Upcoming Outings:

Putah Creek: December 5 (date tentative and subject to change due to conditions):
by Gary Turri 

When November 15th rolls around and the general trout season closes, many anglers call it quits for the year. Putah Creek however remains open and becomes a catch and release, barbless hook fishery from November 16th through the last Sat. in April. Late November through February is my favorite time to fish this small tailwater. This is the time of the year to catch the big New Zealand size Rainbow Trout as they make their winter spawning run from Lake Solano upstream towards Lake Berryessa's Monticello Dam.

GaryTurri.jpg (40347 bytes)  Click on picture to enlage

In December 2002, while on the way home from the Lower Sacramento River, Kent McCammon and I fished Putah for a few hours. The last fish I landed that rainy afternoon was a picture perfect 24" rainbow. (See Photo). It was a nice fish to end the trip with as well as the year.  Remember to practice your knots over and over again at home, these are the fish that really test your knot tying skills. A bad knot in 5X tippet and this fish would never have made my fish photo book. Even worse than that is the fact that I would then have to convince all of you how big this fish was that I had on momentarily.

 

Fly rods for Putah Creek should be 8 to 9 feet long and range from 4 to 6 weight. Leaders should be rod length and tapered to 5X. Bring tippet spools in 3X through 6X. Small split shot is required in size "B" or number 1. Nymph fishing with size 16-20 flies is the preferred method. Recommended flies are the Pheasant Tail, McCaddis, Black A.P. and Red Serendipity all in size 16-20. Also the Red Disco Midge, Zebra Midge, Copper or Black Brassie and a Chocolate WD-40 all in size 18-20. The San Juan Worm in size 10-16 make a good attractor fly for the smaller dropper especially during or right after higher flows.

Wading this small stream is fairly easy even for the novice, but come prepared with chest high waders, felt soled boots, and a sturdy wading staff, preferably made of wood. This stream can get crowded on weekends so it is best to have the outing on a weekday. Indicate your preference of weekday or weekend on the outing sign-up sheet. The date may change due to member interest or water / weather conditions. Always remember to " check the flow before you go ".