Del Norte County offers premier fishing adventures where wild rivers meet the Pacific Ocean. Anglers can target trophy Chinook salmon in the emerald waters of the Smith River, home to California's record 86-pound catch, or battle steelhead beneath ancient redwood canopies. The Klamath River delivers thrilling salmon runs from June through October, with scenic rapids ideal for drift boats and fly fishing.
Saltwater enthusiasts reel in year-round lingcod and rockfish from Crescent City Harbor, while September brings Dungeness crabbing opportunities off the B Street Pier. The area's diverse ecosystems—from undammed rivers to deep-sea channels—support chinook, coho, steelhead trout, and bottom fish like cabezon. Charter services provide expert access to these rich fisheries, where nature dominates the horizon and every cast connects to wild California.