A double hook-up on the Trinity A kwik fish from the Trinity 17 lb steelhead, Smith River Jill and Ana with a wee steelie from the Eel River

Trinity River

Trinity River is located 45 miles east of Eureka, California. Our season on the Trinity begins in September and continues through to November. We fish the Trinity from its south fork to where it meets the Klamath. This gives us about 30 miles of river to work with. Within this stretch of river we have about 5 different drifts to choose from. Each drift is about 6 miles long. For the fair-weather fisherman these trips are perfect. The temperatures are usually between 70 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit with very little rainfall during this time of year. The Trinity has carved its way through some of the most rugged terrain in California, which adds plenty of scenery and a little whitewater to a fishing trip. The Trinity runs so clear you can see the fish as we drift down the river. This river is also unique because you can target both salmon and steelhead all in the same day. The Trinity has given us some of our best days of fishing; hooking 20 fish a day is not uncommon. Salmon average 15 pounds with the ocassional 30 - 40 pounder being caught. Steelhead average about 8 pounds.

Smith River

The Smith River is the only wild river in California. Its pristine water winds through old growth redwoods, which gives it a unique beauty that can't be matched. It has produced the state's record steelhead weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces. Salmon in the 60 pound range are not uncommon.

Salmon fishing on the Smith starts with the first big rain in the fall; usually in late October or early November. The rain triggers the fish to start their journey up river. As the fish migrate up river we intercept them by back bouncing bait or pulling plugs. This season lasts until December.

Steelhead season on the Smith begins in late December when they begin to enter the system in large numbers. We target these fish by side drifting bait. Steelhead fishing on the Smith continues into April.

Eel River

On the Eel River we target mainly steelhead. This fishery starts in December and lasts until April. Due to the high sediment content any significant amount of rain can turn this river from emerald green to chocolate milk overnight. It may be weeks before the river becomes fishable and when it does it may only last for few days before it blows out again. The natives of the Eel River valley called the river "Weott Lolla," which means "many eels" or "river of plenty." When conditions are ideal this name proves to be true. When we do get a chance to fish the Eel it's a real treat; fishing pressure is generally low and the scenery is outstanding.

Keep in mind this river is catch and release only.