On deck next! Drift Boat Steelhead trips on the Smith, Eel and Trinity Rivers! Dungeness Crab Sales coming soon! For details contact us at 707-616-3716 or at pburns707@gmail.com

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Drift Boat Charters

 

In October enjoy a peaceful day drifting down the river fishing for Salmon and Steelhead.  Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned pro I can customize the perfect trip for you.  When fishing with me you will be in the comfort of a clean 17 foot x 54 inch Willies drift boat outfitted with a heater and padded seats. High quality gear and fresh bait will be provided for you. Lamiglas rods matched with Shimano reels loaded with P-Line monofilament or Power Pro braided line will increase your chances of feeling the bite, hooking the fish and landing it. Pre made leaders, weights, and bait maximizes your fishing time. I’m proficient at running class 4 rapids which allows me to guide on some of the most secluded stretches of river.  My attention to detail is never compromised and your safety is my number one agenda.   My attention to detail and constant drive to improve ensures I will be using the most up to date techniques and latest technology to put you on fish. I take pride in running a tight ship and with me you will always get an honest 110% effort.  If you want to get hooked up call or email to book a trip!

 

The Rivers We Fish

Trinity River

Trinity River is located 1 hour east of Eureka, California. My season on the Trinity begins in September and continues through to November. For the fair-weather fisherman these trips are perfect. The temperatures are usually between 60 and 80 degrees fahrenheit with very little rainfall during this time of year. The Trinity has carved its way through some of the most rugged terrain in California, which adds plenty of scenery and a little whitewater excitement to the fishing trip. The Trinity runs so clear you can see the fish as we drift down the river. This river is also unique because you can target both salmon and steelhead all in the same day. The Trinity has given us some of our best days of fishing; hook ups in the double digits is not uncommon on a day trip. Salmon average 15 pounds with the ocassional 30 – 40 pounder being caught. Steelhead average about 8 pounds.

Smith River

The Smith River is a wild river; meaning there is no water diversion or dams to alter its flow. Its pristine water flows over granite boulders and winds through redwood groves. It has produced the state’s record steelhead weighing 27 pounds, 4 ounces. Salmon in the 50 pound range are caught annualy. Salmon fishing on the Smith starts with the first big rain in the fall; usually in late October or early November. The rain triggers the fish to start their journey up river. As the fish migrate up river we intercept them by back bouncing bait or pulling plugs. This season lasts until December. Steelhead season on the Smith begins in late December when they begin to enter the system in large numbers. We target these fish by side drifting bait. Steelhead fishing on the Smith continues into April.

Eel River

On the Eel River we target mainly steelhead. This fishery starts in December and lasts until April. Due to the high sediment content any significant amount of rain can turn this river from emerald green to chocolate milk overnight. It may be weeks before the river becomes fishable and when it does it may only last for few days before it blows out again. The natives of the Eel River valley called the river “Weott Lolla,” which means “many eels” or “river of plenty.” When conditions are ideal this name proves to be true. When we do get a chance to fish the Eel it’s a real treat; fishing pressure is generally low and the scenery is outstanding. Keep in mind this river is catch and release only.

A double hook-up on the Trinity

A kwik fish from the Trinity

17 lb steelhead, Smith River

Jill and Ana with a wee steelie from the Eel River