Roaring Fork Valley- 3/13/14- 3/14/14

Continuing to start to the 2014 year off with a bang, with a couple days of new adventures over the weekend in the Roaring Fork Valley, fishing the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers.  One of my goals for 2014 was to continue to fish new waters and have new experiences, and this weekend was no exception.  Enjoyed sharing the adventure with my buddy JP, as we always find a way to keep the trips interesting.

3/13/14- Frying Pan River

Everyone knows about the Frying Pan River below Ruedi Reservoir, as it could quite possibly be the most famous trout stream in the world.  Ever since I started fly fishing, I knew that I had to get up there to try my hand on the large trout that call it home, and it did not disappoint during my first day on the river.  After a late night tying session in Silverthorne, we left early high with anticipation for a memorable day of fly fishing on the Pan.  Surprisingly there were not many other anglers, so we were free to fish all of the well known holes from the Toilet Bowl down to Bridge Hole.  The action was fairly consistent all day long, with fish eating midge and mysis patterns all up and down the river.  While feisty, little Brownies were the norm, we did find a few of the larger Bows that were willing to eat a well presented fly.  Even found some nice fish in Bridge Hole that were willing to rise to small midge dries.

After fishing this water, I was able to see the magnificence of this legendary water, and understand why fly fishermen from all over the world are drawn to fish the Pan.  It would be very difficult to find a more stunning canyon, with red walls and absolutely perfect trout water.  I look forward to coming back to this canyon, year after year to try my hand at these fish, and continuing to learn more about the fish that swim in its depths.

On fishing trips like this,  the actual fishing only amounts to part of the overall experience, and we continued to have a great time in Basalt after we had stored our waders and packed our rods.  We met a new friend in the Riverside Grill, talking about fly fishing and tying for hours as we drank beers and watched the hockey game.  It's awesome that this sport can bring together anglers from different backgrounds and age ranges, sharing fly fishing secrets and tips with total strangers.  Finished the day exchanging knowledge and flies with our new friend.

Late night tying session

Hooked up at the Guaging Station

Bend Hole Rainbow

Fat Frying Pan Rainbow

3/14/14- Roaring Fork River

We decided to keep the adventure going on Saturday, setting up an all day float trip with Taylor Creek Fly Shop on the Roaring Fork River.  Since the first time I cast a fly rod, I've always wanted to do a float trip, and this early season float seemed like the perfect time to give it a try.  The Roaring Fork was where I first landed a trout on a fly, so it seemed fitting that it would be the first time I fished out of a drift boat.  Our guide for the float was Taylor Creek head guide Kyle Holt, and he did an outstanding job on the sticks, rowing us upstream time and time again to hit the most productive holes.  Kyle's extensive knowledge of this river and the fish that call it home guaranteed that we were into fish from beginning to end.

Fishing from a boat was a complete new experience for me, but one that I look forward to doing more in the coming years.  Floating through 7 miles of the best Gold Medal waters that Colorado has to offer was quite the experience, floating through miles of amazing fishing that can only be accessed from a boat. The midge hatch didn't come off as strong as it had been, but the baetis hatch in the afternoon made up for the slow midge activity.  The Roaring Fork is packed full of strong, nasty trout, and landing them from a boat made it all the more exciting.  We caught many of the wild browns that the river is known for, but also had our shot at some of the bigger Rainbows that call this river home.  Best part of the day was the sheer solitude of it all, not seeing another boat or angler until the very last holes in Glenwood near the takeout.

Put In for the float

Hard charging Roaring Fork Rainbow

Canadian Swans

Floating through Glenwood Spring

Dream Stream- 3/9/14

With the temperature in the Jeep reading -17 when we drove through Hartsell, you know the weather reports that you had read the night before were wrong, but the reports of large, spawn run fish out of Elevenmile were enough to keep us determined.  Literally the coldest I have been in my entire life, even all the layers I had bundled on were not enough to keep out the absolutely brutal cold in South Park.  The wait for fish able water was excruciating, with hard time frames when both of us had to be back in Denver for commitments.  Hour after hour went by with nothing but ice floating down the river, and with the sun getting higher, all we could hope for was a little fishing before we had to head out.

Finally the ice dissipated, and we were able to start working the nice pool that we had camped out at for the last three and half hours.  Within minutes, all of us were into fish.  I landed the first first, which was an absolutely gorgeous Cutthroat, all colored up for the spawn.  It was sad to see a mess of flies stuck in its jaw, but was glad I was able to get them all pulled out, and get the fish back into the river.  We kept watching the clock as it neared closer to quitting time, but were optimistic that we would get what we came for.  My buddy hooked into the hog that we were looking for, and played it perfectly into the net.  An absolutely perfect Spinney Mountain spawn run rainbow with a fat belly and huge hook jaw.  Even though the fish was not mine, I was glad that I was able to be a part of it, and take in the moment and excitement that the Dream Stream brings to anglers every year.  It truly was a day to remember, not only for the monster fish but the bitter cold that we endured to have our chance.

