Smith salmon

Just got back from the Smith. Fished saturday, sunday and monday. Rained much of the time, camped in the rain. The river went up and down flow-wise during the course of the day. Lots of drift boats getting about a fish per boat, chromers all. The fly contingent still got fish. Yesterday I was double-hauling at the Water Tower Hole where huge silver fish were aggressively rolling well within fly range. They just wouldn't take. Great show though. I was going to fish this spot today but the weather started to get nasty so I broke camp and started home in a downpour.
This morning the flow was under 1500cfs. It is now over 4000.
I'm going back up friday or saturday towing the drift boat and a buddy. I have room for one more body on the boat so if you're around let me know. I'd be happy to take you for a lunch and a beer.
It just started raining in earnest here in Willits.

Hi Mako1,

I was planning on going up to fish the sand hole this weekend. Is there any action happening from the bank fishermans?

I live in san jose so my co-worker and I will be doing the redeye tour if the action is worth the drive.

any intell will help out.

Thanks for the report.

Thanks for the report Juan.  I too was hoping to go next weekend, but I am going to San Diego for work...maybe next weekend.

Hey Alien, the Sand Hole is over for the year unless the flows get real low again. Low flows would be 1000cfs or less. Last night the flows got to 14k cfs, this morning at 8k.
There are opps for bankies. You just have to make casts between all the drift boats going by. I'm kidding, but not much.
Do you know any holes? The Early hole is good for bobbers. Same for the Society hole. Anothe neat hole that you drive right up to, turn into Templeman Grove right off the north bank road. Follow the river rock road as far downstream as you can. When you can't go anymore, voila', there's the hole. All these places are well below the forks. Above the forks it is dirty water.
Hope it doesn't rain anymore, the river is plenty high. The forecast is for more rain off and on.
Let me know if you need to know anything else.

Thanks mako1 for all the info. The Sandhole is the only one i ever fished, except the mouth.  The other holes you mention are all new to me and don't have any knowledge of these area. But I will definitely explore more on this river.

Good luck to you!

Would like to see some Pic's if possible

Alex

Are you still gonna' go? If so, PM me and I'll give you my cell #. It's not a given that I'll get your call up there, but if so we could get in touch and I'll help you out as much as I can.
I'm leaving at dark:30 friday morning, hoping for a short drift friday afternoon.
Fish on!