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Two of the most promising rivers at press time are the Smith and Russian. Not only do these rivers currently hold big numbers of fish, but they also offer anglers a chance to catch a trophy-sized steelhead. The Smith River is well known for producing the largest steelhead in the state with several 20-plus pounders reported every year and fish in the 12 to 16 pound class considered common. While conditions have been mainly low and clear during the early part of the season, anglers have been enjoying excellent action on bright fish averaging 8 to 12 pounds with respectable numbers of larger fish in the 16 to 18 pound class. Local guide Albert Kutzkey has been fishing the Smith on a daily basis and reporting an average of 3 to 5 hook-ups a day and normally landing 2 to 4 of those fish. Over the weekend of January 26 through 28, Kutzkey fished with the same pair of anglers all three days and they landed 4 fish to 8 pounds on Friday, 3 fish to 14 pounds on Saturday and 2 fish on Sunday. |
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"The outlook is great with the weather that is coming in now, even though the fishing has been awesome without it," he explained. "We've been fishing the lower river from Ruby to Outfitters, side drifting bait, puff balls and Billy Busters." While the Russian River has only occasionally kicked out steelhead over 20 pounds in recent years, it does have the ability to produce large numbers of fish in the 12 to 16 pound class on the right year. Judging from recent reports coming out of the Russian, it looks like this could be one of those years. "The Russian is absolutely loaded with fish right now and things should break wide open when the river clears," reported Justin Kelly of Outdoor Pro Shop in Rohnert Park. "The bite was really starting to heat up before the river blew out five days ago. The river is finally starting to drop and should clear by mid week. When that happens, we should see some of the best fishing of the year." According to Kelly, both drift boat anglers and bank anglers have been finding success. For drift boaters, the most common run has been from Memorial Beach down to either Wohler Bridge or Steelhead Beach. Side drifting roe is the most popular technique from a drift boat. Of course a variety of plugs and spinners will also entice the steelhead. For bank anglers, the most popular destination is the mouth of Dry Creek. "This is always a good spot to fish, especially when the river is muddy," explained Kelly. "Even when the Russian is blown out, there will normally be a seam of clear water coming out of Dry Creek and the fish will stack up along the seam." The section of river between the mouth of Dry Creek and Bud's Hole, approximately a 1/2 mile stretch, is some of the most productive water for shore bound anglers. "Mirabel Beach and Steelhead Beach are also very productive areas fro bank fishing," added Kelly. "When the river is colored, roe or shrimp with a corkie or spin-n-glo are the best baits. When the water is clear, I like to throw a Little Cleo in silver/green or watermelon colors. Another great lure is a #4 Blue Fox spinner in a blue bell of rainbow trout pattern." Of course, the Smith and Russian are only two of many rivers that have the potential to produce outstanding steelhead action in northern California. The Mad, Mattole, American, Trinity and Klamath rivers are all producing fish at press time and should continue to offer a solid shot at steelhead through the month of March. Regardless of where you are fishing, try and plan your trip a few days after a good rain and always check the California sport fishing regulations for the river you are fishing. |
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