Smith River Fishing Holes

Click on map to see fishing holes
click here for Flood stage at Dr. Fine bridge

click here for Flood stage at Jed Smith Hiouchi bridge

Rowdy Creek Hatchery
LODGING 
  
WEATHER
Campsites  see below
Fish Picts.
Smith River
In the farthest northwest corner of California, in Del Norte county, several miles from the Oregon border, & 10 miles north of Crescent City is the Last of California's free flowing rivers, The Smith River drops quickly during its 35 mile descent from the Siskiyou mountains to the Pacific Ocean. From this river come the largest Steelhead & Chinook Salmon in California. The California state record steelhead, 27lbs 4 oz and the states second largest Chinook Salmon, 86lb, were both taken from the Smith River. Steelhead over 20lbs are caught regularly, the Chinook Salmon averaging 20 to 40 lbs. This has earned the Smith the nickname "Little Kenai"

The Smith River is also the quickest clearing the northern coastal rivers. After major storms, the Smith is fishable in a couple of days, while some of the other rivers take up to 2 weeks. The fast flowing nature of the Smith has allowed it to carve its bed down to the bedrock creating clear clean water. Some of the local communities still use the Smith for their water.

The Smith River also is a host to runs of silver salmon, coho, and has sea-run cutthroat trout almost year round. The Chinook Salmon start coming in late summer around August, going through late December, peaking in November. Steelhead start their runs in early December and go through March, with their peak in January.

The Smith River flows through some of the most rugged & beautiful scenery in California. Prompting the legislature to designate the Smith a Wild & Scenic River to be protected & preserved forever. Coming down from Six Rivers National Forest through Jedediah State Park, & on down to the lower river it becomes very difficult at times whether to look at the scenery or to fish. Do not miss a visit to the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery, located in the town of Smith River. The hatchery is the only one privately owned & supported by donations. It offers tours daily and is a wonderful opportunity to see how our sport is being kept alive & healthy.

CAMPSITES ALONG THE SMITH RIVER
click for Additional Camping Info

PRIVATE
Town of Smith River
Best Western Ship Ashore Motel
12370 Highway 101 North
 Smith River CA 95567
Voice Phone 707-487-3141 Best Western Reservations 800-487-3141
Three miles south of Oregon border at the mouth of the Smith River,
overlooking Pacific. Meeting facilities, cocktail lounge,
restaurant, some kitchens, boat launch/rent. 50 Units.
&
   SHIP ASHORE RV PARK
Location: From the town of Smith River, head north on 101 for three miles
Facilities: 212 motor home sites, separated area for tents.
Laundromat, Market, Showers & Guide Service is available
Fee: $13.50/night winter; $15.00/night Summer
Reservations are accepted  Phone: (707) 487-3141 ext. 6
               FISHERMEN SPECIAL: $10 first night/ $13.50 additional nights.
               Plus "Two for One" drink coupons for Captain's Lounge,
and a Coupon Book for Lucky 7 Casino

Salmon Harbor Resort
200 Salmon Harbor Rd
Smith River CA 95567
Voice Phone  707-487-3341
Located three miles north of the town of Smith River on Highway 101
at the mouth of the Smith River, overlooking the ocean.
Enjoy fishing, beach combing, driftwood and agate hunting.
Children welcome. Ice, tackle sales, recreation room and hot showers.
  80 full service and 13 partial services RV sites, maximum of 40 feet and 30 amps.

PUBLIC
PANTHER FLAT
Location: From Gasquet drive east on 199 for 2.5 miles
Facilities: 42 sites for tents, trailers, & motor homes up to 22 feet.
Water, toilets, fireplaces Laundromat, groceries,
& propane are available nearby.
Fee: $8.00/night; Reservations are NOT accepted
Phone: (707) 457-3131 - Six Rivers National Forest

JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS STATE PARK
Location: From Crescent City, drive 9 miles east on 199.
               From town of Smith River, drive three miles south on 101 to 197,
               then 7 miles south to 199 & park
               Facilities: 108 sites for tents or motor homes up to 30 feet.
               Water, showers, toilets, & fireplaces
               Laundromat, groceries, & propane are available nearby.
               Fee: $12-14/night; Reservations are accepted through MISTIX (800) 444-PARK
               ($6.75 fee for making these reservations)
               Phone: (707) 458-3310 or (707) 464-9533

GRASSY FLAT
Location:From Gasquet drive 5 miles east on 199
               Facilities: 8 tent spaces & 11 for tents motor homes. Water, toilets, & fireplaces
               Laundromat, groceries, & propane are available nearby.
               Fee: $8.00/night; Reservations are NOT accepted
               Phone: (707) 457-3131 - Six Rivers National Forest

PATRICK CREEK
Location:From Gasquet drive 8 miles east on 199
               Facilities: 5 tent spaces & 12 for tents motor homes. Water, toilets, & fireplaces
               Fee: $8.00/night; Reservations are NOT accepted
               Phone: (707) 457-3131 - Six Rivers National Forest