Northern California Steelhead Fly Fishing: A Complete Guide to the North Coast's Wild Rivers

Quick Reference

What	When	Key Numbers
Smith River	Dec-Apr (peak Jan-Mar)	1,500-4,000 CFS; fish to 20+ lbs; CA state record water
Trinity River	Sep-Apr (summer & winter runs)	300-1,000 CFS; most consistent option; 4-8 lb avg
Klamath River	Jul-Feb (middle river Sep-Nov)	Under 2,500 CFS; good numbers; dry fly steelhead
Eel River	Dec-Mar	2+ ft visibility; 8-10 lb avg; historic spey water
Guided trips	Book ahead for prime season	$500-650/day for 1-2 anglers
License	CA license + Steelhead Report Card	$9.98 report card; record catches immediately

Before You Go

Northern California's North Coast rivers are where the story of West Coast steelhead fly fishing began. These waters - the Smith, Trinity, Klamath, Eel, and Mad - flow through ancient redwood forests and rugged canyons, holding runs of wild steelhead that can reach 20 pounds or more.

This isn't tailwater fishing with 15,000 fish per mile. It's anadromous fishing, where you might spend hours swinging flies through a run before a fish materializes from the depths and grabs. The reward is a chrome-bright ocean-run rainbow that fights harder than anything in fresh water.

If you're coming from trout fishing, be prepared for a different game. Steelhead don't feed in fresh water - they strike from aggression or instinct. Your job is to cover water efficiently, present your fly at the right depth, and be ready when that grab comes.

Northern California's North Coast rivers offer classic steelhead water amid towering redwoods.

The Major Rivers

Smith River

The Smith is California's last wild river - undammed, free-flowing, and home to the state's largest steelhead. The California state record (27 lbs 4 oz) came from the Smith near the Highway 101 bridge in 1976, and fish over 20 pounds are caught every season.

What makes it special:

• Trophy potential unmatched in California
• Crystal-clear water when conditions are right
• Clears quickly after storms due to bedrock bottom
• Fish average around 10 lbs, with 15-20 lb fish caught regularly

When to go: December through April. Fish begin entering after the first significant rains in late November or December. Prime time is typically January through March.

Flow window: Ideal flows are generally between 1,500-4,000 CFS. Track Smith River flows on RiverReports. The river clears faster than other coastal systems because it's carved down to bedrock.

The challenge: The Smith runs high and colored for much of winter. You need to time your trip between storms when the river drops into shape. When it's right, it's exceptional. When it's not, you're waiting.

Key Access Points:

Location	Access Type	Notes
Forks River Access	Boat ramp	Free public ramp at confluence of main stem and South Fork; Forest Service operated
Mary Adams Peacock Bar	Bank/wade	Mile marker 11.9 on Hwy 199; well-known starting point for main stem fishing
Jedediah Smith Campground	Bank/wade	Good bank access; near state park
Slant Bridge	Boat ramp	Mile 0.25 on South Fork Road; Middle Fork access with restrooms
Mouth of Myrtle Creek	Bank access	Mile marker 7.2 on Hwy 199
Hardscrabble Creek	Bank access	Mile marker 11.1 on Hwy 199

Drift Boat Floats: Most guided trips focus on the main stem below the confluence of the Middle and South Forks. The river has broad, sweeping runs perfect for swinging flies. Expect Class I-II water with occasional log hazards.

Trinity River

The Trinity is arguably the most consistent steelhead river in Northern California. Unlike the coastal rivers, it rarely blows out completely because Trinity Lake absorbs storm flows. This makes it the most reliable option when coastal rivers are blown out.

What makes it special:

• Fishable year-round (with seasonal restrictions on some sections)
• Both summer-run and winter-run steelhead
• The 25-mile section from Lewiston Dam to Junction City offers the best fishing
• Fish average 4-8 lbs, with 10-12 lb fish not uncommon

When to go:

• Summer-run steelhead: September through November (peak in November)
• Winter-run steelhead: December through April

Flow window: The upper river fishes best between 300-1,000 CFS. Flows are dam-controlled, so they're predictable. At 450-550 CFS (typical winter flows), wading is comfortable and fish spread out nicely.

