The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

My husband and I will be in northern California the last week of October and would like info about steelhead fishing. We will be driving. What is the best river(s) to go to where we can get access. Any lodges recommended? I heard something about the Eel river. Suggestions? Thanks, Roxanne

Bill Kiene wrote:
We are having a nice Fall Halfpounder run in the Lower American River.

You might find some on the Lower Sacramento, Lower Feather and even the Lower Yuba Rivers.

It's time to head to the Klamath, Trinity and Rogue Rivers which are all great Fall Steelhead rivers.

Don't forget about the North Umpqua, Deschutes and Grand Ronde.

October is a great most where things are usually not to hot or too cold, yet.

Bill Kiene posted earlier on this subject in the quote above. Lot's of opportunity beginning to happen.

It's going to be early for the Eel - your best bet would probably be up north further. How far are you willing to drive? The area around the Eel is fantastic for scenery and a great drive - but you might want to look into further options.

-Greg

Try giving the Eureka Fly Shop a call. They would be happy to give you information on the rivers around here, from the Eel to the Smith. You could also give them a call right before you leave, and they will give you the latest river conditons. Depending on how the weather has been, there may be low water closures (see DFG's fishing regulations for the number to call for north coastal rivers).

Another fun steelhead excursion to consider is the Mendocino coast. You can combine wine tasting in Anderson Valley with steelhead fishing on the Navarro and other coastal rivers. The plus side is, if the steelhead fishing isn't happening, there is lots of other stuff to do and lots to see.

If you stay on the Eel, the Benbow Inn might be a nice place to stay if you like historic hotels. I haven't stayed there myself, but the pictures I have seen look nice.

Hope that helps some!

Dawn

....Forget the wine tasting Dawn Anderson Valley Brewing Co...let's see,
let me count the ways I love this brewery:

Hoppin Ottin IPA
Barney Flats Oatmeal Stout
Boont Amber Ale
Deependers Porter

I could go on and on

Anglernut

hey nut
the oatmeal stout rocks dont it ,and the pale is mooie bueno
lol
see ya
dd

GM's post was pretty accurate. In general, the coast streams do not start up until December, and there needs to be significant rain to draw the fish into the rivers.

Your best bets are the Klamath and Trinity Rivers. The Lower Sac is also good, but its a big river. You'll need a boat.

I had a major brain fart leaving out the Boonville Beer. That is one of my favorite breweries and some of my favorite brews, and when I lived on Philo-Greenwood Road, I spent plenty of money and time there. Have you been to the beer festival they have there in the spring?

Dawn

Hey Dawn...small world...my wife is from Boonville. Now I wish you two would have met when you were down here for the AFS conference! My father-in-law used to run the local paper, but sold it a couple of years ago. He's back up there writing now though.

I absolutely love the valley and Boont is my favorite beer. The beer festival is hilarious...probably the most interesting cross section of people I have ever seen!

Is your father-in-law Bruce Anderson, I mean the legendary Bruce Anderson?

I've spent some time in Boonville. A friend, with whom I played post-Cal intramural softball was married to John Schmidt, ran into her at the Boonville General Store a while ago. And a guy I used to work with here in SF long ago was living there, too, selling wine, with his wife who was the accountant for French Laundry, but I think they've moved to Kentucky. And much good food and beverage has been consumed there.

I am sorry I didn't get a chance to meet your wife. I only lived in that area for about a year and a half--I was closer to Elk than Philo. I sure loved living there, and I keep hoping to make it back for the beer festival, or a combination steelhead/wine tasting trip. I do miss that area.

Dawn

It truly is a small world! Legendary...too funny.

I read your message to my wife and she knew exactly who you were talking about...I haven't met any of them, but I've heard great things. There are some great people up there, that's for sure...