Putah Creek Fishing Big fish and small flies... Check out the blog! Look for the same day for more information about the the video post: www.purpledrak... Follow on Instagram: / purpledrake1
I had read about some of the restoration efforts on this creek, it seems to be working! I would never have thought to head IN to the bay area to fish :D
This bro made Putah Creek fishing look like light work! Inspiring. I will be in napa on a business trip in Aug. Is it fishable? what nymphs should I focus on.
PD - Thanks for sharing. Your fishing skills are always amazing to watch. That nice fish you lost is exactly where you thought. One of my favorite places to fish. Until next time, be safe and have fun.
Access #5 was crossable in a few spots that day at about ~350cfs. I didn't see anywhere else that looked safe to cross as I fished upstream. I used this write-up as a guide before I headed out that day: keepcalmandflyfish.com/2017/05/how-do-i-fish-this-putah-creek_5.html
There were two young guys across from me at one point where they cheered me on reeling in a fish. There were quite a few other people fishing but luckily I was able to make it onto the other side of the river.
Thanks Phillip! I do plan on starting to add some commentary soon, just a little camera shy. I agree too--some guys will yap too much while fishing and it gets annoying, LOL.
Agree--I had them tied on a Daiichi scud hook. I just got in the mail some Fasna scud hooks that have a wide gape and upturned hook point. Was getting sick of losing fish!
No, not steelhead, but it is catch & release only in that section of Putah and the fish get a chance to get big in there, though they are pretty wise & tough to catch!
I lived near here almost 30 years ago and distinctly remember a place my dad took us fishing and on the far side of the creek or river there was a big dot painted on the rock face. It used to be that if you cast at the dot, you often caught a fish. Do this ring a bell? Do you know what it's called or if it's still a thing?
About 10' total. I am using the Rio Euro Nymph line so it allows for a shorter leader. If I were using a regular fly line, my leader would be 15' to 20' depending on the conditions.
Thanks Victor! I am not certain, but I think Putah is under special regulations and it is artificial lures only with barbless hooks. Here is a good website with information for Putah: putahcreektrout.org/fishing/ I think the flows are usually high during summer and it is hard to fish when it gets over 400 cfs: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=11454000
@@purpledrakefishing awesome I will be on creek next week and film I have some rubber legs will try ,also I like your map set ups , thanks!light lines!
Thanks Gunner! #8 Rubber Legs (coffee-black color) and a #16 black Frenchie. It was about a 50/50 split between the two for takes but the smaller Frenchie had a tough time holding onto to the fish.
I don't think so. I saw access #4 had a closed picnic area sign but there was nothing saying it was closed at access #5. There were a lot of other fishermen out as well. There was fire damage mainly on the south side of the bank of the river and surrounding hillsides.
One of the best spots in California that’s a decently kept secret. It’s the river my grandpa taught me to fish on 15 years ago.... thanks for making an awesome video on it
another great video, its amazing as always how big fish love eating small flies, beautiful spot
Nice work, PD! Fished there a bunch. You made that look easy. Very challenging creak. I’m usually at the “island.” Nice work! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks LUV2FF!
That jumper was a nice fight and nice fish. Very exciting and happy for you, PD...good stuff!
Awesome day!!! Looked like those fish have learned how to get off a hook tho, beautiful spot and thank you for sharing, yet another spot to try
Thanks Jeremiah! Those Putah bows are wise in spitting the smaller hooks out.
Great day on the water, sticking some very nice specimens. This fishery has really gotten better over the years, thanks for Vid!
it was known to told trophy browns and bows in early 2000s, but people couldnt respect the fish and the fishery. its slowing getting better tho!
I had read about some of the restoration efforts on this creek, it seems to be working! I would never have thought to head IN to the bay area to fish :D
@@michaelsw0rd Will be interesting to see how much it gets better with the proposed winter/spawning closures.
Thanks Mark! First time fishing it. Have read the same in that it has been improving a lot the past couple of years.
This bro made Putah Creek fishing look like light work! Inspiring. I will be in napa on a business trip in Aug. Is it fishable? what nymphs should I focus on.
Thanks again Wesley--Got the old channel back, LOL. I'm back over here now at Purple Drake.
Well thank you
PD - Thanks for sharing. Your fishing skills are always amazing to watch. That nice fish you lost is exactly where you thought. One of my favorite places to fish. Until next time, be safe and have fun.
Thanks Flow!
Two pros talking shop....
Dang that last fish at 11:12 is a beast. Good work!
Thanks Jeffrey!
@@purpledrakefishing No Prob! I just subbed. Looking forward to checking out more of your videos!
Excellant thanks you
Whats a good budget, metal fly reel? Around 50 bucks.
Redington makes good budget reels (the Zero model looks decent). I have had Okuma reels in the past and they were decent for the price.
Are you also using split shot to get the flies down?
On occasion I will add split shot if I am using unweighted flies or if I feel I need a little extra weight and don't want to change my weighted flies.
Purple, it looks like you are on the west side of the river? If so, how do you access that side?
