Shad are in! We have reports for the following rivers:

Russian River

Just came into shape, but then the recent rains and upcoming rains will likely affect the clarity.  

American River

A good number of shad and stripers being reported on the American River. She is flowing at 9k fishing from the bank though. 

Yuba River

High and Flowing steady at 6660 CFS. They plan to drop the river to 5k next week if you believe the river forecast. Yuba River Dam Release Schedule 5/14:

https://www.yubawater.org/190/River-Conditions

Short-term Forecast

Englebright Reservoir is expected to continue spilling until June. It is anticipated that total releases from Englebright Reservoir will range between 7,000 cfs, and 5,000 cfs for the next week. Flows in the lower Yuba River are managed to comply with license and flow requirements. Flows can change swiftly and suddenly, so be prepared when recreating on the lower Yuba River or avoid the river for your safety.

Rob Russell reports on 5.24.18

Russian River

A shady riverbank is a great place to be this time of year. Just an hour North of San Francisco, the Russian River provides ample opportunity for river recreation of all kinds. The warm, tranquil waters are extremely popular with fishermen, campers, canoers, kayakers, and swimmers. Fishing has always been extremely popular. In recent years, the use of...

Rob Russell reports on 3.29.18

Putah Creek 

Flows are at 155 cfs, and have been steadily rising over the last few days.  Fishing has been good, but not excellent as it was through most of March.

Bright sunshine and blue skies have replaced the rain of a “Miracle March”. Insect activity has consisted of mostly midges, mayflies have begun to show themselves more frequently. Streamers continue to...

Rob Russell reports on 3.22.18

It’s been nothing short of a festival at Putah Creek!  Henna-tattooers, face painters, and hula-hoopers;  partying glitter-faced people in costumes with glow-in-the-dark everything;  interpretive fly fishing happens at Putah Creek.  Fishing is great!
Nymphing, with or without an indicator, will result in consistent hook-ups. Streamer fishing has been as good as it gets...

Rob Russell reports on 3.21.18

Russian River

1.22 inches of rain at the Sonoma County Airport in the last 24 hours has the Russian River rising fast.

    The steelhead season is all but over.  With this storm putting the Russian out of shape until April.  Although fresh fish are occasionally caught, the low returns this year don’t hold much promise for a late season fish.

By the middle of next month,...

 Rob Russell Reports on 2.15.2018

Happy Summer in Winter from the North Coast! Sarcasm, we need rain bad. Take the broken record off the turntable, we really need rain, again. My opinion, shared by others on the Coast, is that the low steelhead returns we are seeing this year is a result of our prolonged drought and horrible ocean conditions. Large scale differences in water temp have put such huge...

Rob Russell Reports on 2.4.2018

The Russian River has dropped to a very fishable level. Anglers are catching big, fresh steelhead. With about 2ft of visibility in the lower river, fishing should improve throughout this next week. The rivermouth is open. Good bank access can be found throughout the lower Russian. All fly fishing techniques can be used, with most anglers choosing to swing flies on...

Russian River Fishing Report 1/8/2018    

The Russian River steelhead season has begun! One could rate the steelhead fishing as pretty good before today’s storm, which will muddy it for probably a week. This is always tough to predict, and silt loads (muddy water) should be increased due to large areas of the watershed having burned. The North Bay will be under a Flash Flood watch in the next...

Have you noticed more people catching salmon in the Russian River this winter?

This doesn’t necessarily mean there are more adult fish returning. It’s more likely because they are confined to the mainstem of the river due to lower than average seasonal flow conditions. Coho salmon and steelhead spawn in tributaries to the Russian River, and while there has been just enough rain this fall to allow...

Rob Russell Reports on 12.14.2017

Fishing is just starting/slow. Flows are low and the water is clear. Rain is desperately needed to keep the mouth open and fish coming in. Fish have been trickling in and moving around the lower river with more arriving each day. They are spooky and have seen a bit of pressure. It’s still worth a try on the Lower Russian!! Fish are being caught/ are in the river....