First time fishing Putah

Waters · Member

First time fishing Putah

Shark Diver · Veteran Member

Hi Tom,

Welcome to Putah Creek...now go home!

Kidding, seriously, welcome. I have always been surprised at the guys and a few gals I have met on this creek and how friendly everyone is. Everytime I get out there I bump into someone who's got a tip and or a story. This chat board is a fine example of the people who come here...with fly rods that is.

Flip over to Hot Creek sometime and you'll quickly discover most of those guys are bug hiding miscreants who think that you are some kind of "spy" sent to "steal" their big bug secret of the day.

If you watch this board enough you can tell where it's happening or not and when to go. I am not much of an above surface fly guy ever since I discovered the power of the nymph, now my box is 90% wet flies.

As the days get darker, the water level drops, and these fish start spawning you'll be in for a treat. The "Time of the Titans" is coming my friend.

Make sure you have an extra rod handy and plenty of tippet...you're going to need it!

-- Edited by Shark Diver at 16:03, 2007-10-03

-- Edited by Shark Diver at 21:39, 2007-10-04

Matt R · Senior Member

Waters, welcome to the board and Putah Creek.� I fished the creek just before dark yesterday. And YES the fish are rising just before dark.� But as for really good dry fly action I'd have to say Putah isn't really all that great especially compared to nymphng.� Last night I did fish a soft hackle as I would a dry and caught 4 natives up to 15" mostly on the swing, definitely after the sun was pretty far down.� And dont worry about wading the creek�cus it will get easier as the flows continue to drop.� Dont give up on the perch fishing either cus sometimes in late winter or early spring the ocean is the only water that isnt a complete blowout.� i know surf perch fishing is not easy but its some of the most challenging fly fishing you can do dealing with all the elements.

JL · Senior Member

Waters:

I've been doing the drive from san francisco for the last 5 years and there are opportunities for dry fly fishing on putah if you know when and where.� As to when and where, that will come with time on the creek.� Read the posts from the last few months - you'll see the success some of us have had dry fly fishing.� Lately the BWOs have been great at night - no caddis to speak of this late summer which was surprising to me.� They've started hatching again recently, and I recently witnessed a good spinner fall in the evening - but generally, you'll do much�better with nymphs and emergers (on the swing) than you will with dries.� I've had success with dry-droppers in the evening sometimes.

JL

bono · Master Fly Fishing Guide

First of all welcome aboard! You asked about float tubing Putah's slower sections,yes it can be done and can be productive but be very very careful not to get sucked into some of the faster tailouts. Stay in the still or almost still water only and fish it either with a floating line or an intermediate.Good luck! Bono

JT · Senior Member

Waters, welcome.� There are times when dries work well, but, even then, most of my fish come on the dropper.� I would have to say that slack-line nymphing is the most productive approach.�

The slower sections of the creek are definitely floatable.� Target slow-moving pools and back eddies.

Waters · Member

Dear SD,

Thanks for your reply.�� You gave me lots of good feedback without being too specific.� Perfect!

I just returned from 5 days chasing Titans in Idaho.� I had no idea that this could happen in my backyard.� I'll let you� know how I do!

Waters

Waters · Member

Thanks Greg.

You've got a great board here.� I look forward to bumping into some of these guys on the river.

Waters