The Anglers Mixtape

Happy New Year, See You at the Fly Fishing Show!

2011-12-30T08:39:00.001-07:00

If you live within a 8 hr. radius of 58th and I-25, Denver, you need to be at the Fly Fishing Show January 6, 7, and 8th. If you want to learn anything about this sport in general, tying, global angling destination, and or local angling destinations; you will find it at this show! All major manufacturers, and fly shops will be there. The stars and celebrities of this industry will be there, and you get the chance to pick their brain! YOU WON'T HAVE TO LISTEN TO BLARING DUCK, GOOSE AND ELK CALLS, OR FILTER THROUGH GARAGE SALES AND FLYING RODENTS. There will even be a fly fishing film tour party on the night of Friday the 6th (which we have tickets for on sale for at the flyshop $10/ each)........

As an added benefit our guide service will be offering 10% off for all guide trips pre-booked at the show.....Look for our 20 ft booth at the show entrance......

Plain and simple, this is the only Fly Fishing Show in Colorado...... you need to show up, and learn how to step your game up for next season!

Here is a list of our presentations at the Fly Fishing Show:

Friday

2 PM Adventure Theatre: Fly Fishing Argentine Patagonia with Capt. Taylor Edrington

3 PM Release Room Seminar: Fly Fishing the Lifecycle of the Caddis with Bill Edrington & Larry Kingrey

4 PM Destination Theatre: Fly Fishing the Arkansas with Capt. Taylor Edrington

Saturday

12 PM Adventure Theatre: Fly Fishing Argentine Patagonia with Capt. Taylor Edrington

3 PM Destination Theatre: Fly Fishing the Arkansas with Capt. Taylor Edrington

Friday

10:30 AM Release Room Seminar: Fly Fishing the Lifecycle of the Caddis with Bill Edrington & Larry Kingrey

1 PM Adventure Theatre: Fly Fishing Argentine Patagonia with Capt. Taylor Edrington

2 PM Destination Theatre: Fly Fishing the Arkansas with Capt. Taylor Edrington

Turn it up!

2011-12-23T10:11:00.000-07:00

Lets understand one thing clearly...."the most important thing in flyfishing is the process more than the product." In other words, enjoy the Before, After, and In Between! Enjoy the tying sessions before the big trip, enjoy the gear selection, enjoy the beer selection, enjoy the music you crank on the road, and yes enjoy the fishing; but, understand the great combination of things that make this the best sport on earth!

I want to focus on one of those criteria, the tunes......

Most times for me and my buddies, it comes in phases; starting softer, getting much louder. Bluegrass to heavy medal; coffee to pounding Rockstars and Red Bulls......However there is one CD out there I feel every angler can throw down on their playlist, and that is the tunes from Ben Winship and David Thompson. These guys can straight throw down some fishing lyrics, especially on their newest album, properly titled, Fishing Music II. Bluegrass has its place in every river trip playlist, and this one just kicks it up a notch into our special niche. So before you blast the Beastie Boys or Pepper throw a little of this through the deck........

Christmas Celebration at Royal Gorge Anglers

2011-12-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

Come one, come all to RGA's Annual Christmas Bash, this Saturday from 1-4 PM! Should be a great little party for all! Some great sales, great guides, great tyers, great authors, and overall alot of great people.......

Plan on attending this shindig, you will not be disappointed!

Please RSVP if you plan to attend......Register Online, or call us at the flyshop office toll free @ (888) 994 6743.

Tying Hoppers with Juan Ramirez this Saturday!

2011-12-07T08:36:00.001-07:00

This Saturday we have one of the premier tyers in the industry in our classroom! From 11 AM- 1pm, Juan will be demonstrating the art of tying his tremendous hopper patterns....Sign up online and plan to attend this great free event!

Tying Hoppers with Juan Ramirez Sign Up

Nocturnal Activity

2011-10-21T15:21:00.000-06:00

Autumn is the season of the Brown Trout in Colorado. These fish are pre-spawn in most of our major watersheds and extremely aggressive and territorial. This is the best and sometimes only time to get a shot at a Brown Trout of a lifetime on many of our local rivers. Focus on streamers imitating smaller trout, and or more visible nymphs for best success. My number one suggestion, tie your patterns on a strong hook........

These bigger fish move and feed nocturnally, and thus we tend to target the larger predatory fish at night. Unfortunately this makes it a bit more technical on the angler, and can get quite frigid, however the rewards can be quite amazing!

Photos: Royal Gorge Anglers Guides on a night off.......

Fall Orvis Days with RGA

2011-10-04T13:40:00.000-06:00

Come join us this Saturday as we discuss fly fishing Southcentral Colorado at the Largest Fly Fishing Event of the Fall at Orvis Cherry Creek. We will be presenting at 11am, and be followed by some excellent presentations from North Fork Lodge, Freestone Outfitters and many more!

See You There!

Streamer Time in the Rockies

2011-09-23T11:09:00.001-06:00

Bout that time people.....You know what I'm talking about!

The time period where we carry only 2x....
The time period our tying desk looks like someone murdered a rabbit....
The time period where hook sizes are in the low single digits....
The time period where you gotta tape down your clients' ears, and your own.....
The time period where the hook-sets will take the rod out of your hand....

Finally, its Fall Time and most importantly STREAMER TIME in the Rockies!

As the Browns on the Arkansas and many rivers around the state begin to enter the Pre-spawn stage, my go to is always a streamer. Tan/ Ginger/ Olive/ and Brown, all day long. Long down stream presentations tight against deep banks, connect with the fly and put on a couple of hard strips!

After coming back from Alaska, I don't even have to put away my streamer rods! I'm siked!

Call us at the fly shop for the hot streamers of the week!

Get out there, and get ready for the rail!

AK Bound Baby!

2011-08-23T12:45:00.002-06:00

Wheew....Its been a whirlwind the last few weeks. Arki has been as good as I can remember, and along with that comes alot of guiding. I am ecstatic about the great clients we have had this summer, and my guides (along with me, sometimes) have been putting on clinics (kicking butt!).

Today I get to throw on my Cross Current Travel hat, as I depart for 3 weeks of host trips in the Northland. Catching Slob (abnormally large) trout will be our mission in life. I will miss the double dry fishing on the Arki, however I will enjoy a change of pace and the shot at getting some true 30"+ native rainbows in the net for my clients! Dear Kvichak, Copper, American, Gibraltor, Funnel, Kulik, Talarik, and other sundry rivers: Get ready for a crew of true trout bums to descend upon you!

I've sorted and painted 3 large plano boxes full of custom beads, filled 3 giant Bugger Beast Cliff Boxes with tubes and other goodness, and waxed down my polypropylene tights........Get ready for Kick-off baby, AK here I come!

2011-08-02T17:48:00.004-06:00

Quick and sweet......

The Arkansas River has made the Top Six Hottest fishing locations in North America this week!

Get here and bring some big bugs, or we have a few.........

And if you don't make it we will all feel sad for you.......in between fish

Check it out!

Hot List

Yamp-Stamp

2011-07-30T11:09:00.005-06:00

The Yampa is one of those rivers that stamps a dramatic fishing experience in your memory. I remember the first time I fished the Yampa like it was yesterday, and that was 15 years ago.......

Yet another impression was inlayed in my Yampa vault this past Thursday and Friday, as good friend and fellow trout bum John St. John (owner and operator of Hog Island Boat Works in Steamboat Springs, CO) escorted Fly Fusion Magazine down a good portion of the Yampa watershed for some meat shredding action. Honestly, I'm not sure I can remember a better streamer days than what we experienced on the Yampa the past few days. Our fisherman shot some accurate pocket water shots with some big meaty creatures through the town section with great reward. We then followed up with a double dip below Milner Bridge for an outrageous 25" 3rd cast Rainbow landed by our very own Johnny of Hog Island on a size 4 Yellow Yummy!

Great fishing in the Steamboat area right now as water recedes to incredible levels. We floated the Hogs through town at 600 cfs. But I can tell you, if you aren't an expert on the sticks, not something to attempt right now. Anything below the sea wall in town is very floatable for any skill level. The Yampa isn't the only big river that is kickin ASS right now, so get out on big water with some big flies and give it hell.......

Pic Above: John St. John holds a beautiful Yampa Rainbow by Capt. T's Hog Island right before dusk......

Visit the Hog Island Boat Works Site to take a look and the strongest drift boat on god's green earth: Hog Island

Reservoir Rockin

2011-07-14T09:07:00.003-06:00

So while we wait for the river to make its way back down from the epicness of runoff that it has sustained itself at for a record period, we have been blessed with great fishing in other zip codes......

People often overlook still water fishing in Colorado. I think it is because Colorado just plain has so much stinkin good fishing, that people have a hard time going everywhere. I feel the rivers and streams of Colorado rival those of any other state! That being said, the high lakes and high mountain reservoirs of this state are pure and simple, incredible. And they sure do pick up a lot of the slack when the rivers are acting high and mighty........

We have been enjoying great trips every day with awesome clients on Spinney Reservoir, sometimes Antero, and several high lakes in the area! The fish hit hard, some are big, most are hefty, and it is an incredible time on the water!

Pic: Client, Todd Patriaccia, holds a quality rainbow on Spinney earlier this week on Mr. Granberg's boat!

"What the Shuck" goes Off with a Bang!

2011-06-30T11:58:00.006-06:00

Just got back from Creede, CO and the beautiful Rio Grande for the 2nd Annual "What the Shuck?" event! In a nutshell, this event event brings a core group of Bad-Ass fly shop owners and a select few manufacturers together for 3 days of industry enlightenment, alcohol consuming and debauchery. I take to heart several things from the past 3 days:

#1: We all work in the best industry on Earth, whether you are a guide, owner, or shop dude; this industry kicks ass!

#2: There is plenty of Beer and Maker's Mark in Creede....We tested supply levels

#3: Cats become legends and are the life of the party in Creede, even in a petrified state. See Exhibit A- Tired Kitty Fan Page

#4: If you sleep walk and drink considerably, think about picking a room with a locking door, just so you don't give your roommates the wrong impression. (I am not speaking from personal experience just observation)

#5 The trout in the Rio Grande are Chubby-Chasers, and take down one from time to time. Enough said.

I'd Like to thank Andy, Patrick and most of all Whitey for putting on a kick-ass event, where we not only caught great fish on big flies and drained alcohol supplies in Mineral County; but we learned valuable lessons and gained valuable knowledge to help us continue to supply great service to our loyal and valuable angling compadres!

See the Idylwilde Blog for more in depth info on the What the Shuck, and check out some of their sick patterns on the way out!

Larry Kingrey Signature Pattern videos!

