Mad River Fish Report

The Mad is starting to come around, both in color and height, but is still off color

Mad River - Arcata, CA

by Kenny Priest
1-15-2026
Website

The Mad is starting to come around, both in color and height, but is still off color. As of Thursday, it’s dipped below 1,600 cfs (8.25 feet) and could be in decent shape by the weekend. It may still be a little on the pushy side. Should be plenty of steelhead around when it drops.

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More Reports

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, January 8th

Mad River: The Mad is sitting right around 11 feet as of Thursday and is now on the drop
Eel River: The Eel is still big and brown
Eel River - South Fork: The South Fork is on the drop and should be in fishable shape by mid-next week
Van Duzen River: The Duzen is still on the big side
Smith River: The river dropped into shape Tuesday and boats plunking as well as drifting did very well
Chetco River: The Chetco fished well for steelhead before blowing out last week

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, January 1st

Mattole River: Mattole River opened to fishing Jan. 1
Mad River: The Mad is still high and dirty and is about to get another big rise
Eel River: The Eel dipped below 13,000 cfs at Scotia Thursday, but another big rise is on the way
Eel River - South Fork: Predicted to peak at over 19,000 cfs Sunday afternoon
Van Duzen River: Flows are predicted to reach 11,700 cfs Sunday morning
Smith River: The river dropped into shape last weekend and has been fishable since
Chetco River: The Chetco dropped into shape over the weekend