Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
RETURN to Putah Creek Trout -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing Forum -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing -> Any pointers for Putah newbies?
Post Info TOPIC: Any pointers for Putah newbies?
San Juan Worm


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 2
Date:
Any pointers for Putah newbies?
Permalink  
 

Hi all:

I just moved to Northern California. I had been living in L.A. for approximately 10 years prior to this move. Originally, however, I am from Northwest New Mexico. I have been fly fishing since I was in elementary school. It is something that has been handed down in my family since my great grandfather. I used to spend at least two days each week during the summer fishing--either on quality waters or catch and release back woods streams. It is a sport that I can truly say is my escape and, if you would, my spiritual outlet.  The act itself is what I enjoy. I have kept fish in the past, but the thrill is really in playing the fish and being out in the water.

Living in Los Angeles meant one, maybe two, fishing days per year. Now that I am no longer in the concrete jungle, I hope to return to my old ways. About two weeks ago, my in-laws took me to dinner in Winters at a place called the Buckhorn. While there, my father-in-law (who is aware of my passion) mentioned Putah Creek as a good place to fly fish. Which, in turn, led me to an interent search for information. Which is how I found you folks.

So, any pointers or advice on Putah for a guy who spent most of his life using dry flies in New Mexico and Colorado (with an occasional trip to Wyoming or Montana)?



__________________
Rossflyguy


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 463
Date:
Permalink  
 

Really small flies and explore the river. Water fluctuates so spots always change. I have different holes for different water levels.

__________________
Ty


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 291
Date:
Permalink  
 

Putah is tough.  You won't be able to make a back cast in most spots so hopefully you're decent at a roll cast.  I even employ the sling shot cast sometimes.  Nymphing seems to produce the best by far but you should try swinging to locate fish if you are having trouble finding them.  Like Ross said, small flies are the way to go.  Welcome to the board and good luck.



__________________
DrDan


Administrator

Status: Offline
Posts: 306
Date:
Permalink  
 

IMHO, their is no substitute to having someone who is wise to the ways of the Putah showing you around. You can't go wrong with hiring a guide. Bono or Jordan have a wealth of knowledge. Flows change the fishing and access dramatically. I have yet to figure out the high flows. Maybe I should take my own advice!

__________________

Support Putah Creek Trout in their mission to improve the wild trophy trout fishery. Visit and contribute at https://putahcreektrout.org
Bob Loblaw


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 209
Date:
Permalink  
 

patience grasshopper!

Putah is a very frustrating place fo fish for the newcomer....I've been fishing it for 2 years and it still gives me fits! You'll spend a lot of time in the trees, around logs, and looking at fishy water that you justy can't get a fly anywhere near. there are a lot of christmas trees at Putah festooned with the flies of fishermen who thought they could get that cast just one more foot out into the flow.

Fish deep, fish small midge nymphs, fish a dead drift...these fish are very drag sensitive.

And when you're wading, stay on the rocks. The mud will suck your waders off.

__________________
SK60


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 987
Date:
Permalink  
 

In my experience this time of year (high flows) riffles and runs give up the most fish to newbies, mostly under 12 inches, using 5X Tippet, AB-SSG size split shot. You have to get down on the bottom, which means you are cleaning weeds off the bottom fly every few drifts. In this fast-moving water, you're going to miss a lot of strikes and have a lot of quick releases because the fish are taking a quick swat at your fly. You're also going to have a lot of bottom bumps, so learn to not yank your flies into the Christmas trees overhead.

Good luck.



__________________

PCT Contact Info: putahcreektrout@gmail.com, SK60@putahcreektrout.org

Address: Putah Creek Trout, 1520 East  Covell Blvd, Suite 5, #331, Davis CA 95616

Visit our website at www.putahcreektrout.org
San Juan Worm


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 2
Date:
Permalink  
 

Thanks all! I appreciate the input.

I have been fly fishing since I was about 12 (that makes it 27 years now---eek!), so I have seen a lot of ups and downs (so to speak) in a lot of different creeks. I may try a guide to get it started. I did something similar on my first trip to the seemingly always packed Truckee in the Tahoe area. It turned out pretty good.

Once again, thanks for the info.

__________________
Gnat


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 5
Date:
Permalink  
 

Welcome to Northern California! I think you will do fine if you put in your time and learn Putah Creek through the seasons. Then from time to time run up to the Truckee, Little Truckee, and creeks in that area. Even the creeks and lakes in the Wildness areas and around Tahoe can be fun. Be sure to check the Calif regs because the fishing season varies for creeks around Tahoe. Consider the Carson River too (Alpine County).

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
RETURN to Putah Creek Trout -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing Forum -> Putah Creek Fly Fishing -> Any pointers for Putah newbies?


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard