Mad River Fish Report

The Mad is in good shape and steelhead are showing up

Mad River - Arcata, CA

by Kenny Priest
1-23-2026
Website

The Mad is in good shape and steelhead are showing up according to Justin Kelly of Eureka’s RMI Outdoors. “There seems to be a fair number of fish around,” said Kelly. “The water is still not perfect, but green enough. Fish seem to be throughout the system.” As of Friday, it was right at 7.15 feet and holding decent color. If you’re looking to catch a steelhead, it’s a good option.

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More Reports

Nor Cal Fish Reports Reports

for Thursday, January 15th

Mad River: The Mad is starting to come around, both in color and height, but is still off color
Eel River: The main stem is still big, but starting to turn as of Thursday, flowing at just above 8,600 cfs and dropping
: The South Fork is green, and was holding right around 1,800 cfs at Miranda
Van Duzen River: The Van Duzen was down to 425 cfs as of Thursday and should be plenty fishable
Smith River: The Smith is getting low and clearing
Chetco River: The Chetco dropped into prime shape, with fair to good action for steelhead

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