The Wild & Scenic Eel River
North Fork
Middle Fork
Van Duzen River
South Fork
Mainstem
Hover over the major forks of the river to learn more about each one
Mainstem
The mainstem Eel River runs nearly 200 miles from the mouth to the headwaters behind the Potter Valley Project in Mendocino National Forest. The mainstem runs through a great diversity of landscapes, starting with the 7 square mile estuary just south of Humboldt Bay. Traveling southeast through agricultural lands, the mainstem eventually reaches the towering redwood forests before turning farther east to the remote and wild Eel River canyon. About 160 miles upstream is the Potter Valley Project, which blocks migratory fish access to about 10% of the watershed. Once the dams are removed, the Eel will be the longest free-flowing river in California.
North Fork
Starting in the south end of the Hettenshaw Valley, the North Fork tributary drains 286 square miles, is 35 miles long, and flows only in Trinity County.
Middle Fork
The Middle Fork is the Eel’s largest tributary. It rises in the Yolla Bolly Mountains in Trinity County. After being joined by Black Butte River, which flows from the north side of Hull Mountain in Mendocino County and joins the Middle Fork just east of Covelo in Round Valley, this fork travels 70 miles to the west through some of the most rugged wilderness in the state, draining 753 square miles. It joins the mainstem Eel at Dos Rios, the popular put-in place for rafters and kayakers making the four-day run through the famous Eel River canyon to Alderpoint.
Van Duzen
The Van Duzen River tributary starts in the northern end of the Hettenshaw Valley, entering the Mainstem Eel just south of Fortuna in Humboldt County and covers 420 square miles.
South Fork
The South Fork is the only major tributary that joins the mainstem from the west. The South Fork begins in Mendocino County south of Laytonville traveling west before heading almost due north, through ancient redwood forests, for a total of 105 miles, draining 689 square miles, joining the Mainstem just south of Pepperwood. It is along this tributary that highway 101 travels.
The Wild & Scenic Eel River
The Eel River watershed drains 3,684 square miles of California’s rugged North Coast eco-region. This magnificent river system includes not only the south, middle, north, and main stem forks of the Eel but also the Van Duzen River. The Eel River has both State (1972) and Federal (1981) Wild and Scenic River designations, which protect more than 350 miles of its waterways from additional damming and ensure that environmental concerns rank at least equally with development and industry. Learn more about the Federal Wild & Scenic designation here.
Despite these protections, exploitation of Eel River water, as well as habitat destruction, continues. Two dams block fish passage entirely for about one-tenth of the watershed and divert a seasonally significant amount of water to the Russian River. Poor land use practices exacerbate the problem to the point of crisis. Without concerted action to remedy these threats, Eel River salmon and steelhead populations could go extinct.
Classification/Mileage
- Wild — 97.0 miles
- Scenic — 28.0 miles
- Recreational — 273.0 miles
Eel River Ecology
Eel River in California, a habitat for unique species like Pacific Lamprey and threatened salmonids, is crucial for biodiversity. It faces significant environmental issues, including harmful algal blooms and habitat loss, highlighting urgent conservation efforts.
Fish Count Data
Monitoring fish counts at locations such as Van Arsdale Reservoir is crucial. It provides valuable data on species migration patterns, evaluates the ecological impacts of dams, and informs conservation strategies for restoring habitats and ensuring the survival of fish populations.
Recreation
The Eel River, with its pristine waters, provides a wide range of recreational activities including kayaking, fishing, refreshing swimming spots, hiking trails, camping in serene locations, and wildlife viewing, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Recent History of the Eel River
Friends of the Eel River celebrated our 20th anniversary in 2015 and created this brief timeline to reflect on the history of the Eel River.
Hover over the image or click to enlarge it.
Eel River Ecology and Significant Species
The spectacular Eel River provides habitat for a variety of species, including the Pacific Lamprey which earned the river one of its many names. Scroll down to learn about several significant Eel River species and their listing status.
The Eel River is the third largest entirely in California and has the highest recorded average suspended sediment yield per drainage area of any river of its size in the United States.
Harmful Algal Blooms
A large number of environmental factors lead to bloom increases and toxin production. These include climate change, nutrient over-enrichment (nitrogen and phosphorus), higher temperatures, salinity, water residence time (stagnation), vertical lake stratification, organic matter enrichment, and high pH (more alkaline). Learn more about or report algal blooms: California Water Quality Monitoring Council.
