Smith River?

I'd like to fish the Smith this winter but have a few questions about access and safety.  Are the winter flows conducive to kayak fishing?  What flow rate is too high?  What area?

If it doesn't make sense to yak fish then the bank will have to do.  It looks like a great place.

Hey Flying Yak,

Id say any time from now on out would probably be good looks like they have already gotten enough rain to push some fish in and it will only get better, There is the rowdy boat launch, Have to buy a permit so unless you local and plan on muliple days fishing this may not be the choice for you. But Ive hooked dozen of 40in plus fish, within 100yard of that launch.

I found this map (http://www.northcoastweb.com/fishing/rivers/smith/spot_smi.HTM) while living up there gives a good variety of launches there are a lot more as well but without being there and seeing it giving directions is hard, If the flows are up too much to yak the mouth is a good option from shore as well as off lower lake road bring waders for this section, Toss little cleos as well as see what others are getting them on. You want a decent flow to work the flat fish.

Make sure you have a quick release anchor and at least a 5lb I prefer a 10lb anchor the cone shape ones seem to work best.



Goof source for reports
http://www.usafishing.com/smith.html

Searching Smith River on this forum will give you alot of info remember limit one fish a day 5 annual.

Some of these flows are way too fast for the yak but awesome video with clips from alot of the north coast rivers

The Smith is a WILD river - some places will kill you quickly in a fishing yak.  I've fished it several times by kayak and never landed an adult salmon.  This year's reports are of an extremely tough bite even for the locals.  The next few weeks are peak season, and the kings do run huge up there - a 40 to 50 pound fish is definitely not out of the question.  Rhyak has given some very good info here.  If you make the trip be sure to do your homework, and good luck.   

The Smith is a WILD river - some places will kill you quickly in a fishing yak.  I've fished it several times by kayak and never landed an adult salmon.  This year's reports are of an extremely tough bite even for the locals.  The next few weeks are peak season, and the kings do run huge up there - a 40 to 50 pound fish is definitely not out of the question.  Rhyak has given some very good info here.  If you make the trip be sure to do your homework, and good luck.   

+1
I talked with a friend last night who's staying up there right now and he said its been very tough. He's been driving up to the Chetco where the actions been steady.  The Smith needs rain.

RHYAK and Guys, thanks for alll the info!  I need to sort through this and digest.  What you are saying makes sense.

  If work cooperates I might get up there this weekend.  I've been watching the weather and noticed from the last rain that the river seems to come back into shape quickly. So  maybe some "Thursday or Friday rain is just what we need for the weekend.

Thanks again.