Smith River - Flows were under 1,600 cfs (6.6 feet) on the Jed Smith gauge Friday

Flows were under 1,600 cfs (6.6 feet) on the Jed Smith gauge Friday

Smith River - Smith River, CA (Del Norte County)

by Kenny Priest
1-23-2026
Website

Flows were under 1,600 cfs (6.6 feet) on the Jed Smith gauge Friday. Despite the low, clear conditions, fishing has been decent for the boats still trying. Fishing pressure has been very light as a lot of anglers have moved to other rivers. The ensemble forecast shows an increase in flows beginning next Friday, which will improve conditions.

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More Reports

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Friday, January 23rd

Mad River: The Mad is in good shape and steelhead are showing up
Eel River: The main stem dropped into shape this week and is nice and green, but still big
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork is running at just above 1,000 cfs at Miranda as of Friday
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen was down to 190 cfs Friday and is in great shape

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, January 15th

Mad River: The Mad is starting to come around, both in color and height, but is still off color
Eel River: The main stem is still big, but starting to turn as of Thursday, flowing at just above 8,600 cfs and dropping
: The South Fork is green, and was holding right around 1,800 cfs at Miranda
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen was down to 425 cfs as of Thursday and should be plenty fishable
Smith River: The Smith is getting low and clearing
Chetco River: The Chetco dropped into prime shape, with fair to good action for steelhead