Key Access Points:

Location	Access Type	Notes
Old Lewiston Bridge	Boat ramp/wade	Upper boundary of main fishing; fly-only section starts at dam
Bucktail Hole	Bank/wade	Named run with good holding water
Big Flat River Access	Boat ramp	Popular put-in/take-out
Steel Bridge	Boat ramp/camp	BLM campground; major take-out point
Indian Creek	Bank/wade	Just outside Douglas City; good wade access
Sky Ranch	Bank access	Junction City area

Popular Drift Floats:

• Old Lewiston Bridge to Steel Bridge: Classic float through the upper canyon. About 8-10 river miles, full day.
• Steel Bridge to Indian Creek: Lower float near Douglas City. Class I-II water with some brush hazards.
• Bucktail Float to Steel Bridge: Shorter morning or afternoon option.

Most of the upper 25 miles is accessible by drift boat. Guides typically cover 10+ miles per day. Wade fishing is possible throughout, but a drift boat gives you far more water.

Klamath River

The Klamath offers over 250 miles of steelhead water as it flows from Oregon through the Klamath National Forest to the Pacific. It's big water with strong runs of both summer and winter fish. Highway 96 parallels the river for about 60 miles, providing excellent access.

What makes it special:

• Excellent swing water with classic steelhead runs
• Good numbers of fish, especially in the middle and lower sections
• Can produce exceptional dry fly fishing for steelhead in fall (fish will take skated flies)
• Fish average 4-8 lbs, with occasional fish to 10 lbs

When to go:

• Lower river (below Weitchpec): July through September for summer-run fish
• Middle river (Orleans to Happy Camp): September through November - this is prime time
• Upper river (below Iron Gate Dam): November through February

Flow considerations: The river fishes best when flows at Orleans drop to around 2,500 CFS or below. At 4,000+ CFS, fish push upriver quickly and fishing becomes difficult. Watch for dam releases from Klamath Lake (around 950 CFS baseline).

Key Access Points:

Location	Access Type	Notes
Ti-Bar	Boat ramp/camp	North of Orleans; gravel ramp (4WD recommended); dispersed camping with vault toilet
Big Bar	Boat ramp	Just north of Orleans; popular put-in
Blue Heron	Bank access	South of R. Lyle Davis Bridge
Dolan Bar	Boat ramp	Mid-river access
Green Creek	Boat ramp	Between Orleans and Happy Camp
Capell Creek	Boat ramp	Upstream from Weitchpec

Floating vs. Wading: Bank access is limited on the middle river, so drift boaters have a significant advantage. The stretch between Happy Camp and Orleans is considered the best steelhead water. Highway 96 follows the river with wade access, but you'll cover far more water by boat.

Where to Stay: Most anglers base out of Happy Camp - it's central to the best fishing and has basic services.

Eel River

The Eel is the third-largest drainage in California and offers some of the best classic spey water on the West Coast. The river is lined with old-growth redwoods and holds runs of wild steelhead that average 8-10 lbs, with fish to 16 lbs common and 20-pounders caught each year.

What makes it special:

• Miles of perfect swing water through redwood forests
• Trophy potential - 20 lb fish are caught each year
• Wild, uncrowded character
• Historic importance in steelhead fly fishing history - this is where West Coast steelheading began

When to go: Late December through March. Fish can show as early as late November with good storms, but prime time is January through March.

The challenge: The Eel's low gradient and heavy sediment load mean it muddies up fast and can hold color for extended periods. Timing is everything - you need to hit the window between storms when water is dropping and clearing to fishable visibility (2+ feet).

Key Fishing Areas:

• Fortuna area: Best spot for shore anglers. Fish stack up here before running upstream. Most boat fishing happens near Fortuna.
• South Fork Eel: Major tributary with its own excellent steelhead runs. Fishable from Richardson's Grove downstream.
• Van Duzen River: Tributary that offers excellent fishing, especially when the main Eel is too high or colored.
• Fulmore Hole: Near the river mouth; primarily a shad spot but holds steelhead early season.

Access Notes: Shore access is easy with spots along the river throughout the system. However, the best coverage comes from drift boat fishing. Most fishing occurs from Richardson's Grove all the way downstream to Rio Dell. Base yourself in Fortuna, Garberville, or Rio Dell for the main stem.

Drift Boat Logistics: The lower sections near Fortuna are prime drift water. The Van Duzen is a good alternative when the main Eel is off-color. Expect a more challenging timing game than the Trinity - the Eel requires watching conditions closely.

