Striped Bass

Eureka, California, might not be the first place that comes to mind for Striped Bass, but the brackish waters where the Eel River meets Humboldt Bay provide a unique opportunity. These Stripers are often chasing migrating salmon smolts, so matching your lure presentation to the size and color of these baitfish is key. The best time to target them is during the spring and early summer when the salmon are actively moving. Access can be tricky; consider launching from the Samoa Boat Ramp or exploring the shoreline around the mouth of the Eel River. Local knowledge suggests that the Stripers often hold in the deeper channels during low tide and move onto the flats as the tide rises. Using natural presentations, like swimbaits or jerkbaits, can be highly effective in these conditions. The Stripers here tend to be opportunistic feeders, so be patient and persistent.