Gold River Guides



steelhead
steelhead




January, February and March is time for big chrome winter Steelhead. These monster steelhead weigh up to 27 pounds.




The magestic Chetco and Smith rivers are located just 20 minutes apart, near the California and Oregon boarders. Fish these rivers from drift boats for some great Salmon and Steelhead fishing. The Salmon start in October and run through mid December and the Steelhead follow the salmon in December and run through April.


The Salmon start in this river after the first big fall rain hits usually in October, and run through December. These fish average 10 to 40 pounds with occasional 50 pounders being caught. These fish are fresh out of the ocean and offer great excitement on rod and reel.

The Steelhead follow the salmon in December and run through April. They average between 8 and 13 pounds with larger fish being caught. These fish offer great excitement on light spinning tackle.

If you have any questions or would like specific trip information please contact us.



This fishing takes place out of the comfort of a Mackenzie style drift boat complete with a heater and rain top for your comfort.

Jim supplies all the tackle : G. Loomis and Lamiglas Fishing Rods to fight the big ones.

Your fish will be cleaned and bagged for you if requested.

What you will need to bring this time of year is layered warm clothes, Rain gear, and Ice chest for your catch, a Thermos, a Camera and Sunglasses.

Two person minimum per boat. We can accomadate any number of fishermen, including corporate accounts. A deposit is required to hold any dates.
These winter monsters really give the battle of a lifetime. We try to concentrate on the Smith (holds the California record of 27 pounds, 4 ounces) or the Chetco (which has the record of 27 pounds, 7 ounces - the Oregon record is 32 pounds). Both of these rivers produce monsters!