lighthouse
Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
The closest trout water to the Bay Area is Putah Creek. It kind of strikes out on your dry fly/mountains/non-rainbow criteria but it is close enough to the Palo Alto to pull off a half-day trip…if you can find an open stretch (go early even on weekdays).
I hired a guide out of Sapporo this past August. The link is here: http://www13.plala.or.jp/somerise/.
We threw #10 Stimulators, #12 EHCs, and some traditional wets on steelhead hooks. Despite the seemingly-huge flies, the fish lived up to their diminutive reputations–countless 4-7″ yamames, a 10″ iwana, and a couple smallish browns.
That said, the guy’s latest report (9/1) claims that the salmon and sakura masu are entering the rivers in record numbers this year.
Last, keep an eye out for bears. Folks up there are seriously concerned and warning signs are posted at every river. Bells and dogs seemed to be standard issue.
Best of luck and don’t forget to hit up a shop to stock up on tying materials. There are so many cool Japanese hooks, tools, and materials that never make their way over here.