2011-06-23T13:34:00.002-06:00

If you haven't already viewed them, this is a quick note to inform you that we have a series of new great instructional videos on the RGA Site Homepage. Larry Kingrey, in my opinion is one of the greatest technical tyers and fly designers in North America! A guide and tyer for over 25 years, he truly has revolutionized aquatic intepretation and design. Many of the up and coming designers and tyers are simply following in the footsteps of greats like Larry, AK Best, Gary Lafontaine, Don Puterbaugh, and Mike Lawson.......The video clips of Larry tying the Mama Ape and Gold Ice have been provided by local documentary filmmaker Sam Ebersole. You may have seen his recent documentary Colorado Cane on PBS or World Fishing Network. His next project, featuring some of Colorado's most highly-regarded fly tiers (including Larry Kingrey) is scheduled for completion in late fall or early winter.

Check them out!

http://www.royalgorgeanglers.com/

Join Us @ The Whitewater Fest!

2011-06-20T10:24:00.006-06:00

The Royal Gorge Whitewater Festival is held annually in beautiful Cañon City, Colorado. Where the Arkansas River flows, rages, and tumbles out of the world famous Royal Gorge. This is the premier whitewater and river event of the Summer. Come join our festival on June 24 & 25, 2011!

This year the festival will be held at Centennial Park, located along the beautiful banks of the Arkansas River. There will be eight different events on the river this year, as well as demos through out both days. Come enjoy the sights sounds, and good beer.

Come on down to the RGA booth and hang out!

What lurks beneath......

2011-06-14T09:29:00.002-06:00

When your having a lovely day fishing for trout on your local lake, river, or reservoir; have you ever peered into the dark depths and wondered, I wonder what kind of gnarly creature may reside beneath? The fact is, there are some creatures that lurk in the depths of the lakes and reservoirs and sometimes even rivers of Colorado that could take a small child........

As the large watersheds of Colorado rage in early June, those of us that call guiding a profession look to other avenues; often times wandering from a focus on trout to occupy our time and client days. Although it is most times not recognized by the average angler in the Rocky Mountains; we truly do have some world class fishing for species other than trout, including but not limited to: Common Carp; Grass Carp; Large Mouth Bass; Small Mouth Bass; Northern Pike; Lake Trout; and Tiger Musky. Getting to the point.... Commit some good time this season to pursuing a species other than trout in your local areas! I think you will find it very rewarding in terms of building your fly fishing skill set, as well as getting shots at fish that will make your heart rate skyrocket! Above is a Northern taken in a local reservoir very close to Canon City. Next time you stick your toes in, you might have second thoughts.........

Stay tuned for some tying tidbits for predatory fish. Find some extremely large hooks and get ready to tape down your ears........

Ptero-Knarly

2011-05-28T16:27:00.002-06:00

Different renditions of the prince keep my head spinning, yet they always seem to produce. With the vast amount of stoneflies we have started to recognize in the Arkansas, the more and more obsessed with them I get. The most intriguing of all of the Stones is the Giant Stones or Pteronarcyidae.......

These are extremely large froms of the general Stone, measuring 15-50 mm excluding tails. The gills are very evident, and by god they will pinch the ever living heck out of ya with their jaws. Pure and simple they remind me of the Aliens from the Predators movies. They look like they were sent to earth with medieval style battle armor to search and destroy. The second clear diagnosis I draw is that our happy Brown Trout love them some cheeseburgers. I tie this 2 together, and bring myself to fish these babys more and more. And, man have they been successful!

Above is my latest creation, a super knarly rendition of a prince, nymph with all kinds of other goodies. Let me tell you, this will kick A-S-S!

Ptero-knarly (Tear-O-Knarly)

Hook: #6 Tiemco 2457

Bead: MFC Lucent (c0ffee) 4.7 mm

Thorax: Hareline Brown Ice Dub mixed with Peacock

Wing: White Goose Biots

Wingcase: Flashabou Wingin Fiber

Body: Brown Lucent Chenille/ UTC Brown Tubing

Tail: Brown Goose Biots

Epic Spring Slumber

2011-05-18T16:05:00.003-06:00

Boy what a great/ busy spring season! As we sit back and watch the river rise into possibly what we call "chunky, tree trunk movin, inner tube tossin, river rat dunkin" form (runoff). I picture what the next few weeks might have in store. I know there will be some epic footage gettin laid down. Maybe a trip down to Baja to chase some roosters. Quite possibly some carnage in the kayaks. Hopefully some great times with the honey.

Until our trips really start poppin on the reservoirs, and come back to life in the form of big streamers from a boat at receding water time on the Arki.......I'm gonna have a little more time to kill.

The one thing I know that will be epic is the Teva Mtn. Games. 100's of Outdoor Pro Atheletes will be convening in Vail on June 4,5,6 to lay down some crazy competition! I am proud to say that my head guide Clint Werthman and I will be joining 80 other Guides/ Pros/ Sticks in a 2 fly/ Accuracy/ Distance competition. We will do our best, but in the mean time have an epic time, and throw back some mean brews! Mark that weekend off the calendars, and come down and hang with us. It will be a time to remember!

Wildlife Commission Opposes "Artist" Christo's OTR Project.....

2011-05-11T08:54:00.005-06:00

The other day, I viewed 2 bumper stickers on a Subaru at the local market. One sticker said "Save the Earth!" The second sticker said, "I Support OTR (Over the River)." I simply wrote a little note to the guy or gal, and stuck it on the driver's side window; reading: "You have found yourself in quite the quandary it seems. You move for the protection of the earth, however you also support the drilling of 4000 4" diameter holes in the Arkansas River and the displacement of the last local Bighorn sheep herd, for some of Grandmas old bed sheets to be hung over the river. Where do you draw the line Sir, or Mam?"

With a very strong and determined move the Wildlife Commission, which is charged with protecting, preserving and enhancing the wildlife and wildlife habitat in Colorado, stood unanimously (9 Votes to None) opposed to the controversial landscape art project known as "Over the River" proposed by Belgian artist Christo. Major step in the right direction! Now maybe we won't have to endure 3 years of construction (with accompanied local economy drain), the loss of the last local Bighorn Sheep herd, and drilling holes in our riverbed, for three weeks of viewing "art!" Is the Arkansas River so ugly as it is? Some people must think so........

Trump Stone

2011-05-07T11:06:00.002-06:00

So we get a sample pack of some new stuff from Hareline the other day, and included is this sick new stuff called Senyo's Shaggy Dub. It is basically a micro rubber leg "dubbing like" material. I have been looking for a natural gill material for my stonefly patterns, and let me tell you this really pumped it up a notch. Not only does it give it a very natural under gill, but just makes the stone look super buggy! Look for Senyo's Shaggy Dub at your local flyshop. I present the Trump-Stone.........

Another great private water day.

2011-05-03T17:10:00.002-06:00

Yesterday we had another tremendous day on our private water section. A half day afternoon trip provided non-stop action. There were caddis and blue wings on the water and fish were more than eager to eat drys. I had three great clients and several times had two rods doubled over with fish on the end and once all three had fish at the same time. Sorry I have no pictures for this post but with so many fish to catch it's hard to stop and dig out the camera. With the warm weather I expect the fishing will only get better and better so I encourage you to load up on dry flies and get to the river. I'm sure that's the only place you'll be able to find me during day light hours for the next couple of weeks.

Matt Ellis
Guide

WTF Arki Fishing!

2011-05-01T11:56:00.004-06:00

I enjoy fishing so many rivers all over the world. And, it was so good to be able to get away and spend some time on the Reef last week. However, I am always stunned at the caliber of our Colorado Rivers, and more importantly the river I live on. It seems like I can never fully understand how well this river truly fishes until I spend a full week guiding on it. We had such a tremendous back to back float trip yesterday to cap off a great week on the water! Caddis have been huge in places and sporadic in others; however, combined with BWO's and great attractor fishing, has allowed for pretty easy fishing. This is just a post for myself to acknowledge that I feel so blessed to be able to live and work on one of the greatest rivers in the world. And to be able to share my perspective with other angling enthusiasts is simply icing on the cake!

Arki Gets Headlines

2011-04-27T09:39:00.003-06:00

Check out this weeks outdoor article in the Denver Post: Article.

Get Arki bound, or miss out on all the fun!

Rob Goes Anti Pebble!

2011-04-26T11:05:00.003-06:00

Some more good news on the Alaska Front.....But still one step at a time!

Hollywood star Robert Redford is speaking out against the Pebble Mine, a huge copper and gold deposit poised for development in southwest Alaska, which also hosts the world's last and best wild salmon runs and trout streams.

Redford posted a blog entry Thursday morning on the Huffington Post website that says he's not against mining but is against "putting mega-mines where they don't belong."

He also is speaking out in a New York Times advertisement paid for by the Natural Resources Defense Council asking mining companies Rio Tinto and Anglo American to leave Bristol Bay alone.

Redford describes Pebble as a disaster-in-the making. But the mining companies maintain they can develop the mine responsibly and without harming fish.

We are so pleased to have a conservationist such as Robert on board, every little bit helps!

On The Water Reporting @ RGA

2011-04-23T16:29:00.004-06:00

I am so excited about our new report system, which will feature on the water video reporting! We now have a video window on our Arkansas River Report Page: Arki Report, that will feature fly fishing tidbits for the day and great all around stuff for you too use on the water. I hope this is such a useful tool for everyone! We will continue to work on live streaming updates, and as our communications technology improves in the canyon, we will be there!

Our reports coming up will feature the Royal Gorge Anglers fly box (a look at the day's selections); Flow Updates; and Tools & Techniques........

Parle Vu Rendezvous

2011-04-22T11:18:00.006-06:00

On Tuesday we hooked up the Hog Island, unrolled our sails, and the wind took us to Casper WY for the 25th Annual Orvis Rendezvous. Not only was I relieved to arrive after the usual gale force hurricane winds on the way, but also to see every truck in the hotel parking lot attached to a Dory! We had a great 2 day meet and greet with the Orvis owners/ staff; and saw a ton of great new product that will be available soon if not now! We even got a chance to get on the Reef to do some on the water clinics to test our guiding and angler prowess.....Even saw some Blue Wings, until they blew off!

A great program and great couple of days, but always awesome to roll home and see the Arki!

Great trip to our private water.

2011-04-21T08:34:00.004-06:00

Our private water section provided a great day of fishing for Layne and Sherry yesterday. We found fish on double nymph rigs of stone fly imitations and baetis nymphs all day long and had some productive fishing on the surface and just below with baetis drys and emergers in the afternoon. Every where we looked we were finding good hatches of blue wing olives and all the conditions are right for an explosion of caddis that I'm sure will happen soon.

Matt Ellis- Guide

The Orvis Family

2011-04-16T13:47:00.001-06:00

Check out our new unique page on the Orvis Adventure Site HERE!

Saltwater Fever

2011-04-12T08:37:00.005-06:00

C. Werthman with an incredible Bone in the hamas.....Saltwater fishing is a tremendous part of the sport! I dream of fish like this every night, and count the days between my trips to the flats. Whether it is Belize, Costa Rica, or the Bahamas; it really makes no difference. Its about the sand between your toes, the cold refreshment between your fingers and the sightfishing hunt on the flats.

