How to Catch Salmon on the Smith River in California
Northern California's Smith River, often considered the state's crown jewel in steelhead fishing, is also known for its excellent chinook salmon. The easiest way to catch them is to hire a guide service, but if if you have the right gear and know-how and don't care to pay for a guide, fish the Smith yourself.
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Things You'll Need
- California fishing license with a salmon/steelhead punch card
- Salmon/steelhead rod
- Rain gear/warm clothes
- Drift boat
- Camera
Instructions
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Check the California salmon-fishing regulations. The salmon season on the Smith usually runs from October to December, but specific dates can and often do vary as do the many restrictions. Local tackle shops will be able to tell you what you need to know, but you should have a copy of the regulations on your person at all times regardless. As of May 2010, only barbless hooks are allowed on the Smith.
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Check the river level. Do this online (see Resources) or ask at local tackle shops. In general, if the river is running at less than 11 feet, fish the Middle and South Forks. Otherwise, fish the main river. The Smith is most successfully fished by drift boat at higher water levels, but if the water is low, you can catch fish from the shore as well.
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Select your bait and/or lures. Common baits and lures include surface plugs, spinners (have a variety of colors), salmon eggs, anchovies, streamers, yarn and various flies. Again, local tackle shops are your best source for finding out about what's working in current conditions.
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Alternate strategies till you find out what works. The key to any successful angling venture is adaptability. Things such as water clarity and weather are often the determining factor in whether or not a specific bait or lure is effective on one day and worthless the next.
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Tips & Warnings
In contrast to most states, the state of California requires that your fishing license be worn in a visible location above the belt. When you buy your license, you will receive a clear plastic holding case with a safety pin and will be expected to wear it prominently. Many anglers pin them to their fishing vest or hat.
You also need to keep a record of any salmon you decide to keep. California requires that in addition to a regular fishing license, you also buy a salmon/steelhead punch card for this purpose.
Bring a camera. Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged on the Smith, and with a camera, you will always have a record of your catches.
California law states that on boats of 26 feet or less, children under 13 are required to wear a personal flotation device at all times.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit salmon image by Warren Rosenberg from Fotolia.com
