Excellent angling and Northern California go hand in hand, and Salmon fishing on the Smith River is the ultimate proof! If you’re looking for a trophy-sized, hard-fighting, delicious catch, nothing beats Chinook Salmon on the Smith, and that’s a promise.
The Smith boasts one of the best fisheries on the West Coast, especially if you come here in November. Chinook start their upstream journey from the ocean to their spawning grounds in late summer, and by October, fishing is on fire. On average they weigh 15–25 pounds, but you can easily stumble upon 40- and 50-pounders.
You could also hook a Coho Salmon in the fall months, and they’re a different kind of beautiful. However, Coho are officially listed as an endangered species, and they should be handled with great care and released immediately. Smith River is a Coho sanctuary, and responsible anglers play a big role in keeping it that way.
No one knows these waters better than local anglers and guides, and they offer trips for every angler’s preference. Whether you’re coming for a short but sweet jaunt, or your goal is to catch your new Salmon record, there will be someone to take you out. Captains usually provide all the equipment, a boat, and local expertise, while it’s your duty to show up with a valid fishing license and Salmon report card.
The river is only 25 miles long, but there’s an abundance of prolific fishing spots. The town of Smith River is one of them, as well as Sand Hole, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park, and Rowdy Creek. Once you get a taste of Smith River Salmon fishing, you’ll always come back for more!
