I was there that day and the water was relatively fast.  That being said, it was not as fast in recent weeks.  I have been (fly) fishing the Sacramento valley and foothills heavily in the last 4 months and these flows and access to good spots were tough.  I was told that the water releases vary throughout the year, as they use this water for irrigation.  Whatever the case, I've noticed the flows varying unpredictably.  Check ou the flow chart to help you out.  It was around 675 cfs on that day.  Do the math from there.  Hope this helps.

 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv/?site_no=11454000&agency_cd=USGS

Mike,

Flows are ramped up during the summer months for irrigation purposes. Putah goes from a raging torrent in the summer to a low clear trickle during winter. You can expect flows to come down during the fall, but summer sees flows from 400-900 cfs. I don't hit the creek much during summer what with the high flows and rattlesnakes, but fish can definitely be caught.

I prefer to fish it during spring and fall when flows are closer to 100-300 cfs. Better access and its almost more of a challenge, the lower flows force you to be quite a bit more stealthy as Putah fish spook easy.

As for winter, the creek can drop down to as low as 60 cfs. We ask that during this time you avoid fishing the known spawning runs and concentrate your angling efforts on deeper runs which tend to hold fresher, not actively spawning fish. As tempting as it may be to sight cast to big mature spawners, we ask that you let the fish do their thing in peace.

Side subject:

I don't know where you live, but there are plenty of places to go elsewhere to learn. Learning to fly fish is difficult enough, but to learn in fast moving water is even more difficult. If you're close enough, try the foothills off of HWY 50 on the American River. There are plenty of spots right off the freeway where you can fish slow shallow water, deep fast water, and everything in between. This can give you a better opportunity to learn to fish dry or wet flies in different situations. The American River forks (Auburn) at the confluence is another good place to learn. Just walk up one of the forks to get away from people and find a nice run to practice. You won't have to walk much and there are big rainbows and browns holding in that water. PM if you want to discuss more in detail.



Arnell

Coolbee, thanks for the tip and I'll do my best not to disturb spawning trout.

btw, I am in Oakland and it doesn't look like there is much in the way of decent freshwater fishing in the area.

We're going to try to get to the upper sac now and again, but I need someplace within about an hour and half drive.

Well, I'm a long time spin fisherman from back east. I fished for bass on the Easton Reservoir in Connecticut as a kid (illegally) and trout in central PA as an adult. California has proved more difficult, other than my times around Lassen and on the Upper Sac.

In truth, I am turning to fly fishing northern CA streams because the bay area lakes are not very good for spin fishing bass. Or, at least, I haven't had much luck.

Anyways, thanks for the info on the Calaveras and Lower Stan. I will look into both of them, but you guys are definitely going to see me on Putah Creek.

I wonder how Solano Lake fishing is these days?

Otter wrote:

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California has some of the best bass fishing, but you definitely need a boat. The Delta and some of our lakes have some of the biggest bass out there.

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If you don't have a boat, a float tube would work as well in the delta, if you have that option.  You can get lost a bit on the delta roads and levees, but there are definitately some pigs out there.  I haven't fished them on flies yet, but I imagine it would be pretty exciting.  I'm from the Bay area and the delta was really the only place to get some big fish, as most reservoirs have a lot of pressure.  That being said, there are some great options offered to you if you're willing to commit that extra hour.  All it means it that you have to wake up or leave just one hour earlier.  It's worth the effort.  

 

Arnell

You guys rock!

Thank you for your help and advise.

I simply want to catch some fish because this is something that I have always done and something that I would like to do in CA.

I'm definitely going to be on Putah, but now Laurie and I are going to check out the delta, as well. It's nearby water that is, if what I read is true, pretty terrific fishing for bass and considerably larger fish. My equipment is light and ultra light spinning gear and a 5X 8 1/2 fly rod, which means that if we actually hook some fish around Antioch (again, if what I read is true about the delta) we might need some heavier gear.

I gotta tell you guys, I am just so looking forward to exploring Northern California waters.

And please keep the advice and encouragement coming.

I need all the help that I can get.

Cheers!

I would agree, your current gear may be tough.  If you're planning on taking on some largemouth off the levees, then bring a stiffer rod (bait caster).  Light gear is absolutely fun, but there are a lot of cover these guys can run into, so it's easy to break a line.  You can probably use your fly rod with a smaller popper fly, but use no smaller than a 4x and careful when you hook and drag/fight them in.  The larger ones could break the tip of your fly rod.