Rich with history and sporting prodigious runs of both salmon and steelhead, California's second largest river attracts anglers from throughout the country every year. Offering fishing for fall king salmon that rivals any found in Alaska (days with thirty to fifty fish per boat are not uncommon); the Klamath is the perfect destination for anglers of any age or skill level. Klamath River boasts two separate runs of king salmon; Springers enter the river from mid-May through mid-July, and the fall run occurs from early August through late October. Klamath River salmon average 8 to 15 pounds but can reach weights of 40 pounds and larger.
Fall-run steelhead averaging 5 to 8 pounds are available in the Klamath from July through March. Throw in a run of 12-18 inch steelhead called half-pounders as well as the run of salmon and you get a diversity of options not found anywhere else.
The Trinity is the largest tributary of the Klamath and flows through some of the most rugged terrain in the state. We fish the lower 30 miles of the river including the famous Trinity River Gorge. In the fall, the water is so clear that you can actually see the salmon as we float down the river. This fishery has everything - great weather, outstanding scenery, uncrowded , and the very unique possibility of targeting both salmon and steelhead on the same day. Like the Klamath, average salmon will run 8 to 15 pounds with the occasional fish over 40. Steelhead average 5 to 8 pounds.
This medium-sized stream with a large run of hatchery steelhead lies about 15 minutes north of Eureka. An average steelhead here will run 8 to 12 pounds with an occasional fish over 20 pounds. We only fish this river during the winter steelhead season.
The Eel River flows through massive groves of old growth redwoods and has a long history of producing large salmon and steelhead. These are some of the hardest fighting fish in the state with an average steelhead on the Eel running 8 to 12 pounds. However, fish well in the excess of 20 pounds are landed each year.
The Van Duzen is the Eel's the largest tributary. When fishable, the Van Duzen can yield big numbers of wild steelhead averaging 8 to12 pounds with fish approaching and sometimes exceeding 20 pounds.
The Mattole is a small river tucked away on the Lost Coast of California. It flows through rolling hills covered with Oak and Madrone. What makes this beautiful little coastal stream so special is its steelhead. Mattole River steelhead are ultra-aggressive and are the hardest fighters anywhere on the coast. Once hooked, these fish have jumped into trees, swam onto the beach, and done just about everything else you could imagine. We’ve even had them jump into the boat. You cherish every opportunity to fish this incredible steelhead fishery.
Open only from January 1st through March 31st, the Mattole is strictly catch and release and can remain un-fishable for days following a storm.
Termed the "Crown Jewel" of California, the Smith flows clear and clean in the Northwest corner of the state. This river is home to some of the largest salmon and steelhead found anywhere on the West Coast. Each year king salmon approaching and sometimes exceeding 60 pounds, and steelhead in excess of 20 pounds are caught by visitors to the Smith. The current state record steelhead weighing 27 pounds and 4 ounces was taken here.