Local conditions for steelhead continued to improve last week and saltwater reports are picking up.

Ed Burrell at Capitola Boat and Bait says anglers are mainly catching barred surfperch from the wharf. "A few walleyes are starting to show up, though. The guys at the deep end of the pier were catching them this week," Burrell said. He added other notable catches from the Capitola Wharf this week included skates and a starry flounder. Mark Dingler from The Anglers Choice Tackle Shop in Capitola collected reports from south county beaches, where surfcasters continue to catch barred surfperch and the occasional striped bass, all on grubs.

Todd at Bayside Marine reminds us that salmon season is scheduled to open in our area on April 5. The Pacific Fisheries Management Council and the California Fish and Game Commission will be holding meetings later in April to determine if in-season changes or closures will be necessary this year due to low salmon counts on the Sacramento River. read more