The Spawn is on, come back in March.

Xnjb707X · Senior Member

The Spawn is on, come back in March.

MtotheC · Newbie

Hi Nic,
I ws just planning on going to Putah Creek but after reading your post is the creek closed for the season?
thanks,
Mikw

Rossflyguy · Senior Member

Mikw no it's not. Nic is just asking people to be ethical and let the fish do their thing. There's no sport in catching large fish with ZERO energy to fight.

lightfoot · Senior Member

Welcome to the board Mike. Putah is open year round, but as stated, the fish are in full spawn mode. Lots of other places in the area/state to fish right now.

For something different, striped bass in the delta is reported to be doing very well on incoming and slack tide right now. Outgoing tide has been a bust.

Bob Loblaw · Senior Member

I was up there a couple of weeks ago and saw a lot of spawning activity on redds. Flows are very low and the fish are very exposed. Leave em be to make babies.

MtotheC · Newbie

gotcha, thanks for the replies. Im completely new to the Bay area and am originally from Appalachia, NC area where as this time of year is pretty productive. Also, Im a teacher and have this entire week off and was just looking for something local. I'll lay off the creek respectfully and look forward to Spring time.
thanks again,
Mike

LelandFly · Veteran Member

Where do you live? We can maybe give you some day trip suggestions.

arapp68 · Newbie

Hi there everyone-

Has anyone tried fishing at Walker Creek, just read a bit about it but I have no idea if it is worth it or if it is holding any fish.

Thanks a lot for any guidance

jonmo · Member

I was really hoping the spawn wouldn't begin for another few weeks. My trip to Fairfield (Travis AFB) isn't until mid December and not being able to fish Putah takes a lot out of the trip for me. I get out to the area several times/year but this was the first visit that I was able to actually carve out time to hit the water. My next trip will be in the mid=January time frame. Any thoughts on whether the spawn will likely be mostly finished. I don't want to upset the local residents, by fishing this trip, however I would like to hit the creek at least one more time before I won't be making more visits. Having been a one time resident of Fairfield, I enjoyed all the time I spent on Putah. Thoughts/suggestions are welcomed, but I will only have a couple of afternoons available so I can't stray too far..Thanks in advance!

kbarn · Veteran Member

It's simple. Don't fish the creek.

Berryessie · Senior Member

The fish will be spawning through February. It's really up to you to decide if you want to go fish it. The people who love the place value the fishery and protect it. We have to decided that fishing during the spawn is not a fair situation for the fish. The message we send goes to the village not just the individual angler.

If one person goes out and fishes this time of year it's not the end of the world. However, we have to establish what is ethical and what is not based on all the anglers not just one individual.

PC20 · Veteran Member

Xnjb707X wrote:

If you do feel the need to be a winter time puddle pitcher just know we will be watching you..

- Nic

My tenure on this forum has been short, but I have taken the time to read numerous other subject matter threads. Of all those threads, the above quote stuck out and has really bugged me since joining the forum. I am wrong to write there's a lot overly protective/sensitive anglers on this fishery?

First, I get it! Yes, there is a need to protect a fragile fishery and need to educate, but what I don't understand is why the fishery is even opening during the spawn. Has the state been petitioned? Seems to me this would provide the greatest protection for the fish and safety for anglers. I know there are now caution signs and areas taped off during the spawn. Curious to know if this is helping?

When referring to angler safety above, I have witnessed a shooting, 3 stabbings, one on one fights and even brawls at rivers here in Washington. I would urge anyone to use a great deal of caution approaching individuals for "educational purposes" these days. I personally would never fish over redds, but if someone comes up to me and tries to "educate" when it is perfectly legal to fish, regardless of how tactful, I would ask you politely to leave. If you insist, you're probably not going to forget me. Not trying to be an ass or a tough guy, but everyone, including me, forgets that each of us has a different moral compass in life. Why push it? I feel there is nothing worse than someone trying to push an agenda, cause or objective on another person or group. Now, if there's illegal activity, I definitely wouldn't approach the individual(s). Rather, collect as much information and notify the authorities

Do the local clubs/organization sanction or approve of "stream watching" and approaching individuals engaged in legal fishing? If this is the case, count me out... If not, consider me a very active volunteer and member soon!

