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Post Info TOPIC: Sunday, October 19 What a MESS ...
Lahontan


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Sunday, October 19 What a MESS ...
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Got to the creek mid morning today. Fished HARD for 8 hours.  My observations are more important than my success.

Nothing is fishing as it has.

I saw the run Matt R posted earlier.  I took photos too, but now I am CERTAIN they are / were redds.  I foul hooked a ripe hen there this time last year. (she was returned safely, and I didn't fish that run again during the season.) I should mention that I was almost up to my ribs when there. Today, not much above the knees.

I can't believe the spots where you could barely find a ledge before, now your standing in the middle of the creek.

These flows are a disaster.  I can't articulate it clearly, but it's not right. 

About access #2 ...  a trail , the trail, with "landscaping" sprinklers, and "planted" trees.  You've got to be kidding me! When is the Starbucks opening?

I stopped at Berryessa Sports and Covenience Store on the way home tonight. Noticed a polaroid under the plexi at the cash register, a proud angler displaying a Wild 28+ inch, 7lb rainbow caught in Putah Creek. Believe me, by the time this photo was taken, it was closer to the frying pan than river.  

Forget everything else, Putah is a tailwater fishery capable of producing a 28" wild fish that can be taken on bait.  There is no legal, nor regulatory reason that taking this fish was wrong.  "The Man" is building trails and porta potties, but we can't get them to make monitoring flows a priority.

I witnessed an AWESOME mayfly hatch tonight, but saw NO trout sipping the ample bugs on the surface.

I completely applaud those who've made Putah Trout happen.  I just hope its not too late.  I saw A TON OF SPOTS today, where I've taken fish previously that were completely exposed today.

Sorry for the rant,  I'm ticked.  Ed.


PS:  I should mentioned that I spoke with 4 or more different groups of non-fly fishing anglers today.  They were all nice folks, and I enjoyed speaking with them.
                                                         

-- Edited by Lahontan at 21:51, 2008-10-19

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THE BIG PIKER


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SORRY ED : BUT THIS FLOW HAPPENS EVERY YEAR AT THIS TIME, IT MAKES ALL THE BIG BOYS SITTING DUCK TO ALL THE BAIT GUYS. I DON'T LIKE TO SEE ANY  TAKEN OUT BUT , IT HAPPENS.  DO WHAT I DO , IS TRY TO GET IN THERE WAY AND TRY TO HOOK EM BEFORE THEY DO UNTIL THE SEASON CLOSES. AND HOPE FOR AN EARLY RAINY SEASON !!!!
                                MOSES

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shon42073


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Yes Ed, Its a mess out there right now. If I remember correctly the flows hovered around 45 2 years ago for weeks at a time. Only way I was able to get into a few fish on saturday was to basically camp out in one spot that still had plenty of depth and a liitlle bit of flow running into it. Looked around for other spots to try but nothing was looking good to me, Alot of slippin and slidin in the mud. I also saw were they are clearing a big trail, I wish they would just leave it alone.

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Lahontan


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Thanks for the feedback guys.  I only have a one year perspective.  I've read about the flows rocketing up the 1000's a couple years back, and actually saw some low flows for cleaning earlier this last spring.

blankstareblankstareWhat troubles me is seeing the speed with which the creek can be "imposed" upon, vs. the bureaucracy that cripples efforts to help it!blankstareblankstare

I do remember the flows fluctuating under 100 last fall.  I brought my personal best to hand in November, somewhere around 70. But to drop the flow 300 points in one night seems rough. I am clearly a lay person on this one.

Moses ... that fish is incredible!!! ...the kyped Putah rainbow ...the Pike in your "avatar" is prehistoric looking. Nice!

I have no beef with any other fisherman, the photo at the market was taken in August. My point there is that not many waters hold 28"+ wild trout. If a body deserves protection certainly this one does. Rain would help wouldn't it?!

Shaun, thanks for the perspective. Sunday was not a bad day. It was killer weather.  I high sticked my way down a run I had not fished before. I found one pocket holding a few up to 12".  I hooked one on the first cast, he flushed the pocket and I saw about 6 others scater into the fast water, it was hilarious.  All in all I lost count, but probably hooked 8 that day, nothing to hand.  All smallish.

You remind me of something a smart fisherman once told me, the fish and the creek are neither as fragile as we think, nor as resilient as we might think. This doesn't mean we can afford to not pay attention.



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SK60


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Ed-thanks for the info. If you would, please forward your pics by email to Keith B. SCWA is concerned about their effects on the Creek when they drop flows. They were out on the creek the end of the week looking for their own evidence of damage. They are going to do a winter long watch on the spawners to determine the risk their flow changes may produce. They do, in fact, want to do "the right thing" for the fish but also have to meet their legal responsibilities as providers of water to a number of cities where some of our forum members live; they are under a lot of pressures and their job is not easy. We can probably influence their decision making process by providing evidence and a voice of concern about the flows.

