



King's Sport & Tackle
Fish Species
RUSSIAN RIVER FISHING - BASIC INFORMATION
The most exciting and challenging fishing starts in Fall. The first fish to arrive on the river is the CHINOOK SALMON, who start their migration in late September continuing into early December. Small STEELHEAD (1/2 to 4 lbs) follow these SALMON up the river and larger adult STEELHEAD start in December running through the winter months into late March/early April. Note: “No Take” on CHINOOK SALMON. If you hook a salmon while STEELHEAD
fishing you must release immediately. There is also a "low flow" regulation starting September 1st until the end of April. If the flow in the river is under 300 cfs the river is closed to fishing for all species. Call the "low flow" hotline during this time period to check whether or not the Russian is open to fishing. 707-944-5533
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At times, fishing is very good and sometimes frustrating as we wait for the rains to ease and the water to clear.
In April and May another anadromous fish puts in an appearance – the small but mighty SHAD. What fighters these fish are! Mostly taken on flies and feathered lures, these fish provide a lot of entertainment as well as refining the fly fisherman’s skill in using sinking shooting heads with wet flies.
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Summer brings warmer water and the bite turns on for SMALL and LARGE MOUTH BASS. These fish, along with BLUEGILL provide solid fishing all summer long for many visitors
The Russian River is a Barbless-Hook river year-round. Check the Fish and Game Regulations for specific rules, hook sizes, bag limits, and size of fish. All tributaries are closed to fishing. These are spawning streams and we strive to protect our native fish






