Western Sport Shop: Events: Clinics: Steelhead

On the Water
Russian River Steelhead Clinic
With Carlo Bongio

November - February

2009/10 Clinic Space Currently Available -
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Saturday, January 16, 2010

Please note - we are actively taking signups for these dates, and the this page may not reflect recent class signups. Dates listed may be unavailable by the time you attempt to signup, so call the store directly for the current availability.

For the earliest announcement of clinic dates, subscribe to our email newsletter!
If you have a group of 4 or more, and would like to schedule this as a custom clinic, please email steelhead@westernsportshop.com

Clinic dates are announced in our Email Newslettter - SIGN UP HERE

Steelhead fishing with a fly is truly a graduate school for anglers. Make no mistake, this is technically challenging fishing. But, when your first (or 50th!) steelhead takes your carefully drifted fly and rockets away like a freight train, the hours of casting and working the waters are sure to be forgotten.

Though many lament how the Russian River has changed over the past decades, there have been many improvements in the fishery lately, with between 5,000 and 10,000 steelhead returning each winter. It is an ideal place to learn how to pursue this winter-run fish, and techniques learned in this class are applicable to almost any waters. Carlo has optimized the timing of this course to maximize the possibility of hooking one of these hard-fighting fish.

Carlo Bongio has fished the Russian River in bad years and through tremendous runs. His careful note-taking and observations have made allowed him to consistently catch and release steelhead on the Russian River for over 20 years. His extensive knowledge and easy teaching style will unlock the secrets of this near-mythic fish.

What Is Covered in this Clinic:
Steelhead Tackle Selection & Rigging
Steelhead Fly Selection
Reading the Water for Best Results
Wading Techniques
Using a Shooting Head System
Double-Haul Casting Techniques
Presentation Techniques for Steelhead
Specific Instructions geared to each participant's needs

General Information & Fees:
Clinic Meets at the Russian River -
The location will depend upon water conditions and timing of the runs. You will receive specific meeting info and a map before the class date.
Please note: The Russian River fishery is negatively impacted by rain. If there is substantial rain within 48 hours before the class, it may be postponed.
Limited to 5 attendees.
All class members must have valid California Fishing License w/ Steelhead Punch Card
Reservations required.

Clinic Fees: $125/person

Please note: Wading is required for this clinic. Attendees should have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing equipment. If you already have mastered the double-haul cast, let Carlo know before the class. For more information, please contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432 or San Rafael store (415) 456-5454.

Signup Information:
To sign up for this clinic, you can signup online via our secure server, call either store to sign up by phone, or obtain a faxable signup form by clicking here:

Download Russian River Steelhead Clinic Signup Form
(Requires FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available at http://www.adobe.com)

Email signups can be sent to:
Classes@WesternSportShop.com
(please specify the location, date and clinic if using this method. Be sure to include your credit card to reserve a spot. If you do not wish to give complete credit card information, leave out the last four digits and expiration date. We will confirm that information with you after we receive your email.) You can also mail the downloadable signup form or phone in your reservation directly to either store.

Equipment List

Required: Valid California Fishing License w/ Steelhead Punch Card(available at stores)
9' 8 weight fly rod. (7 - 9 weight rod acceptable).
Fly reel with smooth drag set up with a shooting head system.
150 yards of 30# backing recommended
9 foot tapered leaders in 1x - 3x tippet size
Steelhead Fly Assortment
Waders
Wading staff
Polarized sunglasses
Hat Sunscreen
Food, drinks & necessary snacks

If you have any questions regarding equipment,
contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432
or San Rafael store (415) 456-5454.

Other "On The Water Clinics":
Putah Creek Nymph Clinic - Russian River Steelhead Clinic - Shad Clinic
Sage Casting Clinics - Sage Spey Casting Clinic

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