The Smith River is California's premier steelhead fishery and the only river in California where anglers are allowed to keep a wild fish. Steelhead are tremendous fighters and the terrain of the river makes landing one a unsurpassed challenge. The river can be drift fished from the forks to the river mouth, and much of the Middlefork around Gasquet, including here at Middlefork Ranch, provides excellent opportunity for bank and fly fishermen. The season runs from mid December through the end of March.

The prime Chinook run is November through mid December. Wild fish stocks are augmented with plants from the Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery. These are big fish in a small river making for some of the best action on the West coast.

During late Spring through the Summer Sea Run Cutthroat return to the river. They can be caught on spinning or fly gear at Middlefork Ranch. These fish are aggressive and can get up to about 6 pounds making for non-stop action on a 5 wt. Fly rod!

Other local fishing opportunities can be found at nearby lakes, which are stocked with rainbow trout by CDFG. Halibut are common off Crescent City during the Summer.