Steelhead season begins on Chetco, Smith

Steelhead season is under way on the Wild Rivers Coast, with fish now in the Chetco and Smith rivers. Fishing was slow for much of December, but now that rain has arrived, fresh steelhead are showing up.

The Chetco has been the best bet so far in 2019, and should get even better with the latest series of rain storms. Capt. Andy and Capt. Rye have both had success, with lots of halfpounders and a few nice adults.

Just before the latest rain storm, schools of steelhead could be seen on the lower Chetco. The fish were holding in the flats and tailouts, waiting for more rain to move upriver.

Peak season on the Chetco is now through late February. March also can be good, especially in the upper river, where Capt. Andy and Capt. Travis are two of just a handful of guides with special permits from the Forest Service to fish.

We also are running ocean bottom fishing charters during the winter months, as the weather allows. Capt. Andy took the Miss Brooke on a rockfish and lingcod charter Jan. 1, the first charter trip of the year out of Brookings. Aside from limits of big rockfish, the six passengers also caught a boat load of lingcod.

To book a river or ocean charter, call (541) 813-1082.