Just checking to see what people think about the current flows on Putah (400cfs). Is this too high to fish the creek effectively? or are there some access points that fish better than others? thinking about going this weekend but don't want drive all the way just to get beat up by a swift creek. Thanks
Notch, ^^^ he's just messing with ya! I'm not the most experienced on this board but 400cfs isn't bad at all, if you do a search of the flows over the span of a year you'll see it stays at or above 500cfs for most of the summer and early fall and peaks at close to 900.
Dead drifting is more difficult because the water is moving so fast. Another thing i've noticed is that when the flows have been increased and i've gone on a day they did it, I caught little to no fish, so in my experience even on Putah Creek, "rising water" hasn't served me well. You also may find it more difficult to cross/wade the creek in certain areas at 400cfs opposed to 100cfs, but at 300 this week I was able to cross/wade at all my usual spots.
Try the creek fish the edges adjust accordingly, fish seem to spread out with all the new cover. I like to hit the creek when the flows have atleast settled for awhile. The bite seems to get funky with the bounce in flows.
Thanks for the insight. Flows seem to be steady at 400, so hopefully the fish have adjusted. I'm gonna roll the dice and go for it... And yes I would be all over the Sierras, but it seems like the only game in town (at least within a 3hr drive) is Putah or a few tailwaters. June shoud be gangbusters
im new to fly fishing and was just wondering when the flow will be at a level for effective fly fishing. cant make it to the sierras is there any fishing holes closer? Im in winters.
Hey "Notch" ...when are you coming up? I have been thinking of trying Putah out but I am headed to my folks place this weekend. Maybe I could meet you for an early morning session on Saturday or late evening Sunday though (also still recovering from a bike crash though, so hopefully my ankle will be up for wading). Give me a call.
