Will Lake Mendocino open this summer?
Better days are coming, my fellow anglers! My mother told me many times over my life that, “If you don’t have anything nice to say then, don’t say anything at all!”
I have to be honest with you all. Staying positive the last 6 weeks has been a real struggle! My exhale has been taken away. No getting up early and making that first cast at the break of day light. No peace and quiet. No feeling the slight tic on your line and setting the hook on a 5 pounder. NO EXHALE!
East fork of the Russian River
The East Fork of the Russian River above Lake
Mendocino is open for trout fishing. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife plants rainbow trout there regularly. Fish and Wildlife has currently suspended publicizing trout plants on their website. So, who knows when there will be trout stocked. It could be a good thing for the trout?
If you have never fished the East Fork of the Russian River, you find it by taking Highway 20 east from Ukiah, then just past the north end of Lake Mendocino take Potter Valley Road east.
Lake Mendocino
Like all other Corps of Engineers lakes in California, Lake Mendocino is CLOSED! Who knows when, or if ever “the powers that be” in San Francisco will realize that the tax paying anglers are not happy with their decision to close OUR waterways! Maybe they don’t care ?
Clear Lake
Well, there is a “weebit” of positive news coming from the nation’s #4 rated bass fishery in the United States. The lake’s boat ramps have recently opened but, to Lake County residents ONLY !
Teresa and I are still dreaming of the day when we will be able to launch our bass boat once again on our local waterways.
Fishin’ the Mendocino Coast
Recreational Pacific Halibut Fishery opened May 1st and will close Oct. 31 or until the quota is reached, whichever is earlier. Anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non- essential travel and physical distancing. Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on the status of harbor services and access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily.
For more information, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/ conservation/marine/pacific-halibut.
Recreational Ocean Salmon Season is OPEN from Horse Mountain to U.S./Mexico border. Anglers are reminded to abide by all state and local health guidelines regarding non- essential travel and physical distancing.
Staying home in order to stay healthy is still the best way to keep yourself and others safe. Anglers are also advised to check with local authorities on
the status of harbor services and access points as many site closures and access restrictions exist and may change daily. For more information, please visit the Ocean Salmon web page at wildlife.ca.gov/oceansalmon or call either the CDFW Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (707) 576-3429 or the National Marine Fisheries Service Ocean Salmon Regulations Hotline at (800) 662-9825.