Mad River Fishing Report

Report Updated Feb. 6, 2012

GOOD STEELIES OVERALL

The Mad had a bunch of fish in it a few days back then it dropped off and then it sucked on Tuesday. Could just be that a spot of fish pushed through and there’s a lull between the next push. The best fishing has been around the hatchery and Blue Lake bridge on eggs and pink worms.

Current River Conditions

About the Mad River

Steelhead bonkers rejoice! The Mad River sports the state’s most prolific run of hatchery steelhead and is the perfect place to go if you’ve got the jones to eat a steelie or two. The king salmon run here is all wild and slowly rebounding, so they must all be released. Same goes for the paltry coho run. But no worries — it’s the steelies that everybody comes here for anyway.

The Mad River Fish Hatchery, located about 10 miles up from the ocean near Blue Lake, is the epicenter of the action here and most of the best fishing occurs between there and the Blue Lake bridge. In that stretch, fishing is a lonely affair — just you and a couple hundred of your closest buddies. If you’re looking for solitude, this isn’t the place. If you’re into catching a bunch of steelhead, however, you’ve found nirvana.

Though drift boats float some sections of the Mad, it’s mainly the domain of bankies and it’s low graident, smooth gravel bars are perfect for fishing on foot. Grab some good eggs, a bag of Fish Pills and a few Slinkies and you’re in business.

The downside to the Mad is that it can stay muddy for quite a while after a big storm — especially when Ruth Lake gets murky and is spilling.

Rigging Pink Worms for Steelhead
Mad River Worm Jigs Review