The first time I saw the condition of creeks running with more water during August, I thought a major sprinkling was taking place and the runoff was hitting the creek in front of my house. We did not have any rain, but the creek still contained more water. Actually, this phenomenon occurs in many of our local creeks at this time of year because creekside trees begin to need less water. As the dogwoods, oaks and other trees begin losing their leaves, they also stop soaking up water in mid-August in preparation for fall and winter.

Depending on the type of trees along your nearby creek, you may find the creek levels beginning to rise.

Wild pigs back

in Napa County

The existence of wild pig is cyclical. The populations change every few years. Some places, for example the Berryessa Wilderness Area, have a small population of pigs all year long. Every once in a while the populations increase as conditions warrant. Pigs begin to move into areas that have never contained pigs before.

Pigs, unlike other animals, can breed all year long. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see a female in winter with a group of piglets. These little guys grow to maturity in a year and can begin to have piglets of their own. Thus, a 50-acre plot that has plenty of cover, water and food could show signs of pig habitation overnight. Wild pigs like to root and can tear up hillsides in short order. Most farmers and grape growers do not appreciate wild hogs on their property.

On public land, of which we have many acres of in and around Napa County, pigs can take hold where there were none; there could be 20 to 50 in short order. When they become a nuisance, allowing hunters in is the only answer. Close to home, every few years Skyline Park and the area behind Napa State Hospital become overrun with pigs. Other places near Coombsville and Wildhorse Valley Ranch will have peaks in pig populations and accompanying property damage. It is not easy to get rid of marauding pigs, but hunting pressure will keep populations under control.

I still feel that it would be a win-win situation for everyone if we have one day a week when the park is closed and hunters would be allowed in on a permit basis. What do you think?

'The Hunt': A book

for your collection

Many books cross my desk in the course of a year. I review them, and some I share with you. When local Napan Don Muelrath asked me to review his new book, I was honored. This is the ultimate fly fishermen's book. What makes this book stand out are the more than 350 fantastic color photos of Don and his son Scott's fishing adventures. "The Hunt" is a self-published family project, and copies can be found on their web site at www.ffhunt.com. It sells for $45. I plan to purchase at least two more copies as gifts.

Klamath River restrictions

As of this weekend, the new regulations will not allow you to keep Chinook salmon over 22 inches on a large section of the Klamath River. These regulations were adopted by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and approved by the DFG. In addition, the recent tar sealant spill of 500 to 1,000 gallons has affected a 10-mile stretch of the river near Hamburg, the heart of steelhead and salmon action. This stretch of the river is temporarily closed to recreation.

Check the regulations for the Klamath before you head up there this fall. The new regulations are to help the salmon populations on the Klamath and to avoid further threat along the coast. It remains to be seen what damage this recent oil spill will cause.

Notes

This weekend I'll be camping and fishing with the family at Lake Pillsbury, a fun annual event.

Dove season opens Sept 2.

In the next two weeks I plan to fish Clear Lake and Lake Berryessa.