Current flows

SK60 · Senior Member

Current flows

Dev · Member

When should we stop fishing PC?

lightfoot · Senior Member

Subject to huge debate. I feel that when the flows drop in the fall it's the signal to let the fish spawn in peace.

My suggestion would be to read historic posts on this board and reach your own decision.

Dev · Member

I've stopped fishing there for the winter. Early November was the cut off for me. I was surprised to see that there are still quite a few people fishing.

lightfoot · Senior Member

I drive by Putah every evening on the way home from work in Yountville. Monday-Friday I typically see a minimum of 3-5 cars cars on any given day with a few more towards the later part of the week. On a plus side though, I have yet to see somebody parked at or fishing deer sign. Weekends may be the exception.

SK60 · Senior Member

Between November 1 and end of February the fish there will be spawners on or near spawning gravel. Avoid walking across gravel beds-stay to the margins and look for lighter cleared areas (redds). Stay off the beds until April 1 to avoid trampling eggs and alevins. By mid March all the large fish will be getting back into good shape. Before that they are usually thin, don't fight hard, and can look beat up.

Fish caught on or near spawning areas during the winter have a high risk of not surviving a prolonged hookup. Any fish fought to exhaustion will be exposed to lactic acid poisoning and death several hours later. Last winter two dead fish were found at one spawning site, one with line marks all over its body and cuts in its mouth. Best guess is it was snagged by flossing and wrapped up in the leader.

lightfoot · Senior Member

I drove by this afternoon and counted 19 vehicles :(

bono · Master Fly Fishing Guide

Good grief glad my trip was cancelled, I hate being on putah when there is that many people.

lightfoot · Senior Member

11 vehicles yesterday around 4:30. I went through Manka's Corner on Monday so no count. Thursday off and debating on Friday. Cars at the guide hole and deer sign as well.