The federal Sport Fish Restoration Act (SFRA) authorizes special taxes on sport fishing equipment and motorboat fuels to enhance sport fisheries, including sport fishing access sites. On the Mendocino coast there is one SFRA ramp giving free access to the ocean. The ramp is located on the Noyo River estuary just south of Fort Bragg. There are two lanes for launching with floating docks on either side. The ramp is maintained by the Noyo Harbor District.
The ramp is located approximately 1 mile upriver. The ramp can be accessed from Highway 20 at South Harbor Drive. Turn right at the bottom of the hill and follow the road past the marina about a half mile to the sport ramp parking lot. Space is provided for vehicles with or without trailers. Navigating the river from the ramp to the main harbor downstream can be tricky during low tide. The Noyo Harbor District has plans to double the lanes to four and improve the parking area. Two other ramps in the area provide access for a fee. -WV