The Rivers | Techniques | Gear | Contact Info | River Map (484 KB PDF)

Tackle Considerations
WHEN PLANNING A TRIP TO EUREKA, you must be prepared for varied conditions, because the waters in the Six Rivers National Forest are incredibly diverse and subject to change as the weather changes. During a single weekend of fishing, you can go from using floating lines to present small flies to steelhead and browns (16 inches to 10 pounds) on the Trinity to using sinking-tips to swing large, colorful flies in front of large Chinooks and steelhead in the Smith or Eel rivers. The effects of continued logging over the last century cause many of the rivers to blow out with even moderate rains. this requires anglers to hop from one water to another--sometimes more than once in a day--to find good conditions.

Since most of the fly fishing in the Six Rivers area is for steelhead, the following basic checklist of equipment and techniques focuses on these fish, but I've provided a few comments on gearing up for Chinooks.

You should bring at least two rods, a 5- or 6-weight and an 8-weight. The lighter rod is good for the Klamath and Trinity, because it won't overpower the half-pounders and can handle the medium-size (4 to 8 pounds) adult steelhead in both rivers easily. It is also perfect for presenting the small (#6-#10) flies most anglers use on the Klamath system.

The heavier 8-weight rod (9 1/2-foot recommended) is ideal for fishing the heavier waters of the Smith, Mad, and Eel, where you can chase fall Chinooks in the lower pools and tidewater, or hurl heavy sinking-tips and large flies to winter steelhead in the upper waters. Rods should have the power to land a large Chinook (up to 60 pounds possible).

Salmon and steelhead fly fishing requires a lot of casting, so you need a rod that you can use all day without tiring. Because thick willows and alders surround many of the best steelhead runs in northern California, the rod must roll cast well. Most steelheaders prefer rods of nine feet or longer with a medium to medium-fast action because these offer the best line control, roll casting, and mending capabilities--all of which are critical to presenting the fly successfully.

Contrary to popular belief, high-priced reels with hi-tech drags are not necessary for successful salmon and steelhead fishing. Choose a sturdy, well-made reel that can hold your line plus at least 150 yards of fresh 20- or 30-pound-test backing. The reel should have a drag that gives out line smoothly and won't overrun when a fish takes your line for a long run.

Put fresh 20- or 30-pound-test backing on your reel, and make sure there are no tangles buried deep in the reel spool. Attach the backing to the fly line with a nail knot or Albright knot, and apply Aquaseal or epoxy to the knot to reinforce it and help it slide smoothly through the rod guides.

If a fish runs you into your backing, wind the backing onto your reel evenly and with consistent tight pressure to avoid digging one layer of backing into another. If you can't do that while fighting a fish--few anglers can--be aware that if the fish makes another run, the backing may come off with a jerky motion. After you land and release a fish that has run you into your backing, strip off the line and backing, then wind it onto the reel evenly and with consistent tight pressure before fishing again.

The most important equipment to carry is a complete selection of fly lines, because in one day you may have to change from fishing small flies on floating lines to swinging large, gaudy patterns on high-density sinking-tips to catch fish. Carry at least the following lines for each rod: a weight-forward floating line and medium (100- to 200-grain) and extra-fast (300-grain or heavier) sinking-tips. Other good lines include clear intermediate or clear-tip lines and lead-core shooting-tapers.

You can carry different lines on different reels or spare spools, or you can use a running line and interchangeable tips, which are available from several companies. You can also make your own tips of various densities and lengths. The tips attach to the floating running line with a loop-to-loop connection for easy changes. If you carry tips of various densities, you can cover most depths.

Attach a 25- or 30-pound-test leader butt section to the end of your fly lines with a needle-nail knot or nail knot. Use a quality leader and tippet material (don't mix brands) and check it often for nicks, abrasions, and wind knots that cause weak spots. If the material is damaged, replace it. Even a slight weak spot in a leader or tippet provides a sure way to lose a large steelhead. The six rivers and their different water conditions require different leader lengths, tippet strengths, and fly selections; I'll address these specifically in the "Fishing the Rivers" section below.

Breathable waders (I prefer Gore-Tex) can make warm days on the Klamath or Trinity rivers more comfortable, but in late fall and winter, you should prepare for cold, damp weather. Use at least 3mm neoprene waders; 5mm boot-foot neoprene waders are available at reasonable prices. Warm neoprene waders have saved many a frigid day on the Smith and Eel rivers. During cold weather, it is critical to dress in layers. Start with a wader undergarment and a shirt of polypropylene or a similar product that wicks perspiration away from your body (legs and torso), then add a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or fleece jacket and your waders. If you become too warm while fishing, take off one layer at a time. Keep a quality rain jacket within close range.


The Eel River (South Fork shown above) is the birthplace of fly fishing for Chinook salmon and steelhead, and still one of the best rivers in the state.

Some steelheaders prefer high-capacity fishing vests; others prefer chest packs or bags they can carry or wear over their shoulders. A few experienced diehards just throw a fly box, tippet material, and nippers into a shirt pocket and go.

My winter steelhead and salmon fishing sometimes includes surprises--unpredicted rain or cold, longer-than-expected days of fishing that can bring on hunger pangs, and minor cuts and bruises from chasing fish down the stream or carelessly rushing along riparian trails. A high-capacity vest helps me address these surprises. It holds my rain jacket, drinking water, snacks, first aid/survival kit, several boxes of flies, a stream thermometer, a hook sharpener, and pliers.

Locations and Accommodations
Check river conditions and fishing regulations before venturing to the Eureka area and its six great rivers. Each river has unique seasons and regulations and some have complicated rules that apply to certain sections of water. For example, it is unlawful to kill wild steelhead on any California river except the Smith; and the Eel, Mad, Smith, and Van Duzen are all subject to low-flow closures.

A guide can help you tackle the challenges of fly fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Eureka area. The Eureka Fly Shop, 707-444-2000, provides guide services for the Eel, Van Duzen, Mad, Klamath, and Smith rivers, and it carries all the necessary equipment for these waters. Tim Bermingham, 209-984-4007, is one of few independent guides who specializes in fly fishing the Smith River. David DeMoss at Dave's Guide Service, 530-623-3150, and the Trinity Fly Shop, 530-623-6757, both offer guide services on the upper Trinity River.

Eureka is central to all the rivers I've mentioned. It is closest to the Eel, Van Duzen, and Mad. The city offers a range of accommodations, from inexpensive motor lodges to fancier hotels, and a broad choice of restaurants. For details, call the Eureka Chamber of Commerce, 707-442-3738.

The town of Garberville, about an hour south of Eureka and adjacent to the South Fork of the Eel River, has several motels and restaurants.

Crescent City, just minutes from the Smith, has plenty of restaurants and lodging options.

Klamath Glen, near the lower Klamath, has the Steelhead Lodge, 707-482-8145, and Peggy's Palace of Pleasure, 707-482-7905.

The cities of Willow Creek, Weaverville, and Lewiston have motels and restaurants near the Trinity. In Weaverville, you can stay at the Weaverville Hotel, 916-623-3121, and walk to good restuaraunts, including the La Grange Cafe.