Wet weather has finally returned to the North Coast. After an unsettling dry December the new year has begun with all coastal rivers set for a significant rise. Most if not all rivers subject to low flow restrictions should see enough of a push to open. The Smith is projected to bump up tonight by several feet, and rise again mid week. 

The Eel River is forecast to add multiple feet by mid week. With some projections calling for a rise of 4ft or more, the main stem Eel will in all likelihood blow out. The good news is that with such a significant rise the stretches of the Eel that have remained closed to fishing since early December should stay open through the end of January when low flow restrictions end. Rain is always a welcome sign and necessary ingredient for winter steelhead. Coupled with king tides that occured earlier this week, things are looking very fishy indeed. 

The coast is calling.