Russian River Fishing The upper section of the Russian River is an excellent place to target smallmouth
Smallmouth bass
The smallmouth bass is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family of the order Perciformes. It is the type species of its genus. One of the black basses, it is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and has been spread by stocking—as well as ille…
Rainbow trout
The rainbow trout is a trout and species of salmonid native to cold-water tributaries of the Pacific Ocean in Asia and North America. The steelhead is an anadromous form of the coastal rainbow trout or Columbia River redband trout that usually returns to fresh water to spawn after livin…
Healdsburg
Healdsburg is a city located in Sonoma County, in California's Wine Country. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city had a population of 11,254. Healdsburg is a small tourist-oriented town in northern Sonoma County. Due to its three most important wine-producing regions, Healdsburg h…
Can you fish on Russian River?
With its clear waters the Russian River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Southcentral Alaska. Depending on the season, anglers who fish the waters of the Russian River will find sockeye, coho, and the occasional pink salmon, and resident fish species such as rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
Where can I fish for steelhead Russian River?
There are a number of favored fishing spots. One is at Wohler Bridge between Forestville and Healdsburg, just off River Road. The other is Steelhead Beach in Forestville off River Road. Both spots provide river access at multiple points and are mostly quiet and un-traveled.
Where can I fish in Russian River Alaska?
The most fished area of the river is the stretch that begins at the confluence of the Kenai & Russian Rivers - located three miles from where it empties into the Kenai River to the Kenai River itself. There are small stretches where you can float, but the majority of fishing here is walk and wade.
Where can I fly fish on the Russian River?
Favorite spots include the river below Guerneville, around Lucky Bend and upriver to the Steelhead Beach area in Forestville. Wohler Bridge is a great place to spend some time in your waders. Steelheading open in October and runs through April.
What is the fish limit at the Russian River?
Anglers on the Russian River can now catch up to six sockeye a day and be in possession of 12, per an emergency order from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. That's an increase from the previous bag limit of three sockeye and possession limit of six.
Can you use barbed hooks in California?
No more than two (2) single point, single shank barbless hooks shall be used in the ocean north of Point Conception (34° 27'00” N. lat.)
What fish are running in the Russian River right now?
Russian River: The Russian River is a Coho and Coastal Chinook salmon and steelhead trout stream. The Coho salmon found in the Russian River are listed under both the State and the Federal Endangered Species Acts. Coastal Chinook salmon in the river are listed as Endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act.
Are there bears at the Russian River?
The Russian-Kenai confluence is one of the most people-crowded fisheries in Alaska, but it is not unusual for bears to show up there. They come to collect carcasses of salmon thrown back into the Kenai by fishermen who filet their fish at the confluence to take home the filets.
How do you catch sockeye on the Russian River?
0:5610:25How To Fish The Russian River! Alaska Sockeye Salmon ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWell get a good amount of wings out go ahead and cast try to cast about four feet ahead of them.MoreWell get a good amount of wings out go ahead and cast try to cast about four feet ahead of them. Once gas is in the water we're going to go ahead and strip our line a little bit nice and slow.
How deep is the Russian River?
"It's mostly shallow, with 3 to 4 feet of water. But there are still a lot of areas along the beach to enjoy and relatively narrow spots to wade," he said. "There will be a few spots you could swim in, but mostly, for adults, it's standing."
Is the mouth of the Russian River open?
The Russian River has opened its mouth! Previously the mouth was closed and the water level in Jenner was rising. Photo taken at noon on Jan 7, 2021 by Sonoma Sheriff. An estuary is where a river meets the ocean.
What animals live in the Russian River?
There are many different species of mammals in the watershed. Some of the more common mammals include: California gray squirrels, California ground squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions and white-tailed deer.
Does the Russian River have steelhead?
Streams and Rivers. Russian River: The Russian River is a Coho and Coastal Chinook salmon and steelhead trout stream.
How do you tie a Russian River fly?
0:349:08How to tie The Improved Russian River Fly - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo not worried about breaking off and it's easy to feed through this big eye. And you can use blackMoreSo not worried about breaking off and it's easy to feed through this big eye. And you can use black or white pretty much any color thread doesn't necessarily.
What animals live in the Russian River?
There are many different species of mammals in the watershed. Some of the more common mammals include: California gray squirrels, California ground squirrels, black-tailed jackrabbits, coyotes, bobcats, mountain lions and white-tailed deer.
