Russian River
California Steelhead, Bass, Trout, Catfish, Shad, Pikeminnow
43 Share

Russian River Fishing Overview

Water Description

The Russian River, meandering through Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, provides a diverse fishery available to anglers throughout the year. During the cooler months when water levels are sufficient, steelhead is the primary attraction. However, drought conditions and other environmental factors in recent years have significantly affected their numbers, and now the fishery is a sliver of what is once was. Still, a few fish start entering the river after the initial heavy rainfalls in the fall or early winter, and continue throughout the colder...

The Russian River, meandering through Mendocino and Sonoma Counties, provides a diverse fishery available to anglers throughout the year.

During the cooler months when water levels are sufficient, steelhead is the primary attraction. However, drought conditions and other environmental factors in recent years have significantly affected their numbers, and now the fishery is a sliver of what is once was. Still, a few fish start entering the river after the initial heavy rainfalls in the fall or early winter, and continue throughout the colder months. It's essential to note that all Russian River salmon and steelhead are subject to catch-and-release regulations, unless they are hatchery-born and marked. Being familiar with the latest regulations is crucial both for conserving the fishery and avoiding substantial penalties.

Both smallmouth and largemouth bass are also prevalent, particularly in the middle to lower stretches of the river, becoming more active during the warmer seasons. Catfish are found in the lower reaches, preferring the slowest-moving pockets and holes. The lower sections might also surprise anglers with an occasional shad or striper.

The CDFW stocks the eastern branch with rainbow trout several times during the winter.

A significant concern for the ecosystem is the presence of pikeminnows. These aggressive fish prey on smaller species, notably the salmon and steelhead. As a result, it's beneficial for the overall health of the river to refrain from releasing them if caught.

Species:
Steelhead, Smallmouth Bass, Rainbow Trout, Largemouth Bass, Catfish, Shad, Striped Bass, Pikeminnow
Stocked Date:
Trout projected this week - View Schedule
USGS Conditions:
11467000
Boating / Access:
Open to non-motorized boats.
Geography:
Mouth: Pacific Ocean
Length: 115 mi
Sign up free to get notified of new Russian River fishing reports.Sign Up

Latest Fishing Reports

Good Steelhead bite
Steelhead

Kings Tackle reports that the flow is 1150 cfs in Guerneville and 560 cfs in Healdsburg. Water clarity is excellent, with about 3 feet of visibility, making it a great time to hit the river. Anglers are starting to land adult and half-pound steelhead.

4 anglers found this report useful
Share
Trip Report
1 Largemouth Bass

Taken on a Roboworm 6" straight tail, hologram shad color

3 anglers found this report useful
Share

Latest Stockings

Upper East Branch
Trout CDFW
Trout CDFW
Upper East Branch
Trout CDFW

Other Nearby Reports

Went 5/6 on some spotted and smallies. Lots of bedding activity but not very much interest in the bite. Fished a lipless crank bait and drop shot had equal luck.

No fishing today....but still went out for some boat / water time. We have TONS of babies today! 4 days ago there was nothing. Today, we have a huge cloud of babies! With papa...

Russian River Weather

Loading Weather...

Guides & Tackle Shops

Russian River Map

43 Share

Nearby Lakes & Rivers

Last report: 1 week ago
53 Followers
Bass, Catfish, Steelhead, Sunfish
Last report: 2 weeks ago
54 Followers
Bass, Catfish, Crappie
Last report: 3 months ago
Trout stocking: 1 month ago
27 Followers
Flyfisherman background image

Join FishCaddy Free!

Get local fishing updates & receive our weekly NorCal or SoCal digest.

Sign Up