NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => General Fishing Tips => Topic started by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 06:56:08 AM

Title: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 06:56:08 AM
Ha... I made a pun...

I recently read some surprisingly good reports of Russian River steelhead action in the Guerneville area and below. (Big fish, too!) The river has been low and clear, and quite a few steelhead have been found staging in deeper holes.

Then this big rain storm hit... I expect the river will get “blown out”, and might stay that way for a bit. I also expect that it will spread out the fish and push them further upriver (also hopefully more will enter the system!).

That brings up a few questions that I hope one of our local steely exerts might be able to answer.

- How long does the Russian usually take to return to fishable conditions after a big rain event like this?

- Can you recommend any good “high water” spots for plunking or other murky water techniques?

- What flow rate (CFM) do you look for to signal good fishing conditions, and at which gauging station?

- Any other tips that might help me hook up with some Russian steel?

I am hoping the river might drop sufficiently by this weekend, but that’s probably optimistic. I might head up there anyway.

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,

~Alex
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 09, 2018, 07:51:28 AM
How long does the Russian usually take to return to fishable conditions after a big rain event like this?
Depending on a few factors but 7-10days

- Can you recommend any good “high water” spots for plunking or other murky water techniques?
The mouths of creeks, Dry Creek being the most popular since most of the Hatchery fish go up it. The Forks in Ukiah is also popular, both spots get crowded

- What flow rate (CFM) do you look for to signal good fishing conditions, and at which gauging station?
Again depending on a few factors, I normally look for flows around 2K (bait)  1K (lures)@ Healdsburg.

- Any other tips that might help me hook up with some Russian steel?
Keep moving until you find fish unless you are plunking.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: ThreemoneyJ on January 09, 2018, 09:04:23 AM
There was a push of fish a few weeks back between Christmas and New Years when we got our first shot of rain. It was enough rain to move fish but not enough to blow the river out. Flows were around 500cfs at guerneville. I saw a few pigs caught and lost an absolute heartbreaker of a fish in the guerneville area. Once the river dropped below 400 people stopped catching as many. So the reports of fish are probably a few weeks old.

I don’t have anything to add to what mickfish says except that it is a good idea to scout the river during low water so you know what you’re getting into for high water. Google earth actually has a street view from a boat on the river during the summer which may assist you.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 09:05:15 AM
Thanks for the quick reply!

It looks like the flows are around 5,000 right now up near Healdsburg. I’ll keep an eye on it...

What about flows on the lower river? Does that 1,000-2,000 range near Healdsburg usually mean decent conditions for the whole river system, or do you have a different “target” for the lower stretch?

Thanks again! That reply helped a ton.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: ThreemoneyJ on January 09, 2018, 09:19:22 AM
Alex I’ll also add that a phone call to Kings Sport and Tackle in Guerneville prior to your trip will give you up to date info. 707-869-2156. They are a cast away from the river and know what’s going on. People usually bring there fish in to show off too.

When you get tired of fishing check out the hatchery at lake Sonoma. Going a day without a bite, then watching a group of huge steelhead go up the ladder and laze about in the hatchery creek may be the most humbling fishing experience that there is.

I can’t give you numbers for flows, I usually don’t pay attention. The river is nearby for me (I think mickfish can actually see it from his porch!) so I usually just go. I’ll try to pay attention in the future.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 09:32:31 AM
Thanks, threemoney!

I actually saw reports from as recent as last Thursday - one boat supposedly caught 12 before 10:00 AM fishing below Guerneville!

My family home is in Graton (where I grew up, and where my dad still lives). I’ll be staying up there this weekend anyway, so I’ll make the 5-10 minute drive to the river and check it out either way.

I called King’s yesterday. The guy was super helpful, and gave me some good pointers. He said this weekend seems like a possibility if the flows drop quickly enough. Only one way to find out!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: ThreemoneyJ on January 09, 2018, 01:23:37 PM
Swung by the hatchery at lunch. 128 steelhead this year but this rain is going to change that. I saw 6 come up the ladder and a bunch in the holding trough. All giants too.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 01:26:48 PM
Sweet... I love it!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: Rockroach on January 09, 2018, 04:17:20 PM
The feeder creeks are dropping fast so there might be a chance the upper section will be fishing this weekend.
The Russian takes forever to clear. I fished it twice last winter and I only live 5 minutes away.
If you're gonna plunk, literally fish at your feed.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 09, 2018, 04:45:16 PM
Thanks for the intel, Rockroach.

Just to make sure I’m understanding you about plunking... You’re saying fish by your feet as in right up against the bank and out of the current? That makes sense. I understand that steelhead like to stay out of strong current, so it makes sense that they’d hug the bank when the river is raging.

