California Fishing Reports ยท North Coast Region
The Eel runs through Humboldt County to the coast near Fortuna, a big winter steelhead river with long, classic swinging runs.
Looking for the latest Lower Eel River report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Lower Eel River.
Current flows
Heads up: The Eel is under the North Coast low-flow closure rules. Check the CDFW low-flow hotline before you go.
Wind forecast
Lower Eel River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The Scotia gauge reads around 120 cfs, very low for the season. Low-flow closures are likely in effect until the rains come.
When the river rises and clears after the first big storms, fresh steelhead move in fast.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Lower Eel, bring: Egg #8-12, Woolly Bugger #4-6, Pat', s Rubber Legs #6-8, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Lower Eel River details
| Access | Public access around Fortuna, Rio Dell and the lower river. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Near sea level |
| Nearest town | Fortuna, California |
| Best season | Winter |
| Fish | Steelhead and salmon |
| Regulations | Low-flow closures and special steelhead rules apply. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | Sink tips and 2X to 3X tippet |
| Camping | Humboldt Redwoods State Park |
| Kids | No. |
| Good to know | Turns muddy quickly after storms. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Winter steelhead.
Spring
Late steelhead.
Summer
Low water.
Fall
Low-flow closures.
How to get there
Take US-101 north to Fortuna and Rio Dell.