Salmon season begins on Chetco, Smith rivers

The fall rains have increased flows on the Chetco and Smith rivers, kicking off the fall salmon season on both rivers. During the fall and winter months, Brookings Fishing Charters captains Andy Martin and Travis Sallander switch over to the drift boats to guide on both rivers. Andy and Travis are both licensed to guide in Oregon and California, and have special-use permits from the Forest Service to guide on the upper section of the Chetco. Only a very limited number of guides have these permits.
The Chetco rose to levels where drift boats could get down on Oct. 20. The first day of drift boat fishing produced limits for the handful of guides on the river.

The Smith River was fishable the following day, and Andy and Travis both caught limits there. By Oct. 23, both guides were back on the Chetco, which was in prime shape and fishing well.

Salmon season will continue through mid-December on the Chetco and Smith rivers. Steelhead season follows, with fish in the river from December through March.
To book a trip, cal Brookings Fishing Charters at (541) 813-1082 or visit our river guide service page at www.wildriversfishing.com.