Nor Cal Fish Report
Smith River Fish Report for 2-19-2026


The big rains never did reach the Smith, and it’s remained low and clear this week

Smith River - Smith River, CA (Del Norte County)

The big rains never did reach the Smith, and it’s remained low and clear this week

by Kenny Priest
2-19-2026
Website

The big rains never did reach the Smith, and it’s remained low and clear this week. Despite the lack of water, the fishing has been good for the few boats drifting. But conditions should change starting Saturday night. A big rise is forecast for Sunday, with flows reaching 25,000 cfs (16.4 feet) at the Jed Smith gauge Tuesday. Conditions should be excellent by mid-next week if the forecast holds.


Find "Fishing the North Coast" on Facebook and fishingthenorthcoast.com for up-to-date fishing reports and North Coast river information. Questions, comments and photos can be emailed to kenny@fishingthenorthcoast.com.


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More Reports

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports
for Thursday, February 19th

Mad River: As of Thursday the Mad was muddy
Eel River: The main stem Eel was running at 14,000 cfs as of Thursday
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork was flowing at 3,400 cfs at Miranda Thursday and rising slowly
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen is on the drop following a peak of 1,400 cfs Monday near Bridgeville

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports
for Thursday, February 5th

Mad River: The river is low, but still green
Eel River: Conditions remain excellent, and there are fishing being caught
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork is low and clear
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen remains closed as of Saturday, January 31
Smith River: The Smith is low and clear and in need of some rain
Chetco River: A significant rise in the Chetco is expected Sunday morning