Klamath, Smith, and Chetco River Fishing Guides
Enjoy the thrill and challenge of world-class steelhead, trout and salmon fishing on Northern California and Southern Oregon rivers.
I am a third generation guide with over 30 years experience. My grandfather Al Kutzkey was one of the first guides in California. He started his fishing lodge on the upper Klamath River in Hornbrook near the California and Oregon borders. The river was said to be the steelhead capital of the World. My grandfather is now in the fishing hall of fame.
My father, Tim Kutzkey was known for being one of the best fishermen around. It was said, " If there were fish in the water, he could catch them". He developed many of the fishing techniques that are still widely used by fishermen today. Tim will always have it in his heart to keep fishing, as he is today on the Klamath River, where he originally began.
Smith & Chetco River Fishing Guide
The Chetco River and Smith river are short coastal streams that are referred to as "Sister Rivers". The scenic Smith River is located in the redwoods about 10 miles north of Crescent City in Northern California. It produces some of the largest salmon and steelhead in California. The Smith River holds the California state record steelhead, which is 28.5 pounds. The Chetco River is located just a few miles further north near Brookings Oregon and also produces large fish. Both rivers fluctuate in volume with the coming of Winter & Spring Rains. Chetco & Smith Rivers are known for producing trophy fish, Chinook salmon ranging up to 50 lbs. and steelhead from 10 to 20 lbs.
Klamath River Fishing Guide
More steelhead are caught on the Klamath River than on any other river on the West Coast due to its reliable year round fishing conditions. An average sized Klamath River Steelhead is 3 1/2 to 5 pounds. There are a variety of fishing methods I use to catch steelhead, from fly-fishing in the Fall to drifting bait in the Winter. I use light tackle because it makes for an excellent fight! Steelhead on this river run from late September through January. Give me a call too book your next Northern California fishing guide & Southern Oregon fishing trips.
| Month | Fish | River | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Steelhead | Smith River Chetco River | CA OR |
| February | Steelhead | Smith River Chetco River | CA OR |
| March | Steelhead | Smith River Chetco River Umpqua | CA OR |
| April | Trout | Klamath River | CA |
| May | Trout | Klamath River | CA |
| June | Salmon | Alaska | AK |
| July | King Salmon Sockeye | Alaska | AK |
| August | Salmon | Alaska | AK |
| September | Salmon | Lower Klamath River | CA |
| October | Salmon Steelhead | Upper Klamath | CA |
| November | Steelhead | Upper Klamath | CA |
| December | Steelhead | Upper Klamath | CA |
Cell: 530-941-3474
Email: Albert@KutzkeyFishing.com
