The cleanest river in the continental United States is also California’s last undammed river. The Smith River flows freely from the Klamath Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Gin-clear water flowing through redwood groves make it a remarkable destination.

The Smith is known for growing trophy chinook salmon and steelhead. The fall-run chinook begin to enter the river in August and will remain in the system through December. 50 pound fish are caught each year, with the river’s record being 86 pounds. Chinook are found holding in the Smith’s deep pools and do not feed, as they are focused on spawning. They will bite flies or lures out of aggression, however.

California’s state record steelhead of 27 pounds was caught on the Smith. Steelhead are found in greater numbers than the chinook, and the best time to fish for them is January through March. Many of the steelhead weigh 8-10 pounds and 20 pound fish are not uncommon. Like chinook, steelhead are also focused on spawning, but will bite out of aggression. There is a combination of hatchery and wild steelhead in the river.

Rainbow and cutthroat trout also inhabit the Smith, with the best angling opportunities found in spring and early summer. Coho salmon enter the river as well but are illegal to fish for, in California.

There are three forks to the Smith. The South is the longest, the Middle is the most fished and easiest to access, and the North is the most remote. Because the Smith is free-flowing, anglers must pay attention to water levels as they can rise drastically with rainstorms.

Highway 199 and CA State Route 197 both parallel the river and offer easy public access. Lodging and campgrounds can be found in and around Crescent City.