Why is called Russian River?
The river gets its current name from the Russians of the Russian American Company who settled in Fort Ross. The Russian trappers followed the paths of the Indians from the Pacific Ocean and came inland far enough to settle Sebastopol.
Alaska’S Extremely Popular Sockeye Salmon Fishery
The Russian River is a very popular 13-mile-long river on the Kenai Peninsula that flows northward from Upper Russian Lake in the Kenai Mountains t...
Russian River Falls and Campground
The 83 camp site Russian River Campground is the largest and one of the most popular campgrounds in the Chugach National Forest. The campground alo...
The Entire Area Is Crawling With Bears
The Russian River is a bear magnet. Use common sense and don’t be like this guy. If you fish at night and wander through the forest with fish on a...
Where is the Russian River located?
The Russian River is located about 75 miles north of San Francisco.
When to float down Russian River?
Taking a float trip down the Russian River in the late fall through early spring to chase steelhead can be spectacular. It can also be super frustrating, as these are tricky fish to catch.
What to do if you catch a steelhead?
If you catch one incidentally while trying for steelhead or other legal game fish, release it immediately and let it go about its business.
What river is best for salmon fishing in Northern California?
Northern California’s Russian River offers a wider range of fishing opportunities than your typical salmon and steelhead stream.
What baits are good for spawning fish?
The fish are prepping for their spawn and will bite almost anything, and the more stinky, the better. Chicken liver, stink baits , and cut mackerel all work well.
What river was one of the elite fishing destinations on the West Coast for years?
The Russian River was one of the elite fishing destinations on the West Coast for years.
Where to find trout in Mendocino County?
While most of the Russian River isn’t a trout stream, beyond the winter steelhead, those looking for trout should turn up into the upper watershed in rural Mendocino County.
Where to fish in Alaska?
Fishing the Russian River in Alaska. The Russian River general area is very well-developed, while maintaining a beauty that is distinctly Alaskan. There are trails, campgrounds, and restrooms. While most of the access points on the Russian River require climbing stairs and walking, there are also areas at Sportsman’s Landing specifically designed ...
Where to fish for red salmon?
Where to Fish. Red salmon will linger in deeper, slower moving water. This often happens behind large rocks, trees, or bends in a river. These areas are often close to the shoreline, so you’ll often have to cross the creek to fish the opposite shore. First Run: Areas 1,2,3 on the map (see images)
What is fly fishing only?
Many sections of the Russian River/Upper Kenai are considered fly fishing only. This does not refer to the fishing rod or the fishing style, but to the terminal tackle. Specifically, fly fishing only zones require that you use a single hook with an attached attractor (attached hair, bead, yarn). This “fly” must weight less than 1/4 ounce and the distance between point and shank (the gap in the hook) cannot be greater than 3/8 inches. Any additional weight that is used must be detached from the fly and be at least 18” above the fly. Absolutely no bait is allowed.
What does it mean when you see a bear moving along the river?
If you see fishermen moving along the river in groups, it most likely means a bear is moving along the river. While anglers and bears share the same river and salmon, always give the bear its space! Learn more about what to do if you see a bear you see a bear.
How many fish per day in a sanctuary?
The standard rules are 3 fish/day, but when the run is exceptionally strong, this may be bumped to 6/day. In the same fashion, the sanctuary may remain closed during a weak run, or opened early for a strong run. Please keep a close eye on current regulations and emergency orders.
Where do red salmon go in the fall?
The first run is the smaller of the two, and these fish are headed for Russian River and its lakes. The second run of reds go to both Russian lakes and Kenai lake.
Is the Russian River shallow?
There is fishing for everyone! The Russian River itself is fairly shallow with a nice, hard-packed gravel bottom, which makes it very easy to navigate. Waders are still required though.
What fish are in the Russian River?
Fish found in the Russian River include: Large and Small Mouth Bass, Striped Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Shad, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead Trout. Rules of the River: The Russian River is a "barbless- hook" river all year, with no bait allowed April 1 through November 2, and Chinook and Coho Salmon are "no catch" since they are ...
Where to fish for rainbow trout in Bodega?
For over 25 years Hagemann Ranch, a sheep and cattle ranch located in the hills between the towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay off Highway One, has offered trout fishing in their stocked pond to the public.
What fish can you catch in Bodega Bay?