The access 2 trail work includes replacing invasive plant species with natives. This is primarily volunteer work overseen by Yolo County to improve the habitat, reduce erosion, etc. Few of these volunteers fish-their main goal is to  make the Creek a better experience for all users (not just us fly fishers).

The Creek has suffered decades of abuse from many sources. If we want that to turn around, we have to act as stakeholders and do our part (as well as forward our own agenda). Right now, Putah Creek Trout, is a voice for us. Ten days ago, we presented an open invitation to check PCT out and either join us or volunteer to help. I have to say the response from 750 registered members of this forum, so far, is underwhelming. We have SCWA project and several other volunteer opportunities coming up in the next few months. We would like to hear from you.

http://www.putahcreektrout.org




-- Edited by keith bigelow at 08:30, 2008-10-22

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Emerger


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I've signed up to help!

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Cliff
Lahontan


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Thank you Stephen.  IM sent to Keith. I've signed up to help PCT.

You make very good points.

Volunteerism is a tricky one to sell, it is similar to non-profit orgs.

Unconditional commitment won't come from many. Once word gets out what some of the upcoming projects are, what skills are needed and the time commitment, I think A LOT more people will respond.

Would it be helpful if folks just signed up just to be kept in the loop?

Many thanks,  Ed.

-- Edited by Lahontan at 15:27, 2008-10-20

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SK60


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Well said, Ed. We will need involvement at many levels of commitment and on many fronts. Some tasks will be exciting, others more mundane, some short  and others long term; all contributions will be valuable.

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Richard Hardwood


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I forget how long it takes for the creek to settle down after the water is restored. Maybe by the weekend?

Bernie

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WT


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flows just bounced up to 150. Might take a few days until the fish are settled in after another big jump.

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cole


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Thats a damn nice Putah hog there Moses.  Holy cow.  They get thick sometimes

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shon42073


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I can only speak from my own experiences on putah, but the fish seem to respond to a rise in flows much better then a drop in flows. That goes for pretty much any water.

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lightfoot


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I'm curious if any of the recent work is tied in with the bill sponsored by Lois Walk that was discussed in her a few months back.

It seems the creek would benefit from less access as opposed to more.  Poison oak is a native species.  They could line the entire creek with the stuff to discourage overfishing....hmmmmm...I hate that stuff..bad ideacry

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SK60


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No, the funding for the trail was approved almost 3 years ago.

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yukon mike


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Y'all,

To those who anguish over the loss of a 28" trophy taken by some bait-slinging idiot,
take note: Those stupid enough to eat such citizens risk toxicity of unknown levels, but
I hope high . . . The best eating trout are no more than about 12". And to those
who need to mount it on their wall, you seriously need to re-examine your walnuts.

Thank you,
Mike

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shon42073


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Agree Mike, The entire watershed in that area is known for high levels of mercury, Including berryessa, cache creek, and putah creek.

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Emerger


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I've thought the very same thing. I've even warned people about the elevated mercury levels.

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Cliff
ONEWEIGHT


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Now I have my answer!!!!  When we were up fishing the Truckee until dark back in September, I thought Shawn had an eerie glow to him in the dusk ev evening.  Now I have my answer to the source of the glow!

Bob

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shon42073


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Bob, Your a funny guy. Lets all get together for that day on putah and a steak dinner at the buckhorn afterwords. Maybe mid november when the bait guys are gone ?



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ONEWEIGHT


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Great idea.  I'm out for the weekend of the 1st and 15th, but look open on almost any 2 of the 3 other weekends.  The Buckhorn is GREAT!

Bob

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Lahontan


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rofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gifrofl.gif

You guys kill me!  ... or maybe the 28"er will. Just call me blinky!

I'll release the hog and order the 18oz. bone in filet, med rare!
...or what ever they'll char up that's close.

Is buckhorn in Winters?

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JT


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Lahontan wrote:

Is buckhorn in Winters?


Yes, it's on Main St in Winters.



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ONEWEIGHT


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It's a classic steak place with excellent tri-tip among other beef cuts  . . . very good place.

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SK60


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You might consider November 22, which is the next PC cleanup sponsored by Davis and Napa FF (Putah Creek Trout plans to participate, as well)

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Emerger


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That's a great idea SK60. Count me in.

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Cliff
brian clemens


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i would be down as well, if i have it off, which i dont, never mind. ILL BE THERE IN SPIRIT. hey bob, have a hot wing and some chaffed truckee ale for me. hahaha

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