Putah Creek, Winters, CA
Folklore surrounds it; famous singers have sung about it, writers have set pen to paper over it, and anglers have flocked to it. It has a cyberspace forum named for it, and everyone who fishes it – leaves it in frustration or glory. It isn’t Hot Creek, Fall River, or the Pit River; it’s not even the Lower Sacramento River – it is a little tailwater fishery named by Spaniards centuries ago as “Arroyo de los Putos,” also known as Putah Creek.
This marvel of water is located just west of Winters, CA., nestled in the scenic foothills where “Barefoot Girls Dancin’ in the Moonlight” exists. John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival vacationed as a youngster and later was quoted as saying that the song “Green River” was about Putah Creek.
The past creek is very similar to the present water. It is a wild area with runs, riffles, and boulders draped with moss. Putah is a freestone and spring creek intermingled, a classic water fly fisher’s dream. Wild fish thrive in it, and the daunting trout have gained enormous admiration among countless fly-fishing enthusiasts.
Wild Trout Fishing at Putah Creek
Wild Trout
Seasons
March through June – Midges, mayflies, sculpins, and Crawfish.
October through December – the big fish move to spawn and are eating everything they can
December through February – Voluntary Closure for the fish to spawn
Walk and Wade trips are $475 per day, 5-7 hours, and there can be a maximum of two anglers. Rods, reels, flies, leaders, and indicators are all-inclusive; wading gear is not. Creekside lunches (hot or cold) and beverages are provided. A 50% deposit is required to hold your date.