Russian river smallmouth

WildDog3 · Post by **WildDog3** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 7:53 pm

i just transfered to sonoma state, and i'm trying to locate some productive smallmouth spots on the russian. i've fished camp rose, geyserville, and alexander valley (tough access from the bank) with minimal success. i hear about guys having double digit fish days all the time. i'm just trying to find out where they go! any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

Nozmo King · Post by **Nozmo King** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 8:37 pm

Wild Dog, Camp Rose & the Alexander Valley Bridge are both very good. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing. Be aware of the tackle restrictions. I quit fishing it for smallies a few years ago because of them. Can't remember the all the details now, but they are listed in the DFG book - barbless, single hooks or something like that. The DFG warden in the area is legendary for busting anglers for violating them.

Protecting steelhead & chinook salmon is a great idea & everything, but these regs are bogus. I never caught so much as a single juvenile steelie in years of fishing the river in the summer. As far as I'm concerned, all the regs did was ruin the enjoyment of fishing an excellent warmwater fishery (in the warm season). It's a great place to take a kid fishing for smallies & cats, but I'm not going to do it if it means breaking the law or risking a fine.

I'll get off my soapbox now. Have fun on the river.

Paul W · Post by **Paul W** » Sat Sep 09, 2006 9:40 pm

I used to Smallie fish up there all the time from shore about 10-12 years ago when I lived in San Mateo. Usually had no problem getting 20+ a day along w/ a load of Squawfish which I actually think are fun to catch. Anyway, we would fish up at Cloverdale early, then come down and fish Johnsons Beach in Guerneville and Vacation Beach just west of there in the late afternoon/evening. Never caught anything big, biggest ever was one that was maybe 3lbs. My buddy however, took his raft down the river once and got some nice quality fish with a bunch over 2lbs. That by the way will yield best results, renting a canoe, raft, or whatever. Trowbridge company rents them out for a good price at Healdsburg I believe. Late summer/fall is a great time to be up there Smallie fishin!

Paul W