Why the Geyserville gathering is our favorite rite of spring

If you grew up around here, you know the sound of late winter isn’t just the wind in the redwoods—it’s the rush of the Russian River. For those who track the seasons by what’s moving in the water rather than what’s on the calendar, March 7 is the only date that matters. That’s when the Lake Sonoma Steelhead Festival takes over the Milt Brandt Visitor Center for what has become the most “Sonoma County” day of the year.

The return of the chrome brights

For the uninitiated, the festival celebrates the annual homecoming of the steelhead trout. These aren’t just your average fish; they are the “chrome bright” athletes of our local waterways. Watching them return to the Congressman Don Clausen Fish Hatchery to spawn is a bit like watching a high-stakes marathon where the finish line is a literal leap of faith.

When you stand over the raceways at the hatchery, you aren’t just looking at biology; you’re looking at the soul of the watershed. These fish have traveled from local backyard creeks all the way to the Pacific and back, dodging sea lions and navigating the changing currents of the Russian River. Seeing them up close is a visceral reminder that the wild still puts on a show in our own backyard.

More than just a fish hatchery

While the steelhead are the stars, the festival has grown into a massive community event. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and admission is free.

What makes it feel local is the crowd. You’ll run into the neighbor who fixes your tractor, the high school science teacher leading a field trip, and the biologists who spend their lives ensuring these runs don’t disappear. It’s a rare moment where environmental conservation feels less like a lecture and more like a neighborhood block party.

• For the kids: The trout fishing pond is a staple. The look of pure shock on a toddler’s face when they hook their first fish is worth the trip alone.
• For the adults: It’s about the exhibits. You can dive deep into environmental stewardship, learn about how the Lake Sonoma dam affects the regional water supply, and get the latest on habitat restoration from folks who actually have mud on their boots.

The Geyserville vibe

There’s something special about Geyserville in early March. The hills are that impossibly bright shade of green, the mustard is popping in the vineyards, and the air still has that crisp, clean bite.

After you’ve had your fill of nature exhibits and fish-watching, you’re perfectly positioned to hit the rest of the neighborhood. You can head down to the Geyserville downtown strip for a post-festival bite at Catelli’s or grab a coffee at the local market. It’s that North County balance: world-class conservation science paired with a small-town atmosphere.

The festival is a grounded, tactile experience. It’s about feeling the mist from the hatchery tanks, smelling the damp earth of the valley, and acknowledging that we share this ZIP code with some pretty incredible prehistoric neighbors.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 7. Bring the kids, bring your binoculars, and bring your appreciation for the river that keeps Sonoma County alive. We’ll see you at the hatchery.