Today I drove out to Woodland and with Juan Lopez from Breaking The Bank Blog in tow, we (actually he drove) headed out to Putah Creek or as you now know it as Green River.
It's my understanding that John and Tom Fogerty used to vacation on this river and that is the basis of Green River. I could be wrong, but just go with it.
Putah Creek is one of the premier tail-water fisheries in California, if not the country. It's fed by Lake Berryessa and is one of those catch & release, artificial and barbless kind of places. Having done a little research I knew that BWO's are the fly to use here. I just happened to have a BWO fly assortment I got for New Melones that included everything from A to Z - BWO size 20. For someone who normally fishes size 10 & 12, size 20 is mighty small.
The research also said that nymphs under an indicator was the way to fish this river. We were ready.
In the first picture it was at the #1 (listed as #1 through #5) parking spot. Sorry for the spots, but the picture was taken into the sun. I wasn't even sure how well the picture came out because after taking it I couldn't see anything for the next 10 minutes.
Downstream spot #1 |
Upstream spot #1 |
Rob |
Rainbow |
Rob estimated the Rainbow as being about 16" which for this river isn't a lunker by any means.
Downstream #3 |
Upstream #3 |
This was another area of parking #3. If you look closely at the picture below, you can see Juan to the right of center.
Upstream still #3 |
Downstream still #3 |
Since we're expecting rain for the next 4 or 5 days, I don't suspect I'll be out again until next week. If I can sneak out, I'll let you know.
Don't forget to check Juan's blog (link above) to get his perspective on our trip.
Sweet looking river. Try again, and you might be the Fortunate One. Unless there's a Bad Moon Rising. Good to see you getting out again.
ReplyDeleteJim stole my comment. It is sweet looking water.
ReplyDeleteHey, I love Jim's response, too. Did you try "Up Around The Bend"? I "Heard It Through The Grapvine" that you can fish out there "As Long As You Can See The Light".
ReplyDeleteThat beautiful green water is a sight for these winter weary eyes. Don't worry about the rain, get back there and fish the green because "Someday Never Comes".
ReplyDeleteGreat post Mark.
ReplyDeleteThat water is awesome. The rainbow looks to be quite large.
CCR's secret is out.
Hey Mark, I was one "fortunate son" to get to fish putah yesterday with you! And as for CCR, that is the story, they were originally from El Cerrito, CA in the Bay and their parents would take them out to Putah on summer days.
ReplyDeleteAlso, i hate to burst your bubble, but Winters isn't as diverse as you might think. It was called "Chuy's taqueria." "Chuy" is a diminutive of the name "Jesus." Either way, Great time fishing with you!
Great post, Mark! That place looks beautiful!
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteBeautiful waters you guys were fishing, glad you both made the connection---CCR was one of my out of bounds bands of the 70's
Really cool shot of the trout being caught. And as noted above, sweet looking water. Can't wait to see your next trip there.
ReplyDelete