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.



Latest Photos

Five year-old Hazel Sloan was excited to say the least after landing this nice hatchery steelhead over the weekend on the Mad River. According to her dad Justin, pictured left, the steelhead was close to nine pounds and was 28.5 inches long.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Justin Sloan
1-16-2020
Photo Credit: Courtesy of NCGASA
1-7-2020
Photo Credit: Courtesy of NCGASA
1-3-2020
Photo Credit: Courtesy of NCGASA
1-3-2020

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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