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
(scroll to page 41 for Eel River-specific regulations)
California Coastal Chinook
- Most plentiful of the remaining salmonid species in the Eel River
- 3 – 5 year life cycle
- Listed as Threatened under Federal ESA
Saltwater
Spawning Female
Spawning Male
Southern Oregon/Northern California Coho (SONCC)
- Coho in South Fork Eel River are a “critical population”, emphasizing their necessity for recovery of Coho in the entire region
- 3-year life cycle
- Listed as Threatened under California and Federal ESA
Saltwater
Spawning Female
Spawning Male
Northern California Steelhead
- There are two Evolutionary Significant Units (ESUs) in Eel River – Summer & Winter varieties.
- Sexually mature at 2 – 3 yrs, may spawn multiple times in life
- Listed as Threatened under Federal ESA
Northern California Summer Steelhead
- Listed as Endangered under California ESA
Saltwater
Spawning Female
Spawning Male
Pacific Lamprey
Pacific Lamprey are one of the oldest fish species, relatively unchanged for 360 million years. These ancient fish have 8X the fat content/weight and 20% more protein than salmon. Thus, they are a significant part of historic indigenous diets. When Lamprey disappear from the ecosystem, salmon are impacted both by the loss of a food source and by greater predation from other animals. Learn more about the Pacific Lamprey from the Wiyot Tribe’s Natural Resources Department.
Green Sturgeon
Green Sturgeon in the Eel River are not protected, however their population is near extirpation. They historically relied on deep pools throughout the river, holes which have now been filled in by several major floods and high levels of sediment running off the geologically fragile hills. Learn more about Green Sturgeon from the Wiyot Tribe’s Natural Resources Department.
Fish Count
Eel River Fish Count Station at Van Arsdale Reservoir
Cape Horn dam impounds the river to form Van Arsdale Reservoir. It is located downstream from Scott dam, is the smaller of the two dams, and has a fish ladder.
2023-2024 Adult Migration Season: Jan. 1 – 7, 2024
Over the past week, 12 Steelhead were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Steelhead stands at 40 (17 Female, 8 Male, 6 Unknown, and 9 Subadult).
Over the same timeframe, 0 Chinook were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 255 (73 Female, 72 Male, 21 Unknown, and 89 Jack).
Andrew Anderson – PG&E | Aquatic Biologist
Van Arsdale reservoir is created by Cape Horn Dam, the first of the two Potter Valley Project dams. The fish counting station here is the oldest in California, and the fish ladder is the longest in the state. Cape Horn Dam was completed in 1908, but the fish ladder and counting station weren’t built until 1922 as part of the licensing for Scott Dam.
The Van Arsdale fish ladder causes “take” of listed species, a violation of the Endangered Species Act. It is often clogged with debris during high flow events, leaves fish vulnerable to predation, and is not designed for the variety of migratory aquatic species that need to pass the dam. Scott and Cape Horn dams block access to hundreds of miles of prime spawning and rearing habitat, and importantly to cold water refugia especially important for summer steelhead.
Removing the dams and allowing the Eel’s native fish to return to its headwaters is the single best recovery action we can take to recover fisheries and restore ecological function throughout the Eel River watershed. As PG&E prepares their license surrender application and decommissioning plan, it is important that Eel River advocates keep up pressure for full dam removal to ensure that the Eel’s wild, native fish have the opportunity for recovery.
Read Dr. Yoshiyama & Moyle’s Historical Review of Eel River Anadromous Salmonids, 2010
2023 Fish Counts
December 31, 2023
Over the past week, 17 Steelhead were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Steelhead stands at 28 (12 Female, 5 Male, 5 Unknown, and 6 Subadult). Over the same timeframe, 0 Chinook were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 255 (73 Female, 72 Male, 21 Unknown, and 89 Jack).
December 24, 2023
The first Steelhead of the season was observed migrating upstream at the Van Arsdale Fish Station during the week of December 24, 2023. Over the past week, 11 Steelhead were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Steelhead stands at 11 (4 Female, 1 Male, 2 Unknown, and 4 Subadult). Over the same timeframe, 2 Chinook were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 255 (73 Female, 72 Male, 21 Unknown, and 89 Jack).
