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Putah Creek: Thank You . . . Thank You . . . Thank You . . .

by Bob Langbein, Putah Creek Trout

 December 11, 2009 -- The Fish and Game Commission passed the new regulations proposed by Putah Creek Trout, with assistance from the California Sportfishing Protection Alliance, at their meeting on December 10th.  Region 3 Of the Department of Fish and Game concurrently submitted a like proposal.  The new regulations, which take effect in March of 2010, call for year round catch and release fishing.  Only artificial barbless fly or lure may be used.  The new regulations go into effect for the Inter Dam Reach of the creek, which covers the area between Monticello Dam and Lake Solano.  Lake Solano is included in these new regulations.

Putah Creek is also a candidate for inclusion into the Wild Trout Stream program of the Department of Fish and Game.  Phase 1 assessment and electrofish census was done in November.  The Phase 2 follow up is scheduled for the spring of 2010.  The Phase 1 results were very encouraging to the Wild Trout staff, as it verified that a regenerating population wild of wild rainbow trout does exist in Putah Creek.  Nearly 800 fish were netted in 3 sampling areas of the creek, with the vast majority of fish ranging from 3 to 11 inches.  As the creek is no longer stocked, these juvenile fish were all native to Putah Creek.

These new regulations are what we hope is the beginning of a management and restoration program that can help build a true blue ribbon trout fishery in close proximity to 2 major metropolitan areas of Northern California.   The future could provide a fishery and setting unlike any other currently existing in a major metropolitan area of the United States.  Thank you to all who took the time to write some of the more than 500 letters received in support of the proposal.  Extensive local outreach and education was performed by Putah Creek Trout.  The intent of the outreach was to inform area businesses and interest groups on the exact nature of the proposed regulations, and the expected result of these regulations on fishing at Putah Creek.  The proposal received widespread support from not only the fishing, but also the local business community.  We would like to thank all of the individuals and groups who supported this effort.  The voice of each individual assisted in this passing.  Again, thank you to all.