Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

Jordan Romney reports on 5.11.17

Finally!  The flows are normal, well not normal for May but normal for fishing.  We just dropped under 300cfs which opens up a ton of access.  Normally the flows would be around 500cfs in May but this is not where close to a normal season or year.  Hopefully the flows stay low for a while.  It will make for some very good fishing over the next few weeks.

The farmers have water, their ditches and irrigation canals are full so they are not calling on as much water as they normally would.  If the weather gets hot and more air conditioners are running in the valley Monticello Dam will need to generate more electricity.  This may increase the flows a bit.

Don’t worry too much about the flows.  The fish don’t really leave Putah Creek.  There are tons of quality fish around regardless of what the water is doing.  It’s really a game of going.  I’ve been fishing Putah Creek since I was a small boy.  I have a very good understanding of the fish, the flows, and the bugs.  

My last couple of trips have produced some really good results.  The fish we are getting to hand have been quality feisty rainbows.  They are in good health and you tell they have been eating.  The flies of choice have been the normal san juans, baetis, and midges.  Change depth and weight more than you change flies.  I always agree that better setups and presentations will out fish better flies.  

Open dates May 16, 19-21, 23, 24, 27-31.  June: 2, 4-8, 11, 12, 15, 19, 21-25, 27