Smith River - Crescent City - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Smith River – Crescent City - Water Flow Chart
Smith River – Crescent City - Weather report & radar
Smith River – Crescent City - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Winter Stoneflies | Morning/Afternoon | 8 – 14 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
| February | Blue Wing Olive | Warmer parts of the day | 18 – 20 | Sparkle Dun BWO |
| March | Midges | Morning to Midafternoon | 20 – 22 | Zebra Midge |
| April | Green Drakes | Afternoon until Dusk | 8 – 10 | Comparadun Green Drake |
| May | Caddis | Morning until Dusk | 16 – 18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| June | Little Yellow Stonefly | Morning until Dusk | 14 – 16 | Yellow Sally |
| July | Golden Stoneflies | Morning until Dusk | 8 – 10 | Golden Stone Nymph |
| August | Hoppers, Ants, Beetles | Morning until Dusk | 8 – 14 | Dave’s Hopper, Foam Beetle, Chernobyl Ant |
| September | Mayflies | Mid-Morning until Midafternoon | 14 – 18 | Adams |
| October | Blue Wing Olive | Warmer parts of the day | 16 – 20 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| November | Midges | Morning to Midafternoon | 20 – 22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| December | Winter Stoneflies | Morning/Afternoon | 8 – 14 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Smith River – Crescent City Access Points
The Smith River in Crescent City is renowned for the quality of its fly fishing experiences. Here are some of the top access points for fly fishing:
- South Fork Smith River: Rich in aquatic life, this lower section of the river offers good chances of catching cutthroat and rainbow trout.
- Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park: The park provides access to several river sections for fly fishing. Expect to see steelheads and salmon here.
- Hiouchi Hamlet RV Resort: This resort gives access to a calm stretch of the river, ideal for fly fishing novices, and often yields salmon and steelhead catches.
- Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park: Access the river through this park and encounter multiple species including salmon, steelhead, and trout.
- Smith River National Recreation Area: A pristine and diverse location that offers fantastic fly fishing opportunities, especially for steelhead and salmon.
Smith River – Crescent City Fishing Spots
The Smith River near Crescent City offers a plethora of excellent spots for fly fishing, attracting anglers from all over the world. Here are the top spots:
- Hiouchi Bridge: This location is popular for its deep pools which are rich in Steelhead.
- Middle Fork Smith River: A perfect spot for fly fishing, especially known for its various trout species.
- South Fork Smith River: This remote area is best for catching Salmon.
- Gasquet: Located upstream of Middle Fork and North Fork, this area offers peaceful fishing experience.
- Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park: This park, beside its mesmerizing beauty, also houses several fishing hotspots along the river.
Remember, the Smith River is one of the few undammed rivers in the state, thereby offering an unmatched natural fishing experience.
Smith River – Crescent City Local Fish Species
- Coho Salmon: This species is most commonly fished during late August to November, when they’re returning from the ocean to spawn.
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, these fish become prime targets for fly fishing when they start running up the river from March to early June.
- Steelhead Trout: Unlike the salmons that die after spawning, these fish can survive spawn which makes them a popular target year-round, although winter is the most prime catching season.
- Seatrout: There’s a year-round open season for seatrout on the Smith River, but they’re best caught during later summer and early autumn.
- Rainbow Trout: The Smith River is known for its beautiful Rainbow Trouts, which are mainly fished from May to September.
- Green Sturgeon: These ancient fish can be found in the Smith River, especially during spring and autumn.
- Halibut: While they’re more common on the Pacific coastline, you can also catch Halibut in the Smith River during summer.
- Redtail Surfperch: These smaller-sized fishes are a great target for beginners, with a year-round open season on the Smith River.
About the Smith River – Crescent City
Unwind in the tranquil beauty of the Smith River, famously known for being California’s largest free-flowing river. Its origins can be traced back to the time when Native American tribes relied on its diverse fish population for sustenance. Over time, the river has maintained its pristine conditions, making it a paradise for salmon and steelhead fishermen.
- The Smith River is a significant source of water for resorts and communities, including the vibrant Crescent City.
- This city, nestled along the spectacular coastline, was incorporated back in 1854. Despite the tsunami in 1964, it continues to be considered a gem of the Pacific Northwest.
Community Contributions
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