THIS LTFF NOVICE CLINIC / FISH-OUT REPLACES THE CANCELLED SHAD FISH-OUT ON THE AMERICAN RIVER ON THIS SAME DATE.
Those students previously registered for the Shad Fish-out NEED NOT REGISTER for this outing if they want to attend this clinic, but should immediately advise John Murphy if they DO NOT plan to go to this clinic so that the number of available openings for this can be adjusted accordingly.
Since the American River is running too high to safely fish now with single-handed fly rods, our guide Lance Gray will be teaching a "Dead Drift & High Stick" class on Putah Creek on Saturday morning, June 3rd instead.
As well as possibly introducing you to what is undoubtedly the Bay Area's closest wild trout stream, this class will focus on techniques for better "dead drifting" indicators for more nymphing success, as well as teach you the particular style of deadly tight-line nymph fishing known as "high sticking". Both of these are skills that you will want to try to master to catch more fish on nymphs.
In addition to supplying a few flies, Lance will also provide all the tippet material, indicators, weights, etc., needed for the "indicator rigs" and the "high stick rigs" to be taught in this class, as well as providing your lunch and beverage at noon.
As far as other fishing gear goes, bring your 9' - 5wt rod (or any rod longer or lighter) & a reel with floating line, and of course, your waders & belt(s), boots, wading staff, a vest or pack with the usual items such as nippers, forceps, and maybe a fly box with some small nymph patterns (preferably size 18 and smlr.) and a spool or two of tippet (say 4X & 5X fluoro) in case you need these last items to fish that afternoon on your own. You probably won't need to bring new leaders since there is rarely much dry fly action on Putah other than at sunrise or sunset. You DO need a 2017 fishing license -- so don't forget this since Lance will need to record your GO ID. And don't forget polarized sunglasses, hat, sun protection, appropriate clothing for weather, and (optional) landing net.
We'll meet up with Lance at 8:00AM at the Steady Eddy's Coffee Shop in Winters and he will lead a caravan from there to the Fishing Access No. 3 parking lot on Putah Creek along Hwy 128. Note: Since available parking at this access parking lot in particular can be very limited, carpooling is highly encouraged whether from Winters or from home. Also, DO NOT leave anything of any value visible in your vehicle.
To get to the coffee shop, you can put 25 E. Main St., Winters, CA in your GPS and follow that, but I prefer to simply take the Hwy 128 West / Winters exit off I-505N (from Vacaville) and turn left at the stoplight on Railroad Ave. and left again onto Main St. The coffee shop is in the middle of the first block across from the park. (Be advised that the CA Hwy 128 exit [aka Grant Ave.] on I-505 is one exit past Putah Creek Road.) Driving time from San Francisco is less than 1-1/2 hours.
The class will end after lunch, but you are free to fish the afternoon on your own or paired up with others. I will be available to help show you some of the other access points, and Lance will probably include a map in his hand-out.
The registration fee for this class is $75, which covers all cost except guide gratuity. Registration is limited to 10 students, including those registered for the Novice Shad f/o - Amer. Riv.
For further information, contact:
John Murphy (jmurphy7599@gmail.com)
Lance Gray (lancegrayandcompany@yahoo.com)