December 17, 2023
Over the past week, 3 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 253 (73 Female, 71 Male, 21 Unknown, and 88 Jack).
December 10, 2023
Over the past week, 61 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 250 (72 Female, 70 Male, 20 Unknown, and 88 Jack).
December 3, 2023
Over the past week, 16 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 189 (58 Female, 48 Male, 15 Unknown, and 68 Jack).
November 26, 2023
Over the past week, 62 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 173 (54 Female, 41 Male, 13 Unknown, and 65 Jack).
November 19, 2023
Over the past week, 95 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 111 (29 Female, 23 Male, 9 Unknown, and 50 Jack).
November 12, 2023
Over the past week, 10 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream though the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 16 (2 Female, 1 Male, 2 Unknown, and 11 Jack).
November 5, 2023
The first Chinook salmon of the season was observed migrating upstream at the Van Arsdale Fish Station on October 24, 2023. Over the past two weeks, 6 Chinook salmon were observed moving upstream through the fishway. The season total for Chinook stands at 6 (1 Female, 0 Male, 1 Unknown, and 4 Jack).
June 4, 2023
Over the past week, 30 adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; the season total stands at 1,271. During the same period, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the run appears concluded. The season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult). The season total for Chinook stands at 277 (91 Female, 116 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack).
May 21, 2023
Over the past week, 669 adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; the season total stands at 1,241. During the same period, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult).
May 21, 2023
Over the past week, 399 adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; the season total stands at 572. During the same period, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult).
May 14, 2023
Over the past week, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult). During the same period, 113 adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; the season total stands at 173.
May 7, 2023
Over the past week, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult). During the same period, 8 adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; the season total stands at 60.
April 30, 2023
Over the past week, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult). On the night of April 27, the first adult Pacific lamprey were observed migrating through the VAFS via the lamprey tube passage system; a total of 52 adult Pacific lamprey were observed moving upstream.
April 23, 2023
Over the past week, 3 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 145 (58 female, 66 male, 21 unknown, 0 subadult).
April 16, 2023
Over the past week, 6 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 142 (58 female, 64 male, 20 unknown, 0 subadult).
April 9, 2023
Over the past week, 14 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 136 (57 female, 61 male, 18 unknown, 0 subadult).
April 2, 2023
Over the past week, 4 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 122 (49 female, 57 male, 16 unknown, 0 subadult).
March 26, 2023
Over the past week, 14 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 118 (46 female, 56 male, 16 unknown, 0 subadult).
March 19, 2023
Over the past week, 2 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 104 (40 female, 50 male, 14 unknown, 0 subadult).
March 12, 2023
Over the past week, 11 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 102 (39 female, 49 male, 14 unknown, 0 subadult).
March 5, 2023
Over the past week, 5 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 91 (35 female, 44 male, 12 unknown, 0 subadult).
February 26, 2023
Over the past week, 8 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 86 (33 female, 43 male, 10 unknown, 0 subadult).
February 19, 2023
Over the past week, 13 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 78 (32 female, 37 male, 9 unknown, 0 subadult).
February 12, 2023
Over the past week, 13 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 65 (26 female, 32 male, 7 unknown, 0 subadult).
February 5, 2023
Over the past week, 17 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 52 (18 female, 28 male, 6 unknown, 0 subadult).
January 29, 2022
Over the past week, 15 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 35 (11 female, 19 male, 5 unknown, 0 subadult).
January 22, 2023
Over the past week, 6 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 20 (7 female, 9 male, 4 unknown, 0 subadult).
January 15, 2023
Over the past week, 0 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 14 (6 female, 5 male, 3 unknown, 0 subadult).
January 8, 2023
Over the past week, 5 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 14 (6 female, 5 male, 3 unknown, 0 subadult). There has not been any observed Chinook salmon movement since Dec 15, 2022, which indicates the salmon run is over. The season total for Chinook stands at 277 (91 Female, 116 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack).
January 1, 2023
Over the past week, 2 adult steelhead were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for migrating steelhead stands at 9 (3 female, 3 male, 3 unknown, 0 subadult). The last Chinook salmon was observed migrating upstream on December 15, 2022. The season total for Chinook stands at 277 (91 Female, 116 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack).
