Putah Creek
creek in California
Flowing out of Monticello Dam, Putah Creek is a year-round fishery that demands precise presentations and fine tippets, rewarding patient anglers with impressive fish.
River flow last 30 days
Putah Creek flows at an incredibly low and clear 14
- 01Putah Creek flows at an incredibly low and clear 14.3 cfs, offering excellent wading conditions.
- 02Expect consistent subsurface activity from midge larvae and pupae.
- 03Intermittent hatches of Blue-Winged Olives (BWO) and late-season Pale Morning Duns (PMDs) may provide dry fly opportunities.
- 04Trout are concentrated in deeper runs, slow pools, and seams behind current breaks.
- 05A stealthy approach with long leaders, fine tippets (6x or 7x fluorocarbon), and minimal split shot is crucial.
Past reports week by week
6 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Comparadun (BWO)
Blue-Winged Olives are actively hatching in fall, and this low-profile dry fly is excellent for selective trout feeding on emergers and adults, particularly in Putah Creek's clear, lower flows. Sizes 20-22 are key.
Buy at AmazonMicro Caddis Pupa
Caddis pupae are active subsurface in the fall, and this pattern is a crucial imitation for trout keying on these emerging insects in Putah Creek. Sizes 18-20 are effective.
Frenchie
A versatile nymph that effectively imitates various small subsurface mayfly and caddis larvae, excellent for prospecting deeper runs in Putah Creek and a consistent producer. Sizes 16-18 are appropriate.
Buy at AmazonPMD (Pale Morning Duns)
Pale Morning Duns are actively hatching in fall, providing a key dry fly opportunity for opportunistic feeders on Putah Creek. Sizes 16-18 are good for matching the hatch.
Flashback Pheasant Tail Nymph
A classic searching nymph, effective year-round, especially in fall on Putah Creek when mayfly nymphs are active subsurface. Sizes 16-18 are ideal for Putah Creek's selective trout.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a consistent and primary food source in Putah Creek's tailwater environment year-round, and this weighted pattern is essential for getting into the strike zone in current low flows. Sizes 20-22 are critical.
Buy at AmazonPerdigon
An excellent fast-sinking general mayfly nymph, ideal for getting to depth quickly in the creek's runs, mirroring Putah Creek's preference for small, effective nymphs. Sizes 16-18 are recommended.
Buy at AmazonWoolly Bugger (Black/Olive)
A versatile streamer pattern that effectively imitates leeches and baitfish, active in colder fall water. A size 8 is appropriate for Putah Creek.
Where to fish and who to ask
Highway 128 Bridge (Putah Creek)
Provides access to the beautiful canyon sections of the creek, offering a more secluded experience.
The Narrows (Putah Creek)
A challenging section with tighter quarters and deep pockets, often holding some of the creek's largest trout.
Winters Putah Creek Park
Offers convenient access to a productive section of the creek, popular for its riffles and runs.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Fly Fishing Specialties
Orvis Roseville
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California season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Best Budget Fly Fishing Combo Setups for Beginners
Expert guide to affordable fly fishing combos that won't break the bank but deliver quality performance for new anglers.
Quick answers
Common questions about Putah Creek.
What flies work best on Putah Creek?
Our top scored fly patterns for Putah Creek right now are TJ Hooker (95% confidence), Zebra Midge (90% confidence), Caddis Larva (Green Rockworm) (90% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Putah Creek?
Putah Creek holds Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
What are current flow conditions on Putah Creek?
Live USGS streamflow readings for Putah Creek are charted in the sidebar of this page and updated automatically from the nearest gauge.
Is Putah Creek fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Putah Creek each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.