Smith River

Houston Texas resident Nathan Vajdos landed a late fall-run king salmon on Wednesday while fishing the Smith River. With rain in the forecast, the last of the king salmon will be making their way upriver to spawn while the winter steelhead should begin to make their way into the coastal rivers. Photo courtesy of Mike Coopman’s Guide Service.

Chico resident Evan Oetinger landed this nice winter steelhead on a recent trip to the Smith River. With very little rain in the forecast, coastal rivers are running low and clear, making conditions tough for steelhead anglers. Photo courtesy of Evan Oetinger.

The Smith River kicked out this chrome-bright winter steelhead last week for Arcata resident Justin Kelly. All of the coastal rivers should see increased flows from the storms that are expected to hit the North Coast over the next few days. Photo courtesy of Alan Borges/Alan’s Guide Service.

Rohnert Park resident Tony Sargans landed this big Chinook salmon on a recent trip to the Smith River. With more rain the in the forecast, the quick-clearing Smith will likely be the only option this weekend for late-run fall king action.

Four year-old Parker Blasi is all smiles after catching a nice Redtail perch on a recent trip to King Salmon beach. The Redtail perch bite has been excellent the last couple weeks, with Samoa King Salmon, and Dry Lagoon being some of the better locations.

Guide Mike Coopman holds a once-in-a-lifetime steelhead caught by Joanne Ocalaghan of Vacaville last Wednesday on the Smith River. The wild steelhead, which was released and not officially weighed, measured 42 inches long with a 23-inch girth and was esti

Chuck Brinker of San Francisco landed this nice hatchery steelhead while fishing the Smith River on Saturday. Rain is back in the forecast, with all of the coastal rivers expected to see steep rises beginning Friday morning. Photo courtesy of Kenny Priest

Jeff Griffith of Ferndale landed this nice steelhead last Sunday on the Chetco River while fishing with friend Nick Angeli. Steelhead fishing was excellent over the weekend, but both the Smith and Chetco are blown out due to the storms.