I was on the water by 6:45...fished the morning in the #5 Access area. Caught a couple of nice trout and had SEVERAL to hook but they spit them out. One fish went at least 18". I was using #18 red and black midges. Also, a couple of #16 Fox Poopahs. Olive and Tan. I even had a strike using a olive damsel fly nymph and a realistic fly. Met a fellow board member, ChemDoc and we had a good time. We bounced several sly fishing subjects off of each other and I learned alot(I still consider myself a newbie to the creek). Thanks ChemDoc!! Another fly guy named Bob Thorton? gave me some pointers and he was NAILING them upstream on the far side of the island by #5... Good going Bob. A great day on the creek...Even saw an Osprey crusing the creek looking for some chow. Later. TMS
I am hoping to fish Putah Creek Saturday afternoon (9/10) for a few hours. However, having never been there I am wondering if you are willing to email me privately (if need be) information about the creek. I have not a notion where to go, rod weight, etc. I live in the Bay Area so I will be traveling north on 80/505. Thank you!
Hello TangleFree. I generally don't fish putah creek this time of year because of the high water flows, but perhaps I can help you generally on where to go. As you parallel the creek you will notice signs designating access areas. As you drive towards the bridge (from Winters) the wooden signs designate access points from #5 to #1. So when posters refer to "#4" that gives you a general idea where they were fishing. It seems this time of year most fly-fishers are going just below the bridge before the dam. Parking is on the left side of the highway just over the bridge (you will see the RV park on the other side). Others it seems have been accessing the creek around the #5 area. Try to get out early because it can get a bit busy over the weekends and there are bait guys out there as well this time of year.
Hope this helps and I'm sure others will chime in as well. You can always check the turnouts to find spots as well. Nymphing is the rule here with zebra midges, WD40's, princes etc. in the sizes 18-22.
TangleFree...Sorry about the lateness in replying...I've been out of town.
Well, my knowledge is limited as I'm a Newbie to the Creek...
I use a 4 wt and 6 wt outfit. Tippet size is determined by fly size but usually 5x to 8x. Floating line and sometimes I'll use a strike indicator but I'm not a big fan of them. 1-2 split shots placed about one foot above the fly is how I use them...Just experiment. Flies? Well, small midges are favorites #18-#20. I also like olive and tan Fox Poopahs, #14 & #16. OLIVE WOOLIE BUGGERS!!! Size 8, 10, & 12. If you don't tie your own get a few. Look for seams where fast moving water merges with calm water...Also, swing/high stick your midges etc. downstream with a fast moving ripple...BE READY!!!
You can always drive down to the dam. Drive over the bridge and turn into the dirt parking lot to the left. Right at the foot of the bridge by the supports is a good area, but wading will probably be limited due to the high flows.
Access #5 is a good area for wet wading. Park outside the lot along the road. Costs $4 to park inside. Walk straight in and you'll see the trail leading down to the Creek. At the base of the trail...we're talking virtually at the 12 o'clock position you see a downed tree at the bank. The stream comes around a bend and there is a nice pool there. Toss some flies. You can then follow the trail downstream about 200-300 yards and the Creek opens up at another bend. Toss some more flies! Now, if you want to get to the other side of the island you should see a trail at this second spot. It's about a 5 minute walk due south. Keep an eye on the landmarks...Once you come to the other side, toss some more flies. Look for a big drainage pipe upstream. That entire stretch of water is good wading and has many opportunities. I hope this helps.
Access areas #4 & #3 can be exciting. But be careful of the high water. Gotta walking stick?
Another option is to hire Greg Bonovich. He runs this board and a guide can be very helpful to beginners.
Remember to clean you gear afterwards and bring a garbage bag for some simple trash pickup when you're heading out after nailing some trout!!
Hopefully, we'll cross tippets in the near future. Good luck. TMS
Thank you for your reponse to my email. You surely packed a passle of info into that little square!! Beginner - beginner as in never fished Putah Creek or beginner as in new fly fisher? We are all beginners at some point!! I did fish for a few hours Saturday evening near a bridge but will not return there again unless it is very early or late in the day. The amount of people I encountered in 1/4 mile was very disheartening and discouraging; however, I will just change my time to fish and enjoy an hour or two of solitude before most people are finished with breakfast.
TangleFree...Yes, the bridge area can get crowded. First light is probably your best bet. I've only been to Putah 4 times, so yes I'm new to the creek. The regulars all talk about the winters months when the flows are down...wading is good and it's flies only, catch and release...no bait anglers. Don't get discouraged about the crowds. Work yourself down from the bridge and up towards the access areas. Tight lines. TMS
I am hoping to fish Putah Creek Saturday afternoon (9/10) for a few hours. However, having never been there I am wondering if you are willing to email me privately (if need be) information about the creek. I have not a notion where to go, rod weight, etc. I live in the Bay Area so I will be traveling north on 80/505. Thank you! 