Mad River

The Mad is one of the most accessible steelhead rivers in Northern California, running right through Arcata and Blue Lake. It's popular with bank anglers and offers good fishing within an 18-mile stretch from the ocean to Mad River Fish Hatchery.

What makes it special:

• Easy access with multiple public entry points
• Good numbers of hatchery fish supplementing wild runs
• Fishable at lower flows than coastal rivers
• Great for anglers new to the region
• Fish run 6-10 lbs, with some reaching 20 lbs

When to go: December through March, with peak fishing typically in January and February.

Flow window: The Mad starts fishing around 8 feet (approximately 1,500 CFS) near Arcata. It's subject to low-flow closures at 200 CFS - check before you go.

Key Access Points & Fishing Holes:

Location	Access Type	Notes
Mad River County Park	Bank access	McKinleyville; estuary section near ocean
Hiller Park	Bank access	McKinleyville; lower river
North Bank Road	Bank access	Runs between Hwy 101 and Hwy 299; multiple pull-offs with access to good runs
Blue Lake Bridge	Bank/wade	Town of Blue Lake; heavily fished but productive
Mad River Fish Hatchery	Bank access	18 miles from ocean; fish stack up below the ladders - this is ground zero
Bair Road Access	Bank/wade	Access to one of the best steelhead runs on the river; deep pools
Pamplin Grove	Bank/wade	Tranquil, less crowded spot with good fish-holding water
Humboldt County Pumping Station	Bank access	Off West End Road; look for "Recreational Visitor Parking" sign; gates close at sunset

Best Approach: The riffles and runs immediately downstream from the hatchery in Blue Lake are the most heavily fished - and for good reason. Fish concentrate here. For more solitude, try Bair Road or Pamplin Grove. The flat below Blue Lake Bridge also holds fish consistently.

Wading vs. Boat: This is primarily wade-fishing water. The lower 18 miles from the hatchery to the ocean offers the best fishing. Unlike the Eel or Smith, you don't need a drift boat to be successful here.

Understanding Flows and Timing

Unlike tailwaters, these rivers are driven by rain. Your success depends heavily on timing your trip around storm cycles.

The Ideal Window

For most North Coast rivers, you want:

• Rising water: Fish move upriver with new rain
• Dropping, clearing water: The sweet spot - fish are settled and feeding water is getting into shape
• Green to clearing visibility: 2-4 feet of visibility is often ideal

Flow Resources

Check these gauges before planning your trip:

River	USGS Gauge	Fishable Range
Smith River	11532500 (Crescent City)	Dropping below 10 ft, clearing
Trinity River	11530000 (Lewiston)	300-1,000 CFS
Klamath River	11523000 (Orleans)	Under 2,500 CFS ideal
Eel River	11477000 (Scotia)	Varies; needs visibility
Mad River	11481000 (Arcata)	800-2,000 CFS; closes at 200

Check real-time California river flows on RiverReports before your trip.

Water Temperature and Technique Selection

Water temperature is the single biggest factor in choosing your approach. Steelhead behavior changes dramatically with temperature.

Water Temp	Fish Behavior	Best Technique
Below 40°F	Sluggish, tight to bottom	Deep nymphing, slow presentations
40-45°F	Moderately active, will move short distances	Nymphing or slow-swung flies
45-55°F	Active, aggressive - ideal range	Swinging flies, waking dries
55-65°F	Active but may seek cooler water in afternoon	Morning/evening swinging
Above 65°F	Stressed, seeking thermal refuge	Stop fishing - fish welfare at risk

The sweet spot is 45-55°F. In this range, fish are lively, willing to chase flies, and will move several feet to grab a well-presented swing.

Techniques That Work

Swinging Flies (The Classic Approach)

Swinging flies with a two-handed Spey rod is the traditional and most satisfying way to target steelhead on the North Coast. You're covering water efficiently, searching for that explosive grab.

Basic approach:

1. Cast across and slightly downstream (45-degree angle)
2. Mend as needed to control swing speed
3. Let the fly sweep across the current
4. Fish often grab at the "hang down" - let your fly hold below you before recasting
5. Take two steps downstream, repeat

When to swing:

• Water temperatures above 45°F (this is critical)
• Visibility of 2+ feet
• Classic runs with walking-speed current and 3-6 foot depth
• Summer/fall fish are most responsive; winter fish need warmer days

Nymphing and Indicator Fishing

When water is cold (below 45°F) or fish aren't responding to swung flies, dead-drifting nymphs and egg patterns under an indicator is often more productive.

