We recently took a scouting trip to the Smith River’s main stem, eager to scope out some prime trout spots, even though we couldn’t fish the area due to the ongoing closure. As it stands, the river is waiting on flows to rise above the 600 CFS mark, as outlined by CDFW. Once the river hits that magic number, the section will reopen, and we’re expecting it to be prime fishing territory.
New to this spot? Check out our full guide, complete with Google Maps, top gear recommendations, and insider tips.
Even though we weren’t fishing, we focused on exploring key areas between the mouth and the confluence of the Middle and South Forks. The water levels were low, but we identified several deeper pools and shaded runs where trout are likely holding. When the flows increase, these spots should become excellent zones for trout fishing. The river’s clarity right now is impressive, which means anglers will need to be stealthy with their presentations once the waters open up again.
As we hiked, we used our Garmin GPSMAP 66i to plot all the spots to revisit:
The current regulations are clear—one Chinook per day and no more than five wild Chinook over 22 inches per year once the river reopens. While we were primarily scouting for trout, it’s essential to keep those guidelines in mind, especially if you’re planning to target larger species down the line.
The weather was cool, with highs in the low 60s, and the wind stayed light, making for an easy day of scouting. Although the river was calm, we’re anticipating some great action once the flow rate picks up. It really felt like we were getting ahead of the game, mapping out the perfect trout spots before the area opens.
For now, it’s a waiting game. But if you’re planning a trip here, keep your eye on the flow rates and get your gear ready. Once the CDFW gives the green light, the Smith River main stem is bound to be a hotspot for trout anglers.