When are you going? Not if, but when? This is how you should be loving to live your life......

The Oven is Preheated.....GET your Caddis Ready!

2011-04-11T09:12:00.005-06:00

Another great week of trips last week! The river is truly starting to come into true form! Watch for updates daily this week, as we WILL see Caddis on the lower river. Water temps are right and oven is preheated; get ready for a big one this season!

Check out this post from one of our groups on Friday. What a great day on the water with these girls! Check out this post about the day from their website at Reel Sisters of Colorado: Reel Sisters!

Deep Water Cay Bound

2011-04-01T14:12:00.005-06:00

So the best 2 sticks in southern Colorado, Joe Bower and SoCO Guides Head Guide, Clint Werthman waiting patiently in Miami for their flight to Grand Bahama (And Sporting their Cross Current Travel Hats!)! Good luck to these 2 as they spend a week in Deep Water Cay fishing for what may be the biggest bonefish in the world! Stick a big one boys, wish I was there with ya!!!!

Keep your eyes out for a special host trip to this great destination next season through Cross Current Travel Group!

Another Successful Spring Fling

2011-03-28T09:52:00.002-06:00

Well Everyone, yet another successful 11th annual Spring Fling at the Cotopaxi KOA completed yesterday afternoon! We are so thankful to everyone that makes these events possible! We had such a great, energetic group this year; and boy did we have a great time out on the water! Not only did we get some great on the water learning in on both days, but also got to experience some great BWO hatches both days. We are so blessed to live on one of the greatest rivers in the world! We truly hope that the whole group left as better anglers, and again thanks go out to all of our clients! The BBQ on Saturday, nothing short of INCREDIBLE! 60 pounds of brisket, 50 pounds of sausage, and more beer than I care to even try to weigh was consumed. Its always a tremendous time at the Fling.

Keep your eyes peeled for our fall clinic.....coming soon!

On another note, GO FISH! Fishing is just plain amazing all over the state, and we have native flow on the Arkansas through the Caddis Hatch! We are stoked for a tremendous season!

Tight Lines,

T

Fly Fishing Film Tour Tonight!

2011-02-11T08:30:00.002-07:00

Pretty awesome folks, the Southern CO Fly Fishing Film Tour is tonight at the Black Sheep in Colorado Springs @ 6pm! Some of the most EPIC angling footage you have ever seen will be revealed for the first time, and did I mention it is in a bar? Also, there are countless awesome silent auction items to be auctioned off; and the first annual Guide Auction where SoCO Guides will be giving away 2 free trips. Alright people get out on a Friday Night, and get pumped for the spring fishing that awaits us!

Merry Christmas and a Happy Fly Fishing Show

2010-12-13T16:20:00.003-07:00

Ok guys short but sweet......

Have a stinkin good holiday from me to you!

This holiday is usually a pretty special one for me because not only do I get to take a couple of days off to fish for myself, but sometimes santa even brings me some sweet fly fishing shwag....Lets get barebones here....Santa, if you are reading my blog please give a shout out to my boys over in Medford, Oregon, to send me out one of those new 10' 5wt Platinum Switch Rods. Ok, I mean we have had one on the rack for a few days, but I can't take that one right, wouldn't be kosher. So, Santa bring it home this Christmas.

Ok guys, weather wise, Im pretty sure it might be summer again tomorrow, it was 65 freakin degrees today, and based on reports (of course I am stuck in the shop), fishing was consistant enough to land people in the double digits for fish to the net. So people, enjoy part of your holiday on the river, as it seems we won't be in too much of a winter wonderland.

To wrap it up, it is crucial for everyone to make it to the Fly Fishing Show this year January 7, 8, and 9! So, if you have made it past your Post New Years coma (extreme hangover) come down to the Denver Merchandise Mart to see us and what looks to be the best crew of fly fishing celebrities in the history of this show!

Why should you come to the show, allow me to count the ways:

1. Lots of cool stuff, places and people to oogle at....
2. Lots of great show specials on great equipment!
3. Lots of free shwag (stickers, posters, brochures, mexican mustaches, etc.)
4. Most Importantly, SoCO Guides will have bar none the coolest booth there, and this year will be side by side with our new legit Destination Travel Service, Cross Current Travel. And.....Free Trip Give Away with yours truly!

Make it happen my peeps, we will see you there!

Jingle, Jingle, Jingle etc., and a Merry Christmas to All!

T

Fall Browns Are In!

2010-10-05T12:34:00.004-06:00

The Browns are in the South Platte aka Dream Stream and in major fashion. These fish can be extremely hard to sight, hook and land; however, there are some good oppurtunities for very large fish. Our trips this week have seen several ten pound class fish to the net, and many quality fish over 20". After a trip several days ago, I took a few swings myself and was fortunate enough to hook a very good buck (28x19, 12-1/2 pounds)-picture above. Fish are in and fishing can be good, but this is one of those moments I will take to say, if you want a shot at one of these fish, book a guide......preferably ours, who are on the water every day wroking on these fish........

Alaska Fishing was Tremendous, but the Ark is on Fire!

2010-09-21T14:07:00.006-06:00

So, I made it back from the largest state in the Union in one piece, which is always nice.......My last blog post explained the unexpected that is always present when heading to Alaska; and I tell you what this trip was nothing short of that in a great way. I enjoyed every second of my month up there, and experienced some new and great things! The people, the weather, the rivers, and the fish were all very Alaskan as always. Upon arrival I was delayed from flying south for a few days due to extreme winds in the Bristol Bay region. So, I found myself spending most of time in my favorite Anchorage bar, Humpys, taking down a few (or more) local micros.......Once I reached my destination, of utter bfn (middle of nowhere, bush AK) I found myself amazed yet again, even after 8 full seasons, of the magnificence of that place! Tremendous trout fishing, great clients, great friends, and an unmatched setting made my month fly by.........and I am so grateful for the memories!

However, if I was looking for tremendous trout fishing, it seems I should have just packed my bags and walked from my house 1 block down to the river. The last week of guide trips has been unparallelled by any other time period I have seen all year on the Arkansas.Tie on a bare hook and go, cuz the fishing is fairly outrageous right now, and you could have the river to yourself!!!!!
Attractors have been the ticket along with a number of sundry items such as Red Quill nymphs, BWO's, and well really anything that floats........

So, get out and fish, because Fall is upon us!

Above: 32" x 19" Copper River Rainbow taken on the switch rod

Alaska Bound

2010-08-12T08:21:00.005-06:00

Well its official, I am one day from take off for the North land. One thing I can say for sure is that it will be cold and there will be a ton of bugs. Other than that anything can happen on these trips........

I can't say how much I look forward to a new guiding experience with the boys at Alaska's Rainbow Point Lodge. They run a first class operation, and it will be good to be on the water/flying with those boys for 2 weeks. Then the following week at Blueberry Island on the Kvichak should be the same old ridiculously productive fishing with a group of clients second to none. I will enjoy the three weeks in front of me with some of my great clients from the past!

All I can say is that Alaska is perhaps one of the last great untamed lands. As seen in the past few weeks, mother nature in this part of the country can put you down and out in a matter of seconds....There is no point in my last 7 years of guiding in the bush, where I have taken the risks lightly; however, the rewards are no less than phenomenal.

The game plan is as follows: Get Clients into massive amounts of fish; spend some quality time slinging my two handed rods; and take as much footage and photos as humanly possible during this 3 week period..........If I accomplish all of the above I should not only come back happy as a pig, but also with some mean footage that will be available for viewing shortly after I return along with the launch of our new website.............

What does SW Alaska have in store for me this season?......Hard to say, but I know it will be yet another experience of a lifetime, and never disappoints. I will try to post as often as possible with photos, and daily stories........

See ya on the flip side,

T

Floats like a butterfly, stings like a Hog

2010-07-28T11:57:00.004-06:00

Every now and then I have to just give mad props to those who produce outstanding products........This morning on my everyday Arkansas float, I realized how good I had it looking at all of those rubber boats floating down the river. See, the fact is the Arkansas, and many other large freestone rivers can be fairly difficult to navigate in any boat much less a drift boat. These rivers are too big, with way to many rocks; and the average drift boat would come out in several pieces or just find its way to the riverbed fairly quickly. So, most fisherman who float rivers like the Arkansas do so in rubber rafts with fishing frames, which is fine and dandy for most. But, for those of us who like the Cadillac, there is a company out there who has allowed us to float in style and comfort, and that is Hog Island Boatworks. They manufacturer the only one piece roto-molded polyethylene boat on the market.......making it indestructible, unsinkable, and incomparable to any other Dorry in the industry. In fact this boat is the only drift boat with a coast guard certification for flotation, that is it can't be sunk. The Coast Guard did a swamp test on the boat that consisted of drilling multiple holes in our hull, and placing over 5500 lbs of pig iron on the decks, and submerging our boat, rod storage and all for 18 hours. It popped back up, and made history. I have taken this ship down every section of the Arkansas River, and the durability, agility, and overall comfort continues to amaze me. This boat blows any other drift boat in the industry out of the water! Thanks John, for creating such a masterpiece!

visit Hog Island Boat Works @ http://www.hogislandboatworks.com

Bling Bling

2010-07-07T12:28:00.003-06:00

Ok guys, so, fishing couldn't get too much better. Fish are smashing big nasty critters on the surface 6 hours out of the day. However, now we have a new variable, and that is the Pale Morning Dunn. I call this time of summer the "Bling Bling" Period. That is you could take one of your gold cavity fillings out, tie it to a hook, and go out and catch 40 with it. Gold is the color, plain and simple. We have some stellar patterns here at the shop that will give you a leg up, however, the Arkansas has always been a river based on color more than pattern, so as long as it is yellow to gold it will kill. Get on it people, the crowds are minimal, and the fishing is spectacular, so hook up the boat or your favorite wading boots and get here!

Clear Edges, Nuff Said!

2010-06-19T11:27:00.003-06:00

The edges have cleared, all the way down to Canon City this morning. I took a drive to Granite this morning, after one hell of a beer serving night last night in the New Belgium tent at Fibark, and still saw very clear water even through my post Ranger IPA haze. The fact is Stoneflies......big and small, are out in full force; and have been for 2 weeks. However, yesterday was the first legitimate clear water day we have had since the 5400 cfs king kong flush. If you have a boat or just feel confident walking the shoreline, numbers can be in the hundreds to the net this time of year. Fishing is the best it will be all year for the next week or so, so get here now!

