Blown out

NapaBill · Newbie

Blown out

DrDan · Administrator

Does anyone know how long it typically takes to come back into condition after it stops raining? I was thinking of checking the creek tomorrow...

Nohackle · Senior Member

If the creek is muddied from a feeder creek, then it usually won't take that long for the creek to clear. Once the feeder creek clears (usually in a couple of days), the main creek will clear up. If, however, the water coming from the lake is muddy, then it may take several weeks for the creek to clear since it takes more time for the lake to clear.

bono · Master Fly Fishing Guide

In this case its the feeder creek near the dam that comes out of Cold Canyon that is the main culprit for the chocolate water , and Hiroshi said it right it may take a few days for that to clear up provided that it doesnt rain again. The lake is still fairly clear for the time being. Bono

putahcreektrout · Member

The creek had about 18'' of visibility yesterday, from the dam down to access one. Berryessa is feeding in lightly discolored water and so is Cold Creek. Its "fishable" now, but may be slow. Clarity should improve slowly over next several days.

lightfoot · Senior Member

ok so dumb question fo the day. Cold creek has been pumping brown (ie silted) water into Putah as far back as I can remember.

I'm sure a feeder creek pumping silt into Putah is a good thing

Has their ever been any erosion control in Wild Horse canyon to try and mitigate what is coming down? Is the impact to the fishery of Putah that heavily affected by what Cold creek puts out? Would it even be feasable? It is largly UCDavis property but there is some private and BLM land involved.

Berryessie · Senior Member

Went for a walk on the creek in my waders with my hiking rod for a few hours yesterday. No fish, the water was muddy so is ripped streamers the whole time. It's amazing how many single shoes, sandles, and flip flops I find on the creek. Did see some big March Browns hatching thought about swingin soft hackles or nymphing but felt out gunned with the water clarity.

putahcreektrout · Member

If by Wild Horse Canyon you mean Thompson Canyon Creek on the resort side, then the answer about erosion control is "no". Siltation from Cold Creek, Thompson Canyon, and Bray Canyon Creek near access one are major problems. Putah Creek Council and PCT and others have looked at erosion control in Thompson Canyon-it's a multimillion dollar project. The best thing that can happen is a glory hole spillover, which will scour the Creek bed and reduce silt and remove weeds. According to Berryessa News newsletter, it would take 54 inches of rain this year to overtop the tube. Not likely to happen.