I started fishing Putah this fall and was having a jolly time until I noticed that I was the ONLY spin guy on the creek. No, I don't kill fish and use single hook barbless stuff, but I always had this nagging feeling that I was not following the spirit of the creek. I went home and talked to my old pal and mentor, and he asked me a simple question; "Why not fly fish Putah and see what happens?" And that got me to thinking just that.
Now I LIKE spinning and have done it for over 45 years but I realized that this little creek was a special place, supported and watched over by fly guys and it was really NOT a creek for spinning, even tho' I had good luck (never skunked). Spinning on moving water is really meant for big huge water with a ton of current (or lakes) and at Putah, one misses the subtlety of small water when hucking a lure. So.... I counted my pennies, saved a little and am now the owner of new waders, a nice new rod, and new attitude to boot. One of respect for the environment, my fellow anglers, and not least, the fish
I am gonna leave the creek alone 'till spawning is over, but I can't wait until I can get out there and learn. (And get skunked a lot in the process)
See you at the end of February,
Richard M.
P.S. To the guy I pissed off last week; I will NEVER take a wild trout out of the water ever again. Period.
I have been known to use a Kastmaster or two during the high water months and have found them to be effective. I always use a single, barbless hook to prevent as much damage to the fish as possible. As a positive, I can play and net the fish a bit quicker with my spinning rig. It really is little different than throwing a large streamer but you can do it farther and not worry (as much) about the casting.
That being said, fly fishing is more a state of mind and truly a different level of challenge and sport and it is my preferred method of fishing. I know it to be more effective in many situations....
The Putah does not give up its secrets easily and so will be a bit more of a challenge to the beginner. Consider hiring a guide to show you the techniques... Jordan Ramsey, Richard Loft, Rob Russell, and of course Bono know the water well. Most of the guides take the spawn off and won't guide agin until ~March...
Tight lines!
Dan
-- Edited by drdan on Wednesday 16th of December 2015 04:48:49 PM
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