Spring Decisions

2010-05-10T14:15:00.003-06:00

I feel blessed to live in such an incredible place. When you sit down to decide where you want to go for the day, and within one hour there are half a dozen world class fisheries, it makes it fairly difficult. But, that is a problem I enjoy having! During the late spring I find myself torn when I have a day to fish for myself. This week's fishery menu within an hour of my house is the following:

1. Arkansas River- Still producing some fierce hatches towards Salida. Most fish being taken on hopper dropper rigs, with a Stimi/Caddis Pupae combo. This is a true dry fly fisherman's delight........

2. South Platte River "Charlie Myers SWA- A few big boys are still kickin, so keep your eyes out, and your huevos rigs at the ready. But if you are afraid to walk, you better rethink it, cuz this is the time of the season for a walk. I suggest a light to no lunch........

3. Grape Creek-A magnificent fishery before the storm of mud hits. Fish are still holding in the deep pools in that winter mindset. It can literally be liking fishing in a barrel! Stick to streamers and hopper dropper rigs, focusing on a traditional prince. Not for the faint of heart however, be prepared to wear your snake gators!

4. Spinney Reservoir- Take your time with breakfast and you will be out of the winnings, this is an early morning fishery. However, some major hogs are making it to the net, with the odd 30" class brown.....Enough to make you look twice! Hang with an attractor nymph rig huevos/ scud and wait for the rail!

5. Antero Reservoir- "Ditto" Spinney with on average bigger fish/ and the occasional Hills Bros. Worm Can....Same rigs, but focus on the boat ramps......Bring a big net/ and possibly kite for when the breeze starts......

6. Elevenmile Reservoir- "A whole different Animal".......Sucker Cove has been producing some incredible Brown Trout numbers with a few lunkers. The real fishing has been for Mr. Tooth. Lots of 40" class pike cruising the shores and the inlet in pre spawn mode. Find some steel leader and a fly longer than the average school bus and go make a couple thousand casts. I promise the reward is there with the possibility always at a new state record!

So, in short within an hour of Canon City, we have the state's largest Caddis Hatch; Lake Run fish in a tail water; and, arguabley 3 of the 5 best reservoirs in the Rocky Mountains, all fishing tremendously. You are crazy if you don't just quite work, buy an old Volkswagen Bus, and live on the water for the next week or so. But, then I guess you would have to earn some money afterwards...........Or just follow my footsteps: "Destitute Fly Fishing Guide, with no real ambitions, except for the next cast."

Chance in a lifetime: Letter to the Editor

2010-04-12T13:14:00.004-06:00

Hello Taylor,

I have some weeks that are open now that I would like to offer to you or your friends at a special price of $4000 per person, per week, with a booking of 4 . You will have exclusive use of the lodge and our services with your own group of 4. The weeks open at this time, are as follows, June 12-19. This is the first full week of the season, as Rainbow Trout season opens on June 8th, this week has fantastic fishing for Rainbows on smolt patterns, leeches, and both dry flies and nymphing, as well as mousing. The salmon smolt are leaving the lakes for the ocean and the Trout are gorging on them, especially at the mouths of the rivers. Igiugig Lodge just happens to be located at the mouth of the great Kvichak river, and from the living room at the lodge you can watch the birds diving into the water as the big schools of smolt enter the river. We caught several 30 inch trout, last season from both shore and boat fishing within sight of the lodge, our largest was 32 inches that week. I will also fly out a group each day to rivers near by that also have great fishing that week and on some we will also be able to use dry flies as well as smolt patterns, and leeches. The next week is June 19-26, this week the Rainbow fishing is still fantastic with the same techniques, but we add in King Salmon fishing on the Nushagak river where I have 2 boats and that river is famous for having the largest run of Kings in the world, the Kings should be running strong, that week and would make a great combination with Rainbow Trout. Also on the Kvichak river the Sockeye salmon should be showing up towards the end of the week. Both of these weeks Grayling and Northern Pike fishing is also great, and can be added in for some variety if you want.
The next week I have at this special price is July 17-24, this is the week the biggest Kings show up on the Nushagak river, we will also fish for Chum Salmon which are great fighters, and are perfect for fly fishing as they are caught on the shallow bars. We will also be able to fish for fresh Sockeye Salmon as well. And also Rainbows, Grayling, Dolly Varden and Northern Pike, are fishing well.
The last weeks I have at this time for this price, is September 18-25, and September 25- October 2nd, this is a time when the Rainbow fishing is on fire, on all the rivers, including my home river the Kvichak, as well as Talarik creek, Kulik river, Brooks river, Moraine creek,Battle creek, the Big Ku, and many others within a 15 minute flight from the lodge. We catch many fish in 27-32 inch class at this time, on egg patterns, as well as flesh flies and leeches.
Our normal price for a 7 day stay at Igiugig lodge is $5500, so this is a substantial discount for these weeks. All the great guiding services, food and beverages and accommodations will be the same as a full priced week. We really would like to fill up our schedule and stay busy all summer. With a booking of 4 fishermen we will lock up the week for your groups exclusive use.

Sincerely,

Brad Waitman

****Taylor's Commentary: Anyone who wants to experience a full service fly out lodge in argue ably the best fly fishing region in Alaska, if not the world; would be crazy not to jump on this! Give me a call at the shop if you have any questions!

Ready…….Set…….Swing

2010-04-08T14:56:00.001-06:00

Let the 10 day countdown begin! I always have a bet with the old man as to when the first blowout hatch will be, and this year my money is on the 17th. I have started to see a lot of closed caddis cases, and our water temps are starting to make the rise mid day. If we can get 5 straight days of near 70 degree weather, the hatch will be on. Keep your eyes on the blog, as I will countdown as I start to see sporadic hatches. I can’t stress enough, when the hatch starts, to focus on the pupae stage for the first few days. It will take a few intense hatches for the fish to recognize the adult stage. But, you better believe they are tearing up the pupa (emerger) during these early hatches. Some of the greatest number days I have ever had on this river have been before the adult recognition, so please focus on the pupa, and don’t be afraid to be a swinger…….
The picture above shows the presentation sequence of the larval emergence (pupal stage).

A Conditional Mindset

2010-03-24T09:59:00.005-06:00

A conditional mindset develops not only less fishing, but also fairly lame excuses to not get on the water. Tailwater fisheries, however, can be extremely temperamental creatures. All I can say about flow fluctuations is that they exist, and we can't control them. Low flows does not mean fishing ceases to exist, only that productivity decreases. Yesterday I enjoyed a beautiful day on the water with one of my homies! Even though flows on the Platte neared non-existence we sought out some prime spots and produced some beautiful, and fresh Cutts and Cuttbows. I can say the same for Freestones like the Arkansas. Low flows, and cold weather might not be the most prime of conditions; however, I still find myself producing some great numbers, and great trips! We need to understand that we live in a state where mother nature, and the State Water Board could care less about what our conditional preferences are. We have a a few beautiful days in March left, so get out and enjoy our early spring fisheries.

Picture: Shea Gunkel holding a beautiful Cuttbow from the Dream Stream (3/23/10)
Check out Mr. Gunkel's Blog @ http://gardenofthegodsgolfcoursemaintenance.blogspot.com/

The Slab

2010-03-19T10:33:00.003-06:00

The Arkansas tends to be one of the best stonefly rivers I have yet to encounter. If one likes to heavy nymph, it can be expected to be a very productive stream 12 months out of the year. Pattern variations tend to be the key to success, however, as I have yet to find a single pattern that produces year around. This season, I have taken an in depth entomological dive into the specimens of our river, in hopes to attain a single prime pattern. I have derived, however, that due to our vast fluctuations in water temperatures, as well as the natural life cycle of aquatics; it is not possible to narrow a single color variation. Some of the best patterns are and always will be the more traditional patterns; i.e. 20 Incher, Prince, Hares Ear, etc. Over the past 6 months however I have been testing a new pattern I coin The Slab. Breaking down every great stonefly I have ever fished, I come to one conclusion; they are never to heavy. The fact is, for the majority of their life, these bugs crawl on the river bottom! So, in this light I figure a 5/32 Tungsten Bead, and a wrap of .035 lead shouldn't be overkill, right? Moving forward I incorporated a simple body, and abdomen. However, thinking about every great Arkansas R. pattern I ever fished I incorporated enough light reflection and iridescence as humanly possible. The Arkansas is an attractor river, so why not throw something in the stonefly category that's going to catch an eye or two. And not to put that period of entomological work to waste, I incorporated the most common coloration seen throughout my specimens; ending up overall, much darker than expected. The hardest part of a perfect aquatic match is in the thorax; leading to a 3 dub blended concoction........
Overall, I have been extremely pleased with the on the water action of The Slab so far. It seems to be a very effective pattern on all of the freestones of this Region; e.i. Roaring Fork, Arkansas, Rio Grande.........
If interested, give us a call for an in depth recipe!

Spring Fishing in Western CO

2010-03-15T09:03:00.005-06:00

Just want to drop a quick note to all of our readers about friends and fellow guides on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers in Western Colorado. Good friend and owner of Gunnison River Guides, Joel Aslanian, along with partner in crime Jason Booth have built quite a reputation on these two world class trout streams! We have been working with Joel and Jason for the past few years, and are very stoked for the cooperative guiding future ahead of us.........
In the spring time both the Catch and Release Tailwater, and the Gunnison River (pre-runoff) are simply incredible fisheries. Please give us a call if you are interested in a trip to either of these areas, as the next few months offer some of the best fishing of the season!

T

Baetis Blowout

2010-03-11T11:17:00.005-07:00

Blustery skies mixed with sleet and snow around noon yesterday proved to be the perfect formula. What seems to be the usual deep nymph rig was cut within seconds and switched to a magnificent floating fly I believe referred to as a dry fly (see its been so long since Ive tied one on, I forgot the name). More specifically a 22 Lowrider Baetis seemed to do the trick. A couple really nice browns to the net by clients I might add. To make a long story short, Blue Wing action is here on the lower Arkansas; and it makes me so happy, I think I may shed a tear!!! Current conditions are sunny, but if a cloud enters a 10 mile radius of the shop you better believe I'm hitting the water, and so should you! Get on the Water! Spring fishing is here!

P.S. Baetis rule my Universe!