Received the keys to the new place in Woodland 25-days sooner than expected! Trying to leave sooner, but current jobs prevent it. See you folks on Feb 1st!

-- Edited by PC20 on Friday 1st of January 2016 04:03:23 PM

Berryessie · Senior Member

March 1st is typically when its ok to fish there again

-- Edited by Berryessie on Saturday 2nd of January 2016 05:53:18 PM

Peter6848 · Newbie

Xnjb707X - I agree and disagree with you. There is a line that needs to be understood between forcing a standard on someone and intelligently informing someone who may be unaware of ethical or scientifical issues regarding fishing during spawn time. I remember fishing Putah Creek years ago during the spawn and not fully understanding what that meant. I saw what I now know to be spawning fish on redds and was informed some what harshly by an "enforcer" what was happening in the river. I remember apologizing and leaving then researching myself about spawning fish. the following year I went and began fishing an area with no redds around and clearly an area with actively feeding, healthy non spawning fish. Again I was approached by a "enforcer" and was told that the area had redds on it and was not ok for me to fish. Upon speaking with the man I quickly learned that he had no idea of what he was talking about. I felt as though I was speaking to a slow minded thug. There was no getting through to him. Long story short there needs to be a balance when informing others about the benefits of resting these fish. If no one helps in informing people then nothing changes and the river gets worse. If people just want to yell at people for doing something that in their eyes is legal nothing will change. I for one will be going to Putah Creek this Friday with my brother in law who is totally new to fishing. I plan on teaching him about the river, the spawning fish, redds and so on. And maybe if we find a run that looks safe I'll have him throw a line in. If anyone sees us come talk with us. If your polite awesome. If your an *******....good luck.

Xnjb707X · Senior Member

Here is the bottom line when it comes to fishing in the winter during the spawn, and this is just my personal opinion. This opinion is agreed with by many of the people on this forum even. These fish need and deserve a break during the spawn. These fish spawn not just in the areas that are roped off and marked with signs. In the 15 plus years I have seen fish spawn in deeper water that is not even noticeable at first glance. This is probably due to the fact that spawning areas are limited in the creek due to a number of things. Redds also get covered quickly after the fish are done spawning making it hard to notice them and they get trampled on if your not carefully wading the creek. Fishing during this time anywhere on this creek is technically fishing for a potential spawner. Just because they aren't on a redd today who says they won't be the next day. Also stressed females have been shown to abort their eggs which would also be a negative for the creek. It just doesn't make sense that people will still justify fishing the creek during this time. But hey.. to each their own. If you want to just think of yourself and fish the creek go right ahead because the current regs say you can. This creek is a small and delicate place that a lot of people care about. So this subject is a sensitive one and has been for years. One day the creek will be closed during the winter just like the majority of the wild trout streams in California, Until then this will always be an argument. My whole point is just think about the future of the creek before you decide to fish it in the winter that's all. I have always engaged in conversation with people who decide to fish the creek in the winter when I'm out at the creek checking to see how the spawn is going and have always had a postitive response from other fishermen. So all the comments about don't approach people, and threats of violence if someone is telling them it's best not to fish the creek in the winter, you need to get over yourself because this forum is not the place for that noise. Peace.

- Nic

PC20 · Veteran Member

Xnjb707X wrote:
So all the comments about don't approach people, and threats of violence if someone is telling them it's best not to fish the creek in the winter, you need to get over yourself because this forum is not the place for that noise. Peace.
- Nic

There are no written threats of violence nor telling people NOT to approach anglers creek side. I'll stand corrected if you can specifically reference it within this thread.

Next a forum, such as this one, is a perfect quorum for "respectful" debate, ideas, thoughts or policies. Let me pose the question again. Has the state been petitioned to close the waters during the spawning period? If not, why? If there are truly numerous people supporting the ideal of no fishing during the spawn, this seems like a "no brainer" fix. I will be the first to step up and sign the petition!