2022 Fish Counts
December 25, 2022
Over the past week, no salmonids were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total for Chinook stands at 277 (91 Female, 116 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack). The season total for adult upstream migrating steelhead stands at 7 (2 female, 3 male, 2 unknown, 0 subadult).
December 18, 2022
A total of 6 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total stands at 277 (91 Female, 116 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack). Over this past week, a total of 4 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS. The season total for steelhead stands at 3 (0 female, 2 male, 1 unknown, 0 subadult).
December 11, 2022
A total of 74 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total stands at 271 (86 Female, 115 Male, 36 Unknown, and 34 Jack). The first steelhead were observed migrating upstream this week, with the first arriving on December 9th. The season total for steelhead stands at 3 (0 female, 2 male, 1 unknown, 0 subadult).
December 4, 2022
A total of 50 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total stands at 197 (51 Female, 81 Male, 35 Unknown, and 30 Jack).
November 27, 2022
A total of 25 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream at VAFS; the season total stands at 147 (33 Female, 55 Male, 30 Unknown, and 29 Jack).
November 20, 2022
This past week, 40 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 122 (23 Female, 45, Male, 29 Unknown, and 25 Jack)
November 13, 2022
The first fish of the 2022/23 salmonid migration season arrived at Van Arsdale Fisheries Station (VAFS) on Monday, November 7, 2022. A total of 82 Chinook salmon were observed migrating upstream on the video monitoring system at VAFS; the season total stands at 82 (12 Female, 23 Male, 25 Unknown, and 22 Jack).
June 5, 2022
Over the past month, 3 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 234 (95 Female, 90 Male, 41 Unknown, and 8 Subadult). This month no Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). Additionally, 16 adult Pacific lamprey of the season arrived on April 27th. The season total stands at 16 adult lamprey observed
May 8, 2022
Over the past three weeks, 1 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 231 (95 Female, 89 Male, 40 Unknown, and 7 Subadult).
April 17, 2022
This past week 7 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 230 (95 Female, 89 Male, 39 Unknown, and 7 Subadult).
April 10, 2022
This past week 5 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 223 (95 Female, 87 Male, 38 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
April 3, 2022
This past week 5 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 218 (93 Female, 85 Male, 37 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
March 27, 2022
This past week 7 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 213 (91 Female, 84 Male, 35 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
March 20, 2022
This past week 18 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 206 (89 Female, 82 Male, 32 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
March 13, 2022
This past week 41 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 188 (77 Female, 75 Male, 30 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
March 6, 2022
This past week 21 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 147 (65 Female, 60 Male, 19 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
February 27, 2022
This past week 12 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 126 (57 Female, 49 Male, 17 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
February 20, 2022
This past week 13 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 114 (50 Female, 46 Male, 15 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
February 13, 2022
This past week 20 Steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 101 (35 Female, 38 Male, 14 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
February 6, 2022
This past week 13 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 81 (35 Female, 31 Male, 12 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
January 30, 2022
This past week 4 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 68 (30 Female, 24 Male, 11 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
January 23, 2022
This past week 27 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 64 (27 Female, 23 Male, 11 Unknown, and 3 Subadult).
January 16, 2022
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). The run appears to be over. This past week 11 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 37 (15 Female, 10 Male, 10 Unknown, and 2 Subadult).
January 9, 2022
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). This past week 13 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 26 (10 Female, 7 Male, 8 Unknown, and 1 Subadult).
January 2, 2022
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). This past week 5 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 13 (5 Female, 4 Male, 4 Unknown, and 0 Subadult).
2021 Fish Counts
December 26, 2021
This past week 1 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 457 (181 Female, 156 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). This past week 5 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 8 (3 Female, 1 Male, 4 Unknown, and 0 Subadult).
December 19, 2021
This past week 9 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 456 (181 Female, 155 Male, 36 Unknown, and 84 Subadult). This past week brought the arrival of 3 steelhead (2 Female, 0 Male, 1 Unknown, and 0 Subadult).
December 12, 2021
This past week 4 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 447 (180 Female, 149 Male, 34 Unknown, and 84 Subadult).
