Announcements

Smith River Alliance
Special Announcement from Smith River Alliance

Fly fishing at the confluence of the South Fork Smith and Goose Creek. Photo by Ken Morrish.

New Heritage & Wild Trout Waters Designation

Originally posted December 14th, 2017

Earlier this month, the Fish and Game Commission added 36 miles of the South Fork Smith watershed perennial stream habitat to the Wild Trout Waters program, officially recognizing the unique quality of the fishery. The designation included the South Fork Smith River, from the confluence with Goose Creek upstream to Blackhawk Creek, including the tributaries of Goose Creek and Hurdygurdy Creek.

The South Fork Smith and its tributaries contain self-sustaining populations of both Coastal Cutthroat Trout and Coastal Rainbow Trout.

In addition, the South Fork Smith River and its tributaries were designated as Heritage Trout Waters, which further recognizes the beauty, diversity, historical significance, and special values of California’s native trout. Heritage Trout Waters support fish populations that best exemplify indigenous strains of native trout within their historic drainages, and able to provide anglers with the opportunity to catch native trout consistent with the conservation of the native trout present.

This new designation expands upon the 2016 designation in the South Fork Smith River drainage, which included the South Fork Smith River, from the confluence with Blackhawk Creek upstream to Island Lake Trail Crossing, and the following tributaries: Buck Creek, Quartz Creek, Eight Mile Creek, Williams Creek, Harrington Creek and Prescott Fork.

Help us Protect the Smith

"Protecting land and water, restoring habitat, and stewarding the Smith River for future generations."
Photo: Thomas Dunklin

Communities Stand Strong Against Strip Mining


Read some of the press and letters submitted in support of the proposed mineral withdrawal.
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Experience the Smith


Clear waters, old-growth forests, salmon and bears... get to know the world famous Smith River and see where we work. Learn more.