Mattole River - Ettersburg - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Mattole River – Ettersburg - Water Flow Chart
Mattole River – Ettersburg - Weather report & radar
Mattole River – Ettersburg - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| February | Stoneflies, Midges | Afternoon | #14-24 | Hares Ear, Zebra Midge |
| March | Caddisflies, Midges | Afternoon | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Zebra Midge |
| April | Mayflies | Afternoon | #12-16 | Adams, Blue Wing Olive |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Hares Ear | |
| May | Mayflies | Afternoon | #12-16 | Adams, Blue Wing Olive |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #10-14 | Stimulator, Hares Ear | |
| June | Mayflies | Afternoon | #12-16 | Adams, Blue Wing Olive |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #10-14 | Elk Hair Caddis, Hares Ear | |
| July | Terrestrials | All Day | #8-12 | Hopper, Ant Patterns |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #8-12 | Hopper, Ant Patterns |
| September | Terrestrials, Caddisflies | All Day | #8-14 | Hopper, Elk Hair Caddis |
| October | Mayflies | Afternoon | #12-18 | Adams, Blue Wing Olive |
| November | Midges | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Midges | All Day | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
Mattole River – Ettersburg Access Points
Located in Northwestern California, the Mattole River is a popular destination that provides excellent access points for fly fishing. A notable area to engage in this activity is Ettersburg. The primary access points in this area include:
- Honeydew: This tiny hamlet is your gateway to the lower Mattole River. It offers easy access to the river, making it an excellent fishing spot.
- Whitethorn: Although slightly challenging to reach due to rough terrain, Whitethorn provides a peaceful and isolated fishing experience on the upper stretch of the river.
- Ettersburg Bridge: The spot near the Ettersburg Bridge covers a beautiful stretch that is recommended for fly fishing.
- Mattole River Beach: Fly fishing at the mouth where the river meets the sea offers reward for the adventurous.
Remember to carry appropriate fly fishing equipment and tackle, depending on the season and types of fish prevalent at the time of your visit.
Mattole River – Ettersburg Fishing Spots
The Mattole River in Ettersburg is a haven for discerning fly fishers, boasting various prime fishing spots filled with steelhead trout, Chinook and coho salmon.
- Mattole River Estuary: This is where the river empties into the Pacific Ocean, an excellent site for fly fishing, especially for Chinook salmon during their fall run.
- Twin Rocks: Reachable by an adventurous hike, this upstream area offers abundant fly fishing opportunities.
- Honeydew Bridge: The waters around this site are plentiful with steelhead trout, particularly in winter and early spring.
- Eubanks Creek: A tributary of the Mattole River, this spot is ideal for fly fishers targeting coho salmon.
- Fourmile Creek: Known for its deep pools, this area is excellent for fly fishing, particularly for sea-run rainbows and steelhead trout.
Mattole River – Ettersburg Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon (King Salmon) – The largest species in the Pacific salmon family.
- Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon) – A popular fish due it’s fighting spirit and taste.
- Steelhead Trout – Known for their elusive nature and fighting spirit.
- Green Sturgeon – A massive, prehistoric-looking fish that is rare and challenging to catch.
- Pacific Lamprey – While not a popular sport fish, they are often caught while targeting other species.
- Cutthroat Trout – A native species, valued for their sporting qualities and taste.
- Chum Salmon (Dog Salmon) – Notoriously feisty, putting up a great fight for fly fishers.
- Pink Salmon (Humpback Salmon) – A smaller Pacific salmon species, most abundant every other year.
About the Mattole River – Ettersburg
Nestled in the heart of beautiful North California lays the enchanting Mattole River-Ettersburg. This picturesque, untouched landscape is rich with history. Once home to the Mattole natives, it’s believed to have been inhabited for over 6000 years!
It’s a sanctuary for wildlife, with salmon and steelhead trout returning each year to spawn in the river. The Mattole River is nearly ninety miles long, etching its path through magnificent old growth forests and lush, fertile valleys.
In the 19th century, this beautiful gem was discovered by settlers herding livestock and farming, adding to its rich, cultural tapestry. Today, the river is nested between the small communities of Ettersburg and Honeydew, its seclusion making it a perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility and solitude.
So whether you’re drawn to its rugged beauty, wildlife or its remarkable history – the Mattole River-Ettersburg should not be missed!
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