You can contact Chuck at: ffschuck@aol.com
You can contact Chuck at: ffschuck@aol.com
Anxious People
This past month my phone has been ringing off the hook. A lot of anxious people think that because we have been experiencing warm weather in Denver the mountains are just as warm. I don’t think so. I experienced 30-degree temperatures in Summit and Grand Counties in the mornings, although the afternoons brought temperatures in the mid-40s. The morning water temperature was in the high 30s and managed to warm up a few degrees during the day. Fish just do not move when you have low temperatures. And, sunny days bring a lot of snow melt down the river banks which means dirty water.
Yes, the tailwaters are a lot better this time of year and this includes the South Platte near Deckers. The big females are in the Dream Stream, but by the time you read this the spawn will probably be over. My favorite stream, the “Arky,” has started the major BWO hatch now in full swing and you will find the majority of the fish from Texas Creek to Salida. The wind can gust up to 40 mph, so it is hard to get a drift with nymphs or dry flies.
Clear Creek is probably fishing the best close to Golden, but chose your places carefully since snow melt close to the bank can result in dirty waters. In all cases keep your fly selection small - #18 - #20s. Take the water temperature reading often.
I know I sound like a broken record (or should I say a skipping CD), but it is still cold in “them thar hills.” Toward the end of the month the caddis will be coming off not only on the Arkansas, but on the Eagle, Roaring Fork, and the Animas.
Snowpack remains high so we will start to experience run-off toward the end of the month.
Chuck Prather owns Flyfishing Services, Inc. in Littleton, CO and guides fly fishermen on some of the finest trout waters in the state. Call for your next trip at (303) 979-3077, or visit www.flyfishingservicesinc.com