Fishing in Crescent City & Del Norte County, California
Cruise wild and scenic rivers for the ultimate catch. Charter an ocean sportfishing excursion any time of the year. Share the simple joy of crabbing with your family in a historic harbor. Delight in the skill and adventure of fishing throughout Del Norte County’s beautiful and varied waters.
Salt Water Fishing & Dungeness Crabbing
Cast your line into the Pacific for some rich lingcod and rockfish any time. Bottom fishing is open year round. Snag the King of salmon, Chinook, in early summer. Go crabbing with the kids to make some swashbuckling memories – and a delicious Dungeness dinner – September through early winter. Crab can be caught off the B Street Pier in the Crescent City Harbour. Start your ocean adventure from the harbor or Anglers’ Cove Campground boat launch. Maximize your ocean expedition by visiting the Department of Fish and Wildlife saltwater sport fishing page.
Fish the Klamath River
Anchor yourself in the hush of the Klamath River for some great fishing. Strong-willed salmon climb through the scenic rapids June through October. Embark on a quest for steelhead June through February. Launch your fishing fun from one of Klamath River public boat ramps including Roy Rook, Old Townsite, or Requa Resort at the mouth of the river.
Fish the Smith River
Teach your kiddo to fish as you drift through the emerald waters of the undammed Smith Rivers. Reel in trophy salmon October-November. Plunk your hook under a giant canopy of redwoods as you prepare for a showdown with feisty steelhead December through April. Launch in at The Sand Hole, Cattle Crossing, The Piling Hole or at the Mouth of Rowdy Creek. The Smith River is also home to two state record-setting catches, 27-pound steelhead and 86-pound Chinook Salmon. The state of California recognized the South Fork Smith River and its tributaries as designated Heritage Trout Waters, which recognizes the beauty, diversity, historical significance, and special values of California’s native trout.
Visit a Fish Hatchery
The Rowdy Creek Fish Hatchery supplements Smith River runs of steelhead and salmon. Tour the grounds and absorb its humble beginnings. Almost entirely volunteer-run, its contributions to maintaining the native fish populations are outstanding. Visit during the rainy season to witness nature at its finest as fish jump along the ledge to get upstream.
Guided Fishing Trips
Leave the gear behind and charter a river or ocean cruise with a properly licensed and well-spirited captain. Zero in on the best places to reel in the catch if a lifetime with the guidance of an expert crew.
Photo by Ken Morrish
Fishing Resources & Fishing Guides in Del Norte County
B Street Fishing Pier
Address : 12411 Anna RoadSmith River National Recreation Area Gasquet Ranger Station
Address : 10600 Highway 199 Phone : +1 707-457-3131 Website
Wander With Us
Wander through the California redwoods, surf rugged coastline, hike the California Coastal Trail, or savor a craft brew next to a cozy campfire along the Pacific Ocean. Follow our “Wander with Us” journal (and tag your photos #VisitDelNorte so we can follow along!) for things to do and ideas for exploring all parts of Del Norte County — from the Oregon border to Crescent City to Klamath, California.
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