There is a large variety of fish to be caught in the ocean, including Rock Cod, Salmon, Albacore, and Halibut, as well as Dungeness Crab. Children six and up are generally welcome and the crew will skin, gut, and bag your fish.
Where to fish in Sonoma County?
Where: Fishing in western Sonoma County is primarily devoted to fishing in the Russian River and deep-sea fishing, along with crabbing, out of Bodega Bay on the Sonoma Coast. When: The Russian River is a year-round fishery. Summertime is prime fishing for Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, and Catfish.
When do steelhead fish migrate?
Small Steelhead Trout (up to 4 lbs) migrate up the river in late September and October. They stay in the lower river and can be taken with light tackle or a 5 or 6 weight fly rod. The large Steelhead (6 to 14 lbs, occasionally larger) start their migration in late October and November, running into early April.
Can you fish in the river?
River Fishing: On the river, you can fish from the bank or standing in the river (in winter with waders), or you can fish from a boat. Small motor boats are allowed on the river, but most people bring or rent a canoe or kayak and paddle to a good fishing spot.
How many salmon come through the Russian River?
And because it is so popular it is basically a warzone and dubbed the name combat fishing. In 2019 we had an extraordinary year where over 100K salmon came through the Russian River. Normally we see around 40K to 60K fish come through.
What is the Russian River Alaska?
The Russian River in Alaska is a world famous river and it has a large run of sockeye (Red) Salmon.
What is sight fishing?
Sight Fishing is when you can see the salmon and your fly through the water and you cast the fly upstream and can control your drift timing effectively.
Where should a fishing fly land?
The fishing fly needs to land on the opposite side of your weight. Your line should be farther away from you than your weight, you don’t want them to land together in a plump. Make sure your fly goes farther than your weight in the water.
How many weights should I use for a river?
I usually use 3-4 of them but will adjust weights depending on the flow of the river or the depth.
About Russian River Reservoir
Can you fish in Russian River Reservoir? Russian River Reservoir is near Ukiah. The most popular species caught here are Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Smallmouth bass. 168 catches are logged on Fishbrain. Please use your best judgement when determining where you can fish, and make sure you follow local regulations.
Amenities
Russian River Reservoir has the following amenities based off of 6 reviews left by our users.
Best time to fish at Russian River Reservoir
Learn what hours to go fishing at Russian River Reservoir. Create a free account on Fishbrain to know the exact BiteTime™ (fishing forecast) for any fish, explore fishing spots, and save relevant baits to prepare for your next fishing trip.
See the top baits that hook Largemouth bass here
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Top gear anglers are using
According to our data, anglers at Russian River Reservoir are mostly reeling in Largemouth bass using the following fishing gear.
What airport is closest to the Russian River?
Schulz - Sonoma County Airport, while the closest international airport is the Oakland International Airport . You can also enjoy the River’s proximity to Napa Valley by including a wine tasting or shopping trip in your travel plans.
Where to camp in Russian River RV?
The Russian River RV Campground is situated on the banks of the River, and also located minutes away from local wineries. Vineyard Valley Inn is a great option if you are looking for indoor accommodations. They offer cozy spaces with mini fridges and permit pets in the rooms.
Why is the Russian River important?
The Russian River was once a popular destination for fly fishermen, because of its impressive steelhead population. Sadly, the River has faced problems throughout the years, owing to flooding and chemical spills. Fortunately, the River still has value as a fishery, due in large part to the activists, anglers, and nature enthusiasts dedicated ...
How big can a smallmouth bass run?
In the warmer summer months, smallmouth bass are active and can be caught with nymphs and streamers. The smallies can run four to five pounds and are a lot of fun to catch.
What river is the Russian River in California?
Fly Fishing (?) the Russian River. The Russian River is the second largest river in California, with a mainstem about 110 miles long. The River was originally known as Ashokawna and Bidapte, meaning “water of the east” and “big river” respectively by local Native American tribes.
What size rod should I use for Russian River?
A single-handed 9-foot six- to 8-weight rod with either a sink tip or shooting head. For two-handed rods, a Scandi tip on a floating line is recommended for swinging flies on the Russian River.
When is the best time to catch steelhead?
The best time to catch steelhead is typically in January and February, although this largely depends on how much rainfall the area has seen in the preceding months. In May and June you will see the shad, which respond well to brightly colored flies on sink tip lines .
