Floating the Russian

It is a rare winter's day that affords one an opportunity to enjoy the attributes of the local environment in late January with warm, clear weather, absence of crowds, an the company of good friends. After several days of planning, with constant updating of the weather forecasts, the Mayor embarked on a close up look at the mid river section of the Sonoma county's fabled Russian River. Now known for its storied wine appellation, the river winds its way to the ocean, through the redwoods, making its amazing right hand turn west of Highway 101, between Healdsburg and Santa Rosa.
At this time of year, for generations of fishermen families, it's steelhead season. No not metal heads, but fish! Those returning specimens, searching the gravel beds for their ancestral beginnings, 2,3,4, and 5 years ago. Many seek the hatchery at Warm Springs Dam, on Dry Creek, near Lake Sonoma. Others to the many tributaries that afford ideal spawning conditions. On average, the weather along the river from Healdsburg to Monte Rio is consistent in January: cold, humid, dark, with the typical Pacific cyclone over the coastal range, ready to dump large volumes of water on the watershed, opening up the mouth to give the returning fish access to the river.
And so, fishermen descend on these parts, clothed, equiped, anxious, but determined to try for the fabled"100" hour fish. The mayor and his flotilla of boatmen added approx. 8 hours to this season's quest. There was little evidence of success along the river, especially among the flyfishing fraternity. It seems the bait casters and trollers had a little luck, with one drift boating pair announcing a 10lb wild steelie below Northwood at about 1pm. The river is running as clear as it gets, with over 6' of visibility at 800-900fps. Evidence abounds of high water among the willow clumps.
With a new fly rod set up, hopes ran high, to no avail. It seems the leaders were too heavy, too long, and under powered. With some adjustments, our groups next effort could have better results. But the weather is changing, rain is forecast, so it could be awhile.
But what a day, what an experience: the best that Sonoma County has to offer. A near disaster occured during the venture, when a member of the delegation was unceremoniously dumped into the river when his kayak was grabbed by the fast current and pitched over into the shallow water. He was wearing a life jacket and did not panic and retrieved boat and gear in short order. After a quick change, it was back to work. Bravo.
Next river report within a week. Perhaps with fish pics.