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RETURN to Putah Creek Trout -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing Forum -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing -> The Forum's Most Controversial Subject: Fishing the Spawners (Version 6)
Post Info TOPIC: The Forum's Most Controversial Subject: Fishing the Spawners (Version 6)
SK60


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The Forum's Most Controversial Subject: Fishing the Spawners (Version 6)
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I believe I started this thread last year and, as always, it generated a maelstorm of differing opinions from "stay off the redds" to "stay off the creek" altogether. I am convinced that a number of folks were so intimidated that they did give up fishing during the winter.

Starting next month, the bigger fish start thinking about sex and they start "coloring up", males begin their annual kype growing contest and fish are often visible in skinnier water than they would normally inhabit during the rest of the year. At this stage they are feeding heavily to try to put on those extra ounces. 

The controversies center around whether it is ethical to fish for the prespawners, spawners, then post-spawn fish, especially near or on the redds. The discussion of the ethics of targeting these fish in these locations has filled pages of posts in past years, many of them quite angry. I suspect the controversy is not dead and I hate to potentially renew the anger, but the fish can't protect themselves-thats our job as stream stewards. So what to do?

Learn to recognize redds and avoid walking through them. Most are easy to see: shallow water above tailouts like above and below the bridge or at deer sign. Others may be in deeper water like around Access 3 and Cold Creek. They all have the general characteristic of being built in gravel that is (made) silt free.

If large fish are nearby, don't bother them-they are not going to take your fly and lining them could earn you a citation. To help everyone out, signs are posted at major fishing access points where large numbers of spawning fish may be found.

Be educated and educate. Throwing flies to spawners is not illegal and the temptation is great. When you come across people fishing the redds, just ask politely if they are aware of what the fish are doing and the potential danger to the fish if hooked and fought for an extended time. Basically lactic acid builds up in their bodies while producing the energy to escape and they often die a slow death long after release while trying to burn off the poison lactic acid build up.

Every year we find  people fishing for spawners, often standing in the redds to do it. They always claim "they didn't know". So this year PCT will offer some Redd 101 workshops in December for those that truly don't know what a redd looks like, where they are typically found, and how to avoid wading through them when moving about the creek.

A sign up link for attending, with available dates, will be posted next month. Anyone willing to lead a small group is welcome to email me.



-- Edited by SK60 on Friday 18th of September 2015 09:59:38 AM

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LelandFly


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Well said, the trout but also the anglers thank you.

Putah is a unique fishery, but we have to key in the word "fishery". We are fisherman who enjoy the pastime greatly, often with addicting qualities. With out fly fishing we wouldn't have a reason to protect the rivers and streams we love so much. Fly fishing creates a friendship with the river.

What we say at Leland when it comes to the redds. Stay near the bank, better casting helps... fish deep water when nymphing or heck try a dry or streamer, they do work as well there and if you do have a good day and catch some of those trophy trout give it a break for a bit. You came, saw and conquered. Go steelheading but when you need to get your fix for local trout Putah will be there.



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Bob Loblaw


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I don't fish Putah in the fall/winter anymore. I've seen too many yahoos targeting fish on redds, particularly at access 3, and have tried to talk to them, and I invariably get the same response...."what the hell are you doing here with a rod if its not cool to fish?" So I don't fish anymore.

I still go up a few times in the winter with my kid to show her mother nature at work and explain the birds and the bees, fish style. I always wear my PCT cap which helps when you're debating with someone about fishing on redds....makes you look semi official!

Fishing the spawn in Putah is not the same as just about any of the other rivers around here. Its just too small it gets too much pressure and the fish are too exposed.

I'd prefer that it be closed altogether during the spawn, especially this year after the fire, and we'd have for more fish to catch the rest of the year as a result.

I'm not sure that the streamer fishing advice is good counsel either. Spawning males are very aggressive and probably more likely to take a streamer than not. If I was a yahoo and wanted to net some spawners, I'd fish streamers every time.

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Hatethebait


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I would also add that with the increased danger that the fallout from the recent fire presents, this is a crucial year for people to avoid putting the trout in added jeopardy. With the drought, water levels around the region are low, and options are limited. Putah does not suffer from this affliction, and therefore is a rare commodity. Restraint is called for. Lelandfly has the right idea. Go steel heading instead. If you don't have the correct equipment, this is a great excuse to go get a heavier rod and explore new waters!

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