Steelhead
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PRICE
$600 a day 2 People Maximum
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Northern California’s Smith River gives you one of the most beautiful views while floating through the Giant Redwoods. These Steelhead are no understatement of the word 'wild'. Catching one of these majestic fish will test even the most seasoned fisherman. When you hook one you will be shocked by the strength as the line peels off your reel. We are able to do multiple drifts in one day. The Smith River is carved through the National Redwood Forest. The air is crisp and water is crystal clear here. Once you take a trip down this river you will never get enough!
Smith river steelhead,
Fishing for steelhead and king salmon on the Smith River in California can be a thrilling experience, as both species are popular among anglers. Here’s a breakdown of the best practices, techniques, and times to target each species.
### Best Times to Fish
#### Steelhead
- **Fall Run**: September to November is prime time for steelhead as they migrate upstream.
- **Winter**: December to February can still see good steelhead fishing, although conditions might be harsher.
- **Spring Run**: March to May provides opportunities for late-season steelhead.
#### King Salmon
- **Fall Run**: Late summer through fall (August to November) is when king salmon typically enter the river to spawn.
### Gear and Tackle
#### For Steelhead
- **Rod and Reel**: A medium to medium-heavy rod (8 to 10 feet) with a spinning or baitcasting reel.
- **Line**: 10-20 lb test braided line with an 8-12 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- **Hooks**: Size 6 to 10 hooks for egg patterns or smaller lures.
#### For King Salmon
- **Rod and Reel**: A heavier rod (9 to 11 feet) suited for larger fish, paired with a robust reel.
- **Line**: 20-30 lb test braided line with a 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- **Hooks**: Size 2 to 4 hooks, especially for larger baits.
### Bait and Lures
#### Steelhead
- **Bait**: Salmon eggs, sand shrimp, or nightcrawlers.
- **Lures**: Spinners, spoons, and jigs are effective.
#### King Salmon
- **Bait**: Fresh or cured salmon eggs, herring, or cut plug sardines.
- **Lures**: Large spoons, plugs, or spinners designed for bigger fish.
### Techniques
#### Drift Fishing
- For both species, casting upstream and letting your bait drift downstream naturally is effective.
#### Float Fishing
- Use a bobber to suspend your bait at the right depth, which is especially useful for steelhead.
#### Trolling
- For king salmon, trolling with lures or bait can be effective, particularly in deeper water.
#### Casting and Retrieving
- For lures, vary your retrieve speed and depth to entice strikes.
### Fishing Locations
- **Pools and Runs**: Look for deeper pools and runs where fish might hold.
- **Structure**: Fish around rocks, logs, and undercut banks, as both steelhead and king salmon often seek shelter.
### Regulations
Ensure you check local regulations for specific rules regarding catch limits, fishing seasons, and permitted gear types, as these can change frequently.
By following these tips and being mindful of the conditions, you can have a successful fishing trip targeting both steelhead and king salmon on the Smith River!