Smith River Sammies

Got a call from a friend on Friday, the 6th. He had just gotten a call from a guide up North that told him if there was a day he should be fishing, it would be the 7th. The guide went on to say that he had been out that day, caught fish, and was going out on a second trip that afternoon with some more clients. He also said that he had seen or heard of several fish in the 50+ lb category being landed.
So we hauled a-- and went up to Crescent City. We checked in to a motel, where several drift boats were parked so it looked like we were on to something. Got some din din and went to bed.
Woke up. It was raining like crazy. Didn't really know what that meant, but usually it's good for the Smith so. . .
Got to the guides place and the first thing out of his mouth is "River's closed". Just a joke I guess but after you've driven seven hours to get there. . not Funny. The guide proceeds to tell everyone in the room that the river is full of fish. They came in big time. . etc.
Then we get shuffled off to one of his hired hands. Not expected. . but Oh well.
During conversation, when he wasn't being a total jerk, my friend asks him about all the big fish coming in and he says "The river just opened today. It has been too low otherwise." and he "Didn't know what the guide was talking about." ????????
He did get us into some fish. Old fish. Ones that had been in the river for a few weeks. Not as advertised.
I hooked seven, landed five. To 27 pounds. My friend was not so lucky. He lost two. Long distance releases.

But I'd say, if you have time after this next rain. Head up to the Smith, either with your kayak or hire a guide. The fishing Will be great.

The questionable intell was probably from tidewater where it's always open - they've been catching some slugs on the outgoing tides near the mouth.

Where's the pics?!   

Thanks for the report. 

Glad to hear you caught 7 and landed 5 that indicates the fish are there and willing to hit lures.  Thanks for the report Jeff.

The questionable intell was probably from tidewater where it's always open - they've been catching some slugs on the outgoing tides near the mouth.

Where's the pics?!   

Thanks for the report. 

Hi Eric,

why is that the bite on the Smith in the tidewater always good on the out going tide?

Alex

The questionable intell was probably from tidewater where it's always open - they've been catching some slugs on the outgoing tides near the mouth.

Where's the pics?!   

Thanks for the report. 

Hi Eric,

why is that the bite on the Smith in the tidewater always good on the out going tide?

Alex

My knowledge is limited to what I've heard, but I theorize it's because water, including fresh water, is flowing out like it would when rains bring the river up, so the fish come into the estuary from the ocean, mill around, discover that the water isn't up like they really want it, and go back out into the ocean.  In the meantime some of them are caught - it's a good way to catch a very fresh fish, but, like all salmon fishing in the river, it's not easy by any means. 

Thanks Man!

I just wanted an opinion0n from a local. I notice that in all the tidewaters i fished it was all the same on the out going tide. In the tide waters of Ship Creek located in down town Anchorage, AK I fished only the out going tide, (when i was a local of course). It was always good because i theorize when the water starts getting low the fish always seem to push into the deeper holes which makes the fish that's left in the stream congergate before they realize its time to go back into the inlet or ocean till next tide push up again. Makes it easy to floss them out
I can't wait to be able to get up to the Smith and try my luck again!

Sorry. No pics. Both my friend and I left the cameras in the truck.
Actually we back bounced roe all day, which I much prefer to pulling plugs. (BORING)