Eureka fishing

Midway between Ferndale and Arcata, and five hours north of San Francisco, lies the historic seaport of Eureka, the capital of the fabled Redwood Empire. Situated in the heart of California’s northern coast, this friendly town serves as the central hub for business and administration in Humboldt County.

The area was originally home to the native Wiyot people. For thousands of years, they thrived on the abundant food supply from the region’s many local waters. European settlers discovered Humboldt Bay in 1849, unveiling its secrets to the world. Eureka was founded in 1850. It rapidly became a vital center for northern California’s government and the burgeoning lumber and fishing industries. The town’s instant success in lumbering led to rapid development and great prosperity. Even today, numerous historic Victorian mansions and homes stand as a testament to Eureka’s rich and interesting history and culture.

In 1914, the opening of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad connected Eureka with San Francisco, bringing in modern settlers and boosting tourism. However, Eureka’s livelihood remains inextricably linked to Humboldt Bay—California’s second largest—and its other plentiful local waters and the Pacific Ocean.

Just ten minutes north of Eureka is the historic fishing town of Arcata, known for its significance during the Gold Rush. Nearby, Arcata Marsh and Klopp Lake, at the northern edge of Humboldt Bay, offer easily accessible and well-maintained fishing spots. Several rivers, including the Smith, Klamath, Trinity, Mad, Eel, and Van Duzen, originate in the Coast Range northeast of Eureka. These rivers, along with the proximity to the Six Rivers National Forest, position the town as an ideal base for accessing some of the best Steelhead and Salmon fishing in California, particularly in winter.

Off Eureka’s Front Street and Waterfront Drive lie Woodley, Indian, and Daby Island, offering prime shore fishing spots. Further west is the vast Pacific Ocean, home to larger sport fish.

Despite Humboldt Bay’s inability to accommodate large vessels and its challenging southwestern winds, it remains a hub for exceptional fishing. The bay is home to a variety of popular game fish, including Perch, Leopard Sharks, Jacksmelt, California halibut, Bat Rays, and salmon. East and north of Eureka’s waterfront are prime fishing spots like Arcata Marsh, Klopp Lake, and the Mad River, which are abundant with Steelhead and different types of Salmon. The Samoan Bridge connects Eureka to the coast, where rugged, serene beaches offer opportunities to fish for Surf Perch, Surf Smelt, and Salmon.

Fields Landing, Hookton Slough, the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, the Coast Guard Station at Samoa Peninsula, and Eureka Public Marina are just a few of the many boat launch locations along the bay. Fishing charters operate from these points, offering access to a diverse array of fish including Coho and Chinook Salmon, Cutthroat, Steelhead, Rainbow Trout, White Sturgeon, Sacramento Blackfish, and Mosquito Fish.

Eureka’s Old Town area, declared a Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places, remains vibrant with art galleries, quaint shops, antique stores, and a diverse population. Flanked by the beautiful Humboldt Bay and lush redwood forests, the town offers a range of activities like hiking, wildlife observation, kayaking, white-water rafting, and, most notably, fishing. This location draws tourists to its scenic northern California coast. Aptly named ‘Eureka,’ a Greek word meaning “I have found it,” this town truly lives up to its name.