Chris and I went out to the Russian River on Sunday with our pontoon boats and had a blast! Chris ended with his first Russian River Steelhead (about 5 1/2 lbs) and I with my second trip and first down a river!

An experience it was. It was both our first time going such a long way (Chris had previously fished a few areas with his pontoon), from Healdsburg's Memorial Beach to Steelhead Beach about 10 or so river miles down. Too long of a trip if you want to fish a bunch of areas hard. We were on the river at about 7 and didn't get off until 4:30.

First thing out, on Chris' going to be first cast, snag! In the tree behind him which he forgot to check! Oops! After floating down a little we came to a little faster strech. With a drift boat in front, trees to the left side and a beginner coming down, I misjudged the current and ended up in the trees! Also snagged my line up and continued downstream! Was about to head into the drift boat but grabbed on to some branches and pulled myself into a little pocket between the trees where I was able to break my line and continue.

For the day we ended up snagging the trees and rocks, backlashed too many times to count, and ran our boats right though the best holes but had a great time none-the-less. Advice if any of you decide to run down a river, make sure you have someone who knows what they are doing, run a mellow river first (like the Russian) and make sure you know your craft well (not like me, having only took my pontoon boat out once before!). Other than that, have a great time!

Late!

Team Boca Bearings - www.bocabearings.com
Smelly Jelly
Paycheck Baits - http://www.paycheckbaits.com/
Big Bear Fishing Rods - http://www.bigbearfishingrods.com
http://www.bassanglerprofiles.com/toddiwamoto.htm
www.geemoto.com

LAST EDITED ON Jan-23-01 AT 12:55 PM (PST)

Yeah, going with experience is most definately a good thing.

It was a unique trip. It'll make a great story... eventually.
(When we can laugh a bit more about it.)

Todd didn't tell you guys everything though. (What a class act!)
It was a tight competition for who could screw something up next.
But in the end, I won that dubious award hands down.

Don't leave your keys in your buddies truck when you're supposed to drive the two of you back to the launch spot!!

Sorry again my friend. I really feel like a dumb @$$ about that.

The Russian is a slow river. Like Todd said, If anybody does go, try to make a shorter 5 mile drift so you have more time to fish effectively. The lower river has better access. Try from Gurneville downstream. (Nice smallies down there in the summer)

The one advantage of fishing the from Dry Creek to Steelhead Beach is all the private land you go through with little to no shore access. The fish are a less spooky.

Pray for rain!
Chris