Van Duzen River - Bridgeville - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville - Water Flow Chart
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville - Weather report & radar
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Late Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | March Browns | Morning/Afternoon | #12-14 | Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| Midges | Late Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge | |
| March | Midges | Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | WD-40 |
| Blue Winged Olives | Midday | #16-20 | Blue Dun | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Midday | #16-20 | Blue Quill |
| March Browns | Afternoon | #12-14 | March Brown Spider | |
| May | Golden Stones | Evening | #8-12 | Salmonfly Nymph |
| Salmonflies | Afternoon/Evening | #4-6 | Stimulator | |
| June | Golden Stones | Evening | #8-12 | Golden Stonefly Nymph |
| Caddisflies | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Caddisflies | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-18 | Hares Ear |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Hopper Pattern | |
| August | Caddisflies | Late Afternoon/Evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Ant Pattern | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Beetle Pattern |
| Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon/Evening | #16-20 | RS2 | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon/Evening | #16-20 | Adams Dry Fly |
| October Caddis | Evening | #8-10 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Late Afternoon/Evening | #16-20 | Adams Dry Fly |
| Midges | Late Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | Midges | Late Morning/Afternoon | #20-24 | Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Late Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville Access Points
- Alton Bridge: Located off Highway 36, this point is a popular spot known for its broad diversity of fish and gentle currents.
- Grizzly Creek State Park: Although primarily known for its redwood groves, this park features easy river access and plentiful fish.
- Swinney Hill: This spot can be found four miles east of Bridgeville, promising fewer crowds and a peaceful fishing experience.
- Cannibal Island Road: Located near Loleta, this access point is suitable for more experienced anglers due to its somewhat challenging terrain.
- Fernbridge: An iconic spot, Fernbridge provides easy access to the Eel River confluence, a prime location renowned for steelhead and salmon fishing.
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville Fishing Spots
The Van Duzen River in Bridgeville offers exceptional spots for fly fishing. These pristine waters are home to a variety of trout species, including brown, cutthroat, and rainbow. Here are some of the best spots to cast a line:
- Swain’s Flat: A favorite among locals, this spot is teeming with sizable fish.
- Rohnerville Creek Confluence: The high volume of cold, fast-moving water attracts a variety of trout.
- Tish Tang Campground: After a short hike through the woods, fly fishers are rewarded with a beautiful, secluded stretch of river.
Remember to adhere to the local fishing regulations and respect the river’s natural inhabitants. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just exploring the hobby, the Van Duzen River is an idyllic location for a fly-fishing trip.
Van Duzen River – Bridgeville Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King salmon, prized for their size and strength.
- Coho Salmon: Notably aggressive and jump often when hooked, making for an exciting catch.
- Steelhead Trout: Difficult to catch but popular for their fierce fighting spirit.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for their beautiful coloration and acrobatic antics when hooked.
- Redside trout: Named for their distinctive, vibrant red stripe on their flank.
- Sea-run Cutthroat Trout: Coastal species, migrate between river and ocean, offering an interesting catch.
- Pacific Lamprey: Less common and not a traditional catch, but can be a challenging and unique experience.
- White Sturgeon: Note that the sturgeon is a protected species on the Van Duzen River and many other local waters. Catch and release only.
About the Van Duzen River – Bridgeville
The Van Duzen River is an essential feature in the Bridgeville landscape, with a lovely history tied to early American migration. The river, winding through the charming town of Bridgeville, is a tributary of the Eel River in Humboldt County, California.
The region blazed its path on the map in 1820 when American settlers arrived, marking the beginning of Bridgeville. People established their lives around the river, using it for fishing, water supply, and transportation. This led to the construction of the iconic Bridgeville Bridge, a major landmark.
- 1800s: The region saw a surge in activity due to the California Gold Rush, resulting in increased settlement.
- 1920s: Completion of the Bridgeville Bridge, reflecting the growing importance of the region.
Currently, the Van Duzen River continues to be an integral part of community life in Bridgeville, a testament to its historic worth.
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