Del Norte County, CA · Inland River
Smith River
California's last major undammed river, in the far northwest corner — gin-clear and famous for trophy winter steelhead and big fall chinook draining the Siskiyou wilderness. Drifted and bank-fished. Live USGS flow near Crescent City.
Live · updated
Top picks today
Steelhead & Chinook Salmon — tied at the top (74/100)
2 species tied for best of 2 tracked at Smith River.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Smith River
2 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top 2 (tied) are open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Steelhead Great day to fish for Steelhead. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus mykiss — Lake- or sea-run rainbow trout — chrome-bright fighters that ascend tributaries from fall through spring. The Great Lakes tributary steelhead run (Lake Erie’s “steelhead alley,” Lake Ontario, Michigan rivers) is a destination fishery; bite keys on flow and water clarity.
Prefers. Water 40–55°F (ideal 48°F) · either tide · depth 2–60 ft.
- Min size
- 16"
- Daily creel
- 2
California: Hatchery fish only (adipose fin clipped); wild (intact-fin) steelhead must be released. 2 hatchery steelhead/day where open (e.g. Smith River). A Steelhead Report Card is required, and many North Coast rivers are barbless / seasonal.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
#1 Chinook Salmon Great day to fish for Chinook Salmon. In season 74/100
What's helping
- 10 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
- Stable flow — settled river level — clearer water, easier wading
About. Oncorhynchus tshawytscha — The “king” — the largest Pacific salmon and the marquee stocked predator of the Great Lakes. Trolled over open water through summer, then staged off river mouths and run up tributaries on the fall spawning push. Flow and water temperature drive the river bite.
Prefers. Water 42–58°F (ideal 50°F) · either tide · depth 15–150 ft.
- Daily creel
- no limit
California North Coast: chinook seasons are quota-managed and frequently closed — the Russian River is "no-catch" for chinook (endangered). Confirm the current river-specific rule before targeting salmon.
Source: California regulations · verified 2026-06-03.
Location Info
Water Body
Inland River
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
California
Coordinates
Notes
California North Coast: 2 hatchery steelhead/day where open; salmon seasons are quota-managed and change in-season. A North Coast Salmon Report Card and Steelhead Report Card are required.
Local reports & rules for Smith River: California CDFW fishing & regulations → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Smith River?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Smith River you need the appropriate state fishing license. See the agency's current rules: the state agency website
What fish are commonly targeted at Smith River?
Smith River is listed on this site for 2 commonly-targeted species: Steelhead, Chinook Salmon. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Smith River?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Smith River against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Smith River have?
Smith River has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp. California North Coast: 2 hatchery steelhead/day where open; salmon seasons are quota-managed and change in-season. A North Coast Salmon Report Card and Steelhead Report Card are required.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Smith River?
state agency regulations apply at Smith River. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Smith River tidal water?
No. Smith River is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.