Access #5 was crossable in a few spots that day at about ~350cfs. I didn't see anywhere else that looked safe to cross as I fished upstream. I used this write-up as a guide before I headed out that day: keepcalmandflyfish.com/2017/05/how-do-i-fish-this-putah-creek_5.html
You used a tag dropper rig, not inline right? Did you use split shot at all that day?
I could hear people talking, were they just people out walking? Just curious how a creek so close to so many people gets used.
the fish are hard to catch. they are smart and have seen everything
@@michaelsw0rd Ha, that seems clear by the numbers PD lost after hooking up. Looks like a fun challenge.
There were two young guys across from me at one point where they cheered me on reeling in a fish. There were quite a few other people fishing but luckily I was able to make it onto the other side of the river.
Some guys talk to much & you not enough but it's all good you were killing them!👍
Thanks Phillip! I do plan on starting to add some commentary soon, just a little camera shy. I agree too--some guys will yap too much while fishing and it gets annoying, LOL.
Not sure what style of Frenchie you are using. But I find that tying them on the barbless competition hooks holds fish better due to the wider gaps.
Agree--I had them tied on a Daiichi scud hook. I just got in the mail some Fasna scud hooks that have a wide gape and upturned hook point. Was getting sick of losing fish!
Is that a Sage Pulse? Do you prefer it to an Orvis?
Yes--3wt 10' Pulse. I haven't tried Orvis's rods out yet.
As a Filipino I need to go to this place. Why? I get my putahs here
Damn!......they almost look like little steelhead?......possible?
No, not steelhead, but it is catch & release only in that section of Putah and the fish get a chance to get big in there, though they are pretty wise & tough to catch!
I lived near here almost 30 years ago and distinctly remember a place my dad took us fishing and on the far side of the creek or river there was a big dot painted on the rock face. It used to be that if you cast at the dot, you often caught a fish. Do this ring a bell? Do you know what it's called or if it's still a thing?
No, haven't heard ot it, but I have only fished Putah once.
Like 90
Why don't you commentate more and why didn't you show us the fish
Hi DeAnn, I started commenting on my videos sometime last year.
You want to hear more talking? Some people go out to get away from that.... no commentary
How long do you make your leaders?
About 10' total. I am using the Rio Euro Nymph line so it allows for a shorter leader. If I were using a regular fly line, my leader would be 15' to 20' depending on the conditions.
Just want to let you know your Instagram link is invalid, I’ve found your Instagram but it looks like you forgot to put an e in purple.
Thanks for pointing that out--going to fix.
That last fish was a hog! Great job landing that second to last fish; whole lotta trouble around.
Right? He was looking away about to cast again when I saw the flash. Good times!
It took a long time to bring him in. Stayed deep for a long time. Was worried I might have had a heavy carp for a while there.
@@driftstone The fish I lost early on at that deep run was even bigger.... Got a quick look at him before he got off and was an tank!
Hello, great video! I’m going out there next month and I was wondering what kind of bait do you use or any tips that could help me out?
Thanks Victor! I am not certain, but I think Putah is under special regulations and it is artificial lures only with barbless hooks. Here is a good website with information for Putah: putahcreektrout.org/fishing/
I think the flows are usually high during summer and it is hard to fish when it gets over 400 cfs: waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?site_no=11454000
You are the man amigo!what nymph where you running?that's my home water! thanks for sharing
Thanks Raul! Great to hear from you. #8 Rubber Legs on the dropper and a #16 Frenchie on the point. The rubber legs got the big dog at the end.
@@purpledrakefishing awesome I will be on creek next week and film I have some rubber legs will try ,also I like your map set ups , thanks!light lines!
Tight lines lol
@@purpledrakefishing crazy. I've never seen stoneflies on puttah.
beats and cali baetis flies?
Baetis = bwo's (blue winged olives)
@@purpledrakefishing your content is very nice thanks for posting it
Are you using a sage mod?
No, Sage Pulse 10' 3wt
Thank you
you know you're a damn good fisherman if you have a day like that on Putah. Was just out there and only caught two! What flies were working for you?
nvm, just checked out your blog. tight lines man!
Thanks Gunner! #8 Rubber Legs (coffee-black color) and a #16 black Frenchie. It was about a 50/50 split between the two for takes but the smaller Frenchie had a tough time holding onto to the fish.
isn't Putah closed right now due to fire damage?
I don't think so. I saw access #4 had a closed picnic area sign but there was nothing saying it was closed at access #5. There were a lot of other fishermen out as well. There was fire damage mainly on the south side of the bank of the river and surrounding hillsides.
I saw it on the DFG site, but maybe it’s open again. Nice video as always
One of the best spots in California that’s a decently kept secret. It’s the river my grandpa taught me to fish on 15 years ago.... thanks for making an awesome video on it
Thanks Jake! Agree---it is not a secret but doesn't get quite the hype that other rivers in CA get.
Not a secret anymore. Often full of baitfishers.
Lol
@@thewinesmith no bud it was full of baitfishers when they stocked it. Now you have poachers in a wild unstocked river culling wild trout... Durrrrrrr
Catch and release only. Barbless hooks
Correct. A lot of fishing pressure and the fish are tough to catch in that short stretch.