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California · Fishing
Gasquet sits in the heart of Del Norte County, tucked into the Six Rivers National Forest along the Middle Fork of the Smith River, and it punches well above its size when it comes to fishing access.
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Gasquet sits in the heart of Del Norte County, tucked into the Six Rivers National Forest along the Middle Fork of the Smith River, and it punches well above its size when it comes to fishing access. The Smith River National Recreation Area is the centerpiece here, offering river fishing on one of California's last major undammed river systems — a clear, fast-moving watershed that draws anglers chasing steelhead and salmon through the fall and winter months. Beyond the river, Sanger Lake gives you a quieter lake fishing option up in the higher terrain, while campgrounds like Grassy Flat and Panther Flat put you right on the water with easy morning access before the canyon heats up. Dry Lake rounds out the options for those willing to work a little harder for a more remote experience. The area is not a casual weekend fishery — water levels, seasonal runs, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations all require some homework before you show up. But for anglers who do that homework, Gasquet offers a legitimate variety of water types within a short drive of each other, from fast river runs to still mountain lakes, without the crowds you'd find further south.
You have two main types of water to work with: river fishing on the Smith River through the Smith River National Recreation Area, and lake fishing at spots like Sanger Lake and Dry Lake. Grassy Flat and Panther Flat campgrounds also provide direct river access for anglers who want to camp streamside.
The Smith River is known for its winter steelhead and fall Chinook salmon runs. Check current CDFW regulations before your trip, as seasons, retention rules, and gear restrictions on the Smith River can change year to year and vary by section of the river.
Curly Jack Campground
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Sarah Totten Campground
~1h 10m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Grassy Flat Campground
~5 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Island Lake
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Oak Bottom Campground
~1h 4m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Patrick Creek Campground
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Muslatt Lake
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Indian Scotty Group Site
~1h 12m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Panther Flat Campground
~8 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Sanger Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Nordheimer Group Sites
~1h 16m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Dry Lake
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Fall through early winter is when the river fishing tends to be most productive, timed around salmon and steelhead moving upstream. Summer is a better window for lake fishing at Sanger Lake and Dry Lake, when access roads are clear and water temperatures are more stable.
A valid California fishing license is required. The Smith River has additional gear restrictions in certain sections — barbless hooks are commonly required, and some stretches are fly-fishing only or have bait prohibitions. Pull the current CDFW regulations for the North Coast region before you go, not just the general statewide rules.
Lake fishing at Sanger Lake is a more forgiving entry point for newer anglers — still water is easier to read and requires less technical casting than a fast river. The Smith River is a more demanding fishery with strong currents and technical presentations, so beginners would benefit from going with someone who knows the water or hiring a local guide.
