This is a extremely private site with a cozy (yes it is warm in winter) but hi-tech Quonset shaped Unit* on the Russian River. Our property is part of a network of 80 Hunting clubs and you can join our network or stay as a potential member. As a guest you will be given info on how to apply for the hunting and fishing club which gives you access to 80 or so properties (including this one) for one fee.
NO MOSQUITOS! Running water, electricity, DirectTV, all cooking gear, it's glamping (glamorous camping) at its finest. You have the best of both worlds, you feel like you are camping, but has all the amenities found you would miss. Unit is ready for night if temps drop, we have forced air heaters and a wood stove.
It's not just glamping: explore your wild side, we have Kayaks, ATVs, a Drift Boat, an 8 wheel amphibious vehicle to go river and winery touring, archery equipment, and I will teach you to fly fish and/or shoot a bow.
The Russian River is the main attraction but the Casino and the village of Geyserville with 4 restaurants and 2 convenience stores are only minutes away.
Wine tasting at Zialena is adjacent to the property and many wineries are nearby. Fishing is good to excellent for small mouth bass and steelhead trout.
Kayaking and the best swimming river in California! Kayak rentals are available as well as river shuttles for an excellent kayak run!
There are several miles of river near the lodge with decent holding areas for trout and salmon. This river is excellent for fly casting as there are many sandbars without obstruction to your back casts. We encourage bank fishing and patiently fishing each hole while you walk along the river.
If you have flotation/pontoon type device or some other vessel, we can drop you off upriver for a float to our place or pick you up if you prefer to leave from the Unit and head down river to the next bridge.
The river itself is very isolated from civilization in this 16 mile stretch, despite its proximity to the Bay Area. You feel as if you are in a wilderness setting, thanks to the huge vineyards providing a buffer to any development, roads or highways. It is not a river with lots of fast water, and early in the year you may have to drag your pontoon boat or whatever over a few shallow spots.
The fish average 6 to 8 pounds, and, like all steel head, fight like demons, and are either wild or hatchery born. Roe, lures, and flies all work well. The regulations prevent the use of bait until later in the season, so make sure you check rules before you soak some roe.
The lodge unit has three large beds and a fully stocked camp kitchen, Satellite TV, mini bar and inside and outside dining area. The campsite area has a fire ring, 3 burner propane stove, sink, pots, pans and utensils.
As previously mentioned, no permanent structures are allowed, so a small shed shaped tent covers a flush toilet and heated shower. Nothing fancy, it has to be light enough to be moved, but it works.
Geyserville and River Rock Casino are minutes away and the town has several outstanding restaurants, a really unique bar and a coffee shop for breakfast. The Casino's food is good to great, too, as a buffet.
I am a licensed and bonded fishing guide. I will advise you free of charge on where to fish, but there will be $100 fee for basic guiding, $200 if on the drift boat or ATV’s.
We can accommodate up to 6 people on 3 large beds and 2 couches. We assume at least 2 of you will sleep together, ha ha.
NOTE: The nightly rate reflects the cost for the first 2 guests, with each additional guest over two costing $25 per person / per night.
* this state of the art unit is a $24,000 US Armed Service's unit designed for rapid deployment in harsh environments found in the Middle East and Afghanistan.
It has a very ingenious closed air insulation lining for warmth or repelling heat in summer.
Again, it would be best if your mindset is "light camping", due to this site's proximity to the river, no permanent building is allowed. So many amenities are creatively installed, such as the bathroom which is designed to be picked up an moved manually
It is thus made to be lightweight and lacks sheetrock, tile etc., but is functional.
During the summer, the water pump next door may come on in which case we will reimburse you on a per hour basis. (your payment divided by number of hours it runs)
We do not discuss hunting here in public, but suffice to say we have secret locations at private areas for our hunting club members and guests. As a guest you will be given info on how to apply for the hunting and fishing club which gives you access to 80 or so properties (including this one) for one fee.