Lower Russian Drift (MLK day)

Met up with Jim "InSeine" Hobbs at 7 am in Monte Rio, left my truck and hopped in his to trailer to kayaks to Johnson's Beach in Guerneville.   We followed a fellow fishermans truck right down to the beach.   Only just before we launched did we notice that someone had closed the gate.  Oops.  Luckily we managed to get the truck out as soon as the next fisherman who had a key came by a few minutes later.

As Sean has pointed out in previous Russian River posts, it was Fa-Fa-Freeze-ing!!   I haven't had an iced up fishing rod since my ice fishing days in Upstate New York.  We tried using out collapsable 3 lb anchors as drift anchors and found that if you turn them upside down and tie the line to the bottom that they work pretty well.  At some point I'll want to rig up a real anchor system, but this worked in a pinch.  Neither Jim nor I have any steelhead experience and it shows in our total catch for the day... zilch!   I did however see four steelhead swim past as a I paddled by some great fish holding water that I didn't recognize as such.  We tried drifting roe, tossing spoons, spinners and Brad's wigglers.  I boondocked, side-drifted, back paddled, etc... but couldn't get a bite.  I figure another dozen days like this and I might catch one.  Also, the next time Mickfish posts a hookup for fishing the river I'm going to drop everything and take him up on it and maybe figure out what I've been doing wrong.

The paddle itself was beautiful (and cold).  I believe Jim took some nice photos and videos and I'll try and get him to send them to me or post them himself.  Besides the four steelhead, we saw herons, ducks, a few old crusty steelhead fishers, mergansers and a river otter.  A great way to spend the holiday even if I didn't get a bite.   

Brian

At least you had a good day out on the water unlike Mahi Mahi who had to work.....  WE NEED RAIN!!!!!!

I was out there in the morning today too, I thought I'd try below Dry Creek for a little while since it ws only a 5 min. drive.  The water is too clear, we need rain.  About every 4-5 casts, I had to remove ice off my rod.  I haven't fished in weather this cold since my days at HSU fishing the Mad or Redwood Creek.  At least you guys made the effort,  with steelhead fishing there is at least a lesson to learn every time you go.  Then when you least expect it, fish on, just be ready.

Its not as clear up in Ukiah.  I think the clean Tribs. must clear the main river.  its just low.  Hey Sean when you get to work today, adjust the flow knob at lake mendo.  we need a few more CFS.  PLEASE