Again, I have no intentions of fishing during the spawn nor specifically targeting redds. There's plenty of water close by... My first love, coming from Washington and returning "home," will be chasing steelhead during the winter months with a spey rod! However, please be mindful, there is a very slippery slope of approaching people for "educational purposes" both in a safety and legal aspect (should it warrant) if the waters are open to fishing. In fact, as a past state president/board member and president of quite a few fishing clubs, every LE official I have spoke with has strongly recommended AVOIDING ANY contact with anglers- legally or illegally fishing! Let LE teach impacts or enforce the law—that is their job—although I wouldn't expect to see them "teaching" during a legal season!

While I fully respect and admire your courage of conviction in protecting waters and/or fish, I certainly wouldn't appreciate a stream side lesson in biology when out trying to "legally" enjoy myself. Think about it... Would you like someone (environmentalist) following you home and pull into your driveway just to mention, "I appreciate you driving the speed limit for the last 20-miles, but I noticed a little smoke and heavy condensation coming from your tail pipes which concerned me." "I would love to spend a few minutes talking to you..." Leave no doubt about your answer!

Everyone has different ethics when it comes to fishing. Accordingly, everyone has a different moral compass in life. It is not up to you, I or anyone else to tell people what's best for them... After 40-plus year of casting a fly, it is no wonder why "we" get deemed "elitists" after reading some of the responses, such as your's (i.g., "get over yourself).

Finally, when or if Putah closes during the spawn, you have my full support to walk the banks and make appropriate reports to LE. Hell, I would even join you!

Sixty two degrees and rain this coming Friday.. Sounds like summer, shorts, wet wading and/or flip flops to me! I'l be walking the banks come next Sunday- lest fly rod in hand, of course!

Xnjb707X · Senior Member

Sigh.. Yeah but still.

kbarn · Veteran Member

It's simple. Don't fish the creek during spawning.

lightfoot · Senior Member

kbarn wrote:
It's simple. Don't fish the creek during spawning.

So roughly October 1st until April 1st? Serious question. Time frame from the beginning of the spawning season until the fry are clear of the gravel. Sounds pretty close to the traditional trout stream seasonal closures in the rest of the state.

One can not always have the cake and eat it too.

Otter · Senior Member

I really don't think it is so simple. I have been watching fish spawning since October of 2015. I went over to the creek last night and they are still spawning…. They will spawn into April in most years.. There are fish that spawn early and some that spawn late. Guides are fishing into November, Guides are fishing in February. The important thing is not to fish near the redds and actively spawning fish. That includes the deep water below or around the spawning fish. Everyone needs to use their best judgment and fish ethically. Again use your best judgment. Karma will get you if you don't! By the way it is much more fun to catch a big silver fish on the Yuba or Feather right now.

jonmo · Member

After a quick peek at the weather forecast for this week looks like it might work out for a few hours on the water..A light rain wouldn't hurt either though.

Berryessie · Senior Member

River is blown out man.

PC20 · Veteran Member

We arrived safe, but tired in Woodland Friday morning. I want to pass along a thank you to those that PM'd a virtual "welcome mat."

I did a little scouting today.. You will all be happy to know I didn't see one angler on the creek wetting a line. Paid homage to the fish gods by picking up some trash during the trek. Saw a few fish on the gravel and a couple cruisers in the frog water above the taped off area. I'll be back in a few weeks to give it a shot...

Things have certainly changed since the early 90's! I wasn't expecting to see an RV park at the bridge nor "pay to play" access areas. Truly surprising were the amount of new(er) houses in Winters!

The gal is headed to wine country for the weekend leaving me free to chase fish. I could use a few recommendations via PM.

SK60 · Senior Member

Welcome back. Ignore pay for play at access lots. Yolo County is not collecting parking fees, which is costing them yearly income losses in 6 figures. So enjoy and keep taking care of the habitat. Its pretty fragile.

jonmo · Member

After arriving back in the area last Sunday, I drove by the creek to check things out. I had made a decision not to fish but was curious if anyone else was wetting a line. To my surprise, there were quite a few rod's in the water that day. I was under the impression that the creek was in no condition to fish, but apparently others gave it go. Anyone have a report from last weekend?
Thanks.