Northern California Fall Fishing Season
Salmon and Steelhead
King salmon in fall
Klamath River, Trinity River
Late August and early September brings bright King salmon and fall run steelhead into the lower Klamath River. We fish for them in my power boat out of Klamath Glen.
As September transitions into October, we will follow these fish with my driftboat up the Trinity River, a major Klamath tributary and the Middle Klamath River.
Fishing at this time of year is typically outstanding and the weather, while cool in the mornings, is usually very warm. Although not noted as being large, Klamath and Trinity salmon and steelhead can make up for the lack of size with their very prolific numbers. We will continue to fish on this river system until there is consistent rainfall. This is the most popular time of year to fish our rivers, so make sure to book well ahead.
Trophy Coastal Salmon
Huge coastal King salmon in fall
Smith River, Chetco River, Eel River, Elk River, Sixes River
The latter half of October through November and early December usually signals the beginning of another rainy season.
The rising rivers draw in the largest fish of the year, the mighty fall King salmon. Fishing on coastal rivers such and the Eel, Smith and Chetco rivers can yield fish into the 60 pound range.
These fish are often mint bright, with sea lice still clinging to their undersides. I feel this is the most exciting time of the year, as the years first unsettled conditions can bring unbelievable surprises.