I grew up in San Jose and fished Putah a bit when I was in High School and a couple times when I'd be back in town during college. I'd say I haven't been there since 1997 or so.
Anyhoo, I will be in Davis next Wednesday night through sunday morning attending the Salmonid Restoration Federation Conference and figure I HAVE to sneak out and fish Putah once or twice for old times sake.
I'm not looking for any secret info, and it seems like there's some good general info to be had on this forum but figured I would say hi and ask, very humbly, if anyone has any advice for the current conditions.
Also, I assume fishing on Thursday would be better than the weekend, but what should I expect if I do hit it up on the weekend as well?
FWIW, I've been a fly-fisherman for 25 years, practice strict C&R, and even work for one of the (many) entities attending the conference whose mission is to protect and conserve biological resources in the state.
My suggestion is fish between access 1 and 3. Pull over and park at a pull out and make your way to where a riffle empties into a pool. Try 2 nymphs under an indi ~5-6 foot of leader to your split (0.6 - 1.8g depending on the current and depth). 2 nymphs below the split. I like a general attractor caddis nymph then a smaller micro may ~#20 or midge. Dead drift through the foam lines.
There has been a mayfly hatch ~ 11. Last few times out the bite has been best from 11 - 2pm with fall off from there. Good luck!
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Thats some great advice guys, the only thing that might concern me is the possibility of murky water due to all of the rain and run-off. I noticed a few spikes in the flow which means there was run-off from the tribs over the last few days. Good luck! Bono
Thanks everyone, I look forward to fishing it again.
question about parking- each of the numbered access lots requires a fee, correct? how much is the fee these days? do you put money into an envelope and then a box or something?
If you pay at one access lot does that cover you for the other lots for the day, too, or do you have to pay at each lot? Thanks again everyone!!!
The fee is $6, not bad considering the facilities are decent. Make sure to always have TP with you though, haha. Not sure about if the fee covers you for all the lots though I was wondering the same question the other day!
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"May the holes in your net be no larger than the fish in it."
Covers all accesses. If you are asked, just tell the YC employee which Iron Ranger you put the envelope in. My guess is you will not be asked if you display the receipt on the dash (they are not going to go looking for you).