Russian River, West of 101, Looking for smallmouth bass

Did a search for "Russian River"
Roamed through the first 3 pages at least.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=48223.msg540306#msg540306


Looked at launching from Steelhead Beach, then there is some type of dam at Summer Bridge/Vacation Beach Road- how to get across?, ending at Casini Ranch Family Campground.
About 15 miles.  Maybe biting off more than I can chew.
Steelhead Beach to Johnson’s Beach is around 8 miles, and few mentioned websites that rent craft to float along that route.

Just wanted to know how the water flow is at this time of year, and best times to go fishing for smallmouth(will be all catch and release). We will be on pedal kayaks, and wanted to know if anchor poles needed to maintain a position?  Looked at the other options like Alexander Valley Campground , Badger Park and Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach.

Looking for an enjoyable time, catching my first smallmouth bass, and abiding by the rules for tackle and lures.  The only other river experience I’ve had is the launching from the Cosumnes River Preserve.

The Russian River is currently closed to fishing due to low flows. It's real low... Something like 90 cfs at Hacienda. Needs to be at least 300 cfs to open, and that won't happen until we get some rain.

Alex, thank you for the info.  That opened up the door to more information!

Call 707 944 5533 for current river updates

There are no fish in the Russian River. Everyone knows that 

I guess I can give a real answer.

-the dams that are in place during the summer have easy portages. Not sure what kayak you are in, but there is basically a little ramp, across the road, then a little ramp back to the river. There’s another dam at Johnson’s beach that is just a gravel beach to portage around.

-a stake out pole isn’t the worst idea, but you can also just sort of beach in a good looking area and wet wade. During the summer it gets really shallow for a pedal kayak.

-15 miles is doable in a day, but look at the wind first. It blows in from the ocean and up the river valley. The river really doesn’t flow during the summer so the current won’t be pushing you. You will be going against the wind generally starting around noonish.

-you can do a short trip from Johnson’s down to the dam, then turn around and back to Johnson’s. With the dam there is lots of water so you can use the pedals.

-Alexander campground isn’t there anymore. Badger Park is not even a remotely good place to launch a kayak. Memorial beach gets crazy crowded. You can go upstream a tiny bit until it gets super shallow (maybe 1/4 mile) Downstream is the dam, then super shallow, then dangerously rocky. I wouldn’t suggest that area either.

-steelhead to Johnson’s isn’t a bad float.

-if you are itching to catch smallmouth berryessa is a great option, and Lk Sonoma is an ok option.