December 5, 2021
This past week 7 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 443 (180 Female, 147 Male, 33 Unknown, and 83 Subadult).
November 28, 2021
This past week 19 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 436 (176 Female, 147 Male, 32 Unknown, and 81 Subadult).
November 21, 2021
This past week 53 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 417 (170 Female, 143 Male, 27 Unknown, and 77 Subadult).
November 14, 2021
This past week 143 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 364 (146 Female, 132 Male, 26 Unknown, and 69 Subadult).
November 7, 2021
This past week 176 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total stands at 221 (94 Female, 73 Male, 10 Unknown, and 44 Subadult).
October 31, 2021
The first 2 chinook salmon arrived on October 28, 2021. This past week, a total of 45 Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS (13 Female, 12 Male, 2 Unknown, and 18 Subadult).
May 16, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past two weeks a total of 2 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 212 (86 Female, 75 Male, 41 Unknown, and 10 Subadult).
May 2, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past week a total of 3 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 210 (85 Female, 75 Male, 41 Unknown, and 9 Subadult).
April 27, 2021
This past two weeks no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past two weeks a total of 8 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 207 (85 Female, 75 Male, 38 Unknown, and 9 Subadult).
April 11, 2021
This past two weeks no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past two weeks a total of 9 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 199 (84 Female, 74 Male, 32 Unknown, and 9 Subadult).
March 28, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past week a total of 11 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 190 (81 Female, 72 Male, 29 Unknown, and 8 Subadult).
March 21, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past week a total of 12 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 175 (80 Female, 66 Male, 25 Unknown, and 8 Subadult).
March 14, 2021
No Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past week a total of 14 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 167 (75 Female, 61 Male, 23 Unknown, and 8 Subadult).
March 7, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total stands at 65. This past week a total of 12 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 153 (69 Female, 56 Male, 20 Unknown, and 8 Subadult).
February 28, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon ascended the ladder; the season total count stands at 65. This past week a total of 11 steelhead ascended the fish ladder at VAFS; the season total count stands at 141.
February 7, 2021
This past week no Chinook salmon were observed. The Chinook count stands at 65 (Female 16, Male 20, Jack 22, Unk 7).Last week 27 steelhead ascended the ladder at VAFS. The season total count stands at 72 (31 Female, 27 Male, 11 Unknown, 3 Subadult).
January 31, 2021
This past week we had one Chinook salmon and eight steelhead ascend the ladder at VAFS. The Chinook count stands at 65 (Female 16, Male 20, Jack 22, Unk 7). The steelhead count stands at 44 (Female 21, Male 20, Subadult 2, Unk 1).
January 24, 2021
No Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder last week. The Chinook count stands at 64 (Female 16, Male 20, Jack 22, Unk 6). Steelhead movement slowed down from previous week’s numbers with a total of four adult steelhead ascending the fish ladder. The steelhead count stands at 36 (Female 19, Male 14, subadult 2, Unk 1).
January 17, 2021
Two more Chinook salmon ascend the fish ladder last week. The Chinook count stands at 64 (Female 16, Male 20, Jack 22, Unk 6). We also saw another 14 steelhead; the steelhead count stands at 32 (Female 18, Male 12, Subadult 2, Unk, 0).
January 10, 2021
A total of two Chinook salmon migrated through the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 62 (Female 15, Male 20, Jack 21, Unk, 6). We also had another 13 steelhead ascend the ladder. The steelhead count stands at 18 (Female 9, Male, 8, Subadult 1, Unk 0).
January 3, 2021
A total of six Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 60 (Female 15, Male 19, Jack 20, Unk 6). We also had the first steelhead (five) ascend the ladder. The steelhead count stands at five (Female 3, Male 2, Subadult 0, Unk 0).
2020 and earlier Fish Counts
December 27, 2020
We had a total of eight Chinook salmon migrate upstream through the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 54 (Female 13, Male 18, Jack 17, Unk 6).
December 20, 2020
We had a total of 22 Chinook salmon ascend the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 46 (Female 9, Male 16, Jack 16, Unk 5).
December 13, 2020
We had a total of 12 Chinook salmon ascend the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 24 (Female 5, Male 8, Jack 8, Unk 3).
December 7, 2020
A total of eight Chinook salmon ascended the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 12 (Female 3, Male 4, Jack 4, Unk 1).