Is that what you were getting at?
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 09, 2018, 04:58:38 PM
Yeah baby,  we are gonna have some great fishing if the river isn't blown out all winter.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 09, 2018, 06:24:00 PM
Looks like this now, most of the fish that have been stuck in the lower river are going to make a b-line to DC.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: Rockroach on January 09, 2018, 06:38:46 PM
Thanks for the intel, Rockroach.

Just to make sure I’m understanding you about plunking... You’re saying fish by your feet as in right up against the bank and out of the current? That makes sense. I understand that steelhead like to stay out of strong current, so it makes sense that they’d hug the bank when the river is raging.

Is that what you were getting at?
Exactly! 
If the location is right all you need to do is throw out 10' in front of you.  I didn't believe it until I seen it.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 09, 2018, 08:21:01 PM
Looks like this now, most of the fish that have been stuck in the lower river are going to make a b-line to DC.
think about all the brand new ones that are coming in right now :smt007
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 10, 2018, 08:03:37 AM
It's dropping quick  :smt002
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 08:40:28 AM
Looks like it’s dropped to about 2,200 near Healdsburg, but it’s still up around 4,700 at the Hacienda Bridge.

Anyone know what flows I should look for at Hacienda for decent water at the Forestville spots (Steelhead Beach, Mother’s Beach, Sunset, etc)?
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: ThreemoneyJ on January 10, 2018, 09:17:14 AM
I just looked at some old pictures. I was plunking at steelhead beach with 1 oz pyramid sinkers with flows at 3750 at hacienda. Caught some squawfish that day but no steelhead. Visibility was about a foot.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 09:50:36 AM
Nice. At the rate flows are dropping now I expect it’ll be below that by Saturday. Have you caught steelhead with flows that high in the past, or was it just a long shot for the hell of it?

How do you set up your plunking rig? Here’s what I’m thinking...

Main line —> 3 way swivel with 1 foot dropper to pyramid weight —> 3 foot leader to Spin-N-Glo (size 6 or 8, maybe?), single 1/0 barbless octopus hook tied with egg loop, and a little bit of pink yarn with scent.

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to score any roe before I head out there, but I guess it isn’t always needed. (Bait is allowed now, right? I think I remember times when it wasn’t....)
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 10, 2018, 12:37:45 PM
I rarely plunk but when I do I use a 18-24" leader tied to a swivel with a snap swivel on the mainline to clip the weight to, simple less tangles. No roe use shrimp.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 12:55:43 PM
I rarely plunk but when I do I use a 18-24" leader tied to a swivel with a snap swivel on the mainline to clip the weight to, simple less tangles. No roe use shrimp.

Thanks for the reply. Are you talking shrimp from the bait shop (coonshrimp?) or fresh bay shrimp or prawns from the grocery store?

I’m definitely not stuck on the idea of plunking, but I’ve read it’s a good go-to method when the water is high and murky. I’d be happy to try some drift fishing or toss a spoon if it seems worthwhile.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 10, 2018, 06:05:26 PM
Any shrimp raw, cooked, when the water is up go to the market and buy like 3 shrimp, or use whatever I have in the freezer. Whenever you have shrimp for Din freeze a couple. The little cocktail shrimp work good but they are not as tuff as the bigger shrimp. I have walked into holes with a bunch of guys slinging roe for nada and shrimp has been the ticket. Don't get me wrong roe is usually the ticket but shrimp is a close second and so much easier.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 10, 2018, 06:44:08 PM
this evening from my beach looking pretty fishy saw one roll
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 07:24:13 PM
Nice... Get some!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: Chadrock on January 10, 2018, 08:02:59 PM

Try this...

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/russianStages.html

Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 10, 2018, 08:35:50 PM
Looking real good in Alexander Valley.  River dropped out but muddy. Should be good monday/tuesday. I will be fishing both days.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 08:57:00 PM

Try this...

http://cdec.water.ca.gov/river/russianStages.html
Thanks! That’s much better than the site I was using...
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 10, 2018, 08:58:23 PM
Looking real good in Alexander Valley.  River dropped out but muddy. Should be good monday/tuesday. I will be fishing both days.

Nice... Good luck!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 11, 2018, 08:45:10 AM
Flows are still dropping quickly! Down to about 1,000 near Healdsburg and 2,100 at the Hacienda Bridge.

I’m planning to hit it Saturday morning - probably somewhere in the Forestville/Guerneville Area. I’m most familiar with Steelhead Beach, so I’ll probably look there first.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 11:21:11 AM
Flows are still dropping quickly! Down to about 1,000 near Healdsburg and 2,100 at the Hacienda Bridge.

