Let me be honest. I don’t fish but my husband wouldn’t mind some deep-sea fishing. For me, just eating the whole fish from the grill that just slides off the bone, is what does it for me. Grilled fish is delicious with a chimichurri sauce, herbed rub, or just lemon and butter.
Pair this with a light citrus chardonnay from an unoaked chardonnay aged in steel, and it hits the spot on any warm day.
My favorite - whole fish in the smoker…
Thanks to the work of preservationists who work tirelessly to keep pollution and over-building in the area are preserving the fishing. Sometimes we’ll read about hefty fines if developers are caught not paying attention to the runoff that seeps into the streams and for good reason. Residents and tourists have many outdoor activities to enjoy and for some, it’s definitely fishing.
Historically, fishing has been a natural gem for over 100 years in Northern California, and Sonoma County works very hard to keep it that way.
Today, the Russian River is still known to be one of the best rivers for fly fishing in California.
Fly Fishers in the Russian River
Seeing fishers in waist-high waters is part of the majestic scenery I’ve enjoyed too. I don’t fish but the view continues to surprise and transport me into a treasured vacation destination. I truly feel like I’m thousands of miles away from seeing fly fishers in the river.
Richard and I love driving over the country bridges draped in rustic steel. The view is reminiscent of a scene found in Southern States - not California. The Wohler Bridge at the lower end of the West Side Road, for example, is our favorite thoroughfare in Sonoma County.
Driving over this bridge sitting on the passenger seat, I’ll see kayakers in the summer but this time I found anglers in waist-high water (like the shot I took above).
Classic cars take a stroll heading North on the West Side Road…
Although I don’t really imagine myself fishing one day, the idea of receiving a nice catch to enjoy with a glass of wine is what makes this activity albeit a true passion.
And a passion it is for many. Since the mid-70s, the Russian River Fly Fisher Club has held a fishing tradition with clinics for all ages. The club also manages one of the 4 few ponds in California used just for training. They keep a calendar of events, send you a newsletter, hold events, and more just for their members.
This year, they’re talking about steelhead in 2021 although it’s known for catching in January and February. I wouldn’t know much about this fish but apparently, it’s all the rave.
“Best Time to Fish the Russian River
”The best time to catch steelhead is typically in January and February, although this largely depends on how much rainfall the area has seen in the preceding months.
In May and June, you will see the shad, which responds well to brightly colored flies on sink tip lines.
In the warmer summer months, the smallmouth bass is active and can be caught with nymphs and streamers. The smallies can run four to five pounds and are a lot of fun to catch.” ”
Sonoma County Fishing Report
My attempt at informing you…
Photos:
For Photos of the community of fly fishers Click Here.
Fishing Spots:
Find fishing spots by region, National Parks, river conditions, and more by downloading a fly fishing app Here.
In Sonoma County, there are 23 parks that offer fishing aside from deep-sea fishing opportunities.
Fishing can be conquered year-round in Sonoma County. You’ll find spots for deep-sea fishing to river fishing from Bodega Bay to Lake Berryessa East of Napa. The most prized fishing in the winter months is for steelhead but Summer is popular for trout and I love trout!
Richard Loft, an avid angler since he was age 10 can take you and your party off the beaten path and also has rental gear for you. Have you always had fly fishing on your bucket list? He seems like the guy to learn from.
License Information:
Here is where you can pick up your license and the best sport shop for fishing is Sweeney’s in Napa according to some experienced anglers in town. Lessons, Groups, and Guides in Napa Valley near Lake Berryessa are also an option.
Guides:
The best guide I found on everything fishing, would be the Russian River Getaways website. It’s probably the most extensive and broken down guide I stumbled on and the easiest to read.
I know I’m always promoting the Nest but if you can find a vacation rental on the river and don’t mind the long drives to wine tastings, it’s the best value I’ve seen in California, (other than the Nest of course).
I’m just looking forward to visiting Bodega Bay and eating fish and clam chowder but if you’re into fishing, don’t forget to bring your polls!
There’s just so much more to do here the more we discover it.
Don't forget you have a home to come to in Sonoma County!
Have you experienced fishing in Sonoma County?
Feel free to share below!