Russian River Sacramento River
Russian River Sacramento River |
NORTHERN
|
The Eel River flows for approximately 100 miles north through Mendocino and Humboldt counties. Its mouth is located 15 miles south of Eureka. The Eel flows through some of the most beautiful redwood groves in the state, including Humboldt Redwood State Park. When the eel is running right, its emerald green color is awe-inspiring. Primary fish for the Eel include steelhead, chinook, and coho. Chinook start coming into the river in October lasting through December with its peak in November. Average chinooks are 8-25 lbs., with some up to 50 lbs. Winter steelheads start moving into the river in November running through March hitting its peak in February. Average steelhead run 8-10 lbs., with 16 pounders common.
Fall Salmon -- August 15 to October 15
The Klamath river, known as the
almon capitol of the world, is renowned for its fishing for king salmon
and summer steelhead (called half-pounder). The Klamath is probably one
the most productive salmon fishing sites in the world -- during the main
run our guides will hook and release over 20 salmon per day on light
tackle. The king salmon are usually smaller than in most rivers averaging
from 8 to 20 lbs. with a few up to 40 lbs. but the abundance of fish and
light tackle makes for a day that will always be remembered. The mild
temperatures, beautiful scenery, comfortable jet boats, and abundance of
fish and wildlife make the Klamath the best of all fishing trips for
families, groups, business and corporate groups as well as plenty of fun.
With your trip on the Klamath, we also offer lunch, dinner and lodging at
Rivers West Lodge
located 20 miles up river in scenic wilderness surroundings overlooking
the river.
Spring
Salmon -- April to July 15
The spring salmon is also a chinook
or king salmon that enters the system from April through July 15. They can
be a little more difficult to catch because generally they are always
moving or migrating up river. The wait is worth while as springer is the
best fighting pound-for-pound of the king salmon and by far the best
eating. Lodging and meals are also available through Rivers
West Lodge.
Summer
Steelhead
The Klamath River is well known for
its summer steelhead, better known as half pounders, ranging from 1/2 lb.
to 5 lbs. The summer steelhead are very aggressive and put on a terrific
aerobatic display when hooked. Fly fishermen from all over the world will
visit the Klamath just for the half-pounder runs. They are also easily
caught on spinners, puff balls, glo-bugs, and bait.
Fly
Fishing
The Klamath River is a great opportunity for the beginner fly fishermen to the most experienced. Fly fishing the half pounders or summer steelhead with lightweight tackle and the abundance of fish available will give you the experience of a lifetime. Our guides will personally work with the beginner teaching the basic techniques and share with the more experienced all of the important local knowledge. Group packages and one-day trips are available. Lodging and meals are offered through Rivers West Lodge. One of our group coordinators will be happy to help put a complete package together for you.
Mattole River is located in the southwest corner of Humboldt County. Located 65 miles south of Eureka, there is approximately 26 miles of fishing water from the mouth to the town of Honeydew. The Mattole River with no dams has a wild population of steelhead. Please show respect for what it represents. Mattole River is what rivers in the coastal area were like 50 to 100 years ago. There are no hatchery fish introduced to this river. Catch and Release is the policy for these waters. These wild fish need everyone's help to continue to thrive. Fish and Game strictly enforces all regulations on this river.
The Russian River is located approximately 60 miles north of San Francisco. It runs from the Coyote Dam near Ukiah to Jenner-by-the-Sea on the California coast where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. Fishing on the Russian is for winter steelhead.
The Smith River, California's most northern coastal river located 5 miles south of the Oregon border, is known for its breathtaking beauty, large boulders, and emerald-clear swift water. The Smith River, surrounded by the largest trees in the world, Six Rivers Natural Forest, and Jedediah Smith State Park, is a must see for anyone visiting the North Coast. The Smith River is well known for producing the state record steelhead, 27lb. 4 oz., and many other steelhead over 20 pounds. While the average chinook (king) salmon weighs between 20-40 pounds, the Smith River also holds the record for the second largest chinook caught at 86 pounds. After the large winter storms that frequent the North Coast on a regular basis, Smith River is always the first river to clear, sometimes over night. Some of the other rivers and streams can take 1-2 weeks depending on their drainage system. The Smith is the longest of the free flowing rivers in the state and has carved itself down to bedrock leaving very little siltation to cloud its waters. After the flood of 1964, the Smith River, like most North Coast rivers, was devastated. The high water eradicated most of the spawning fish and decimated the spawning grounds. For years after there was a noticeable decline in the runs of fish. In 1970 the State of California issued a special permit to build the first privately owned fish hatchery in the state, the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery. They have been a major factor for the great fishing we have today. Fishing the Smith River, like all other rivers on the North Coast, is dependent on both weather conditions and water conditions. Some days are very successful and some days are not. If anyone ever tells you they catch fish everyday they fish on the Smith, they probably don't fish often. To say that fish are caught everyday would not be truthful. However, due to our experience and knowledge of the rivers, through the years we have maintained one of the highest catch ratios on the North Coast.
The Sacramento River has made a tremendous come back over the past few years. Huge runs of salmon have been counted migrating up the Sacramento making for great salmon fishing July through October. Salmon average 25 lbs. and many larger salmon have been caught in this river. Most of the fishing is near the Red Bluff/Redding area where temperatures during summer are very warm to hot. Early morning is usually the best and most comfortable time to fish. Very cold waters released from Lake Shasta keep the salmon in good shape. The Sacramento is also a great Rainbow fishery offering plenty of large bows. Catch and release is a good practice in this fishing and we encourage it.
This river is a major tributary of the Eel river. The Van Duzen in located 14 miles upstream from the mouth of the Eel and is about 50 miles in length. Van Duzen's advantage over the Eel is that it does not blow out as easily and clears faster after a storm. The Van Duzen provides excellent winter steelhead fishing.
Home | Company Information | Fishing Season Information | Related Links | California Rivers | Oregon Rivers| Shuttle Information | Rivers West Lodge | Accommodations | Tackle & Gear | Rates | Reservations | Guestbook | Comments | Email Us