Redwood Fishing Adventures

Steelhead fishing is off to a slow start on the Russian and Eel rivers. As we all know, mid December can be hit or miss and every year is different. The Russian River peaked at 2,177 CFS at Hacienda on December 13 and dropped almost as fast as it went up. Earlier predictions were that it would reach around 7,000 CFS which would have definitely been better for the system and fish. We really do need a large blowout to clean and flush the system and make it easier for the fish to come in and bypass the Sea Lions. The river had been open prior to the rise with anticipated anglers out in search of the first fish of the season. There was a report of one small early Steelhead caught at Johnsons Beach in Guerneville but it definitely seemed to be a ghost town throughout the system in regards to fish, not fishermen. The South Fork Eel peaked at 6,301 CFS on December 11 and the main stem Eel peaked at 22,945 CFS on December 12 and the drop happened quickly. I would imagine from most of the precipitation in the mountains being snow and not melting due to the cold weather we have been experiencing. As the rivers continued to drop the rivers became fishable, with an off colored green I am assuming from all the tannins in the water. Lots of half pounders around and reports of a couple adult Steelhead had been caught on the Main. All Coho and Chinook were caught on the South Fork and Middle Fork, no reports of any adult Steelhead. Early season can be good fishing but it’s all about being at the right place and right time for these first arriving Steelhead. We fished the main one day this last week and caught several small steelhead and lost a large adult. Visibility was good, and just got better as the days went on and the river continued to drop. I am set to start my guide season per usual after Christmas around the New Year and have a few weekend dates left for the season along with some weekdays. If you’re interested in booking a trip feel free to send me a text, email, or give me a call. Tight lines!