Smith River Fishing Report

Report Updated March 17, 2010

Steelies perking up again!

The fishing here was a little tougher last weekend during the enhancement derby…won, by the way, by our very own John Klar and Team Willie Boats thank you very much! But now that the river’s dropping, the fish are back and, amazingly, the steelies are mainly all fresh still. With the way this river has fished so well this season, there’s got to be a million downers stuffed somewhere upstream…and when they come back down, a few lucky anglers are going to have a week of epic fishing for a mix of fresh and spent fish.

Two of the best guides on the creek:John Klar and Mike Stratman.

NEW SMITH RIVER FISHING REGULATIONS:

• No wild (adipose fin intact) steelhead or trout may be retained
• Anglers may only use barbless hooks
• The limit is increased to two hatchery trout or steelhead per day, 4 in possession
• Salmon anglers will be required to have a North Coast Salmon Report Card on the Smith
• The annual limit for wild Chinook salmon is set at 5

Trusted Guides

JOHN’S GUIDE SERVICE
Extremely dedicated, thoroughly professional and an all-around great guy, John Klar is truly one of California’s premier guides. We’d fish with him any day of the week…and twice on Sunday!

REDWOOD COAST FISHING
Mike Stratman is an excellent guide who specializes in drift boat trips in the quiet, remote corners of Northern California. He’s super friendly and a real pleasure to spend the day with.

Current & Forecasted Flow

Take a closer look…this slick graph shows you current river flow, height and projected flows, which will help you plan upcoming trips. Keep in mind steelhead and salmon fishing is best as a river is on the drop — and typically tough when a stream’s on the rise.

North Coast River Low Flow Closure Hotline: (707) 822-3164

DFG Fishing Regulations

Current Weather

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps | Weather Radar

Smith River map

View Larger Map

About the Smith River

The gorgeous Smith River pours through some seriously steep and rocky canyons and old growth redwoods before crashing head-long into the Pacific. It’s one of those places that is worth a visit (even sans rod) at least once in your life. Put it on the “bucket list.” What’s that you say? Scenery isn’t enough for ya? You want big fish too? Well, the Smith just happens to be the home of the current California State Record for steelies — 27 pounds and change. Steelies over 20 pounds are taken here every year and there’s been a handful of 26 pounders sprinkled in over the past 6 years.

Bring your A Game — the Smith is a wickedly snaggy and tough place to fish — the water can be super clear and guide boats in the lower river below the Forks are, shall we say…prolific…so you need to be a well-tuned steelheading machine to do well here. But put your time in – the rewards can be epic. The Smith fishes best for steelies January through March.

There are huge kings here too. Fifty-plus pounders are taken every season in October, November and December. It’s a short window and you have to be ready to hit the water at a moment’s notice after the first rain hits…

Fishing the Smith
Side-Gliding for Steelies