The forest waterways are renowned for their world-class salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities. Good management results in a continuous supply of fish for recreational and commercial fishing, and wildlife viewing. Remember to always carry a valid California fishing license and check with the California Department of Fish and Game for current regulations and restrictions.
Hunting:
The Forest provides opportunities for deer hunting on approximately one million acres and is delineated into two hunt zones designated by California Department of Fish and Game. The deer hunting zones specific to the Forest include B1 and B2 within Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity Counties. In general, the B Zones are popular with deer hunters due to the abundant quantity of deer, the availability of tags and the longer hunting season. Unlike the X Zones within the eastern portion of the state, B Zone tags can basically be purchased over the counter and do not require submission to a drawing process. In comparing deer hunting success across the state, the overall statewide hunter success rate in 2002 was only 17 percent, where the B1 and B2 hunt zones yielded 23 percent.
The most popular deer hunting areas on the Forest occur on the Mad River Ranger District and the southern portion of the Lower Trinity Ranger District. The main reason for their popularity is simply the landscape; the terrain contains a higher percentage of open ground that provides an increased level of visibility to hunters in search of their quarry. However, if you are seeking solitude or just want to get away from the crowds, the Orleans Ranger District and Smith River National Recreation Area provides an enormous amount of undiscovered hunting opportunities. A trip by foot or by pack animal to the Siskiyou, Trinity Alps or the Marble Mountains Wilderness Areas can literally be an adventure of a lifetime and one that you will soon make year after year.
California is home to three species of elk, Rock Mountain, Tule and the Roosevelt. The Roosevelt is the largest of the three species and a mature bull can often exceed 1200 pounds. Since the 1980's, the Forest Service, private landowners and timber companies in concert with the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG) have worked cooperatively in reintroducing the species back within its native environment. In fact, most of the populations have been so successful, that CDFG has authorized hunting for the majority of the established herds. However, the tags are extremely limited and are coveted by successful applicants in the drawing process.
If you are indeed one of the fortunate recipients of an elk tag or just seeking the "secret hotspot" for deer hunting, please feel free to visit us for your informational needs at the District Ranger or Supervisor's Office.
Six Rivers has developed campgrounds on each Ranger District. Campgrounds vary in amenities, location, restrictions, etc. Below are links to the developed campgrounds on Six Rivers National Forest.
Lower Trinity Campgrounds
Mad River Campgrounds
Orleans Campgrounds
Smith River Campgrounds
Ukonom Campgrounds
Wilderness Camping:
If you prefer undeveloped camping areas, most of the forest is open for camping unless specifically prohibited. Dispersed camping is free of charge and is limited to 30 days per year, per district. Your site must be at least 1/4 mile from developed sites. No vehicles may be driven to undeveloped sites unless via a Forest Service maintained road.
Fire permits are required for all uses of fire, gas lanterns, barbecues, and capstones outside developed campgrounds.
