Smith River

This is a short report cuz there's not much to report. I was there from friday to sunday. The river is flowing enough to be completely open to fishing, though that will probably change in the morning. There are a few dark fish rolling in the usual spots. The tidewater, which I'm interested in, was pretty empty and quiet. The only thing going was to line up right at the mouth and chuck your big Kastmasters and Cleos. Even there, their wasn't more than a half dozen fish caught in the evening's out-go tide.
The fish caught at the mouth seemed to be a coppery color. I've heard that these early fish do have a certain tint to them.
I usually see big numbers before Halloween. I've got my fingers crossed. Rain is in the forecast.

Thanks for the report Juan. I've been doing the rain dance all day!

As of right now!!!! 2042 hours.  Your Dance SUCKS

As of right now!!!! 2042 hours.  Your Dance SUCKS

 

Lot's of love between the Mendo Crew 


Juan.....you PROMISED me a guided trip.....I'll be waiting for that phone call brudah 

Gotta give ya credit Juan! at least you're looking for them.....don't forget to post when you find them, so we can ALL run up and join YOU!

Thanks for the report, Juan.  I just got back in town and am hoping the Eel estuary livens up too.  The Smith is a very special river.  If any of you ever have a chance to spend any time on it do it for sure!

Eric

Going to be at Redwood National Park, and the Smith on Sunday for the first time.  Anywhere near the park I should try for Steelies/Salmon?

Try areas around the mouth of the Klamath, 2-Skinny.  I think the quota's not full down there yet.  And on the Smith it's probably still not happening upstream yet, so try around the mouth there too.  "Mouth of Smith River Road" is short and sweet - about 1 minute from 101 to the mouth where you can park and literally walk down a 50' trail to the casting zone.  Try Little Cleos or Kastmasters in big, gold - remember to go barbless.  Retrieve slowly - it's not a spinner.  Repetition is the key.  They don't want to bite, but sometimes they spontaneously go after your offering.  There's also a hole somewhere down near the mouth where the fish will hold - "Sand Hole".  I don't know how to get there, but I think Alex/Alien does.  Good luck!