T

Spring is Budding

2010-03-08T09:41:00.004-07:00

Every year, just when we think there is no hope for winter to ever come to a close, we see hints of revival. This past week here in Southern Colorado, we received some very gracious 50 to 60 degree weather, introducing a new look to both of our tremendous spring fisheries. The Arkansas took a crucial turn towards spring with the start of the stone fly molt in the lower stretches of the river. In the 3 days this past week spent on trips, the Arkansas showed me several different looks, however all producing great numbers of fish.......If you are a heavy Nymph fisherman, get to the river with a good selection of stones and clean up! Fifty minutes north we have a spring fishery second to none, in which has also overcome a transformation in the past week or so. With increased flows and warmer temperatures, the South Platte Below Spinney has really come into its own over the past week. Fair numbers of pre-spawn fish have began to stage in the lower section of the river. Numbers will only increase within the weeks to come, offering shots at some beautiful and sometimes major fatty fish! Every year however, it is righteous to take time to explain some ethical premises by which we as sportsmen must live by in the Spring and Fall. Spending 3 to 4 guide days a week on the South Platte during the spawning runs allows me a lot of time to watch fisherman. It is an inherent instinct for a fisherman to target a large fish in the open. However, please take the time when sighting one of these fish, to survey the area in which the fish is holding to make sure it is not a spawning bed (Redd). The characteristics of Redd will include abnormally clean/ bright gravel, between 3-5 feet in diameter, with most likely 2 or more fish holding on it. These fish are actively spawning, so please allow them a no-hook policy! However, the next month or so will offer some great shots at some ten plus pound class fish, so clear a day to go experience this great stream! Keep in mind, that we have guides out every day, so please feel free to call us for up to date reports or for guided adventures. Especially on our technical tail waters it is a major leg up to hire a guide to teach you how to sight and present to these big fish, so please give us a call today! All in all, we are excited here in Southern Colorado, as spring has officially sprung. Temperature gauges are rising, trees are budding, and our rivers are beginning their transformations into our beloved fly fishing playgrounds!

Get Out, Fish Hard, and keep your head above water!

T

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T11:34:00.002-07:00

Against this backdrop of Taylor casting in the rising Alaska sun, we want to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are truly fortunate to have you all as friends and subscribers. This has been a tough year for many families in our country and next year is still going to be somewhat ragged, so remember......when you are having a bad day or your life gets turned upside down a little, don't write your congressman, they could care less. Go to the river and take stock of the good things we all share. The mountains, the rivers, the fish, the wildlife and the smell of the fresh air. Remember your family and God. Lou Holtz once said that the only people who truly love you are the ones you have dinner with each night. That said, I guess all the love I have comes from Jamie, my old Golden Retreiver, and actually that's plenty for me and I'm lucky to have it. After a day of fly fishing, all seems to be a little better for most of us. Then go home and call your congessman and give them crap about something and you'll do it more eloquently after fishing all day. Take good care and join us at the Fly Fishing Show in Denver at the Trade Mart on January 8,9,10. Come by the booth and introduce yourself. In the meantime, have a great Holiday season filled with joy and a few fly fishing goodies.

Capire et Relinquere,

Bill, Jan and Taylor

Fly Tackle Dealer Show Teaches a Valuable Lesson

2009-09-19T10:58:00.001-06:00

It has been another beautiful early fall week in Southern Colorado. The high country is bristling in gold and the lower elevation cottonwoods along the river are starting to join the in the dance as well. As soon as the oakbrush turns red, we'll have the whole shebang. Brown Trout are putting on the feedbag in a big way preparing for the spawning season which should start very soon on the South Platte and on the Arkansas around the middle of October. Actually, fish may be a little ahead of schedule on the Arkansas right now because the males we are landing are showing a bit of bottom lip and their colors are vibrant. They are also beginning to get into "chase mode" as well. I took a couple of nice males on a small streamer two nights ago in the rain by stripping it back up the shoreline towards me. None the less, now is a great time to get out and enjoy the Rocky Mountains. This is the time of year when they truly strut their stuff.

We went to the Fly Tackle Dealer Show in Denver last weekend. For those of you who don't follow the fly fishing industry, that is the show where dealers see all the new eye candy fishing stuff for the next year. There are generally more new gadgets, widgets, shiny reels and overpriced flyrods there to knock your socks off. Back over 20 years ago when we went to our first show, we truly enjoyed it. You really got to spend time with the folks that made the gear and fondle everything, have a few drinks and make some new friends. Now, in order to really hear about the stuff, you have to make an appointment with a rep or just stumble into a conversation. For about the past 10 years, I have been in the "stumble in" strategy. Actually fly fishing has turned into a pretty big industry, but I would bet that Haliburton makes more in one day than the entire fly fishing industry does in one year. However you would never guess that by the seriousness protrayed at these shows. This show used to take up an entire large hall at the Denver Convention Center. This year it was in one of the small ones and they only used half of that. Now, some of that is probably due to the economy, but last year wasn't any better and neither was the year before that. It may just be that the business model of having a big show each year has lost it's luster. Either way, it looked pretty much like a funeral procession had just passed through.

Manufacturers with great gear at blue collar prices did well this year and the hoity-toitys of the business, seemed to be all talking to each other during the time I was there. Some folks just don't seem to grasp the idea that the day of the $800 graphite rod may be over, and rightly so. We haven't had a lot of trouble selling high end cane rods and $300 graphite rods, but the plastic on the top shelf is going begging in most places. In my opinion, these manufacturers have been missing the boat for several years now and their arrogance of pushing the price ceiling is coming home to roost. For one, I am glad to see it, but not everyone would agree. There is absolutely no justification for a $700 pair of waders, an $800 graphite fly rod, a $1500 pair of skis or a $5000 set of golf clubs for that matter. This stuff does not make the fun meter go any higher than a Zebco 202 in the hands of a 8 year old boy when he sticks his first trout on a worm. We all seem to forget that as we get older, and I think we may be better for getting slapped around a little. I think, (and this is not a scientific study by any means) we have seen more folks in the store this year who are really happy about going fishing and forgetting all the politics and crap going on in their daily lives. I have enjoyed that very much and it makes me remember why I went into this business in the first place. To help people have a good time on their day or week off. Fly fishing is not a competition between you and the fish and the fish don't really care if they are caught on a $100 rod or a $1000 rod. They get stuck in the mouth both ways. I took out a little $50 Eagle Claw fly rod the other night and was amazed at how nicely it fished. As I sat on a rock around 7PM in a light rain, sipping a little of the malt, and watching fish rise, I remembered how much fun this sport really is. I'll go back to my cane rods, no question, because I have them and I love them. But they are mostly old like me and beg to go fishing. We just all need to act like a kid every now and then and remember what is important in life........a good family, a few good friends, and old fly rod, and old dog, and a good single malt. New shiny rods and reels pale in comparison.

Next week, I am leaving for Alaska for two weeks, I will be in with my son after a 36" Rainbow. I probably won't catch one and will definately freeze my ass off since winter is rapidly approaching in SW Alaska. Anyway, we'll have a great time and I'll help him close the lodge for the year and then we're going down down to the Homer area to fish the early October steelhead run on the Anchor River and Deep Creek before coming home. Hopefully when I return, I'll have a photo of a pig Rainbow to show you. If I don't, I just make something up, and tell you about it. That's what's expected of a fly fisherman anyway.

Fall IS HERE!!!!!

2009-09-07T10:36:00.002-06:00

Did this year fly by or what. Better get your Christmas lists together because it won't be long before the sleigh bells ring and all that stuff. In preparation for that time of year, we will again do our equipment reviews of all the new stuff that we'll see next week at the Fly Tackle Dealer Show in Denver. This is the toy show for dealers. Some of them take this show very seriously and even offer workshops for dealers so they can ostensibly make more money during the next season. The reason I go is to see old friends and suck down a brew or two. During that process, I will look at all the new gear and such and see what jumps out at me. In the meantime, lets talk about fishing and the beautiful fall conditions. In the last newsletter I related how clear the water was but now lets add "very low" to that mix. The Arkansas is running just below 300cfs and is tremendously easy to wade fish. If you want to run a boat, you certainly still can, but it's pretty bony and the fish will spook off the bow depending on the time of day. The biggest problem we're having is shadows being cast by you, your rod, your oars, and your tippet. Again, let me stress the use of long fluorocarbon systems. Hopper/Copper/Dropper systems are still working with a #12 Stimulator dragging a #16 Red Copper John or Copperhead on 5X with a #20 Skinny Minnie or RS2 hanging about 10 inches off that on 6X. These are easy to fish and pretty deadly. During cloudy afternoons or the evening, stay with single dries such as a #16 Caddis, Royal Wulff, Royal Humpy or baby Stimulator. Larry now ties the Ape in a #16 which has been aptly named the Baby Ape to go along with the Papa and Mama Apes. This foam body creature may actually be the best Stimulator I've ever fished. For a photo see the July 15 newsletter.

Antero Reservoir is still fishing well on scuds, but Spinney has been a little slow as has been the South Platte above Elevenmile. These two pieces of water are a head scratcher this year. Fish are constantly moving around on Spinney and I believe its because it has been full and cold all summer long. Sure, you can go there and catch a half dozen on a Callibaetis, but that's not the Spinney we all know and love. The river below has had good flows but fish just don't seem to be present. I know they are there, but they are hard to find. The Trico hatch has gone begging this year. The wolf packs of fish on Trico spinners has just not happened. We'll see what the Brown Trout spawning run looks like in a month or so. In the meantime, just stay with the Ark or Elevenmile Canyon. We should have a tremendous September with BWOs and Red Quills on the Arkansas. Just brush up on your presentation. This is the time to become a better fly fisher.

Just for your information I found this to be somewhat amusing this week. It seems that the DEA discovered some 800 marijuana plants growing in the National Forest this past week just east of Glenwood Springs. The DEA agent in charge said that the plants seemed to "have been there for a while." Duh, you think maybe since about May when the ground thawed. During this process of catching the greatest villians since Sadam Hussein, the National Forest Service stated that if you see tortilla wrappers, Tecate cans, Spam cans or hear Hispanic music you should leave immediately because you may be about to walk up on some drug cartel members from south of the border. So now, the most feared thing in the woods is no longer a Black Bear or Mountain Lion, it is a tortilla wrapper. Run for your lives!!!!!! I'm sorry, but this has to be one of the most racist statements I've ever heard come out of a government agency in addition to being about the dumbest. Heck, it could easily have been me and Larry Kingrey on that trail. I've been making Spam burritos and eating them with Tecate beer since college and I have been known to listen to a little Mariachi every now and then. The longer I live in this world, the stranger so called smart people get. Hasta la vista baby.........

