While most rivers in California offer a variety of fishing opportunities, the rivers of the northern coast of California are the best known in the state for fishing. Coho, Steelhead, Chinook, various trouts and salmons abound in the rivers and streams, especially in the Fall and Winter.

The Northern California rivers of focus are the: Klamath, Smith, Van Duzen, and Eel Rivers. These six wild rivers are combined in the Six River National Forest, next door to Redwood National Park. Six Rivers National Park includes 366 miles of "wild, scenic, or recreational rivers", and comprises 35% of California's Wild and Scenic Rivers.