On Topic: Question about NorCal fly fishing in December

Howdy,

SWMBO and I are planning a little jaunt over the xmas holidays, and
one place we are considering is the Napa Valley. While we are there,
I was hoping to take a day and indulge my flyfishing Jones.

I would be happy to hear any pros and cons for that area during
that time period. (For example, it's my understanding that many
rivers close on November 15.) Those of you who know me know that I
love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/
recommendations you might have.


Chuck Vance (fishing the US one state at a time)

"Conan The Librarian" wrote

love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/
recommendations you might have.


Chuck Vance (fishing the US one state at a time)


I can't think of any place I'd suggest that even comes close to small stream
fishing. There are some tailwaters open that time, not far from Napa,
but they completely excel at ugly ( imho ) and are infested with NZ Snails
( so total disinfection of all gear is needed before using again ).
Farther north ( several hours ) I "think" the upper Sacramento is now open
year round, but don't quote me ...it's medium-big water .. There are
other waters open that are big enough to nearly require a boat, the Lower
Sac, Lower Yuba, Feather .. and the northern steelhead waters


Larry L ( who lives in NorCal but doesn't fish here ... much )

After the first of the year, some other waters re-open including the one
right down the road from me ... none are close to small streams, however,
most barely wadable and then only in limited places

Sorry Chuck, I owe ya one, but I really can't recommend any place I know
about

you might ask here

http://tinyurl.com/5tsfew

"Larry L" wrote

Sac, Lower Yuba, Feather .. and the northern steelhead waters




I could be wrong about the Lower Sac, Yuba and Feather ... they may close to
protect Salmon, like the Stan here in town

On Nov 21, 2:16 pm, "Larry L" wrote:
"Conan The Librarian" wrote

love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/

fishing. There are some tailwaters open that time, not far from Napa,
but they completely excel at ugly ( imho ) and are infested with NZ Snails

I realize it is fashionable to disdain tailwaters, but they have good
attributes, too.

Got a fishing jones? Then by all means, fish what is available,
tailwater or not.

Jon.

On Nov 22, 9:07*am, wrote:
On Nov 21, 2:16 pm, "Larry L" wrote:

"Conan The Librarian" wrote

love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. *But I'd be happy to hear any advice/

fishing. * * There are some tailwaters open that time, not far from Napa,
but they completely excel at ugly ( imho ) and are infested with NZ Snails

I realize it is fashionable to disdain tailwaters, but they have good
attributes, too.

Got a fishing jones? *Then by all means, fish what is available,
tailwater or not.

Jon.

NorthWest Flyfishing had an artical on flyfishing in the lower
American River. Sounded good if your stuck in Sacremento and couldn't
get any place else.
They also had an artical on Putha Creek. It would be very close to
where you will be but if It's a sunny day bring your own rock to stand
on.
Native Fish?? - don't think there are any left in California.
Do some research on the costal rivers. No small stream for sure.
Your not far from the Russian river. I haven't fished it for years so
no first hand advice.. There are about 3 rivers you can get to from
Napa easily enough. All the costal rivers go up and down like yo-yo
with the rain. If you don't fish the drive IMO is much prettir ethan
driving in the valley.

In article
,
Conan The Librarian wrote:

Howdy,

SWMBO and I are planning a little jaunt over the xmas holidays, and
one place we are considering is the Napa Valley. While we are there,
I was hoping to take a day and indulge my flyfishing Jones.

I would be happy to hear any pros and cons for that area during
that time period. (For example, it's my understanding that many
rivers close on November 15.) Those of you who know me know that I
love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/
recommendations you might have.

Go a couple of hours north to steelhead heaven, Arcata area, Lower
Klamath, plus about 4 other great steelhead rivers

On Nov 22, 9:07 am, wrote:

On Nov 21, 2:16 pm, "Larry L" wrote:

"Conan The Librarian" wrote

love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/

fishing. There are some tailwaters open that time, not far from Napa,
but they completely excel at ugly ( imho ) and are infested with NZ Snails

I realize it is fashionable to disdain tailwaters, but they have good
attributes, too.

"Fashionable"? Hmmm ... I don't recall ever following what's
fashionable. I simply don't care for what I've seen of tailwaters.
Big crowds, tiny flies, mostly nymph fishing, "pet" fish, unnaturally-
fluctuating waterlevels, etc.

I'd much prefer to fish a small free-flowing stream. I've got a
tailwater with all of its "attributes" within a half-hour drive from
my house.

Got a fishing jones? Then by all means, fish what is available,
tailwater or not.

Er ... I imagine I will fish a tailwater if that's all that's
available. I simply was being clear in my preference.


Chuck Vance (geez, it was a simple information request, not a
slam against anyone)

"Conan The Librarian" wrote in message
...
On Nov 22, 9:07 am, wrote:

On Nov 21, 2:16 pm, "Larry L" wrote:

"Conan The Librarian" wrote

love small stream fishing for native fish, and I'm not as keen on
tailwater fishing. But I'd be happy to hear any advice/

fishing. There are some tailwaters open that time, not far from
Napa,
but they completely excel at ugly ( imho ) and are infested with NZ
Snails

I realize it is fashionable to disdain tailwaters, but they have good
attributes, too.

"Fashionable"? Hmmm ... I don't recall ever following what's
fashionable. I simply don't care for what I've seen of tailwaters.
Big crowds, tiny flies, mostly nymph fishing, "pet" fish, unnaturally-
fluctuating waterlevels, etc.

I'd much prefer to fish a small free-flowing stream. I've got a
tailwater with all of its "attributes" within a half-hour drive from
my house.

Got a fishing jones? Then by all means, fish what is available,
tailwater or not.

Er ... I imagine I will fish a tailwater if that's all that's
available. I simply was being clear in my preference.


Chuck Vance (geez, it was a simple information request, not a
slam against anyone)


Go to http://www.danblanton.com/ and the forums. You might be able to
connect with someone doing stripers on the fly. Rock Cod are good on the
fly, but season closes end of Nov.