California
The Russian River is not where you go for a trophy trout trip. It's where you go if you live in the Bay Area, want to swing flies for wild winter steelhead without driving six hours, and can time your visit to the narrow windows between storm systems when flows drop below 600 CFS and the water starts to clear. The steelhead — ESA-listed, all wild, catch-and-release only — average 4-10 pounds and run from December through March. Between Ukiah and Healdsburg, there's wadeable water accessible from public parks and road crossings, and on a good dropping flow you might have a run to yourself on a Tuesday morning.
Outside of steelhead season, the upper river near Ukiah and the East Fork below Coyote Dam hold resident rainbows in the 8-14 inch range, best fished in spring as flows decline and again in fall when water temperatures cool. Smallmouth bass in the middle and lower river provide aggressive warm-water fly fishing from May through September — they'll hit poppers and streamers readily in the 8-14 inch range. The river's hydrology swings hard: winter storms push flows above 10,000 CFS, while summer baseflows at Guerneville drop to 150-170 CFS. Above 3,000 CFS, you're off the water.
The Russian flows through Sonoma County wine country, which means summer weekends bring heavy recreational crowds — tubers, kayakers, swimmers. The best fly fishing happens in the shoulder seasons when the tourists are gone. Regulations are complex and section-specific, with different rules for anadromous and resident species, seasonal closures to protect spawning steelhead, and a complete prohibition on retaining coho salmon (ESA-listed endangered). Check the current year's regulations carefully. Healdsburg is about 90 minutes from San Francisco; Ukiah adds another 30 minutes north.
| Species | Abundance | Best Season | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steelhead (winter run) | Moderate | Dec-Mar | 4-10 lbs |
| Rainbow Trout (resident) | Moderate | Mar-Jun, Sep-Nov | 8-14" |
| Smallmouth Bass | Good | May-Sep | 8-14" |
| Coho Salmon | Rare | N/A | 6-12 lbs |
| Sacramento Pikeminnow | Abundant | Year-round | 8-16" |
No recent fishing reports for Russian River
Hot conditions with maximum temperatures in the mid-90s to low-100s. Mild minimum temperatures and weak onshore flow will limit overnight relief.
A watch or advisory means conditions are favorable for the event. It has not started, so treat it as a reason to check again before you drive out.
WHERE...The East Bay and San Francisco Bay Shoreline, North Bay Interior Mountains and Valleys, The Santa Clara Valley and Eastern Hills, The Santa Cruz Mountains, Interior Monterey County and the Santa Lucia Range, Most of San Benito County and the Cholame Hills in Southeast Monterey County, and Southern Salinas Valley/Arroyo Seco and Lake San Antonio.
WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT Wednesday.
IMPACTS...This level of heat affects anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. Impacts likely in some health systems, heat-sensitive industries and infrastructure.
Hydration is a critical piece to surviving the heat. Drink water, and if possible, take water to those who are vulnerable.
Take extra precautions when outside. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing. Try to limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening. Take action when you experience symptoms of heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke.
Beat the heat and check the backseat! Do not leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes.
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