Russian River Smallies, Labor Day weekend

This is a few days late as I had to travel down to the smoggy, crowded hole that LA has become, so I didn't have a chance to post until today.

Based on some previous intel from Mike 'mickfish' (thanks Mike!), my son Drew and I decided to give the river a shot on Sunday before Labor day.  It didn't take long to figure out where the fish were and we ended up finding and fishing 3 holes that all had fish that wanted to bite.  We fished for about 5 hours while Momma paddled along near us and picked ripe berries from the bushes along the bank, bringing a few over to us every once in a while.  How good is that, you get to catch fish and have fresh blackberries delivered to you on the water!!   Sandy also volunteered to be our photographer for the day and got some great pics of Drew slaying the bronzebacks.  We ended up with 12 fish for the morning with at least three pushing the 14 plus inch and 2 pound zone.  If you have not caught smallmouth that live in moving water before, the first 12 incher you hook will have you believing it is at least a 3 pounder and maybe more.  These fish are very strong and fiesty....too much fun.

Drew was so wound up about the good fishing, he him me up on the way home to go again on Labor Day.  Being a good father, I decided to "sacrifice" my plans to work on my backyard project to hit the river again.     Yes, I know, I am a giver...

Momma had to work, but we talked our neighbor Mike into going with us and he was not disappointed.  He caught a good number of fish and one over 2 pounds that had him laughing and hooting as he battled the little bronze monster.  Between the three of us, we ended up with just over 20 fish for the day, all released of course.  I even managed to catch a few hand size green sunfish on the rubber worm which was a surprise. 

Bass are tasty and everything, but if you do fish the river for them, please release at least most of them as this resource is too valuable to eat and could be easily impacted by anglers with skill.

We launched up in Healdsburg and paddled up river each day for 2 1/2 miles or so.  A few portages over shallow riffles, but even with Drew in the front, we were able to scrape through them on the way back down.  Enjoy the pics....

Norm and Drew.

Awesome times!! You are A good dad. ..Your boy would look good in A mini X... Andy

Fantabulous report and great read!  That last picture is tremendous.  The title of it says it all.  Way to go pops.

Michael

Excellent picss and report.  Nice outings to the RR.  Looks like everyone had a blast out there.  Thanks for the C&R to allow others to enjoy for years to come.

HobieBlue

nice fishing! i know that stretch of river well, glad to hear you caught some quality fish, and even happier that you released them! i was out there the same time as you guys a few miles up river and did about the same. nice pics guys

Hey I recognize those spots great report Norm I know Drew was stoked. Don't know how I missed you guys I was up there for a few hours also did about the same as you guys and went again today. My dog is totally addicted he just watches me fish all day ignores other dogs and people Drew might like this picture Mick has a fin in his mouth.

Awesome report & nice fish, Norm & Drew!
Look like great way to spend your holiday!

Thanks everyone, it is great fun even just watching Drew as it reminds me of being his age.

Thanks for the picture Mike, that is awesome!  Hope to see you up there in the future, I figured you would recognize the holes being in your backyard and all.  Maybe next weekend????

Norm

Great report and pics, Nawm.    I think I have to get my 8.5 year old up there.    I am trying to get him into fishing and kayaking.   Sounds like the RR is the place to go. 

Completely agree on the C&R.    Way too valuable a resource to be consumed.   

Nice report Nawm. Cool pictures of you and your son there. I like the last pic.
when your son had a fish on.

Jed

Awesome report.  I was up there on labor day weekend as well (Sunday).  I thought I saw you guys at the Memorial beach bridge at around 8:15 in the a.m.  I was walking around waiting for the River's Edge to open.  You are right about the strength of the smallies there.  I had one that pulled drag out and even pulled the kayak upstream a little.  I can't wait to go again.  That is one of the best things you can do for your son: take him fishing.

Thanks for the kind words guys.  It's a great place and a lot of fun for both me and my son.   

152 Sumo, that was probably us as I think we got in the water at 7:30 or 8 each day.  Sorry we missed you, let me know when you head up if you want to hook up for the morning.

Lawrence, let me know if you would like to bring your 8.5 up, I'd be happy to show you the way.  We will likely go next weekend if you can swing it.  PM me........

Great stuff Nawm, son, and mickfish.  the RR looks like a great family hangout

   

152 Sumo, that was probably us as I think we got in the water at 7:30 or 8 each day.  Sorry we missed you, let me know when you head up if you want to hook up for the morning.

It was inevitable missing me.  I started at Alexander Valley at 9:30 or so.  I was still miles away when you guys probably called it a day.  I would definitely like to hook up with you guys, Mickfish, and, of course anyone else.  That is my plan next time I go: not make it a solo mission and spend more time fishing instead of paddling.  I definitely fell in love with that whole area.  I just got back from spending the weekend in Calistoga with my wife for our 10th anniversary.  Just in case my wife is some kind of secret lurker, I will say that I am glad I spent the weekend with her rather than fishing! Ill leave it at that