Setup:

• Strike indicator set at 1.5-2x water depth
• Lead fly: Larger weighted pattern (stone, egg, or heavy nymph)
• Dropper: Smaller bead-head nymph or egg, 16-24" below

When to nymph:

• Cold water conditions (below 45°F) - winter steelhead often require this
• Off-colored water where fish can't see a swung fly at distance
• Fish holding tight to bottom in deeper pools
• Smith River in particular, where guides nymph heavily through winter

Summer-Run Techniques

Summer and fall steelhead on the Trinity and Klamath are often more aggressive and willing to move for flies. Water temperatures in the 50s make fish lively and eager. This is the time for:

• Floating lines with unweighted flies
• Waking and skating dry flies (Bombers, muddlers) - yes, steelhead will eat on top
• Lighter sink tips and smaller patterns
• More surface-oriented presentations

Fish these systems through early September for the most aggressive fish of the year. By mid-late summer, watch water temps carefully - if they approach 70°F, fish early morning only or give the fish a break.

Fly Selection

Intruder-Style Flies (Swinging)

Modern intruders and tube flies are the go-to for swinging:

• Black and Blue Intruder: Clear to slightly off-color water
• Orange and Black Intruder: Off-colored water, low light
• Pink and White Intruder: Fresh fish, lower river
• Muddler Minnow: Classic pattern for waking and swinging

Sizes: 1.5-3" profiles on Spey hooks or tubes

Traditional Patterns (Swinging)

Classic patterns still produce:

• Silver Hilton
• Green Butt Skunk
• Purple Peril
• Boss (various colors)
• Freight Train

Nymphing Patterns

• Glo Bugs (#8-12, various colors): Year-round producers
• Sucker Spawn: Natural egg cluster imitation
• Black Stonefly Nymph (#4-8): Especially on the Trinity
• Copper Beaded Assassin: Versatile nymph pattern
• San Juan Worm (#8-12): Effective year-round

Color Selection Guide

Condition	Recommended Colors
Clear water	Black and blue, purple, sparse patterns
Off-colored	Orange, pink, chartreuse, larger profiles
Low light	Black, purple, darker colors
Fresh fish	Brighter colors, pink, orange

Gear Recommendations

Spey Rods (Two-Handed)

The North Coast is classic Spey country. Two-handed rods give you the casting efficiency needed to cover big water all day.

Recommended setup:

• Rod: 12'6" to 13'6" Spey rod, 7-8 weight
• Line: Scandi or Skagit head depending on conditions
• Tips: Assortment of sink tips (T-8, T-11, T-14) plus floating
• Leader: 4-6 feet of 10-12 lb maxima or fluorocarbon

Single-Hand Rods

If you're not ready for Spey casting:

• Rod: 9-10' single-hand, 7-8 weight
• Line: Weight-forward floating or sink-tip
• Leader: 9' tapered to 0X-2X, or level mono

Switch Rods

A good compromise for varied conditions:

• Rod: 11' switch rod, 6-7 weight
• Line: Scandi compact or short Skagit

Essential Accessories

• Waders: Breathable chest waders with studded boots (rocks are slick)
• Wading staff: Essential on bigger rivers
• Rain gear: This is the North Coast - expect rain
• Fingerless gloves and warm hat: Winter fishing is cold
• Forceps/hemostats: For barbless hook removal
• Large rubber net: 20"+ bag for big fish

Regulations (2025)

California steelhead regulations are specific and strictly enforced. Know the rules before you go.

License Requirements

• California Sport Fishing License: Required for all anglers 16+
• Steelhead Report Card: Required for anyone fishing for steelhead in anadromous waters ($9.98)
• Recording: You must record the month, day, location, fish kept, and fish released immediately when done fishing
• Return deadline: Report cards must be returned to CDFW by January 31 of the following year

Hatchery vs. Wild Fish

• Hatchery steelhead: Missing adipose fin (healed clip). Can be retained where regulations allow.
• Wild steelhead: Adipose fin intact. Must be released immediately on most waters.

River-Specific Rules

Regulations vary significantly by river and even river section. Check the CDFW Supplemental Regulations for:

• Season dates (many sections have closed periods)
• Barbless hook requirements
• Bait restrictions (many waters are artificial only)
• Daily bag and possession limits
• Low-flow closures

Trinity River fly-only section: The section immediately below Lewiston Dam is restricted to fly fishing only, April 1 through September 15.

