Arizona Fish Report
Smith River Fish Report for 1-1-2026
Smith River Fish Report for 1-1-2026
The river dropped into shape last weekend and has been fishable since
Smith River - Smith River, CA (Del Norte County)

by Kenny Priest
1-1-2026
Website
The river dropped into shape last weekend and has been fishable since. A few fish were caught each day by the plunkers as well as the boats drifting from the forks down. It was just starting to rise slowly Thursday, and it’s predicted to peak at 10.6 feet on the Jed Smith gauge early Friday. With a break in the rain, it should be driftable by mid-day Friday. By Saturday its forecast for a much steeper rise, reaching 14.5 feet Sunday afternoon. Monday looks like a good day for plunking, and by Tuesday it should be in great shape to drift. The 10-day forecast has the river hovering between 11 and 12 feet from Tuesday through next weekend.
Find "Fishing the North Coast" on Facebook and fishingthenorthcoast.com for up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information. Questions, comments and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.
More Reports
Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports
for Thursday, January 1st
Mattole River: Mattole River opened to fishing Jan. 1
Mad River: The Mad is still high and dirty and is about to get another big rise
Eel River: The Eel dipped below 13,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday, but another big rise is on the way
Eel River - South Fork: Predicted to peak at over 19,000 cfs Sunday afternoon
Van Duzen River: Flows are predicted to reach 11,700 cfs Sunday morning
Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports
for Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Mad River: The Mad is high and off color, sitting at just over 9 feet on Thursday
Eel River: After reaching 48,000 cfs Wednesday night, the man Eel was on the drop Thursday
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork Eel is big and muddy, and temporarily on the drop
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen peaked at over 8,700 cfs Wednesday morning, but has dropped quickly
Smith River: The Smith jumped to over 21 feet Wednesday, but has since dropped down to a fishable height
Chetco River: Chetco/Elk/Sixes Report
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