Currently, thirty-two species of fish are known to inhabit the Smith River. Of these, thirteen are anadromous (fish that are spawn in fresh water, are reared in the ocean, and return to fresh water). A functional overview of anadromous fish in the Smith River can be found in the 2002 Smith River Anadromous Fish Action Plan. (The SRAFAP, however, is flawed in its feeble analysis of chemical use at the Smith River estuary.)
The following anadromous fish utilize the Smith River, some on rare occasion (such as pink salmon), others in significant numbers. As our friends at Smith River Alliance tell us, “The Smith River is a stronghold for salmon, steelhead and cutthroat trout in California; at least five species in multiple runs use the river. It is unparalleled in its combination of natural river flows, protected habitat and healthy fish populations.”
Chinook Salmon
Coho Salmon
Pink Salmon
Chum Salmon
Sockeye Salmon
Steelhead
Coastal Cutthroat Trout
Eulachon
Pacific Lamprey
White Sturgeon
Green Sturgeon
Longfin Smelt (suspected)
American Shad- (non-native species)
Following are reports, or links thereto, about anadromous fish in the Smith River.
