January and February are the traditional time for the opportunity to catch California's largest steelhead on the Smith River. Local guide Kevin Brock sets up shop on the Smith every year, and reports an excellent season so far.

"The steelhead bite up here on the Smith River is fantastic; the best in at least four or five years", observed Brock. "Water conditions are just beautiful, with just the right flow and color. The largest fish we've caught this week was 14 pounds, and there have also been at least two caught in the past week that were over 18 pounds.

"All of our fish are being caught on natural-color Pro-Cure Roe with a pink puff ball. Terminal rig is and eight or 10 pound test fluorocarbon leader with a No.4 Owner SSW hook. There are lots of fish in the system; depending on rainfall, it should stay good at least through the end of February." Brock added, "We had John and Jared Neff of Paradise with us on Tuesday of this week. Young 12-year old Jared was on his first-ever steelhead trip, and the pair landed four steelhead in the eight to 10 pound range, out of six hookups."