I have noticed a lot of people bait fishing on Putah Creek lately. Yesterday I walked over-- I could see they were tossing eggs-- but asked how the fishing was going. They told me "Not bad- we got 1" and pointed to the 17 or 18in bow on a nylon rope going through it gills WTF ? So I tell them if they dont let it go, I'm calling DFG. They promptly say we did not know, we'll let it go. I offered to help-- being real carefull not to drag the rope harshly over the gills. It swam away. I cant tell you how many people I have seen lately--maybe 15 or so. All bait fishing. I am getting tired of being polite and saying oh its ok I just wanted to let you know. We need some Signage where it counts-- #4, #3, #1, and up by the resort. This BS is getting old: "Oh I didn't know!" If there where more signs and if they were permanent, not tucked away, like at #1-- People could not say "I did not know".
I've noticed the same. The ones I ran into last week new exactly what they were doing wrong. Once they saw me they tried to pack up their gear real quick and said they were leaving before I even said anything. So I'm sure most of the people that are out there bait fishing are fully aware that bait is prohibited, and they also know to watch out for the fly fishermen because we will call DFW or we will give them an ear full. The nice weather always brings them out. Especially the litter bugs.. The other day I carried out a whole case of empty bottles of brew and one dirty sock that was scattered all across the island. I know DFW has their hands extremely full but it would be nice to see some of these bait dunkers get slapped with tickets. If Putah gets the rep around the area that DFW hands out tickets all the time I think less people would knowingly break the rules due to the spot being "hot".. In the meantime I will continue my hobby of trash collector and educator of the lazy feeble minded degenerates.
I've seen it a few times too. Last week when I was there I ran into a young couple maybe like 17 yeas old. They were out trying to fish with powerbait. They hadnt caught anything, but they were fishing barbed hooks with bait. I asked them of they had fished the creek before, they said no and I informed them of the regs. They were pretty supprised, i reccomended they give berryessa a shot. But some better signange should help, and a regular visit from wardens wouldnt hurt.
The signs on the trees are too small and people don't pay any attention to them or they think it's just for that spot. If they put a large sign of the regulations either in front of the access points then there's no way people will claim not to know. You can't tear down a sign like that.
I ran into a couple last weekend fishing with worms. I politely tried to tell them that it was illegal but unfortunately, they didn't speak english. Signs are really needed. What do you all think the signs should say?
I'm thinking circles containg photos with some text. Maybe a worm on a hook crossed out, a zoomed in barb of a hook crossed out, and one more circle, maybe about littering or catch and release.
With the text:
Catch and Release Only. Barbless Hooks Only. No Bait. Violation: $325 (putting a dollar amount on a fine might scare a couple violators), and maybe have the CFG regulation number to look all official.
Does anyone know how much a ticket for fishing with bait is? Or barbed hooks?
I have been involved with the signage over the years with PCT. To cut to the chase, there is a strict policy over what can be approved for signage being posted. It all must be approved by Solano County Parks Dept. and DF & W prior to being put up.
PCT has already gone through this process and has pecific sign verbage, and in fact, signs available. We just installed signage again this past November. These days, I am very much tied down with work and am not able to make it up to Putah, much less fish much. Perhaps we can send some signage and coordinate another installation day to put up additional signage as needed with some of the anglers who are at Putah more frequently?
How about 2 huge billboard sized signs on each direction of the IDR. "you are entering a no bait, catch and release stream. That means no eggs, worms, powerbait, chicken liver, sardines, corn, peanut butter, lunch meat, etc, etc, etc."
Thanks for the info. I figured there would be some hoops to jump through.
I'd love to be able to install a sign or two near the monticello dam or the path to it—maybe on the fence. Also, I noticed the one in the parking lot to the dam has been knocked down. I keep finding powerbait and worm containers along that bank.
I'd be more than happy to put up some signage or help organize something. Let me know.
Thank you. We will have to get some time organized soon to do that. Billboards? I think a low flying blimp up and down Putah all day long sounds in order!!! When we can get 6-8 people out, it becomes very short work.
I was doing some fishing wensday and saw a man maybe 65or so ewalking back to his car with rods and other related Bait fishing gear and yes worms . I politley said did he know about the regs ,no bait ect ,he said no he did not . so I sugested he check it out and that it is no bait no barbs and offered my biss card and if he ever wanted to learn to FF give me a call , Well (he called and said he found a dfg reg pamplet read it and it said nothing about Catch and Release) I will be checking
My oppinion we will never this stop until we get better signage and DFW is able to patrol the creek with some regularity
I know DFW has their hands extremely full but it would be nice to see some of these bait dunkers get slapped with tickets. If Putah gets the rep around the area that DFW hands out tickets all the time I think less people would knowingly break the rules due to the spot being "hot".. In the meantime I will continue my hobby of trash collector and educator of the lazy feeble minded degenerates. 
