Rivers

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THE SMITH RIVER

The Smith meets the ocean just south of the Oregon-California border. This famous river not only has great fishing, but is one of the most scenic river systems in the world. Running through the Redwood groves, and flowing over the massive boulders make a great place for a fishing trip. With bed rock lining the banks, the views make this river enjoyable for the whole family. The fishing becomes secondary to the the river itself and people keep coming back year after year.

Smith River Salmon Season:

Fall Chinook: October - December

Smith River Steelhead Season:

Winter Steelhead: December-April 15

THE CHETCO RIVER

THE ROGUE RIVER

THE KLAMATH RIVER

The mighty Rogue, while this river has always been known for its big fall Chinook run, the steelhead fishing upriver in the spring can be very productive. This big river gives us a wide range of fishing trips to choose from with both spring and fall Chinook, and summer and winter steelhead. The unique build of the Rogue also makes for fly fishing opportunities for both summer and winter steelhead.

Rogue River Salmon Seasons:

Fall Chinook: September - October

Spring Chinook: April - May

Rogue River Steelhead Seasons:

Winter Steelhead: December - April

Summer Steelhead: September - October

USGS Oregon River Data

Smith River Water Data

Klamath River Salmon:

June - October

The Klamath has a variety of salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities. There are lower river jetboat and upper river driftboat trips available. The Klamath is known for having amazing action and a trip there is well worth it.

Chetco River Salmon Season:

November- December

Chetco River Steelhead Season:

December - March

The Chetco is my home river and the river I spend the most time fishing during the fall and winter. It has a well known steelhead run and also some very good salmon fishing. The Chetco is often the most consistent place on the coast to find fish day in and day out.

Guided Salmon and Steelhead fishing on the Chetco, Rogue, Elk, Sixes, Klamath, and Smith Rivers

Matt Gertsch's Guide Service

Living in Southern Oregon has given me the opportunity to spend time around some very experienced guides and to know first-hand the great salmon and steelhead fishing on our local rivers. My summer months (since 2001) are spent fishing salmon and halibut on Alaska's world famous Kenai Peninsula. This valuable experience helped me get my start in the fishing business. The Chetco and Smith rivers are a popular choice for many anglers throughout the fall and winter. The fishing is great and these rivers are very beautiful. This makes a perfect recipe for a memorable trip. I've found it to be just as rewarding and successful to fish on the smaller and less crowded Elk and Sixes rivers. These rivers can create a very personal fishing experience. There are many places to fish for salmon and steelhead and we enjoy some of the best. I take a lot of pride in giving you a great day on the water no matter which river we fish. I have high quality rods, reels, and a new 19' Willie drift boat. Good equipment makes all the difference in having a successful, safe, and enjoyable trip. Check out the link to the guys at Willie Boats or the Friends of Cal-Ore Fish for steelhead derby information. The derbies raise money for the Rowdy Creek Hatchery which ensures that we will have a great resource for years to come. Thanks for checking out my site. -Matt Gertsch

(541) 326-1176

THE ELK and SIXES RIVERS

Elk and Sixes Rivers Fall Salmon:

November - December

Elk and Sixes Winter Steelhead:

January - March

The Elk and Sixes are a great change of pace from their larger counterparts. The rivers are small and when boat traffic is light it can be a very serene trip. Oh yeah, and the fishing can be great.