Steelhead fishing on the Smith River has improved for angler's in the right place at the right time. Overall this season most have experienced tough fishing but some are reporting better fishing late this week. Many steelheader's have moved to other North coast river's looking for better steelheading. 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 early March but angler's can expect a bit more pressure this weekend with the derby taking place on both the Smith and Chetco river's. Catch rates have varried with one to three fish landed being a good day on this system. Steelhead have averaged 7 to 10 pounds. 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. Precise casts in low clear fishing conditions is key to produce 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 when fishing quiet water in low clear conditions. Flows at the time of this report are 8.12 feet at the Jed Smith gauge and expected to rise slightly to the low 9 foot level. Some light rain is forecasted to return briefly after 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.