Freshwater Fishing

Smith, Chetco rivers drop into prime shape for steelhead

December 21, 2020

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JUST BEAUTIFUL – Mike Martucci of Eureka holds a chrome-bright king salmon he caught Dec. 19 on the Chetco River while fishing with guide Michael McGahan of Wild Rivers Fishing. He was side-drifting roe for steelhead.

Steelhead fishing also is slow on the Chetco, but some adult fish are being caught by drift boaters and plunkers fishing from shore. A handful of adult steelhead are being caught daily by anglers side-drifting roe from Ice Box to Social Security Bar. Many of the fish are on the lower river. A few late king salmon also are being caught.

Salmon fishing was fair on the Elk and Sixes rivers over the weekend.