PCT Board: Chris Yarnes, Ph.D.

Winters, CA

2010

Biogeochemist at Univ. of Calif, Davis

I’ve been a fly-fisherman since age seven – does that count? I also have a Ph.D. in Ecology and have volunteered on Boards of several non-profits focused on aquatic resources, including Trout Unlimited.

I currently serve as Secretary for Putah Creek Trout. I provide support for a range of activities, but primarily focus on developing connections and finding funds to support restoration and maintenance projects that will improve and sustain the fishery in Putah Creek. I also coordinate the Putah Creek Interdam Reach Working Group. The IDR-WG consists of non-profits and government agencies focused on developing collaborative restoration, education, and outreach activities on Putah Creek’s IDR, including Lake Solano.

The primary issue facing Putah Creek is sediment. Sediment reduces both spawning and rearing habitat and aids in the expansion of aquatic vegetation. With increasing fire frequency and lack of water to provide scouring flows from Lake Berryessa, finding in-stream strategies to manage sedimentation is key to the long-term sustainability of the fishery. Secondarily, regulations enforcement and angler education, including youth education, are critical to protecting this unique resource and increasing the number of people who feel connected to Putah Creek and its inhabitants.

I assisted in many of the projects and discussions leading to the designation of Putah Creek as a Wild Trout Water by the Heritage and Wild Trout Program.

I moved to California in 2009, the same year the regulations were changed to catch-and-release, and my first year fishing Putah Creek was more than disappointing. A few small fish caught and very few large fish sighted during the spawn. It is remarkable how far the Creek has improved in such a short period of time. While there is still much work to do, watching the transformation of Putah Creek has been amazing.