Fall is Here

2009-08-18T13:29:00.002-06:00

With August winding down, we not are entering into my favorite fishing season. September, October and November is sanctuary time. Except for hunters, summer tourist season is all but over. We now see the folks that live for the fall. The fly fishers that pray for a little light snow or mist and the hope for a BWO hatch on their favorite stream. Water is clear this time of year and it truly will make you a better fly fisher. It feels and looks like fall today and it's the middle of August. Even Lance Armstrong had to win the Leadville 100 last weekend in a snow storm at the pinnacle of the race. My arm has a twitch in it from just looking outside. Why isn't everyone out fishing? The river virtually has no one on it and this is the absolute perfect day. It seems once that school starts there is a little lull in fishing traffic until after Labor Day. I'd take advantage of that if I were you. And, I'm not talking about business here, I'm simply talking about a couple of hours on the river to sneak away and get your head right. With all the crap that is being bantered about right now by the aliens who seem to be in charge of everything in this country, I want to spend more and more time on the river for sanity. By the way, I'm not talking about illegal aliens here, I'm talking about politicians of all flavors who seem to be from another planet right now. The illegal aliens are mostly good folks trying to earn a living......I would not want to lower their stock by putting them in the same category as a politician. As you can tell, I need a day on the river...... By the way, thanks to all of you who have sent well wishes to Jan after her knee surgery. She is doing well and will be back in the shop soon to help you with a smile.
The Arkansas has reduced in flow down to 450 cfs and still has a little to go. That means fish are going to take sanctuary in deeper riffles and cut bank shorelines around boulder seams. We are starting to see fish move to wet flies with multiple Caddis hatches occurring and we had a sporadic BWO hatch the other day in the rain with lots of fish working emergers about 2 inches deep. This should line up to be an incredible fall season, but you will be required to break out the fluorocarbon tippet even on the Arkansas. Wild Browns will get a little spooky as they prepare to spawn. Right now they are beefing up to do just that. It may be me, but it seems that fall fish and river behavior may be rolling around just a little on the early side. This may be one of those years when we get a late September snow storm. I kinda hate to say that since I haven't had enough summer yet. This has been a pretty cool, wet summer season. We have just not had many really warm, dry days to be proud of. That just hurts my feelings, not the fishing. It has been absolutely outstanding and continues to be. Every river from the Dream Stream to the Frying Pan has been fishing very well, some better than others of course, but I believe we are set up with enough water to enjoy a truly spectacular fall season of dry fly fishing. Don't forget that the spawning run of Browns on the South Platte is only about 5 or 6 weeks away. We had a great one last year and I expect the same this year. So, if you are waiting for your big fishing trip after the heavy tourist traffic is over, then just pick you favorite river and get after it. Stock up on good red wine and some 2" New York strips and go for a fall camping trip. The next few weeks in front of us is when God does some of his best work. The colors are vibrant, the sky is that beautiful shade of fall blue and the fish are happy. And as my mother used to say, "Just go already."

Why is the High Water Still Around?????

2009-07-05T10:27:00.002-06:00

No, regardless of some reports from family, friends and subscribers, I have not yet fled the country. The thought has crossed my mind, but there are still many streams even in Colorado that I have not yet fished, so you're stuck with me for a while. The truth is, I have been fishing a little where I could and just haven't had the urge to communicate with much of anyone for a while. I guess its just an old man thing. Back in the 60s, we turned on, dropped out and went to find ourselves and the meaning of life. Not me, I turned on, left town and went fly fishing in the Rocky Mountains even then. I have yet to find the meaning of life other than to live it the best you can, and finding myself sounded awful scary to me. I know I'd hate to round a corner on a mountain trail and run into me, that would mean I had been walking in circles and I was actually quicker than me. Actually, in those days, I was always hoping to find a nice looking young woman that was lost and needed assistance. Heck, I'm still hoping for that, but I digress.

We are now living in the perfect storm of water flows in Colorado. In the last week, I have often fielded the question "Where is all this water coming from?" About 7 or 8 days ago, we were fishing the Arkansas and believed that the worst of the runoff was over. Fishing was excellent on Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, and Caddis. Then all hell broke loose. First of all let's talk about how Mother Nature added to the big water. Last year, we had a banner snowpack and that resulted in Reservoirs being full going into winter. Some water was moved on most rivers, but evidently not enough. On the Arkansas, we needed to hold to minimum flows during the spring for the Brown trout fry emergence. Flows exceeded minimum recommendations during April and May and still evidently not enough water was moved downstream. Then last week, we had warmer than normal high temperatures on the snowpack that was remaining and afternoon thunderstorms generated heavy rain on what snow was left, scouring the granite crevasses and bringing small creeks such as Lake Creek well over 1000 cfs again. Now, that alone might not present such a large problem, but it seems that on the other side of the Continental Divide, the Frying Pan river was experiencing the same kind of thing....remaining snow and heavy rain. So much, in fact that it was spilling over at Ruidi Reservoir. In order to keep from losing water, the Fry Ark Project began pumping water over the Divide through the system into Twin Lakes which was already full. That 800cfs of extra water was sent on through the dam into the Arkansas and down to Pueblo reservoir. So added altogether with water spilling out of Turquoise Lake and Clear Creek Reservoir, we have the perfect storm of water if you will. The same thing is occurring on the South Platte system, just without the water imports being added to the mix. Lots of folks don't understand just what impact the Fry Ark Project has on the Arkansas. It is one of the early trans basin diversions to move water into the Front Range and be able to save it for development as well as agriculture.
The state of Colorado has always been subject to periods of natural drought as well as intense flooding. After the historic flood of 1921 that devastated towns along the Arkansas, including Pueblo, the need to have some control over natural water flows became quite apparent. In 1962 Congress approved the Frying Pan Arkansas Project, a trans-mountain diversion, collection and storage system which would create a reliable water source for southeastern Colorado. The Fry-Ark Project is meant to act as a supplemental source of water during periods of naturally low water levels for municipal as well as agricultural purposes. In addition, it also provides flood control and recreational benefits.
The system begins in White River National forest along the western slope of the Rocky Mountains. Water is diverted from the Frying Pan River and other smaller streams through the Continental Divide via a series of conduits, pump stations, and reservoirs to the Arkansas River. The Fry-Ark Project services 9 counties in the state which compose the Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy District, including Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, El Paso, Fremont, Kiowa, Otero, Prowers, and Pueblo counties. The water diverted provides, "…an average annual water supply of 163,100 acre-feet for supplemental irrigation of 280,600 acres in the Arkansas Valley." It also provides municipal water supplies to several cities along the eastern slope including, 20,100 acre-feet to Colorado Springs, 8,040 acre-feet to Pueblo, and the rest to various towns which have a need for supplemental supplies. Although the tenants of the Project allocate 51% of the water to cities, and only 49% towards agriculture, there is a clause that states if cities do not claim all of the water allocated to them, then it can be used for agricultural purposes.
Now that you understand the intricacies of water movement on the Arkansas, don't you feel better about knowing why you can't fish this week? There is an upshot to all of this however. It seems that all the snow is basically gone, with freestone creeks dropping in flows over the last 48 hours. Project water has now been cut in half as well. The river should now start dropping like a rock if it stops raining hard each day. We could honestly see half this flow by next week if my projections are correct. However, each day I live, I realize I am not very smart and should have worked for the National Weather Service or the Bureau of Reclamation. Two places where being wrong all the time can still allow you to keep your job and even get a promotion. Instead, I have chosen to work in a fly shop and always try to see the bright side of things. That's more fun anyway even though the pay is bad.

HIGH WATER FLY FISHING AT ITS BEST

2009-06-13T14:29:00.003-06:00

Most all rivers in Colorado have peaked in flow now and are leveling off, or dropping. The South Platte below Spinney has now dropped below 300 cfs and should now start to fish well. It has been somewhat inconsistant with high water flows, however, scuds and red or brown San Juan Worms with Barr's Emerger droppers have been working at times. The other sections of the Platte are just as inconsistant with Eleven Mile Canyon running 325 cfs and crowded to the Deckers area being somewhat higher at 700 cfs. All these stretches should start to drop some over the next week, providing excellent opportunities. Antero and Spinney continue to fish off the chart with the cooler weather prevailing and keeping fish happy. Wind has been a problem on some days such as last Sunday when afternoon winds in South Park sent everyone scurrying for the bar in Hartsel. A Hartsel Cafe cheeseburger is worth the price of having to leave the lake to say the least. Thirty and forty fish days have not been unusual on Antero, with Spinney lagging a little behind that. Lots of different flies are working, from green Copper Johns in a #14, #14 bead head Pheasant Tails, Callibaetis nymphs, Halfback nymphs, Damsel nymphs and Woolly Buggers. Fish are holding on top of weed beds in water from 5 feet deep to 12 feet deep. This may be the best couple of weeks I've ever seen at Antero. If you're willing to put up with the morons getting into fist fights at the boat ramp on the south shoreline, then get up there, because this outrageous stuff won't last much longer. The fish will wise up from the pressure and then it will take a little skill to catch them. That should pretty much do in the bait fishermen.

The most surprising water of all is the Arkansas right now. It is very, very easy to catch lots of fish along the edges using nothing but dry flies. We have again cleared with high water just like last year. #10 Yellow Stimulators and PMXs for the Golden Stones, #16 Yellow Sallies and Yellow Stimulators for the Yellow Sallies, and #16 Elk Hair Caddis for the Caddis that are continuing to hatch. Thrown in a Yellow Humpy, Renegade, and a variety of adult Caddis patterns and you can have a 40 fish day by simply working grass outcoppings and rocky shorelines. The water is down to 1600 cfs and continues to drop daily. We have clarity down to around four feet in most places which give you plenty of clear water along edges to fish. The water is still on the high side and wading should be limited to working upstream along shorelines, but the day is soon coming when the water will even be more manageable. I expect conditions to be superb this weekend. If you've got a few days off right now, fishing is the easiest of the year and I include the spring hatches in that statement.

A good way to attack this high, clear water is with a hopper/dropper rig. Choose a boyant big dry fly like a #10 Hi Vis PMX and drop a piece of 5X fluorocarbon off the hook bend with an attractor bead head nymph such as a Silver Ice or Gold Ice. Make the dropper tippet about twenty inches long and place a #6 split shot about 8 inches above the nymph to make it drop down in the water column a little deeper. If you make the dropper too long then you may begin to pick up submerged debris from runoff. The river will be back in it's main channel in a few days and then you can lengthen the dropper if you wish. Right now, you may still be fishing over submerged shoreline. When wading along watch out for roots and little Beaver bungees that will trip you if you're not careful. I went down twice in about 10 feet the other day. I'm glad I was by myself and no one saw it......just a typical old man stunt.

CADDIS OLD SCHOOL

2009-04-21T18:25:00.003-06:00

The long awaited Caddis hatch has begun in the Canon City area and should, because of low water, move up river fairly rapidly, proliferating the entire corridor over the next few days. Be prepared to pay close attention to fishing the pupa, because that's the stage of the lifecycle that produces the most fish and it does not have to be dead drifted. Be sure to stay on the river late and fish the egglayers and spent Caddis. Big fish don't get fat chasing live bugs.....they prefer the dead ones. Have fun.

Stone Fly Nymphs Begin Molt

2009-02-10T11:31:00.001-07:00

The Arkansas has been fishing pretty darned well on these nice days, and the fish are starting to move to the outside seams from the deep runs and pools. That behavior is a little early, but I believe that Stonefly nymphs have started to molt and that along with a little increase in water temperature has changed things dramatically. The best time to fish is from about 10AM till 3PM and the best rigs are deep running Stone Fly nymphs trailing a #16 BH Prince, Chartruese Copper John, or a #20 Red Pure Midge. A few fish are coming to the surface to eat adult midges, but very few.

