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California · Fishing
Ukiah sits in the upper Russian River valley with a handful of fishable waters within easy reach of town. The three main spots locals and visiting anglers work are Leonard Lake, the Bushay Recreation Area on the Russian River, and the lake at Chekaka Recreation Area within Lake Mendocino.
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Ukiah sits in the upper Russian River valley with a handful of fishable waters within easy reach of town. The three main spots locals and visiting anglers work are Leonard Lake, the Bushay Recreation Area on the Russian River, and the lake at Chekaka Recreation Area within Lake Mendocino. Leonard Lake is a smaller, quieter option that tends to draw anglers looking to avoid crowds. Bushay and Chekaka are both managed recreation areas tied to the Lake Mendocino project, which means they come with developed access points, parking, and some basic facilities — useful if you're bringing kids or gear-heavy setups. The Russian River stretch near Bushay can fish differently depending on water releases from Coyote Valley Dam upstream, so checking current flows before you go is worth the two minutes it takes. Fishing pressure here is moderate compared to more famous Northern California destinations, which is part of the appeal. None of these waters carry a gold-medal or wild-trout designation, so temper expectations accordingly, but for a half-day outing or a relaxed weekend trip out of Ukiah, there's enough variety between still water and moving water to make it worth packing the rods.
Yes, a valid California sport fishing license is required at all three locations for anyone 16 or older. You can purchase one online through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or at local sporting goods retailers in Ukiah before heading out.
The activity listings don't specify species for each site, so rather than guess, your best source is the CDFW fishing reports for Mendocino County or a quick call to a local Ukiah tackle shop. Lake Mendocino area waters have historically held bass, catfish, and stocked trout depending on season, but conditions change and stocking schedules vary year to year.
Chekaka Recreation Area Lake Mendocino
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Boat-In Sites (lake Sonoma)
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Leonard Lake
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Lake Pillsbury
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Letts Lake Campground
~50 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Bushay Recreation Area
~7 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Gray Pine Group Campground
~56 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Hidden Lake
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Masterson Group Campground
~1h 9m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Fuller Grove Group Campground
~34 min drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Lytton Lake
~1h 17m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
E A Wright Dam Reservoir
~1h 18m drive
A worthwhile stop near CA.
Also worth it near here
Bushay is a river fishing site along the Russian River, so bank fishing is the primary approach. A kayak or small watercraft can help you reach less-pressured water, but it is not necessary to have a good outing there.
Early morning is generally the most productive window at both still water and river sites in this region, especially in warmer months when midday temperatures push fish deeper or into shade. Late afternoon into evening can also be productive at Leonard Lake and the Chekaka lake area.
Both Bushay and Chekaka are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of the Lake Mendocino project, and access fees and seasonal hours can change. Check the Corps of Engineers Lake Mendocino page or call their visitor center directly before your trip to confirm current hours and any day-use costs.