November 30, 2020
A total of three Chinook ascended the fish ladder at VAFS this past week. The Chinook count stands at 4 (Female 0, Male 2, Jack 1, Unk 1).
November 22, 2020
The first Chinook arrived on November 18, 2020. The Chinook count stands at one (Male 0, Female 0, Jack 1, Unk 0).
May 28, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count remains at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). In the past few weeks three steelhead ascended the ladder. The steelhead count stands at 263 (Male 90, Female 124, Unk 49).
May 5, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). Three steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 260 (Male 88, Female 123, Unk 49).
May 1, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). No steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 257 (Male 88, Female 122, Unk 47).
April 21, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of five steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 257 (Male 88, Female 122, Unk 47).
April 15, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of four steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 252 (Male 87, Female 122, Unk 43).
April 9, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 11 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 248 (Male 86, Female 120, Unk 42).
April 5, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 10 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 237 (Male 85, Female 115, Unk 37).
March 26, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 24 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 227 (Male 82, Female 109, Unk 36).
March 20, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 22 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 203 (Male 72, Female 99, Unk 32).
March 10, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 35 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 181 (Male 66, Female 88, Unk 27).
March 6, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 12 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 146 (Male 58, Female 71, Unk 17).
February 25, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 24 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 134 (Male 54, Female 66, Unk 14).
February 18, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 20 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 110 (Male 42, Female 58, Unk 10).
February 11, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week– this run is complete. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of 12 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 90 (Male 35, Female 47, Unk 8).
February 5, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15).A total 24 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 78 (Male 30, Female 40, Unk 8).
January 29, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15).A total 24 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 78 (Male 30, Female 40, Unk 8).
January 21, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15).Twelve steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 22 (Male 8, Female 12, Unk 2).
January 13, 2020
One female Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 153 (Male 32, Female 65, Jack 41, Unk 15). No steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 10 (Male 4, Female 5, Unk 1).
January 6, 2020
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 152 (Male 32, Female 64, Jack 41, Unk 15).Two steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 10 (Male 4, Female 5, Unk 1).
January 1, 2020
A single Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 152 (Male 32, Female 64, Jack 41, Unk 15). A single steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 8 (Male 3, Female 4, Unk 1).
December 23, 2019
A single Chinook salmon entered the station this past week. The Chinook count stands at 151 (Male 32, Female 63, Jack 41, Unk 15). A total of seven steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 7 (Male 3, Female 3, Unk 1).
December 18, 2019
A total of 26 Chinook salmon entered the station this past week. The Chinook count stands at 150 (Male 32, Female 63, Jack 40, Unk 15). No steelhead yet.
December 10, 2019
A total of 111 Chinook salmon entered the station this past week. The Chinook count stands at 124 (Male 35, Female 40, Jack 35, Unk 14). No steelhead yet.
December 3, 2019
The first Chinook arrived on December 1st. The Chinook count stands at 13 (Male 1, Female 0, Jack 11, Unk 1). No steelhead.
May 2, 2019
The Chinook run is complete and the count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). One steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 309 (Male 87, Female 122, Unk. 100).
April 24, 2019
The Chinook run is complete and the count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of eleven steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 308 (Male 87, Female 122, Unk. 99).
April 19, 2019
The Chinook run is complete and the count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of nine steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 297 (Male 82, Female 120, Unk. 95).
April 10, 2019
The Chinook run has been done for quite some time. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 11 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 288 (Male 78, Female 116, Unk. 94).
April 1, 2019
The Chinook run has been done for quite some time. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 19 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 277 (Male 76, Female 110, Unk. 91).
March 25, 2019
The Chinook run has been done for quite some time. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 99 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The steelhead count stands at 258 (Male 73, Female 102, Unk. 83).
March 18, 2019
The ladder was back online Saturday morning. The Chinook count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 47 steelhead ascended the ladder on Saturday and Sunday. The steelhead count stands at 159 (Male 46, Female 67, Unk. 46). I’m guessing 47 steelhead in two days brings a smile to a few faces…mine included.
