Pescadero Creek (San Mateo County) seems to be better than in recent years for wild steelhead. Yesterday's results were two two steelhead; one 20-22 inch steelhead in the first few minutes and one about 24-25 inches about 1/2 hour later. Some smolts also caught. Also one nice fish unbuttoned.

Effective lure was Thunderbolt in gold or speckled perch.

Other guys seemed to be doing ok too. Action was several hundred yards from ocean, where rains caused a break in the sandbar. Fish looked very fresh.

Strictly barbless catch and release here, and I believe only Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday fishing allowed during the open season.

A few miles north at San Gregorio Creek only smolts were caught.

These San Mateo County creek fish are not as big as steelhead elsewhere, but still fun.

Bob

Is the best place to access that area off 92? what exit would you take? Is flyfisihing productive in that area? Thanks for any info.

Go west on 92 toward the City of Half Moon Bay (the City, not the Bay itself). Turn left (south) at the end of 92 to Highway 1. Park near the bridge over Pescadero Creek on Highway 1, about 15 minutes south of Half Moon Bay. On the way back you can try San Gregorio Creek, about 5-10 minutes north of Pescadero Creek. Access is easier than at Pescadero Creek, so you can start fishing quicker, but I like my chances better at Pescadero Creek.

Most anglers flyfish. I believe that spinfishing is more productive than flyfishing at these creeks, but flyfishing is much fun for the purist. Whatever the method, results vary from skunk to very good. Much depends on whether the sandbar at the mouth of Pescadero Creek is closing the steelies' access from the ocean or rains have caused enough flow to punch through the sandbar. Time of day does not seem to be much of a factor.

I have not tried it, but I would not be surprised if perch, and maybe flounder, would be good surfcasting at the mouth of Pescadero Creek when the sandbar is breached.

Good luck and give a report.

Bob