The Mad River is an outstanding steelhead fishery that gets overlooked by many as anglers head to the nearby Klamath and Eel Rivers. Originating in the Coastal Range, it flows 113 miles through canyons and coniferous forests to the Pacific Ocean. Ruth Dam, the only dam on the Mad River, lies 18 miles up from the mouth and forms Ruth Lake. It is also the site of the Mad River Fish Hatchery.

Steelhead migrations in the Mad River now reach over 10,000 fish per year due to the hatchery’s efforts. A small number of wild fish exist as well and must be released if caught. Many of the steelhead are 6-10 pounds, and some reach up to 20 pounds. The summer run begins in August, but the winter run brings in most of the fish. December and January are considered peak season. Some anglers will fish above the dam, although the best fishing is in the lower 18 miles of river below the dam.

A smaller population of Chinook salmon spawns in the Mad River. They start their migration in mid-late summer, with the best time to target them being October. Chinook over 20 pounds have been caught in the Mad. They will rest in deep holes and occasionally eat the eggs of other spawning fish.

Resident rainbow trout exist throughout the river, preferring cooler water in the upper and middle sections of river.

Due to active logging operations, the Mad River typically has high turbidity in the winter. However, it is a smaller watershed than the Klamath & Eel and does not get blown out as much, offering a good alternative when the others aren’t fishable. The lower river is easily accessible from Highway 101 and CA State Route 299, while the upper river requires more hiking to access.