Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

Jordan Romney Reports on 3.8.2018

Flow: 128 CFS

The first day of the season started out with a bang.  My guests were actually scheduled to float the Yuba but mother nature had other plans.  The Yuba blew out so I offered to take them to Putah Creek.  When I checked the flows I saw they were at 50 cfs which in my mind means bad fishing.  We almost canceled the trip but my guest wanted to fish no matter what.  

So we went for it.  I was surprised at the action and results we got.  First fish of the year was a 20” stud.  Still in his post spawn colors he gave us a pretty good ride.  We hiked a ton and covered water.  The best fishing was after lunch.  We got into a  section of river that only a few know how to access.  We found a few fish podded up and eager to eat.  It was tough going for a bit.  Plenty of eats and action but tough time keeping them on with such small flies.  

Low water techniques are a must right now.  Use the smallest clear or white indicators you can find.  6X is a must right now.  Try a number of two fly rigs consisting of mayflies, midges, and worms. Have one fly flashy and the other natural.  Change often, if something isn’t working change it up.  Watch your approach, have good tempo, and don’t be afraid to rest the water.  Make smart casts and presentations.  Do not be a water whipper.  It’s better to make 10 casts with thought and precision then 50 casts with hope.  At these low flows, it’s a lot better if the fish do not know you are there.

Just as predicted the flows have come up a bit in the last week.  This trend will continue over the next few weeks and months. We have a small window this spring where the flows are this low.  By May, the creek will be a lot higher and harder to access.  My schedule is filling up.  I only have a few open weekend dates left, mid week is looking a bit more open.

Week Day March 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 23, 26, 28, 29

Weekend March 25, 31 April 1