Smith River 

Pacific Northwest

Tucked away in the extreme northern area of California’s redwoods, the Smith is a river that must be experienced to be believed. As California’s last free-flowing river, the Smith holds good numbers of large wild steelhead in a pristine and wild river canyon. At Fly Water Travel we have waited for the right fly fishing program to be developed on one of our favorite winter fisheries and Rich Zellman has answered the call! Packages for two anglers at a time include lodging and meals at Rock Creek Ranch to ensure guests a secluded and utterly unique coastal fishing experience.

Smith River Location:
The Smith River is located in northern California near Gasquet, CA.

Smith River Fishing Program:
The Smith River is a free-flowing coastal river and, as such, can be subject to wildly fluctuating water levels. Anglers should come prepared to fish a variety of techniques and water types. Under normal conditions anglers will access the river by raft on each of their fishing days. Due to the canyon nature of some sections, expect to fish some water while floating. Anglers will be getting out of the boat frequently to fish different areas on foot. Fishing while wading will be a combination of dead-drift and swung-fly techniques. Most, if not all, of the fishing will employ spey and switch rods.

Days on the water are fairly athletic, requiring sometimes difficult wading and walking around certain whitewater rapids. Note: Studded wading boots should be considered mandatory! Full days on the water can be expected as the winter days are short and Rich likes to fish the entire day.

Smith River Accommodations and Meals:
Anglers fishing the Smith River will have streamside accommodations at Rock Creek Ranch, owned and managed by the Smith River Alliance – a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the Smith River. Each group of two anglers will have exclusive use of the Ranch House on the 15-acre property and each guest will have their own room. Although Rock Creek Ranch is “off the grid”, power is supplied through a sustainable power station. While not fancy, Rock Creek Ranch is comfortable and homey. Meals will be prepared by your guide and are simple, straight-forward and delicious.

Smith River Sample Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Rock Creek Ranch.
Days 2-3: Full days of guided fishing.
Day 4: Depart lodge after breakfast.

Complete Trip Details