Smith River

Boat Ramps: 14
Access Points: 33
Species: 8

The Smith River in Del Norte County, CA is California's last undammed river, flowing freely from the Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Known for its crystal-clear jade-green waters, the Smith River is renowned for world-class fishing opportunities throughout its pristine watershed. The river system consists of three main forks—the North, Middle, and South—which converge to form the main stem that flows approximately 25 miles to the ocean. The Smith River is famous for producing trophy-sized steelhead and salmon, with the state record steelhead (27 pounds, 4 ounces) and second-largest Chinook salmon (86 pounds) both caught in these waters. Its free-flowing nature and exceptional water quality make it one of the cleanest rivers in the continental United States and a premier destination for anglers seeking an outstanding fishing experience in a spectacular setting surrounded by redwood groves.

California licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Smith River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Rainbow Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Cutthroat Trout

Oncorhynchus clarkii

American Shad

Alosa sapidissima

Chinook Salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Chum Salmon

Oncorhynchus keta

Coho Salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Sockeye Salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

Steelhead

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Smith River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Smith River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

California licenses and regulations

California Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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California Fishing License Online

In California, anyone under the age of 16 or above is required to get a sport fishing license to take any fish; shell fish, reptile or amphibian in the state.

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California Freshwater Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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California Stream Access Laws

The courts have described the reach of the California public right of navigation as “the right to navigate and to exercise the incidents of navigation in a lawful manner at any point below high water mark” on waters that satisfy California’s small craft test. Thus, property owners cannot interfere with the public’s right to navigate or use shoreline areas below the ordinary high water mark for incidents of navigation. In fact, unauthorized obstruction of the public’s right to access and use a navigable waterway constitutes a public nuisance.

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Take Smith River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Smith River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Smith River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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