Let’s Go Fishin’: San Lorenzo steelhead wait for more rain

The San Lorenzo River opened to steelhead fishing Dec. 1 with low flows and very little interest from anglers. The flows are less than 50 cubic feet per second, but with more storms on the horizon, new fish will enter the river soon.
Crab fishing has been the main interest in the ocean, with combo trips finding sand dabs, mackerel and giant squid.
“I have had a few reports from the San Lorenzo — anglers have caught small steelhead while fishing the lower river,” reported Mark Dingler from The Anglers Choice in Capitola.
This was the quietest season opener I can remember, as most anglers didn’t even try to fish for steelhead. The large rain we had at the end of October was enough to wash out the system, but not enough to keep the flows up.
Early-season steelhead stage in the lower end of the San Lorenzo River, from Rincon Park down to Paradise Park. Usually, the main run of steelhead returns to the river after the first of the new year.
Ocean fishing has been unstable with winter storms, but crabs, giant squid and sand dabs are available. Sport fishing and commercial fishing for crabs has been consistent in 200 feet of water from Natural Bridges to Davenport.
Giant squid have shown up from the Monterey Bay to Fort Bragg. The Soquel Hole in Monterey Bay has produced a few giant squid, and angler pressure has been light. Fishing for squid in 1,000 feet of water has kicked out monster squid up to 30 pounds.
Sand dabs have been caught in 300 feet of water on the east side of Soquel Hole. If you find a calm window in the weather, the ocean has some good opportunities.
“We had a great start to the crab season, with 30 to 60 crabs every haul, and I have 11 pots out,” reported Gerry Brooks aboard his charter boat Doble.
Gerry also runs combo trips for crab and any fish available: sand dabs, mackerel or squid. Trips like this will continue through the winter.
Remember to get your new fishing license for 2010!
• 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 15 years. Contact him at

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