With many opposing obstacles — including warm ocean water, lack of rain, and low river flows — the return of chinook salmon looks promising.
Ocean temperatures have had some record-breaking numbers, with water warmer than 60 degrees from Central to Northern California.
This time of year, it is common to see warm water currents off shore while inshore water usually remains cooler with upwelling and coastal wind.
This year, there has been no escaping the warm water.
Salmon remain strong, as they stage outside the Golden Gate the numbers appear high. Many charter boats have had a fantastic late salmon season with big fish and limits some days.
The salmon outside San Francisco stage where fresh water from the Delta merges with ocean saltwater. The shipping lanes and Marin coast are holding big chinooks and schools of anchovies to keep them fat.
Half Moon Bay is reaping its rewards for the Coastside Fishing Club’s efforts three years ago when they planted chinooks in the harbor.
These returning adults are providing late-season action on a daily basis as anglers fish right outside the entrance.
Schools of anchovies and squid have kept the fish here and anglers continue to catch a salmon per rod and limits at times.
Santa Cruz has also had steady action on salmon this late season outside the harbor in 100 feet of water as well as returning fish to the harbor where anglers continue to catch salmon from shore.
The ocean season from Pigeon Point South will close Oct. 5, and Pigeon Point to Horse Mountain will remain open through Nov. 9.
As coastal streams beckon for rain, the news that the main stem Eel River stopped flowing brought the drought to the next level of reality.
The Sacramento River and its tributaries are also historically low, but salmon seem to be returning in the warm low water with an ability to survive.
The Klamath River has also been low and temperatures have hovered near 70 degrees most of the season. Salmon are returning in large numbers and size.
After battles with water, the Trinity River has had two major flow increases that has aided in the survival of salmon.
The Lower Klamath is now open to steelhead and salmon under 22 inches as the adult quota has been caught.
Above the Highway 96 bridge in Weitchpec, the season remains open for two adults — same as in the Trinity River.
All areas of the Trinity and mid to lower Klamath have fall salmon showing up in good numbers.
We will now hope for rain for all the coastal rivers to see if fall and early winter run salmon have a chance at decent returns.
– Mike Baxter has fished in the Monterey Bay Area since he was a boy and has been a licensed charter boat captain for more than 20 years. Contact him at ca************@ya***.com. He also hosts a fishing show on radio station KSCO (1080) from 8:06 to 9 p.m. Thursdays April through the end of August.
