The Mad is sitting right around 11 feet as of Thursday and is now on the drop

Mad River - Arcata, CA

by Kenny Priest
1-8-2026
Website

The Mad is sitting right around 11 feet as of Thursday and is now on the drop. With no rain in the forecast, it could drop down to a fishable color and height by late next week. It’s predicted to be at 8.5 feet by mid-next week.

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More Reports

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, January 1st

Mattole River: Mattole River opened to fishing Jan. 1
Mad River: The Mad is still high and dirty and is about to get another big rise
Eel River: The Eel dipped below 13,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday, but another big rise is on the way
Eel River - South Fork: Predicted to peak at over 19,000 cfs Sunday afternoon
Van Duzen River: Flows are predicted to reach 11,700 cfs Sunday morning
Smith River: The river dropped into shape last weekend and has been fishable since
Chetco River: The Chetco dropped into shape over the weekend

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, December 18th, 2025

Mad River: The Mad is high and off color, sitting at just over 9 feet on Thursday
Eel River: After reaching 48,000 cfs Wednesday night, the man Eel was on the drop Thursday
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork Eel is big and muddy, and temporarily on the drop
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen peaked at over 8,700 cfs Wednesday morning, but has dropped quickly
Smith River: The Smith jumped to over 21 feet Wednesday, but has since dropped down to a fishable height
Chetco River: Chetco/Elk/Sixes Report