Western Sport Shop: Events: Clinics: Putah Nymph

On the Water
Putah Creek Nymph Clinic
With Carlo Bongio

November - March
Saturdays or Sundays, 9 am - 4 pm

Clinics are Currently scheduled - Due to rains and current flow levels, clinics have been moved - call Carlo at the Santa Rosa store for current open clinics.

Putah Creek Flow Information: USGS Website - click here

If you have been following the saga of the New Zealand Mud Snails, here is an update:

Anglers have reported the invasion of these Mud Snails beginning in October of 2003, The situation is fairly serious, and you should be aware of precautions to prevent further spread of this non-native and highly invasive pest.

The Northern California Fly Fishing Board - there are several threads on this topic - www.ncffb.org

The CA DFG has this press release - http://www.dfg.ca.gov/news/news04/04001.html

The river is now open to fishing, and the Putah Creek Clinics are going on!

It's difficult to imagine a better fishery in the state of California, let alone one within 20 miles of major population centers. The tailwater fishery of Putah Creek benefits from the stable supply of low temperature water and probably contains the largest population of wild trout within the bay area. Fish averaging 14 - 16" and regularly growing more than 20" are regularly caught & released.

However, it is a difficult place to fish well. The 3 mile stretch of river is loaded with tight brush and close quarters fishing. Most anglers don't understand the complexity of the fishery, and may be confused by the DFGÕs position that there are no native fish in the stream. Certainly, the summer season sees stocked fish being caught, but during the flies only November - March period, it is an incredible fishery for rainbow and brown trout.

Carlo Bongio has fished Putah Creek consistently for over 20 years, and his extensive knowledge and easy teaching style will unlock the secrets of this fishery. What kind of trout can you find? Well, Carlo caught and released the monster at the top of this page, and has a couple nice results in the Gallery Section of our website.

What Is Covered in this Clinic:
Tackle Selection & Rigging
Fly Selection
Reading the Water for Best Results
Wading Techniques
Short Line Nymphing Techniques
Presentation Techniques for Trout
Specific Instructions geared to each participant's needs

General Information & Fees:
Clinic Meets at Putah Creek - You will receive specific meeting info and a map before the class date.
Please note: The Putah Creek fishery is negatively impacted by rain. If there is substantial rain within 48 hours before the class, it may be postponed.
Limited to 5 attendees.
Reservations required.

Clinic Fees: $100/person

Please note: Wading is required for this clinic. Attendees should have mastered basic casting techniques & be familiar with basic fly fishing equipment. For more information, please contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432 or San Rafael store (415) 456-5454.

Signup Information:
To sign up for this clinic, you can signup online via our secure server, call either store to sign up by phone, or obtain a faxable signup form by clicking here:

Download Putah Nymph Clinic Signup Form
(Requires FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available at http://www.adobe.com)

Email signups can be sent to:
Classes@WesternSportShop.com
(please specify the location, date and clinic if using this method. Be sure to include your credit card to reserve a spot. If you do not wish to give complete credit card information, leave out the last four digits and expiration date. We will confirm that information with you after we receive your email.) You can also mail the downloadable signup form or phone in your reservation directly to either store.

Equipment List

Required: Valid California Fishing License (available at stores)
9' 4 weight fly rod. (4 or 5 weight rod acceptable).
Fly reel with smooth drag set up with floating fly line.
50 yards of backing recommended
10 foot tapered leaders in 5x tippet size
Putah Nymph Assortment
Waders (unless you want to "wet wade" - this is a cold water fishery)
Wading staff
Polarized sunglasses
Hat Sunscreen
Food, drinks & necessary snacks

If you have any questions regarding equipment,
contact Carlo Bongio at the Santa Rosa store (707) 542-4432
or San Rafael store (415) 456-5454.

Other "On The Water Clinics":
Putah Creek Nymph Clinic - Russian River Steelhead Clinic - Shad Clinic
Sage Casting Clinics - Sage Spey Casting Clinic

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