Rivers of a Lost Coast

Frank Bertaina and Steve Jackson are putting together a unique memorable event on the Lower Russian next month. Many of the old- time California Steelhead fly fishing addicts will be getting together on April 11th to pay homage to their departed friends, Bill Schaadt, Bob Nauheim, Mel Krieger, Mike Fong, Grant King, Myron Gregory, John “Buddy” Tarantino, Andre Puyans, Gary Rowen, Kay Mitsuyochi, and many others. Lani Waller will do a steelhead presentation and Russell Chatham will provide, “A Look Back.”

The bar will open at 4:00 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres. Guests will be encouraged to browse the incredible collections of vintage steelhead memorabilia from bygone eras. Lani’s presentation will begin at 6:00 followed by dinner. “Rivers of a Lost Coast” filmmakers Justin Coupe and Palmer Taylor will discuss the soon-to-be-released film and give insight on the production. The evening will conclude with a salute and farewell to the Immortals, and a Good Night & Good Luck.

Organizer Frank Bertainia, is using the event to officially kick off of the new “Russian River Wild Steelhead Society.” The main purpose of the group will be to save the remnant runs of wild Russian River Steelhead that continue to inhabit and use the lower watershed tributaries. The group is also already discussing the possibility of establishing a Russian River Fly Fishing Museum.

The Saturday night event starts at 4:00 p.m. and the $35 per person admission includes dinner. The location is the Russian River Sportsman Club, 25150 Steelhead Boulevard, Duncans Mills, CA 95430 (707) 865-9429 (off Moscow Rd which is off Hwy-116).

If you’d like to attend please RSVP in advance. Call either: Frank Bertania at (707) 573-0759, or Steve Jackson of King’s Sport & Tackle in Guerneville (707) 869-2156.