Fishing in Redwood National Park

Redwood National and State Parks sit along California's far north coast, where the land receives 60 to 80 inches of rain a year and drains into two major rivers, three large creeks, and a string of ponds and lagoons before reaching the Pacific.

The ocean forms the entire western boundary of the parks. That combination of steep coastal watersheds, estuaries, and open beach gives anglers a range of water types within a short distance of each other.

The Smith and Klamath Rivers anchor most of the recreational fishing inside the parks. Both hold salmon and steelhead, and the NPS identifies them as the most popular fishing destinations within park boundaries.

The Klamath also has an estuary where it meets the ocean — a transition zone that holds fish moving between fresh and salt water.

Redwood Creek, which runs roughly 60 miles free-flowing, supports limited trout fishing in certain sections; its estuary near the town of Orick has been the focus of ongoing restoration work for Chinook and coho salmon and steelhead habitat.

Prairie Creek, Lost Man Creek, and Mill Creek are noted as good locations to observe spawning salmon and trout between November and February, when Redwood Creek and the Smith often run too high and fast to approach safely.

Along the coast, surf fishing for night smelt and surfperch is possible from park beaches. The tidepools hold sculpin and other marine species, though most are difficult to observe without diving gear.

Fishing regulations here are managed through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and seasons, bag limits, and legal hours vary by species and location.

The park's laws page references specific Smith River fishing regulations, and the NPS recommends contacting CDFW or a park visitor center for current rules before you go. Fishing contests and similar organized events require a Special Use Permit from the park.

Summer low water on Redwood Creek opens up the banks for watching juvenile salmon and trout; the Smith is clear enough in summer for snorkeling.

The fish are there year-round in one form or another — the timing just determines what you're after and how you get to them.