On the River

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Rio Public Beach

Beach Access

Monte Rio Public Beach. Downtown at the Monte Rio Bridge. Boat access, volley ball & horseshoe courts. Rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, umbrellas and chairs. Concessions include standard American fare. Real bathrooms. Dogs permitted off-leash on down river side of the bridge. Boat launch and fishing access. Plenty of free parking. Bohemian Hwy & Hwy 116, turn right just before heading south over the Monte Rio Bridge.

Johnson’s Beach. Kayak, inner tube, canoe, chair and umbrella rental, and hot showers and refreshments for young and old. 16241 1st St, Guerneville, CA 95446 (707) 869-2022 

Villa Grande Beach. Shhh! It’s a secret. A really great secret.

Goat Rock. Goat Rock, near the mouth of the Russian River, is known for its scenic shoreline and easily accessible sandy beach. Picnic tables and restroom facilities are also available. Goat Rock beach is home to a colony of harbor seals which are fun to watch, especially during pupping season March through August. (707) 875-3483

Kayak and Canoe Rental/River Outfitters            

 

 

 

Lazy parts of the river are great for canoeing and kayaking, but be careful near the mouth at Jenner.

There is a public boat launch ramp on the north side of the river, just west of the Mont Rio bridge.

When boating to the mouth of the river to the west of Duncans Mills, take care to stay well above the mouth of the river; strong currents can take a kayak out to sea unless you are an experienced sea kayaker/boater.

Tubing. Tubes can be purchased or rented at several locations, including Napa Auto Parts and Country Tire, both in Guerneville.

Russian River Outfitters. Complete line of rental boats and equipment. Several launch and pick-up points along the Lower Russian River. 25375 Steel Head Blvd, Duncans Mills, CA 94530. Fri – Mon 8:30-5:30. 1-877-RRKAYAK

Water Treks. Guided Tours and River Kayak Instruction. PO Box 39, Jenner, CA 95450. (888 865-2249.  

Burke’s Canoe Trips. Ten mile self guided trip through scenic vineyards and woodlands. Shuttle service included. Intersection of Mirabel Road at 8600 River Road, Forestville, CA 95436 (707) 887-1222

King’s Sports. Kayak rentals and river trips. Camping gear, sporting goods, salt and freshwater tackle. 16258 Main Street, Guerneville, CA 95446 (707) 869-2156. 

River’s Edge. Kayak and Canoe Trips. 3 self guided offering more remote and have more current and wildlife than any other company on the river. Paddle through the vineyards, swim, picnic, and sunbath on the beaches. 13840 Healdsburg Ave., Healdsburg CA (800) 345-0869

Fishing

 

 

 

 

 

Monte Rio Public Boat Launch

Spring brings the shad and catfish. During the summer months, large mouth, small mouth, and striped bass, along with blue gills, come along. The Chinook head up river in the fall, followed by the Steelhead Trout. While Chinook must be released immediately if caught accidentally, Steelhead fishing is an exciting winter sport here. As long as the river is low enough for standing in waders, the river will be dotted with the hopeful. The Russian River is a “barbless- hook” river all year. Check California Dept. of Fish and Game regulations for specific bag limits and rules.

Suggested spots: Wohler Bridge on the Russian River at 9765 Wohler Road, Forestville (many secluded river access points to fish from, a boat launch ramp, picnic tables and a restroom. (707) 565-2041), Monte Rio Beach, Monte Rio, Steelhead Beach, Forestville or head towards Duncans Mills, where the river is wider. Pick up a free fishing map King’s Sport & Tackle in downtown Guerneville. (They also have info about guided fishing trips and equipment rental.)

Great info for anglers here.