Pacific Halibut Struggle, Rockfish Reigning, Limited Salmon Fishing - Fishing Report 05/17/25

FISHING REPORT: MAY 17, 2025

Howdy folks, Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning fishing report for the Pacific Ocean waters off California. Grab your coffee – it's 7:30 AM and we've got some fishing to discuss!

Let me tell you straight, it's been a sluggish start to the Pacific halibut season around these parts. The ocean conditions have been giving us fits lately with wind and rough water keeping most boats docked since last weekend. The water's been running dirty, and the halibut bite isn't exactly on fire right now.

Tim Klassen over at Reel Steel Sport Fishing mentioned they managed to boat a few halibut last Friday and Saturday, but nothing to write home about. With any luck, some boats might get out today, but hold onto your hats because the weekend forecast is calling for more wind to kick up.

Up in Trinidad, small boats and kayaks haven't been able to launch all week due to those same nasty conditions. Their boat launch is scheduled to open around the beginning of June. If you're headed that way, give the bait shop a call at 677-3625 for the latest info.

Down south, the Fort Bragg boats have been crushing it with rockfish and lingcod. One recent half-day trip reported 22 lingcod and 105 rockfish with just 15 anglers aboard. That's some hot action if you can get to it!

For you salmon enthusiasts, I've got a bit of good news. After years of closures, we've finally got some limited recreational salmon fishing opportunities this year, though commercial fishing remains closed for the third straight year. The PFMC made that call back in April due to ongoing recovery efforts for our salmon stocks.

River report: The Kings is fishing great right now. For you Central Valley anglers, remember the main stem Sacramento remains closed in 2025, but sections of the Feather, American, and Mokelumne will have nearly full seasons with a one Chinook limit.

Hot spots for today? If I were heading out, I'd point toward Fort Bragg for the consistent rockfish action, or try your luck drift fishing near Shady Cove where some guides are limiting out on spring salmon using roe or MagLip plugs.

For the youngsters, don't forget the Trinity Lake Lions Fish Derby happening today at Carrville Dredger Pond – all kids 4 to 15 are welcome!

Best baits today: Fresh roe for salmon, squid strips for rockfish, and if you're after halibut, try large herring or anchovy. Artificial wise, I'd pack some 6-8 inch swim baits for halibut and MagLips for the river salmon.

That's the report for today, folks. Remember, the fish are always biting somewhere – you just gotta find 'em!

Tight lines,
Artificial Lure

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI