Smith River Steelhead Report

Steelhead fishing on the Smith River has improved somewhat with a little better catch rates reported for angler's in the right place at the right time. Angler's can expect to work a bit harder for their bites and need to capitalize on those bites as they happen. A mix of both fresh and down stream steelhead are coming in for both boat and bank angler's. Fishing pressure has been light for February and one to three steelhead a day with a few zero's mixed in seemed to be the norm. Rain has returned to the North coast's Smith River with river levels favorable for both the bank and drift boat angler's. Flows did rise to the mid ten foot level at the Jed Smith Park gauge and are now dropping at the time of this report. Steelhead have averaged 8 to 12 pounds with steelhead in the mid to high teen's or even the low twenty pound class a real possibility on the Smith River. Side drifting natural cured roe and a Quickie puffball or various glo bug yarn combo's and Quickie puffball's have produced most hook-ups. Back trolling Hot shots and Brad's wiggler's in various color combo's has also been a good go to technique. Flows at the time of this report are 10.58 feet at the Jed Smith gauge. Some light rain is forecasted to return briefly by the weekend. Angler's should call ahead as river conditions can change quickly on the Smith River.

for current river conditions or just talk fishin' call Dave Jacobs at 1-800-355-3113 or our website davejacobsfishing.com.

First time for everything...February has traditionally been a great month to get out and steelhead fish on our North coasts rivers. Bright sunny days are also a real possibility this time of year and after a short dry spell many North coast rivers can be a good choice as conditions can be right for a great trip. Many have dreamed of a steelhead trip and some have yet to experience some great steelheading on one of our North coasts gems. The Smith, Chetco, Eel, Van Duzen and Redwood creek are some good choices to give steelheading a try if conditions are right. Stan Salonius from Bella Vista, Ca. joined Professional guide service's Dave Jacobs in mid February for a shot at his first ever steelhead. Well as luck would have it, 77 year old Stan hooks and lands his first ever steelhead, a 15 pound steelhead while side drifting roe and a Quickie puffball. Here is Stan with his steelhead for a quick photo before a healthy, successful release. Great job Stan!!