I’m planning to hit it Saturday morning - probably somewhere in the Forestville/Guerneville Area. I’m most familiar with Steelhead Beach, so I’ll probably look there first.
good luck bro!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 03:36:41 PM
Pics from Geyserville.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 03:38:24 PM
Pics from 2:30ish :smt001
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 03:41:20 PM
Greening up nice :smt007
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 03:44:57 PM
Gonna be nice for the weekend warriors.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 11, 2018, 04:23:34 PM
Mmmmmm..... That looks fishy.

I’m headed to Bay Tackle in a bit to pick up some bait and plunking supplies. Thinking I’ll pick up a Little Cleo or two, too...

Any other suggestions? Maybe a jig and float setup or two?
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 05:10:52 PM
It's always good to have some spoons in your arsenal and float fishing can be deadly.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 11, 2018, 05:47:53 PM
I gave it a 1 beer try this evening water looked pretty good maybe 15" vis. Saw nothing but a couple of squaws.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CatchMO on January 12, 2018, 07:11:05 AM
I gave it a 1 beer try this evening water looked pretty good maybe 15" vis. Saw nothing but a couple of squaws.
That looks decent for the Russian after a semi heavy rain. Should be good soon.

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Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 12, 2018, 11:07:16 AM
I just talked to the helpful fellow at King’s, and he said the lower river is still pretty murky. He said plunking is probably the best bet for tomorrow.

My (rough) plan is to check out Wohler Bridge first and possibly Steelhead Beach, too, if we lose interest at Wohler.

Got some various spin-n-glos, 1-3 oz pyramids, yarn, and some fresh(ish) roe from Bay Tackle (they say it’s from this year’s salmon at least). Hope they cooperate!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: mickfish on January 12, 2018, 11:33:19 AM
Get to Wohler early the lot will fill up quick.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 12, 2018, 11:38:24 AM
Good to know. Thanks!
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 12, 2018, 11:04:50 PM
Fished Geyserville today. Water looked great no Steel only a few Squahfish molesting my roe.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 13, 2018, 11:35:01 PM
Camp Rose. No chrome. One fat little Smallie then off to work. Gonna do a drift monday or tuesday.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on January 14, 2018, 10:23:55 AM
I have it a shot at Steelhead Beach for about 4-5 hours yeaterday for no love. The water looked OK. Not really green yet, but maybe 12-16” of vis.

Tried plunking (roe+spin n glo). Tried drifting roe. Tried casting spoons.

I watched one guy on a driftboat hook and fight what looked to be a 5-7 pound native fish. Also talked to a handful of drift boat fisherman. Most got nothing, but a couple people got lucky.

Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on February 05, 2018, 12:54:17 PM
I fished the Russian at Johmson’s Beach for about 3 hours yesterday before the Super Bowl. There were maybe 10-12 guys n’ gals fishing from shore - about 6 of them looked to be serious steelhead anglers.

In the short time I was there, I saw three steelhead hooked and two landed - drifting roe was the ticket. Some poor kid on the other side of the river snapped his line while he tried to pull his fish onto the sand...

I got no love, but I feel like I gave it a good shot and learned a thing or two.

Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: CptSloppywood on February 05, 2018, 06:09:57 PM
I fished the Russian at Johmson’s Beach for about 3 hours yesterday before the Super Bowl. There were maybe 10-12 guys n’ gals fishing from shore - about 6 of them looked to be serious steelhead anglers.

In the short time I was there, I saw three steelhead hooked and two landed - drifting roe was the ticket. Some poor kid on the other side of the river snapped his line while he tried to pull his fish onto the sand...

I got no love, but I feel like I gave it a good shot and learned a thing or two.
Keep trying there are fish all thru out the system now. Fresh and spent fish. You will get one if you put on the time.
Title: Re: Russian Steel
Post by: AlexB on February 05, 2018, 07:50:15 PM
I fished the Russian at JohmsonÂ’s Beach for about 3 hours yesterday before the Super Bowl. There were maybe 10-12 guys nÂ’ gals fishing from shore - about 6 of them looked to be serious steelhead anglers.

In the short time I was there, I saw three steelhead hooked and two landed - drifting roe was the ticket. Some poor kid on the other side of the river snapped his line while he tried to pull his fish onto the sand...

I got no love, but I feel like I gave it a good shot and learned a thing or two.
Keep trying there are fish all thru out the system now. Fresh and spent fish. You will get one if you put on the time.
Thanks man!


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