No representative tidal-current prediction station is configured for this destination.
Tidal-current timing can differ from high and low tide timing.
Fishery Profile
Fishery Overview
Humboldt Bay North Spit jetty and surf fishery
The North Spit / North Jetty entrance unit of Humboldt Bay, not the entire bay. Honest catalog targets are Chinook when KMZ ocean salmon is open, plus rockfish, lingcod, and redtail surfperch. California halibut is occasional in warm-water years. Ocean coho retention is prohibited.
Fishery type
North coast entrance jetty
Fishing modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Habitat and structure
North Jetty rock · North Spit / Samoa Dunes surf · Humboldt Bay entrance channels
Static seasonal guidance · Last reviewed Aug 15, 2026
Not a live bite forecast.
Fishery Targets
Redtail surfperch and jetty groundfish are the year-round honest fishery. Chinook only when KMZ is open. California halibut is occasional, not guaranteed.
This reflects typical biological/fishery timing, not a legal open season. Check current regulations before fishing.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency and editorial sources. About fish illustrations
Chinook salmon
PrimaryRegulations vary annually
Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Typical seasonal opportunity: SUMMER — EARLY FALL
Redtail surfperch
Primary
Amphistichus rhodoterus
No seasonal pulse known
Lingcod
Secondary
Ophiodon elongatus
No seasonal pulse known
California halibut
Seasonal
Paralichthys californicus
Also called California flounder
Currently in a typical seasonal window
Typical seasonal window: JUNE — SEPTEMBER
CDFW ESR: occasionally common in Humboldt Bay; not a reliable annual primary.
Typical Seasonal Targets
Chinook salmon — SUMMER — EARLY FALL
California halibut — JUNE — SEPTEMBER
Seasonal presence is general guidance and does not indicate current fish activity.
How to Fish Humboldt Bay at North Spit
Typical September approaches include north spit surf fishing for California halibut.
North Spit surf fishing
Surfperch along BLM Samoa Dunes beaches. This is not Woodley Island or the South Jetty.
Best for
California halibut
Modes
Shore
Inshore boat
Setup
North Spit jetty and surf setup
Common Tackle Setups
North Spit jetty and surf setup
Jetty spinning for groundfish and perch; surf gear for redtail. Salmon only when KMZ is open.
Rod
8–10 ft spinning rod for jetty; longer surf rod on the spit
Reel
Spinning reel with a smooth drag
Main line
20–40 lb braid
Leader
Fluorocarbon or mono leader
Terminal tackle
Jig heads; Surf-perch rigs; Swivels
Presentation
Ocean coho retention is prohibited.; Eel River mouth has additional ocean-salmon closures in some months.
Used for
North Spit surf fishing
Typical September Lures and Flies
Common lure and fly families associated with this month’s techniques.
Minnow-style swimming plug
Lure
California halibut
Shallow to midwater · Steady, twitch, pause
Cast across seams and let the plug track with the current
Soft-plastic paddle tail
Lure
California halibut
Shallow, Midwater, Variable · Steady, twitch, jig
Swim steadily through seams or hop lightly near bottom transitions
Hop, swim, or drift depending on depth and current speed
Soft-plastic jig head
Lure
California halibut
Midwater, Bottom, Variable · Jig, slow, drift
Keep intermittent bottom contact around structure and soft edges
Compact casting metal
Lure
California halibut
Shallow to midwater · Fast, steady
Lead showing fish and keep a fast, even retrieve
General seasonal guidance, not a live recommendation, product endorsement, or guarantee of success.
Access, Safety and Regulations
Access
BLM Samoa Dunes Recreation Area to Jetty Road parking, then walk to the jetty. Catalog coordinates are NOAA 9418767. A license is required on the rock wall touching land.
Primary hazards
Exposed jetty, surge, and shifting sand. This entrance unit is not a swimming beach.
Fishery considerations
Northwest wind and bar swell can shut down the jetty even when tides look usable.
Regulations
Size limits, seasons, and possession rules change. Verify the current official regulations before fishing.
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
