Russian River - Talmage - California
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Russian River – Talmage - Water Flow Chart
Russian River – Talmage - Weather report & radar
Russian River – Talmage - General hatch chart
| January | Stoneflies | Mid day | 14-16 | Golden Stone |
| Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| February | Stoneflies | Mid day | 14-16 | Golden Stone |
| Midges | Mid afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Mid afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Mid afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail |
| Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Mid afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail |
| Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Mid day | 6-8 | Chernobyl Ant | |
| July | Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Stoneflies | Mid day | 6-8 | Chernobyl Ant | |
| August | Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Hoppers | Mid day | 10-12 | Dave’s Hopper | |
| September | Hoppers | Mid day | 10-12 | Dave’s Hopper |
| Blue Winged Olives | Mid afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Mid afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail |
| Caddisflies | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Mid afternoon | 16-18 | Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| December | Egg Laying Caddis | Evening | 16 | Six Pack |
| Midges | Afternoon | 20-22 | Zebra Midge |
Russian River – Talmage Access Points
The Russian River in Talmage, California, offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. The following are the best access points:
- Johnson’s Beach: This popular spot provides diversity with both slow and rapid water sections. Ideal for beginners and experienced anglers.
- Monte Rio Public Beach: Known for its slow-moving shallow waters, it’s perfect for catching Steelhead and Chinook Salmon.
- Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach: The deep, slow-moving water here is ideal for fly fishing for large fishes.
- Alexander Valley Campground: This riverside campground offers great access for fly fishing. It’s also a great spot to catch smaller species.
- Steelhead Beach Regional Park: This is a well-loved spot for fly fishing, particularly during the Steelhead run in winter.
Please remember to respect local guidelines and catch and release practices to ensure the sustainability of this beautiful fishing area.
Russian River – Talmage Fishing Spots
The Russian River – Talmage area offers numerous top-rated fly fishing spots that promise a gratifying angling experience. Below are some of them:
- Steelhead Beach: Famously known for its steelhead trout, this spot is accessible and suitable for beginners.
- Johnson’s Beach: An all-time favorite among locals, this beach provides a healthy population of small-mouth bass and trout.
- The Delta: The extensive wetland area near the river mouth allows opportunities to angle for both freshwater and ocean fish like bass, roach and bream.
- Monte Rio Bridge: An excellent spot for catching large-sized trout, particularly during the spawning season.
- Wohler Bridge: Renowned for its steelhead and the stunning scenery, it offers both solace and excitement for anglers.
Russian River – Talmage Local Fish Species
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as the King salmon, is a prized catch for fly-fishermen due to its size and fight.
- Coho Salmon: Smaller than the Chinook, they are known for their significant leaps and thrashing when hooked.
- Steelhead Trout: These are ocean-going rainbow trout with a strong fight and acrobatic leaps.
- Rainbow Trout: River-resident trout species that provide a fun challenge for fly anglers.
- Brown Trout: These trout can reach impressive sizes and are a favorite for many fly-fishermen.
- Pacific Lamprey: These eel-like fish can provide an interesting challenge for those out with their fly rods.
- American Shad: While not native to the Russian River, these fish provide a strong fight and are a favorite among many anglers.
- White Sturgeon: While not commonly targeted by fly-fishermen, these giants of the river can provide a battle you won’t forget.
About the Russian River – Talmage
Winding through the heart of Sonoma County in Northern California, the Russian River is steeped in captivating history. Initially, it was named ‘Slavianka’ (meaning ‘Slav’) by the Russian settlers from Fort Ross. The river’s current name, however, represents a nod to these early Russian explorers.
Communities evolved along the banks, including the lovely hamlet of Talmage. Established originally as a religious commune in the late 19th century by the followers of Thomas Lake Harris, it flourished due to the fertile river valleys. Key points in Talmage’s history include:
- In 1899, the Utopia Planitia winery was constructed. The wine from this winery was famous amongst the society of the time.
- The historic Talmage bridge, spanning over the Russian River, was erected in 1915 and is still in use today.
No visit to Sonoma is complete without a jaunt to this scenic river and it’s charming historical settlement, Talmage.
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