i am a 60 years old french fly fisher (sorry if they are some wrong words, my english is good i think but not high level)
My son leaves in San Francisco and we will be visiting him in may 2020.
I found on the web the putah creek fishery.
If some of you can help me answering some basic questions ( i don't ask for your secrets tips...)
- is Putah creek worth for a couple of ours fly fishing for some one who doesn't know the river ? (my wife doesn't fish and i don't want to bore her waiting for me for hours on the banks) ?
- what or which licence do i need to fish, not being "outlaw" ?
- would you recommend a particular place, to avoid me more walkinf than fishing ? (i am not looking for hundreds of fish but for a nice place, even if i do not catch trouts but see some i would be happy).
- last question (for the moment) : is it possible to cast/fish from the banks or (in mid may) is wading the rule ? (in tha tcase is wet wading possible or the water temprature too low ) ?
Thanks in advance,
Tightlines
Patrick
-- Edited by pleminh on Monday 23rd of September 2019 01:50:05 AM
Hi Patrick,
Id recommend using very small flies;midges and micro mayfly nymphs in sizes 16-22. Its very important to get a drag free dead drift to fool the trout in PC. There is some dry fly fishing and hatches throughout the year but most people nymph either with an indicator or without using tight line nymphing tactics. Weight can be necessary to get your flies deep enough. Id say its definitley worth the drive when youre out here, however the biggest problem with putah is the crowds. I havent fished it on a weekend in over five years, theres simply way too many people. Theres only 4 miles or so of water and much of it is very difficult to access due to blackberry brush and frog water that you wouldnt want to fish. Id go on a weekday if you can. The water is quite cold year round as its a tailwater so id bring waders. You just need a california nonresident fishing license for the day(s) youll be fishing, you can get one online. Theres 5 clearly marked fishing accesses on the river, i like lower river like access 4 and 5. Also if you can drive further, the truckee river is a really great river, about two hours firther than putah. It can be very good in may when it is high from runoff from melting snow. Good luck and hope you enjoy your stay
small nymphs, indicator, some split shot, 5 wt., waders, wading staff and a lot of roll casts, not a lot of room for back cast, parking lots 3,4,5, have restrooms if your wife is going. parking lot 3 is nice bathroom picnic tables and some no hike access. as Lairdbaird said week days better, best to fish early or late