On rivers like the Arkansas, Stonefly nymphs offer up their protein load to fish coming out of the winter doldrums. There are obviously a lot of different stonefly species in our rivers, but the one that really kicks off the feeding frenzy are the Golden Stones, Hesperoperla pacifica and Claassenia sabulosa . These are fairly large bugs measuring from 24 to 38 mm or on the average a little over an inch long. When they are mature, they have a dark brown back with a yellow underbody. These insects live in the nymphal stage for two years during which time they undergoe several instar phases or molts. Like a snake, everytime the insect sheds is exoskeleton, it grows a little. It's hard to say exactly how many instars it goes through, but most folks think somewhere between 7 and 12. I personally don't really care. All I know is that sometime in mid to late February (this year the first of February) through early April, the little beggars molt and drive the fish crazy. The molt occurs around daybreak and anywhere from 6 to 8 hours later, the nymphs have hardened up again and turn darker. So, in the mornings, they have a buttery translucent appearance to the fish, making them a wonderful food source. I think they probably look a lot like Mom's mac and cheese or a wonderful dish of veal picatta. Perhaps not.... Anyway, you want to fish the golden stone imitations in the mornings until mid afternoon, then switch back to the darker ones. Remember, not every stonefly nymph in the river is exactly the same age, so this process continues for a few weeks. A golden stone nymph is always my lead nymph through the spring hatches. On cloudy days, I trail it with Larry's #20 Black Ice for a Baetis nymph and in early April I always tie in on with a Caddis Larva. In late February and early March I will fish it by itself with about three split shot on a 6 foot leader. I use the short line, bounce nymph method in heavy, choppy water. That's where the creatures live, so that where you need to be. Keep adding split shot until you get the nymph on the bottom quickly. Don't work into position just to have your bug float over the heads of the fish. Forget the strike indicator and high stick the fly through the rocky bottom. Takes will be unmistakable, so don't worry too much about that. Just keep the thing bouncing along through the drift.

Wright and McGill Superstore Launched

2008-10-16T10:34:00.003-06:00

Royal Gorge Anglers has launched a new web site featuring all Wright and McGill products. We have always been a big supporter of this old Colorado Company and since its foray back into fly fishing a few years ago, we have sold lots of W&M products to lots of satisfied customers. Now, everyone can buy these products on line and in addition, we are offering free shipping to all customers in the lower 48. Products are available directly from the factory, so availability will not be a problem unless the factory is backordered. Please go to the new site and take a look. Just click the title of this blog or go to http://www.wrightmcgillsuperstore.com

ARK Fishing

2008-08-09T19:17:00.002-06:00

The Ark is looking good even with the rain over the past few days. I guided a half day trip this morning and fish were on Apes with a Red thunder or Red / Silver high voltage PT early in the morning and then Hoppers followed by the same droppers later in the morning. Remember fish are still in tight to the banks. Curtis

Arkansas Finally Fishing Again

2008-07-13T11:35:00.002-06:00

After a seemingly endless runoff (sometimes you get what you ask for), the Arkansas is finally dropping and edges are clear. The river is dropping regularly each day and small creeks seem to be back into normal shape or getting there rapidly. With fish stuck on the edges to escape current velocity, fishing is bonehead easy right now. A big PMX trailing a PMD nymph or attractor nymph like a High Voltage Pheasant Tail is a good bet for lots of fish. Wading can still be a bit treacherous, so be careful and don't wade where you can't see your feet. I suspect that the river will now be great until Thanksgiving, so get out there.

South Platte Fishing

2008-07-03T13:44:00.002-06:00

With flows in the high 300's the South Platte has been fishing great! The best Flies have been Scuds, Beads, and San Juan Worms trailed by PMD RS2 and Midge Larva. Fish can be taken through out the day with tan caddis if you prefer fishing drys. Then in the afternoon we have been fishing Hopper / Dropper rigs with small Dave's Hoppers or Parachute Hoppers trailing Yellow Thunders or Gold ice. If you like fishing streamers that has also been good on sinking leaders fished tight to the banks. Curtis

Wishing for lots of Water

2008-05-20T12:48:00.001-06:00

After a high water spring and marginal fishing conditions due to releases from Twin Lakes to make room for runoff, the river has finally started to really rise. The largest snowpack in about 25 years is waiting for the rivers to take it away. The end result should be a cleansing flow that will remove a decade of silt and other drought related maladies. Hopefully this will be the year that gravel bars clean up, islands disappear and new islands reappear. We'll see.......

Spring Fling and BWOs

2008-04-01T10:43:00.002-06:00

We just completed our 7th annual Spring Fling at the Arkansas River KOA at Cotopaxi. We had great weather and a great time. Thanks to all of you who participated. I hope the BBQ was to your liking. I thought it was one of the better fares of late.

BWOs have been hatching away on cloudy days as we prepare for the Caddis Hatch. We have a little more water to contend with this year than we are used to, but that has stabilized water temperatures and should lead to a great hatch. If snowpack stabilizes or some of it evaporates, we are told that BOR may actually cut back on releases in a couple of weeks. We'll see, but if flows stay as they are, it will still be excellent. Get out and fish. April is Numero Uno.

Spring has Sprung for Fly Fishers

2008-02-29T14:35:00.002-07:00

The South Platte below Spinney is fishing extremely well right now and some big spawners from Elevenmile are cruising upstream now. Micro eggs, Midge Larva and Black Leeches are the trick. Lots and lots of fish to the net with some 5 to 8 pounders possible.

The Arkansas in Canon City and West to Salida has broken ice free and Browns are having a good ole time on molting Stonefly Nymphs and Caddis Larva. Basically any green Larva in a #16 and a #10 Golden Stone will do the deed. Fish are in deeper runs in the early morning and by Noon have filtered out into prime lies. Some fish are moving to Black or Brown Woolly Buggers. The rivers have certainly come alive the past week and fishing will only get better before runoff, which could be substantial this year, but probably not early. We've got lots of great fishing days before May 15, which is average runoff startup for the Arkansas.

Spring is up next, believe it or not

2007-12-05T15:12:00.001-07:00

With the Christmas season upon us, spring is right around the corner. Years pass pretty quickly for me, so as usual I find myself behind in planning for spring fishing. My buddy, Larry Kingrey and I are confirmed for lots of presentations after the 1st. We'll be doing seminars on the Arkansas hatches, how to tie and fish Caddis hatches, and tying and fishing wet flies. I hope we're in your neighborhood and that you'll come out to see us. Our schedule right now looks like this:

January 4,5,6 The Fly Fishing Show...Denver; February 8,9,10 The Albuquerque Sports Show; February 22, Wichita, Kansas Flatland Fly Fishing TU; March 13, Cherry Creek TU, Denver. I suspect we'll add a few more to the list, but I wanted to post these so you can put them on your calendar. We're looking forward to seeing you.........

Bill

Fishing Report

2007-10-15T13:38:00.000-06:00

Fishing has been very good over the last week. Fish Have been On hopper / Dropper rigs using a Red October trailing # 16 Red Thunders, #20 Black Ice, # 20 Black Thunders and # 20 Purple High Voltages. Streamer Fishing has Been good in the afternoon With Olive Squirrel Streamers, and Spruce Streamers. Blue Wing Olives have been hatching mid day with fish eating adults even on the sunny days. Curtis

Fishing Report

2007-09-01T19:23:00.001-06:00

Fishing was good today. We had clear water from Coaldale up in the morning and grey / olive water at Texas creek in the afternoon. As long as we don't get a heavy rain tonight I think we will have fishable water all the way to Canon City on Sunday. The picture is Evan with his first Arkansas fish. Fish were on # 10 red Octobers, And royal PMX's, # 16 Red thunders, # 16 Red / Silver High voltages and # 16 Orange / Yellow High voltages. Most fish were still on the edges. Curtis

Low Flows and Hungry Fish

2007-08-27T11:52:00.001-06:00

After a long spell of heavy rain, the Arkansas has now dropped in flow and is fishing extremely well. Wet flies like the little Brown Hackle Yellow in the photo are responsible for lots of hook ups right now as are the traditional hopper/dropper rigs that are so popular on this river. Approaching fall, we are turning to Royal patterns for the top flies such as a Royal PMX, Royal Wulff or Royal Trude. Copper colored bead heads like Larry Kingrey's Copperhead, Curtis Andrew's High Voltage Pheasant Tail and a standard old Copper John will all take lots of fish when suspended below the big dry fly. Streamers are right around the corner, but for now we need to enjoy the numerous Caddis species that are hatching as well as the sporadic hatches of Red Quills. Me, I'm just waiting for the Royal Wulff hatch..........

Arkansas is fishing well now

2007-08-14T12:36:00.001-06:00

The Edges are now clearing from all the rain we have had over the past couple weeks. Flows are still up and pushing the fish to the edges. My wife and myself had an evening float on Sunday the 12Th and did very well with streamers ( muddlers and olive buggers)fished on sinking leaders. We also moved some fish with hoppers. The pictures are of a couple fish that we caught including my wife's first fish on a fly rod! Curtis

Arkansas is Perfect

2007-07-12T07:52:00.001-06:00

The Arkansas is now clear and flows have dropped to around 700cfs which is where they will now stay until mid August. We have PMDs, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, and incredible late day Caddis hatch and hoppers. Walk/wade fishing is now easy and floating is spectacular. We're starting out the day with a hopper/dropper rig running a Parachute Madam X or Stimulator with a #16 Gold Ice, Yellow Thunder or High Voltage PT in orange/yellow. Afternoons are Caddis, Hoppers, and Yellow Sallies. Caddis are tan and olive bodies in a #16, Hoppers are yellow or olive in a #10 to 14, and Yellow Stimulators or Larry's Yellow Sally in a #16 work well by themselves up until dark. Watch for afternoon thunderstorms which can stain the water and lightening which can stain more than the water.

Fishing Report

2007-06-29T15:40:00.000-06:00

Hello, fished the Texas Creek area today and did very well with large hoppers and a # 16 Yellow / Orange High Voltage PT (see Picture ). This bug can be fished for a PMD, Yellow Sally or Red Quill. Edges are clearing nicely, but still remember to use caution if you must get in the water. Curtis

Arkansas in Runoff

2007-05-16T11:36:00.000-06:00

The Arkansas has been taking runoff now for the past few days and is yet to crest. We will probably see peak flows by sometime next week and then edges should start to clear, giving us access to lots of fish and lots of hatching Golden Stones. By simply walking shorelines with a #10 Yellow Stimulator you can have the easiest fishing of the year. Pulling a streamer off the bank from a boat is not bad.....as a matter of fact, once we have a clear strip off each bank, it is very good.

Caddis Explode upstream

2007-04-27T15:29:00.000-06:00

On Thursday, Caddis literally exploded off the water from Pinnacle Rock to up past Cotopaxi. Today we are experiencing a very strong hatch even to Coaldale. This one's a killer, so get out there over the next two weeks. Very good dry fly fishing on Black Foam Caddis and Larry's Egg Layer.

