Putah Creek Fly Fishing Report

Richard Loft reports on 8.26.2016

Hey Everyone this is a two part report ; First the fishing report for the last two weeks: Bigger fish are starting to show and responding to # 18 Flashback PT and  #18 /20 black Zibra midges also  # 16 green birds nests real basic flys nothing fancy. Leader length seems to be a bigger factor and setting on all hits. I had a client miss three good fish due to not setting.  However, said client still landed several one over 14in. The point really is keep your line mended and ready to take up and set.

I myself have landed 3 this week in the 15 to 16 in range on # 18 flashback PTs and Black Zibra Midges, ( Though Today i got skunked with just one grab and nothing to net )

1. As Ive said before I do far better when i build my leader from tippet rather than packaged tapered leaders it sinks much better and it’s in the fish’s face where it belongs. I use 8 lb floro then to 4 or 5 x to my top fly droppers are always 5x,  and make sure its long enough more than once ive added tippet for depth and hooked up shortly after. I do use tapered leaders just not as much as I did when I was new.

2 . Weight speaks for itself– use it unless fishing very rocky and shallow Riffles you can pick up small fish hiding in nooks and crannys and if you use too much you spend your day removing moss.

3.  I’m still working on my high-sticking technique so if you know how to rig a leader to high stick its a valuable tech and should not be overlooked there is a lot of pocket water that can’t be fished with a indi. Side note, you can catch a lot of fish using the standard indi fishing technique.

4. Ive been fishing Putah for 8 years now. So if you’re up for a bit of a hike I have a spot thats been providing fish off and on all summer  please feel free to give me a call and book a trip on Putah Creek – its only about 28 miles from Napa and has come to be a great escape from my daily routine.

Report #2:

Hey Everyone heres some conservation news for Putah Creek ; & PCT > Putah Creek Trout

For those of you that dont know Putah Creek Trout has been instrumental in getting Putah Creek to the point it is now with most recently getting its Wild Trout Designation

Just below the CCR resort is a section that has had spawning activity every year , Well it has been noticed that the side channel that runs along side the main channel is somewhat blocked by several bolders and vegetation. Well that side channel would get used by the young of the year &  Fry to use as a nursery and safe from predation untill they can cope with the hazards of the main channel , Well Steve Karr has organized a Stream or habitat restoration project ; The first stage is assessment , ie surveying the side channel , This side hannel is already flowing with water but the problem is it only flows during the high flows of summer and mostly dry after the flows come back down during the low flows of fall and winter . So Steve Karr, Me and and another volunteer Mark have been doing the surveying using a transit and other survey equipment to water measure depth , temp , flow ratios, and a few other stats that will be used to determine what needs to happen this fall or winter with the borders and vegetation and how much needs to be removed , You see you cant just get in there and start moving things around and or removing obstructions without doing a comprehensive assessment and survey . last week we got some new volunteers and I got a much needed break but steve has put in countless hours working Thanks For Reading

Richard Loft
Napa Valley Fly Guides
(707) 294-4738