The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Hey guys,
I would like to take a trip up to the Smith and Klamath for steelhead this season. Given the long drive up there, I'll only have enough vacation time to do it once. Thus, I would like to target the best time possible. I'll have a boat (raft set up for fishing), but also planned on hiring a guide on each river (if available). Any recommendations or info would be much appreciated (questions like those below).

~If I had to choose a weekend now, what would be the prime time? I know very little about these rivers.

~Anything special to know about fishing these rivers...flies, types of water, swing vs indicator.

~Can you recommend any guides (fly fishing only)?

~Recommend sections to float on our own, put-in's/take-out's?

~Motels, shops and places to eat are always welcome

You can post here or email me directly if you like.
Thanks,
~Brett

I would reccomend you forget about the Klamath. It is one of the first to blow out and one of the last to come in. Instead i would reccomend the chetco in southern oregon. Pick any weekend in january or feb. that is the best time to be on either of those rivers. Call mike at eureka fly shop for guides 707-442-4000

If you do decide on the Klamath, here is what I'd say (and my dad would actually know better)... floating line, 6-7 wt is probably great. No realy need in most places for much of a sinking line at all... on the swing is pretty effective and a great way to cover water. Having a raft may change that a bit, unless you don't have someone to row. The Klamath has a few rapids that are kind of sketchy, so make sure you have asked around about the stretch you end up fishing.

I know nothing about the Smith except that it's beautiful, has some big fish and can be difficult to fish (either gin clear or blown out).

B-

The Smith will be packed with gear guys.The lower river is not really condusive for flyfishing.The South and Middle forks offer better fly water.The Smith will be the first river to clear after any major rain event and usually fishes best at around 9' at Jed Smith.Plenty of lodging available in Crescent City.As far as put ins and take outs I haven't a clue as I have only wade fished here.Being flexible is helpful!Good luck.
Jay

There you go again, Little Hoover, giving out "spots" info. Now, Brett will bring 300 of his buddies to the S. Fork!

Email me about your successes this weekend. I'm still physically recovering. Bad shoulder and wrist.

Brett, I'd use an 8 wt. on the Smith. It's VERY tough to fish. I spent 7 days in the rain there last Feb. with no hits, runs or errors...maybe it was an error staying so long!

I agree with Jay that the forks are more accessable. I used large egg patterns when I hooked my fish, but there, the steelies are more like the fish of a four thousand casts.

I'd try the Chetco in So. Oregon.