the Garcia or Gualala? The flows look good but not sure about the fish. I was there a couple weeks ago and people were hooking up.

Luke

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

I would call the Western Sports Shop in Santa Rosa and ask for Carlo.

[Darian]

Luke,..... On all coastal streams from Fort Bragg to Santa Cruz (maybe further south as well) are the top months for returning spawners. There're a bunch of downstreamers (spawned out fish), as well....

This is one of the very best times to fish an estuary (barring high/muddy water). Look up the tides. Try to fish on a falling tide. That'll tend to concentrate the fish in a few areas. Otherwise they're spread out....

Rain's predicted for here on Sunday. That means Saturday PM over at the coast. Fishin' should be very good all day Saturday and Sunday if the rains are light.

Good luck!!!!

[Luke P.]

Thanks for the tips guys. I will talk to Carlo and be sure to bring my gear to give it a shot. I will post a report on Monday with some pics - hopefully not just scenery but either way it will be nice to get out. Thanks again for all the help.