California Fishing Reports ยท North Coast Region
The Smith is California's last big undammed river, running clear and green through redwoods near Crescent City, with some of the biggest winter steelhead on the coast.
Looking for the latest Smith River, California river report? This page is updated by the AvidMax fly shop team with live flows, current conditions, hatches and the flies working now on the Smith River โ Crescent City.
Current flows
Heads up: The Smith is under the North Coast low-flow closure rules. Check the CDFW low-flow hotline before you go.
Wind forecast
Smith River fishing report
Updated November 7, 2026.
The gauge near Crescent City reads around 200 cfs, which is very low for the season. Low-flow closures are likely in effect until the winter rains arrive.
Once the river comes up after the first big storms, salmon and then steelhead move in. Swing flies or drift egg patterns through the runs.
Load your fly box
Before you head to Crescent City, bring: Egg #8-12, Woolly Bugger #4-6, Pat', s Rubber Legs #6-8, Zebra Midge #18-22, RS2 Emerger #18-22, JuJu Baetis #18-22, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-20, Black Beauty #20-24, Squirmy Wormie #12-14, Scud Bomb #14-16.
Flies working right now
The flies above that we have in stock right now.
Smith River details
| Access | Access around Hiouchi, Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park and the South Fork Road. |
|---|---|
| Elevation | Near sea level |
| Nearest town | Crescent City, California |
| Best season | Winter |
| Fish | Steelhead, salmon and coastal cutthroat |
| Regulations | Low-flow closures and special steelhead rules apply. Check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations for the current rules. A California sport fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. |
| Leaders and tippet | 9 ft leaders, 2X to 3X tippet |
| Camping | Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park |
| Kids | Partly in summer. |
| Good to know | Low-flow closure status changes often in the fall. |
Fishing by season
Winter
Winter steelhead.
Spring
Late steelhead.
Summer
Swimming water.
Fall
Low-flow closures and salmon.
How to get there
From Crescent City, take US-199 east to Hiouchi.