I had the misfortune of losing my flybox at our camp ground just below the dam on Putah Creek. In the box was an accumulation of fly patterns and sizes collected over about 5 years...Probably 150 to 200 flies. It was on the table one minute, went in to our coach, and a minute later it was gone! Bummer!
Needless to say I need to replace the flies and would prefer to begin by acquiring a selection popular on Putah Creek, since that is where I fish the most. Call it a starter set for Putah Creek. In the past, for me, it has always been hit and miss. I change until I get some 'bumps'...(hare's ears, pheasant tails, small prince's, tricos, etc).
Any advice on proven,effective flies, sizes, time of year to use, and a retail source to purchase?
Pete, I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your fly box. On Bono's page, I would definitely check out the Putah Riffle Special, Caddis Pupa, WD-40, Serendipity, and Green Rockworm. I tie flies similar to those and have caught tons of fish on them.
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"Nothing makes a fish bigger than almost being caught."
this site would be the way to go. and the ones mentioned are great starters
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Fishing isnt about catching fish, its not about who caught the most, or who caught the biggest, its about the experience that you have on the water, and the life long bonds you make with others on the journey to becoming a better person inside.
if you go into sweeneys sports in napa,you can buy a box full of putah flys...its a nice wooden box with a lot of the paterns you will need for putah...