March 11, 2019
The ladder was, once again, down all last week. Today, crews will begin removing the gravel from the ladder system. Hopefully, the ladder will be in operation by next weekend. The Chinook count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). The steelhead count stands at 112 (Male 33, Female 42, Unk. 37).
March 5, 2019
Due to high flow (30K cfs) and debris, the ladder has been down since March 24. The ladder will remain closed until crews can remove sediment from the ladder and “Fish Hotel”. It will most likely be several weeks before the ladder is reopened as it is unsafe to work in the Fish Hotel over 3,000 cfs. The Chinook count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). The steelhead count stands at 112 (Male 33, Female 42, Unk. 37).
February 25, 2019
The Chinook count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of seven steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 112 (Male 33, Female 42, Unk. 37). The ladder was opened on the 20th. The ladder was, once again, closed yesterday in anticipation of high flow and probable debris issues. Apparently, it’s winter…<
February 20, 2019
The Chinook count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of eight steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 105 (Male 32, Female 39, Unk. 34). The ladder was shut down the night of the 13th due to high flow and debris. The ladder should be up and running by the end of today.
February 12, 2019
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook run is, for all intents and purposes, done. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 20 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 97 (Male 29, Female 37, Unk. 31).
February 5, 2019
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook run is, for all intents and purposes, done. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). A total of 39 steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 77 (Male 23, Female 29, Unk. 25).
January 22, 2019
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). Two steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 22 (Male 7, Female 6, Unk. 9).
January 14, 2019
One Chinook ascended the ladder this past period. The count stands at 95 (Male 30, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). Eight steelhead ascended the ladder this past period. The count stands at 20 (Male 7, Female 4, Unk. 9).
January 1, 2019
No Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 94 (Male 29, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). Five steelhead ascended the ladder this past week. The count stands at 12 (Male 4, Female 2, Unk. 6).
2018
December 24, 2018
Eight Chinook ascended the ladder this past week for a total of 94 (Male 29, Female 23, Jack 40, Unk. 2). The first steelhead (seven) ascended the ladder this past week (Male 2, Female 1, Unk. 4).
December 17, 2018
During my first round of QA/QC of the video data, I found some data not reflected in the recent counts. Below is an updated table. Seven Chinook ascended the ladder this past week for a total of 86. No steelhead this past week.
| Week ending | Male | Female | Jack | Unk | Total |
| 12/2 | 21 | 15 | 25 | 1 | 62 |
| 12/9 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 17 |
| 12/16 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 7 |
December 10, 2018
A total of 16 Chinook ascended the ladder this past week. The Chinook count stands at 67 (Male 23, Female 14, Jack 29, Unk 1). No steelhead this past week.
December 4, 2018
The first Chinook arrived on Nov 18. The Chinook count stands at 51 (Male 17, Female 11, Jack 22, Unk 1). No steelhead.
Recreation
The Eel River watershed has many opportunities for hiking, camping, kayaking, and more!
Check out this inspiring video of kayakers enjoying some whitewater on the Middle Fork Eel River.
If you’re an experienced paddler with your own gear, we highly recommend Dan Menten’s New School Guide to Northern California Whitewater.
If you’d prefer to have a guide, we recommend Liquid Fusion Kayaking, or AC Fly Fishing if you’re looking to play with some steelhead!
Liquid Fusion Kayaking’s Cate Hawthorne whitewater kayaking on the mainstem of the Eel River below Outlet Creek. | Photo by Mark Boyd
Click to access Save the Redwoods League’s accessibility guide to the redwoods. Location, fees, and trail recommendations included.
County Parks
- Crab Park
- Table Bluff
- Centerville Beach
- Van Duzen County Park (Swimmers Delight & Pamplin Grove)
- Margarite Lockwood Park
State Parks
- Humboldt Redwoods
- Grizzly Creek Redwoods
- Benbow State Recreation Area
- Richardson’s Grove
- Reynolds Wayside Campground
- Smithe Redwoods Natural Reserve
- Standish Hickey
- Sinkyone Wilderness
- Admiral William Standley Recreation Area
National Forests & Wilderness Areas
Contact Us
Membership forms and other printed material may be mailed to:
Friends of the Eel River
PO Box 4945
Arcata, CA 95518
Email: foer(at)eelriver.org
Phone: (707) 798-6345
Please complete the form below and someone will respond to you shortly.