I've fished the fall run on the Dream Stream for big Browns and Kokanee, but this was my first experience on the river in the Spring.  Was stunned to see the amount of anglers on the river despite the bitter cold, but I think everyone that was out could feel the camaraderie between anglers, with everyone after the same thing, a shot at a fish of a lifetime.

Beautful Spinney Buck Rainbow

Nearly 30 cars in the lot

South Boulder Creek- 3/8/14

South Platte- 2/22/14

It had been a depressing start to the 2014 fishing season, with only one fruitless day spent on the Pueblo Tailwater before heading up to fish the Deckers area yesterday.  I have fished the Pueblo section of the Arkansas a few times this winter, but have only managed to fool a few fish, despite trying everything in my boxes.  It's extremely humbling to fish a water for multiple days with nothing to show for it.  The 2nd day in Pueblo was the one of the first skunkings I've taken since I first picked up a fly rod nearly 4 years ago.  I appreciate that catching fish is only part of the awesome adventure of fly fishing, but bringing fish to the net help to validate that we actually have it somewhat figured out on the water.

Headed up to Deckers with a new fishing buddy yesterday, with the hopes of getting the first fish of 2014 under our belt, and the South Platte did not disappoint.  We started fishing above the Deckers bridge, and the first couple holes gave us what we were looking for, giving us both fish in both Midge Hole and Bend Hole. It seems like the fish are finally starting to appear from their winter holes, with active fish in every hole we fished.  We headed down to fish some our favorite holes below Trumbull, where more fish were caught.  Ended up in Duck Run, where some nice Browns were fooled.  Flies of the day were eggs and the normal assortment of South Platte midge patterns, with the Top Secret Midge taking the most fish. We eventually surrendered to the blistering wind, calling it a day, and deciding to drive the back way to 285 following the South Fork down to its confluence with the North Fork.  The ice is starting to recede on the North Fork, meaning spring is just around the corner and the fishing will really heat up.

A day to forget in Pueblo

Radar fishing Turn Hole

Duck Run

Carp Box- DSP Style

The start of 2014 has been depressing so far in terms of fishing time.  With all of the arctic weather in our state and starting a new project at work, more time has been spent in front of the fire and computer at home, leaving only time to tie flies and dream of the upcoming spring fishing.  Don't get me wrong, I love the solitude of winter fishing, but I am not going to freeze my butt off in sub-zero temps for a 1 or 2 fish day.

One of my New Year's resolutions was to chase different species more this year, with the hope that I will be a much better all-around fisherman by the end of the year.  The water that I am planning on spending the most time fishing is the Denver South Platte, chasing around all those monster carp that call it home.  Having this river in our back yard is so awesome, and I am looking forward to warmer water and feeding fish, exploring the concrete playground that is the DSP.

In anticipation of the year, I have been tying a #*$& load of carp flies, stuffing them into a bunch of different fly boxes, eagerly awaiting the day when I can unleash them.  It is so fun tying them, with all of the different materials that I normally don't use very much.  Being able to use large amounts of marabou, zonker strips, soft hackle, and rubber crazy legs allows for lots of fly tying self-expression, taking old patterns and adding your own twist to them that make them fish better in  your local waters.  It's this room for improvisation that really helps to create some super cool fly patterns.

But there is always room in the box for those patterns that just work, that always seem to find a way to be tied to the end of the line.  Below is a peek into my favorite carp patterns for carp along the Front Range, but more specifically, the Denver South Platte.  I find that these flies always seem to fool tough carp, and they deserve a special spot in the carp box.

New Year's Resolutions

Looking back on 2013, I had an unbelievable year of fly fishing.  I was on the water a bunch, took some very memorable trips, and land lots of fish.  But with the calender turning to 2014, it's time to set some new goals for what I would like to accomplish this upcoming year.  So here is a list of my 2014 fly fishing resolutions:

1. Fish more new water.  2014 will finally be the year when I point the Jeep north and drive it across that Montana state line to fish the true Western classics.
2. I will use my float tube more this year, exploring some of the remote, wilderness lakes that our beautiful state has to offer.
3. Going to give some love and dedicate way more time to some of the other species in Colorado.  Some of my goals are to really try to learn how to fly fish for carp, hook up with feisty Bluegills on my 3wt, and find some nice bass around the Denver metro area.
4. Tie up an entire box of dry flies.  I have spent more time tying little midges and nymphs, so I will finally break out all of the hackles that have sat in the bottom of material bin and learn how to use them properly.
5. Last, and most importantly, slow down.  I'm gonna take the time to enjoy the scenery more.  As the time keeps moving faster, the river is the one place where I can take a deep breath and soak it all in.

Hoping everyone a great 2014!!

