Steelhead season begins with above-average fish

BROOKINGS, Ore,. (Jan. 3, 2026) – Winter steelhead season is off and running on the coastal rivers of Southern Oregon and Northern California, with above-average-size fish showing up in early catches. The Brookings Fishing Charters team of guides and deckhands are also drift boat river guides during the fall and winter, and have been getting customers into nice-size steelhead so far this season on the Chetco and Smith rivers. The guides also fish for steelhead on the Elk, Sixes and Rogue rivers.

Steelhead season began in December, but peak season is January and February. The season runs through March. December catches were better than expected, and by the beginning of January, large steelhead were being caught daily. A big storm arrived on Jan. 3, blowing the rivers out, but peak season is expected to begin the end of next week, as the Chetco and Smith drop back into shape. Flows below 4,000 cfs are ideal on the Chetco, while flows below 8,000 cfs at Jed Smith are ideal on the Smith River.

Steelhead are caught while drifting the rivers in a drift boat. The two anglers in the front of the boat cast while the guide rows and maneuvers the boat downstream with oars. It’s a unique fishing experience, drifting through the Wild and Scenic Chetco River, or through Redwood National Park on the Smith River.

Small pieces of roe are used to catch steelhead, as well as small plugs. Steelhead are remarkably hard fighters, and one of the most prized fish caught anywhere. The Chetco and Smith are two of the most productive steelhead rivers in the world.

To book a winter steelhead trip, call (541) 813-1082, or visit www.wildriversfishing.com for more information.