Safety Considerations

River Hazards

• High water: These rivers can rise rapidly during storms. If conditions look marginal, don't wade deep.
• Cold water: Hypothermia is a real risk. Dress in layers, carry extra dry clothes.
• Slick rocks: Studded boots and a wading staff are essential, not optional.
• Remote access: Some stretches are miles from the nearest road. Tell someone your plan.

Weather

The North Coast gets significant rainfall from November through March. Pack rain gear for every trip, even if the forecast looks clear.

Hiring a Guide

For first-timers, a guide is worth the investment. These rivers are big, and local knowledge about current conditions, access, and technique makes a huge difference.

Recommended Guide Services

Multi-River Specialists:

• Confluence Outfitters - Spey specialists covering Smith, Eel, and other North Coast waters
• The Fly Shop - Full-service outfitter with Trinity, Klamath, and Sacramento trips
• Jack Trout Fly Fishing - Smith River and northern California waters

River-Specific:

• Ironhead Guide Service - Smith River specialists
• Wild Rivers Fishing - Smith River salmon and steelhead
• AC Fly Fishing - Trinity and Eel River trips
• Mike Hibbard Fly Fishing - Coastal steelhead on the Eel, Mad, and Van Duzen

Expect to pay: $500-650 per day for 1-2 anglers, including drift boat or raft and all tackle.

Access and Logistics

Getting There

• Nearest major airports: Sacramento (SAC), Redding (RDD), or Arcata/Eureka (ACV)
• Driving from San Francisco: 4-5 hours to the Trinity, 5-6 hours to the Smith

Accommodations

Trinity River area:

• Lewiston (small town, limited services)
• Weaverville (more amenities, 15 minutes from river)
• Douglas City and Junction City (river-side options)

Smith River area:

• Crescent City (closest town with full services)
• Gasquet (small community near the river)

Klamath River area:

• Orleans, Happy Camp, Klamath (small communities with basic services)
• Yreka (larger town, upper Klamath access)

Eel River area:

• Garberville, Fortuna, Ferndale (southern Humboldt)
• Blue Lake, Arcata (Mad River access)

Using RiverReports

Before your trip, check:

• California river flows for real-time conditions
• Historical flow data to understand whether current conditions are high, low, or normal
• Weather forecasts - you need to time these trips around storm cycles

The key to North Coast steelhead success is timing. These rivers can go from unfishable to perfect in 48 hours. Watching flows and planning accordingly is half the battle.

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Beginner vs. Advanced Considerations

Best Rivers for Beginners

• Mad River: Easy bank access, good hatchery fish numbers, close to Arcata services. You can walk from your car to good water.
• Trinity River (upper section): Consistent flows, accessible wading, and forgiving conditions. The most predictable fishing.

For Experienced Steelheaders

• Smith River: Trophy hunting requires timing between storms and the patience to wait for conditions. When it's on, it's world-class.
• Eel River: Classic spey water but demands reading conditions carefully. High reward, higher difficulty.
• Klamath River (middle section): Big water that rewards boat access and the ability to cover miles of runs.

Boat vs. Wade

River	Can You Wade Fish It?	Is a Boat Better?
Smith	Yes, with good access points	Yes - covers more water
Trinity	Yes - very wadeable	Yes, but not required
Klamath	Limited bank access	Strongly recommended
Eel	Yes, in accessible areas	Yes - best coverage
Mad	Yes - primarily wade water	Not necessary

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Quick Reference

River	Best Months	Target Flow	Optimal Access	Average Size	Trophy Potential
Smith	Dec-Apr	1,500-4,000 CFS, clearing	Drift boat or Hwy 199 pullouts	10 lbs	20+ lbs
Trinity	Sep-Apr	300-1,000 CFS	Drift boat or wade	4-8 lbs	10-12 lbs
Klamath	Jul-Feb	Under 2,500 CFS	Drift boat preferred	4-8 lbs	10+ lbs
Eel	Dec-Mar	Visibility 2+ ft	Drift boat or shore near Fortuna	8-10 lbs	20+ lbs
Mad	Dec-Mar	800-2,000 CFS	Bank access - very wadeable	6-10 lbs	15+ lbs

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