Mad River - Arcata, CA

River Information
Fish Species: | Chinook Salmon, Steelhead |
The Mad River near Arcata, California, is a vital coastal river, distinguished by its free-flowing nature and significant anadromous fish populations. Its primary draw is robust runs of Chinook salmon (fall) and steelhead (winter/spring), attracting dedicated anglers.
Angling methodologies for salmon include drift fishing roe, plunking, or back-trolling plugs. Steelhead are predominantly targeted via drift fishing with bait or jigs, or through precise fly fishing techniques utilizing nymphs and streamers, demanding stealth in the clear waters. The river also supports resident trout and cutthroat.
Access is facilitated by public launches and bank access points, though boat-based angling is often optimal for coverage. Regulations are highly stringent and rigorously enforced, mandating barbless hooks, often restricting bait use, and imposing precise seasonal and bag limits (e.g., hatchery-only retention). All anglers must possess a valid California fishing license and meticulously review current CDFW regulations for the Mad River system, ensuring both compliance and the preservation of this critical natural resource.
Angling methodologies for salmon include drift fishing roe, plunking, or back-trolling plugs. Steelhead are predominantly targeted via drift fishing with bait or jigs, or through precise fly fishing techniques utilizing nymphs and streamers, demanding stealth in the clear waters. The river also supports resident trout and cutthroat.
Access is facilitated by public launches and bank access points, though boat-based angling is often optimal for coverage. Regulations are highly stringent and rigorously enforced, mandating barbless hooks, often restricting bait use, and imposing precise seasonal and bag limits (e.g., hatchery-only retention). All anglers must possess a valid California fishing license and meticulously review current CDFW regulations for the Mad River system, ensuring both compliance and the preservation of this critical natural resource.
Latest Fish Reports
Date | Report | Author |
3-20-2025 | The Mad is still high and off-color, which won’t change anytime soon The Mad is still high and off-color, which... more » |
Kenny Priest |
3-7-2025 | As of Thursday, the Mad is still a little high and off-color As of Thursday, the Mad is still a... more » |
Kenny Priest |
2-27-2025 | The Mad was under 10 feet as of Thursday, but is still high and off color The Mad was under 10 feet as of... more » |
Kenny Priest |
2-20-2025 | As of Thursday, the Mad was just above 11 feet (5,500 cfs) and starting to drop As of Thursday, the Mad was just above... more » |
Kenny Priest |
2-13-2025 | The Mad was creeping towards decent color, but was back on the rise as of Thursday morning The Mad was creeping towards decent color, but... more » |
Kenny Priest |
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