Russian River tips.

Hey everyone, wondering if I can ask for some basic fishing help. The winery I work for is literally on the Russian River in Cloverdale and over the last few months I have been spending more time up there. I have only fished lakes and ocean never rivers and I do not fly fish. I believe most guys are fishing for Steelhead up that way any tips on what I should use to go after them and what kind of rig you would recommend. Does the river up that way have any other species than steelhead I could target?

Thanks for letting me pick your brain. If anyone want to join on a non yak hookup I will bring the wine.

Best,
Phil

Mickfish can probably help you dude.

Steelhead are winding down but there are still a few fish in the system. Cast small spoons (little Cleos) small spinners and small diving plugs, nightcrawlers,roe,shrimp. The smallies should start up soon small diving plugs, rapalas, jigs, small plastic worms(dark colors,dropshot). No bait after the 31st and always barbless hooks. I usually start fishin smallies around Easter. We will have to hook up but the Lake is calling me for the next week or so.

I would be more than happy to show you how to steelhead fish. You tell me where and when and I'll bring all the gear to get you started.
Like Mickfish said the season is winding down but I'm still getting daily reports of fresh fish being caught.

Thanks Mickfish & Rockroach,

Happy to fish with you anytime. The property is between Cloverdale and Asti on River rd just south of the seasonal bridge. Not sure if that is a good/ok area to fish but I am in the area two days a week and it seems crazy to drive over the river a few times a week and not stop for at least an hour and cast my line in the water.

Best,
Phil

The property is between Cloverdale and Asti on River rd just south of the seasonal bridge. Not sure if that is a good/ok area to fish

hey phil, there is some good water in that stretch, talk to Jeff Collins, operations manager at asti/cellar8, tell him cameron sent you, they have a good hole behind the winery they fish on down time,  cameron

You work just past where I live... This season the hatchery has been dumping downstreamers at the site of the summer bridge on Thursdays... Not terribly sporting, but it is like shooting fish in a barrel.  Hook up with one of these guys and they will put you on fish.  Personally, I have lost the itch for steelhead fishing.  Used to go often, but this year was the first time I have gone in over 5 years... I just don't have a passion for it anymore.

These some good fishing in that area.
Just let me know when your in town and I can meet you in the afternoon. I'm only 20minutes from that area. Just make sure you have a steelhead report card and fishing licence and I'll bring extra gear.

You work just past where I live... This season the hatchery has been dumping downstreamers at the site of the summer bridge on Thursdays... Not terribly sporting, but it is like shooting fish in a barrel.  Hook up with one of these guys and they will put you on fish.  Personally, I have lost the itch for steelhead fishing.  Used to go often, but this year was the first time I have gone in over 5 years... I just don't have a passion for it anymore.

Say it ain't so
Honestly I understand how you feel.  I was getting like that but the last few seasons I picked up a 2-handed fly rod and it's become fun again. My catch #'s went way down but it's just sparked a new passion for being on the river and chasing those damn fish.

You work just past where I live... This season the hatchery has been dumping downstreamers at the site of the summer bridge on Thursdays... Not terribly sporting, but it is like shooting fish in a barrel.  Hook up with one of these guys and they will put you on fish.  Personally, I have lost the itch for steelhead fishing.  Used to go often, but this year was the first time I have gone in over 5 years... I just don't have a passion for it anymore.

Say it ain't so
Honestly I understand how you feel.  I was getting like that but the last few seasons I picked up a 2-handed fly rod and it's become fun again. My catch #'s went way down but it's just sparked a new passion for being on the river and chasing those damn fish.

In my youth and up until the past 5 years or so I fished the hell out of Steelhead... and had a few epic days along the way.  After I got my kayak and started getting my chrome fix trolling, I got weary of standing in the cold up to my waist in water... and doing way more fishing than catching.  Throw in some of those days where it feels like you spend the entire day retying because of snags... and sending $30 worth of tackle to the bottom of the river... I just got over it.  Don't get me wrong though... I have an incredible respect for steelhead... I have always thought a native steely on the Navarro is a right of passage for all fishermen.  Hooking one, well that is one thing... landing it... that's entirely different.

Well patience is not one of my stronger virtues. I was headed to the winery today and was pretty booked up but figured what the heck and threw my gear in the car. Luck has it I was able to sneak away for a few minutes at the end of the day. I started tossing a brass spoon and about 30 min in I sad 1 more vast and sure enough.., wam. Ended up with a nice 20" + steelhead technically it did not happen as I did not take any photos but if you want a picture of the big goofy grin on my ugly mug. That should be proof enough. I was not prepared with a cooler etc... Nor did I want to tell my wife I snuck out fishing after work so she was released to swim another day. Man do I love the adrenalin rush!!!

Phil

Well patience is not one of my stronger virtues. I was headed to the winery today and was pretty booked up but figured what the heck and threw my gear in the car. Luck has it I was able to sneak away for a few minutes at the end of the day. I started tossing a brass spoon and about 30 min in I sad 1 more vast and sure enough.., wam. Ended up with a nice 20" + steelhead technically it did not happen as I did not take any photos but if you want a picture of the big goofy grin on my ugly mug. That should be proof enough. I was not prepared with a cooler etc... Nor did I want to tell my wife I snuck out fishing after work so she was released to swim another day. Man do I love the adrenalin rush!!!

Phil

Good for you!!! Just remember... it is rarely that easy. 

Pure beginners luck. But I will take them however they come!

That's so awesome!