Putah Creek

Target Species: Rainbow Trout
Fishing Method: Nymphs with Indicator
Leader Length: 7 to 12 feet

CFS: 500-650

Fishing Overview: With elevated flows across the system, effective weight management is critical. Drop your split shot accordingly to maintain a natural drift and stay in the zone. Fish are still holding, but they’re often pushed to softer edges, inside seams, and slower troughs. Increased flows also mean the water can support larger meals, so don’t hesitate to size up your flies—larger stonefly nymphs, worms, and attractors are all in play right now.

Dry Fly Alert: While surface activity is limited, there are still opportunities for the dry fly angler. Look for risers in softer water at the tops of runs and in the tail-outs during lower light periods. Sparse mayfly and caddis activity has been enough to bring a few fish up, so keep a small selection of parachutes, emergers, and CDC patterns on hand in #14–18.

Techniques & Gear:

• In higher flows, a longer leader paired with increased weight will dramatically improve your ability to get down quickly and maintain a natural presentation. Aim for a leader in the 10–12 ft range, and don’t be afraid to adjust your split shot until you’re ticking bottom. This setup helps keep your flies in the strike zone longer—crucial when fish are pushed deep into slower, more protected holding water.
• For fly selection: golden stone flies, TJ Hooker, and the Caddis green puppa have been my go to flies.They’re also keying in on anything small and black, Some of my favorite, go-to creek flies are anything in the Hogan Brown collection.

Fishing Patterns & Tips:

• Dead drift catches fish, presentation is key.
• Make sure to show some stealth when approaching the runs the fish will be holding more shallow then you may think.
• Don’t be afraid to throw some bigger flies to help present to the fish hanging at the bottom.