Chris, Greg and Abby enjoying the Arkansas

2007-04-25T09:44:00.000-06:00

Hi,had a full day trip out on the 24th, the weather turned out to not be that bad had some rain off and on along with some wind. Air temp was 48 in the afternoon with water temp 46 to 48. Fish really turned on to BWO nymphs. The best pattern was the Purple Pheasant Tail in a #18 . We also moved a few fish on Brown Hackle yellows and olive buggers. We never had a strong BWO adult hatch.

Fishing Report

2007-04-22T18:59:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone had a full day trip today fishing started slow up at Texas Creek but came on strong at about 1100 using a QD Larva / Black thunder rig.Water temp at 1100 at Texas Creek was 50 degrees. We moved down into Canon and found caddis this afternoon. Fishing was hard but if you gave them a pupa on the swing they would take it. As for drys they are starting to get picky and you need a pattern like Larry's hi vis or the brachy adult. Curtis

Caddis Upon Us

2007-04-20T18:07:00.000-06:00

Full day guide trip today.....Fished Parkadale in the morning, took a number of fish on size 12 Yellow Sally, and also very productive with a mettalic caddis larva. Afternoon was spent hunting down some risiers on the riverwalk. A strange occurance today, as there were 2 overlapping hatches. First started about 1 PM, 2nd at about 3 PM, and at 430 we had egglayers back on the water. So, there were plenty of bugs, however, the fish were slow to key on them but came along nicely towards the end of the day. Fished a black foam caddis, trailing a Lofontaine Caddis Pupa, this was productive all afternoon.....get on the water, the blow up hatch should be in the next few days!!!!

2007-04-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone I just got off a full day trip. Fishing was slow this morning up river, but was ok this afternoon at Parkdale and in Canon City if you found rising fish, then you could take them on a foam body caddis, wire body soft hackle or primetime. Curtis

WE HAVE CADDIS

2007-04-18T15:20:00.000-06:00

We had caddis come off today in Canon City. Fish were eating larva ( Larrys QD larva) and adults (Elk hair and Larry's foam body) , fishing was slow on pupa but will pick up over the next couple of days. The adults came off at about 130 and went strong until about 215 when the clouds came over. Water temp. was 56 at 130. So get out and enjoy Curtis

Blue Wings Now....Caddis to Come

2007-03-28T16:10:00.000-06:00

Blue Winged Olives have started hatching in earnest this week. Cloudy days are very important to BWO hatches. A little rain, a little snow, a little fog, and all of the above with low clouds will brings lots of bugs up to the surface. Fish follow the emergence all day, beginning with the nymphs close to the streambed and then the drifting larvae to the emerger and then the Adult. BWO spinnerfalls usually occur in this part of the country after dark. The next cloudy day, come to the Arkansas with a box of little Blue Wings in an 18 or 20. OH, be sure to bring the Gore-Tex.

Back From a Long Winter's Nap

2007-03-05T13:49:00.000-07:00

Nymphing with Golden Stones, midge larvae, and chartreuse Caddis larvae have taken center stage on the Arkansas right now. Golden Stones from a size 10 to a size 16 are molting and offering themselves to hungry fish in choppy water at the heads of runs. Adult Midges are hatching around Noon until 3PM or so. A #20 Para Adams seems to do the trick. Good stuff to get you out of the house.

Denver Fly Fishing Show

2007-01-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

If you live nearby, I hope you went to the Denver Fly Fishing Show. It snowed a foot on Saturday on top of 6 feet that previously fell......therefore....not many folks showed up on Friday. They made up for it on Saturday when the sun came out. Chuck did his usual terrific job of putting on a great show. The new cane rod section was a big hit. I came home with some by Curt Elder for the shop. Great rods for around $800 each....almost unheard of quality for this price. Thanks to everyone who stopped by and said hello. It was good to get our and talk about fly fishing for a change. We're sitting here in a foot of new snow and it was -8 last night. Spring is just around the corner.

Winter on the Arkansas

2006-11-28T12:29:00.000-07:00

We'll not spend a lot of time on the blog during the winter, however, we would like you to visit us at the Denver Fly Fishing Show Jan. 5,6,7 2007. We'll be back after it when the spring hatches start. I apologize for the negligence this fall. I had a motorcycle wreck with severe injuries and am just now getting back in shape.

Excellent AM and late PM fishing....

2006-07-22T09:57:00.000-06:00

I took this guy on a #16 Egg Laying Caddis evening before last. Fishing is incredible on these bugs with several Caddis hatches occuring late in the day.

Float fishing is hot!!!!!

2006-07-18T22:28:00.000-06:00

Float fishing was great tonight using #14 Red Octobers, #14 Royal Wulffs, #16 Yellow Thunders and small hoppers.

Great AM fishing now......

2006-07-18T12:10:00.000-06:00

Morning fishing is very good right now with hopper/dropper rigs, ants and Yellow Sallies. Afternoons are slow with the warm days.....deep nymph rigs will work with Yellow Sallies and Yellow Thunder trailing. Late afternoon/evenings patterns are single PMXs and yellow Humpies. The water has a green clarity after the floods of last week ended. Expect more clear water each day now.

July 15th

2006-07-16T10:04:00.000-06:00

This picture is Brannon's First Arkansas Brown. Fishing was good on PMD nymphs like Yellow Thunders fished hopper dropper or on a nymphing rig. Water was clear down to Texas creek with edges clear down to parkdale.

Fishing Report June 29th

2006-06-29T15:25:00.000-06:00

Fished from Texas Creek down this morning and did good using a #14 yellow stimulator, Yellow Thunders, Gold ice, and red or black Ants. Remember to fish the shore lines, most fish were no more than 4 feet off the shore line.

We're back........

2006-06-18T09:19:00.000-06:00

Right now the water is rapidly dropping into condition for the rest of the summer. While still on the high side, fish are beginning to move a little away from the shorelines and back into outside seams and boulder pockets. You'll still find plenty tucked into the dirt, but more and more they will now begin to settle into prime feeding lies along the outside. Stimulators and Stonefly Nymphs of all sizes are working for the Golden Stones and Yellow Sallies. Take care wading.....the current is still a hammer if you make a mistake.

High Water for a while

2006-05-18T07:57:00.000-06:00

For the next couple of weeks, the Arkansas will experience rising water and heavy runoff conditions. By June 1, the scouring will be complete and water levels will start to receed. When this happens, we are able to fish adult Stoneflies along the edges from a boat or by walking shorelines. This is the easiest fishing of the year, so stay tuned for updates. In the meantime, get in a whitewater raft and have some fun. That's a great way to spend an afternoon with the kids. Let us know if we can book one for you.

2006-05-02T21:14:00.000-06:00

Lots of Fish on Now......

2006-05-02T09:12:00.000-06:00

Some guys are just better than others. Nice fish from Caddis frenzy yesterday. Fish are on a variety of Caddis patterns and fishing in most places is just plain silly.

Egg layers were hot last evening....with BWOs as well

2006-04-29T11:28:00.000-06:00

Bill,

Quick update. Went to Spike Buck yesterday afternoon. Cloudy, drizzle, and 40 degrees. Started at east end of Spike Buck and worked my way up about a mile or so along the south shore. Threw an egg layer. Not many on the water but I found that throwing the fly up against rocks in the water and let the eddy carry them back around I got plenty of strikes. In fact one of my best days on the water. Must have had at least 25-30 hook ups and landed about 20 fish. Some good size ones in the 14-16 inch range and chunky. Many small ones too. It was a blast. I watched a few egg layers hit the water and watched the action. As they swirled in the eddy’s they got swallowed up so I did the same and same results. Great time. Only spent about 3 hours tops on the water too.

Thought you’d like to know.

John

Spent Caddis

2006-04-27T08:29:00.000-06:00

Caddis Update......

2006-04-27T08:12:00.000-06:00

Fish yesterday were hard on egglayers from Texas Creek up to Cotopaxi in the afternoon. Clouds of gravid females were on the water around 3PM. Emergence of new bugs was slow, but should be big today around Vallie Bridge. Even in cool weather, the fish have eaten pupa continuiously. This hatch is a little sporadic, but fishing is certainly very good. Lots of new fly fishers hooking up.

Larry

2006-04-22T19:20:00.000-06:00

We fishd near Texas Creek this morning, water temp was 49 at 8:30, took a long time to warm up, only 51 at 9:00. Fishing was slow, some on larvae and pupae. Moved down to Parkdale at noon, water was 5 degrees warmer, fish were eating pupa on the swing. About 2:30 began to see good numbers of rising fish, and took them on foam caddis for 2- 2 1/2 hours. Some fish on egg layers later.

2006-04-21T14:59:00.000-06:00

Fish are staying on Pupa....

2006-04-21T14:54:00.000-06:00

Since water temperatures are not soaring towards 60 degrees, fish are continuing to eat Caddis pupa voraciously in the mornings thru early afternoon. A pretty good hatch is going on the Canyon City riverwalk right now and the adult numbers should increase a lot this weekend. Concentrate on fishing the pupa wet fly style and fish egglayers after 5 PM for the best dry fly fishing.

Larry

2006-04-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

My trip today was instruction for an intermediate fisherman,so we weren't hunting fish real hard. Water temp at Parkdale this morning did not break 50 degrees until nearly noon. Some fish were taking caddis pupa on the swing, and got a couple of takes on stimulators on top. We saw a light caddis hatch in Canon City this afternoon, with some egg laying activity. Water temp was nearly 60. The sun was high and bright, so not much surface action--Should be better when light level is lower, or more bugs.

fishing

2006-04-14T20:54:00.000-06:00

Hello, I had a half day trip today and the fishing was good on caddis pupa and wet flies at parkdale this morning. I did not see any adult caddis this morning but I did see some in Canon City this afternoon. Curtis

Caddis

2006-04-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone this Curtis and I was able to get out for about an hour today from 2pm-3pm and I found some caddis in Canon City on the river walk. We also got reports of some caddis at parkdale. The fishing was not great today for me but I did get one in that hour on a bubble pupa. The fishing will only get better now as the hatch grows, so make plans to come over and fish soon.

2006-04-10T20:01:00.000-06:00

Blue Wings are GREAT and Caddis are knocking...

2006-04-10T17:25:00.000-06:00

Guides today had great success with BWO nymphs. Flies like a Black Thunder and Black Ice in #20 were excellent. Fish were not moving to Caddis pupa as they were yesterday. Caddis are right on the cusp of hatching in the lower river. As soon as the pupa start to drift in the water column, the fish will be on them. If you don't see fish, stay with rigs underneath but not on the bottom. Use small split shot and drift the nymphs up in the buffer zone. We're on Caddis Watch now, so be ready.........