Got to the river at 9.00 am from San Francisco yesterday. After looking over various sections and the few fishermen who had already taken my old watering holes I decided to hit the bridge. A note here, since I started fishing this river I have never had any success at the rough water by the bridge. I often hear of fish caught here, some in the 20's, but my efforts thus far have been miserable. This spot gets a lot of traffic and I think the fish who call this section home are wise beyond measure to the ham fisted attempts I have made to catch them thus far.
I had this section all to myself once the two spinner guys cleared out (what is it with Mullets and Spinner gear?). Choosing an unlikely opening fly (size 16-18 Hares Ear Sparkle Back) I worked the rough water from the top to bottom. Normally I fish size 20 PT's or eggs and do quite well on other sections of this river, today I wanted to try something new.
I noticed a big log sitting in the river and I worked the seam along that log only to see my indicator not just dissappear, but vanish as if it was never there into the murkey depths. I set the hook and my line shot out up river like I had hooked an express train!
After much running, rock scrambling, a twisted ankle and careful playing, a bono-fide 20+ incher jumped into the air with my hook set nicely in it's jaw. This fish knew all the tricks, wrapping the line, multiple runs up stream, twisting jumps, and deep current sitting. Unfortunately for this fellow I have had lot's of experience with his big buddies down stream. Putah Creek hogs are smart fish.
It took about 5 minutes but I landed this bruiser without a net, and sadly without a camera. I did have two other fishermen who saw the whole thing and asked what I was using. When I showed them they switched over to -big and hairy- like me.
I nailed one other fish about 5 minutes later in the same spot but he threw the hook after a spectacular run up stream. Looks like they are taking these nymphs on the swing up from the bottom and the take was quite violent both times.
Must say my first 20' at the bridge was well worth the wait. If you are fishing the next few days, look for the log, fish deep with lot's of weight, got big and hairy, and wait for the swing up from the bottom...
I had a 19 incher dart TOWARDS ME and wrap around my leg.. haha. the first fly hung up on my waders and let him snap the tippet. Can you say smart fish? I dont know how that happened. I was just all smiles.
That happened to my cousin once. It was hilarious to watch!
I have had fish run towards me but not all the way to me and through my legs. A few weeks ago, I had a fish run right at me. I thought I lost him, because the line went totally slack. I stripped in line as fast as I could (just in case). Eventually I found the line taut with the fish still on the other end.
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"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught."