Deckers- 12/26/13

With a few days off of work due to the holidays, I am trying to take advantage of every single day that I am able to get on the water.  I have fished the Arkansas tailwater and DSP in the last week, and kept it rolling today by heading up to Deckers to fish the South Platte.  It's fun to see this river change throughout the seasons, but the one constant is educated, tough to catch fish, and today was no different.  Mostly fished around Midge Pool all morning, with the fish really starting to get active around 11 or so.  It's crazy when you literally feel the river go from off, to on, and off again in such a short amount of time.  While it was on, we hooked up with 8 trout, and brought 4 to the net.  Besides the crazy amount of river grass, the Deckers area is looking perfect right now, and seems to fishing really good.

My parents gave me an awesome Christmas gift; a fly fishing journal.  I've been talking about wanting one for a while not, and was super excited to use it for the first time today.  It literally has a lifetimes worth of pages, and I look forward to another way to document our adventures.

Flies and Lies

Fav Christmas gift!

FINALIST- Trouts Photo Contest

So my San Juan River winter rainbow was selected as a finalist for Trouts- Your Year in Photos- Photo Contest.  After looking at all of the finalists, I feel honored that one of my pictures is even considered with all of these amazing photographs.  I am asking that all my readers follow the link above, and take 1 minute to vote for my picture.  My San Juan Rainbow picture is #18.  Thanks.

Trout's- Your Year in Photos- Reader Poll

They say that a photo is worth a thousand words, and that every great photograph tells a story.  Whether it be a great day on a local stream or a new destination with new fish, you can look back at the photos that were taken, and relive the day and remember the fish that were caught and the good times that were had.  Looking back at the last years collection of photographs, I can say that I had a very successful season, full of amazing waters and beautful fish.

What I've done is choose my favorite pictures from 2013, and will leave it up to my readers (if I have any) to decide which picture shall be my entry to Trout's Fly Fishing- Your Year in Photos- Photography Contest.  While I have my personal favorites, it will be interesting to see how others view the pictures that I took this year.  There is a poll to the right of this post that will close on Dec. 13th.  Thank you so much for the help.

• Cheesman Canyon fall brown-  Caught this beautiful Brown out of Jamboree pool while my dad is fishing in the background.  I don't think there are any trout as beatiful as a fall Brown.

• Dream Steam turquoise water-  Picture was actually taken by my wife on our only fishing trip of the year together.  We spent the morning walking the banks of the Spinney Mountain section of the South Platte.

• San Juan River monster rainbow-  Fish took a red annelid in Cable Hole on a misty San Juan morning.  Fish was so great because my uncle joined us from Michigan for his first western trout trip.  Biggest trout I have ever caught.  Nuff said!

• Grey Reef cutthroat-  This picture was taken during my first trip to the North Platte River in Wyoming, fishing the Grey Reef section just above Government Bridge.  This fish was taken during a hour long feeding frenzy by the fish, where fish were hooked literally on every cast.

• Roaring Fork brown-  This lengthy brown hammered a bead head Hare's Ear in a spring creek feeding into the Roaring Fork River just outside of Carbondale.  The creek is about 10 feet wide, but absolutely packed full of gorgeous fish.

• South Platte rainbow-  I really like the coloring of this rainbow that was caught just above Deckers on the South Platte.  It is fish like this that make people say that the rainbows around Deckers are a species of their own.

• South Boulder Creek rainbow- This colorful little Rainbow hit a dry fly on blistery cold spring day below Gross Reservoir.  It was my first trip to this beautiful tailwater, and enjoyed the loneliness.

• Espiritu Santo sunrise- Picture was taken on the dock of Charlies Boat Ramp just outside of Seadrift, TX just as the sun was coming up before my first salt water fishing trip.  Spent the day catching speckled trout and a few Redfish.

• San Juan River winter rainbow- This gorgeous, fat Rainbow was literally caught on the last cast of winter expedition to a deserted Juan with a group of fraternity brothers.  This was caught at the bottom of the quality waters just as the sun was about to go down on this legendary water.

Blue River- 12/6/13

Colorado is blessed with so many great tailwaters, which means the fishing season never really needs to end. If you are up to fishing in the snow and wind of winter, then there are plenty of trout feeding actively feeding in tailwaters all across the state.  Sure, winter fishing is not as comfortable as fishing during the other seasons, but it is so refreshing to have such a heavily pressured river to yourself, not seeing another angler all day.

Spent the last day of my vacation in the mountains today, skiing frigid Copper Mountain in the morning for a few hours, and then heading back to Silverthorne to try to warm up a little on the Blue in the afternoon.  There were lots of active trout in the river, but I only managed to hook a few of them using small midge and mysis patterns.  The flows on the Blue are currently at an impressive 132 CFS, and the river is in prime winter condition for peace and solitude.  While the rest of the state is heading to the mountains to ski or board, us diehard fly fishermen get the rivers to ourselves until the spring thaw.

By morning

By afternoon