Fly Fishing And Scenic Photography on Putah Creek
Private Trip
River Fishing
8hour guided walkandwade fishing for Rainbow Trout on Putah CreekPhotography opportunities combined with fly fishing in Northern CaliforniaAll gear, lunch, and drinks provided for 2guest capacity trips
Picture this: you're standing knee-deep in one of Northern California's most productive trout streams, rod in one hand, camera within reach, waiting for that perfect moment when everything comes together. This isn't your typical fishing trip—it's designed for anglers who want to capture both fish and memories. Putah Creek below Monticello Dam offers consistent year-round fishing with stunning backdrops that'll make your Instagram followers jealous. Our 8-hour guided adventure gives you plenty of time to work the water, dial in your technique, and snap photos of both your catches and the gorgeous Northern California landscape. With gear, lunch, and drinks all covered, you can focus on what matters most: making those perfect casts and capturing those perfect shots.
Putah Creek is a tailwater fishery, meaning the water flows from the bottom of Monticello Dam, keeping temperatures cool and oxygen levels high—exactly what rainbow trout love. You'll be walk-and-wade fishing, which means we're covering ground and reading water together. The creek has everything from deep pools where fish hold in summer to shallow riffles perfect for dry fly action. Your guide knows every bend, every undercut bank, and every spot where the big fish like to hang out. We'll start early to catch the morning bite, take breaks for photos when the light is just right, and keep fishing through the day as conditions change. The beauty of this trip is the pace—there's no rushing from spot to spot. When you find fish or that perfect photo opportunity, we take our time. The creek runs through oak-studded hills and open meadows, giving you diverse scenery throughout the day.
We fish Putah Creek primarily with 4 and 5-weight rods—perfect for the creek's resident rainbows and ideal for accurate presentations in tight spots. Your guide provides top-quality gear including rods, reels, lines, and a full selection of flies that work on this water. The fishing here is technical; these trout see a lot of pressure and they're educated. We'll be using everything from tiny midges and mayfly patterns to bigger streamers when we're targeting the aggressive fish. Nymphing is deadly effective year-round, especially with pheasant tails, hare's ears, and zebra midges in sizes 16-20. During warmer months, dry fly fishing gets exciting with BWO, PMD, and caddis hatches. Your guide will teach you to read the water, spot feeding fish, and adjust your approach based on conditions. The photography angle adds another dimension—we'll position you for shots that show both the angler and the beautiful creek environment. Pro tip: polarized sunglasses are essential here, both for spotting fish and reducing glare in your photos.
Rainbow trout are the stars of Putah Creek, and these aren't your typical hatchery fish. The rainbows here are wild, stream-bred fighters with beautiful coloration and plenty of attitude. Most fish run 12-16 inches, with plenty of opportunities for bigger specimens in the 18-20 inch range if you know where to look—and your guide definitely does. These trout are active year-round thanks to the consistent water temperatures from the dam release, but they really turn on during spring and fall when insect activity peaks. What makes Putah Creek rainbows special is their wariness and fight. They've learned to be selective about what they eat, making every hookup feel earned. When you do connect, they'll use the creek's current and structure to their advantage, often making long runs downstream or diving for cover under overhanging banks. The best part? They photograph beautifully against the creek's clear water and natural backdrop. Spring fish are fresh from spawning and incredibly aggressive, while fall rainbows are feeding heavily before winter and show their most vibrant colors. Summer fishing can be challenging but rewarding, with fish holding in deeper pools during the heat of the day and becoming active in the early morning and evening hours.
This trip fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when both the fishing and photography conditions are at their best. With only two spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention and access to water that many anglers never experience with a guide. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, planning a unique date, or just want to combine two passions into one amazing day, this Putah Creek adventure delivers. The Bend Company's guides know this water inside and out, and they're as passionate about helping you get that perfect shot as they are about putting you on fish. Book now and get ready for a day that'll give you stories to tell and photos to prove it. The creek is waiting, the trout are feeding, and your camera is ready—all you need to do is make the call.
Your drift boat for two is built for Northern California's river conditions, designed to handle Putah Creek's varying currents and rocky stretches with ease. The shallow draft hull lets your guide navigate tight spots where the big rainbows like to hold, while the stable platform gives you solid footing for those tricky cross-river casts. Plenty of gear storage keeps your fly boxes organized and camera equipment dry between photo stops. The low-profile design won't spook fish in shallow runs, and the quiet oar system means you'll drift right into prime holding water without announcing your arrival. Perfect for couples who want to share the experience—one person can work a promising riffle while the other captures the moment on camera. Built tough enough for all-day adventures on Northern California waters.
Putah Creek