Arcata Bay is part of Humboldt Bay. It is located at the top of the of California in the northern half of the Humboldt Bay, about 100-miles south of the Oregon border. Freshwater Slough lies within Arcata Bay on the lower eastern side. There’s no better way to bond as a family than by enjoying time in the great outdoors. Whether you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddle boarding, these activities make for great adventures for adults and kids alike.

Bird watchers will be delighted by the variety of birds that make Freshwater Slough their home. Typically, any time you visit the wetlands, there will be plenty of birds to observe, but there are certain times when more bird species can be observed than others. This also depends on what area you plan to visit. The winter months are said to be a birder’s dream come true.

Humboldt and Arcata Bays and their tidal sloughs are open to fishing all year. The Pacific and California halibut are both found in the waters of the bay but not in Freshwater Slough. Traditionally, kayak anglers have pursued several species of fish, including perch, halibut, bat rays and salmon. The best time to fish is on an incoming tide, about two hours before the high tide being the best. After reeling in your catches for the day, you can enjoy the many sights in Arcata, or go for a hike on the Arcata Ridge Trail, located on West End Road, east of St. Louis Road and the freeway overpass.

Though the slough is on the smaller side, it still offers great fishing and paddling opportunities.

Map of Fresh Water Slough

  
 
 
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