Winter Fly Fishing at the S. Platte River at Deckers, for Colorado Women Flyfishers

Tailwater fisheries are those that exist solely due to the influence of a dam at the head of the river, or section of the river, that regulates consistent flow and temperature.

Tailwater fisheries offer year-round fishing opportunities and are especially important to fly fishers who wish to pursue fishing through the winter.  Freestone rivers this time are frozen and unfishable.  The stretch of water below the dam is ice-free.  Further away from the dam will have icy conditions.

The South Platte River at Deckers offers year-round fishing close to the Denver area.  Winter flows stay around 80 cfs with several miles of fishing from Cheesman Canyon and through Deckers.  It is primarily dead drift nymphing with tiny flies.  

The Cheesman Canyon stretch of the South Platte River is one of the most popular and beautiful tail water fisheries in the state.  This stretch sits directly below Cheesman Reservoir, which provides for great water clarity and quality fishing year-round. From the Cheesman Canyon parking area, it is about 1.5-mile hike to the river, or a total of 5.3 miles in and out up to the dam.

Fishing report:  

Fishing during the winter is quite different for the warmer seasons.  Conditions will vary with catching fish this time of year.  You will hardly find fish in the faster water until springtime when temperatures warm up.  The fish can be found in the sleepier water, deep fish pots or pools.  Fish have a slower metabolism during winter months.  They expend less energy as much as possible for a meal.  Set the hook with even the slightest pause.  Quickly return fish into the water when temperatures are well below freezing.  Cold temperature exposure can be harmful to the eyes, gills, and soft tissue of the trout.  Fish with smaller tippet 5x or 6x.

Weather was mild with sunshine in the low 50's.  Returning to colder days with some rain and snow. 

Flows at 120 cfs

Fishing these days have been challenging and fishing tiny Mercury Midge #20-24, Black Beauty #20-24, RS2 #20-24, Juju Baetis #20-22, Bling Midge #20-22, Scud tan and orange, San Juan worm, Pheasant tail #22-2, Zebras Cream #20-24.

Some dry fly Griffiths Gnat #22-24, Mole Fly #22, BWO #22-24

Cat's Caddis Larva fished amazingly well for January.  Be happy to tie some for those interested.  Email me at cattoy.flyfish@gmail.com

Fishing the Stagecoach Tailwater can be extremely rewarding.

Gearing Up:

Know your weather conditions ahead before your winter fly fishing trip.  Be aware of any changes of conditions, wind, and the possibility of precipitation.  This will greatly aid in your preparation of how to dress, or to not go at all.  Safety is first and foremost your number one concern before anything else.  Fish with a buddy, or always have a family member or friend know where you are going as well as a check in time of your return.  

Take into consideration if it is windy with wind Chill factor.

Winter base layers, or your first layer next to skin should be clothing articles made of polyester, wool, or silk blends.  These synthetics have moisture wicking capabilities, or the ability to keep warm and dry conceals excessive perspiration.

Layers on top of your first layer should be clothing made of polyester, wool, or other synthetics.  Examples are fleece pullovers or merino wool.  I layer with polyester layers and fleece top part of my body, and wear Baleaf Women's fleece-lined hiking/ski pant that is windproof and water-resistant.  I wear a polyester base layer underneath pants.  They fit well under my waders.

To top your inner layers, an insulated hooded puffy that adds wind and weather resistance protection.  It is the best way to counter the winds and below freezing temperatures.

Stay away from cotton!

Your outer layer is your first layer of defense.  If you really want to stay warm, make your outer layer wind and waterproof.  I prefer my outer shell made of the specially engineered material, Gore-Tex.  

Winter waders of high quality, durable multi-layer system made with a permeable shell to help keep warm and dry.  I purchase waders with full-size to be able to layer upper body and for room of jacket and shell inside wader.

Remember, layering is good, but not to the point of causing constriction.  Constriction will cause poor circulation which in turn results in feeling cold.

Wader boots should fit comfortably with one pair of winter socks of merino wool and feet and toes stay warm.  Stay away from cotton!  Rubber-soled boots are a must.  Felt soles are not recommended due to snow clumping.

Gloves are complicated with fly fishing but is absolutely necessary.  There are many glove options available from fingerless, to half finger, and full-fingered gloves.  Choose the right winning glove that works best for you for warmth and dexterity with the ability to use your fingertips for fly tying and rigging.  Always take your gloves off when handling fish.

Half fingered wool gloves and hand warmers worn at wrist.

Air-activated hand warmers can emit heat for up to 10 hours. There are also rechargeable reusable hand warmers you can purchase.  They can last a good portion of the day in your pocket.

Have your favorite fly fishing hat with a visor to keep the sun out of your eyes.  You can cap it with a warm, wool beanie.  I have found wearing a hood is the best way to keep warm.

Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the sun as well as those overcast days.  Overcast days, your skin is still absorbing up to 80% of the sun's rays.  If the winds pick up, sunscreen will protect you from windburn.  Neck gaiters add warmth as well as another option for sun and frostnip protection.

Protect your eyes from the harmful sun UV rays with a good pair of polarized sunglasses.  A pair of quality polarized sunglasses will reduce the amount of water surface glare throughout the day.  It will be less strain and squinting for your eyes, the opportunity to find the fish, and to see the underwater river structures.

A nifty tool I always carry especially if there is a lot of snow, is a telescoping magnetic pick up tool.  Pick one of these up at your local auto store.  This gadget fits easily in your fish bag.  If you drop your winning fly in the deep snow, pull out his tool and wand the general vicinity.  This tool will find your fly in the deep snow, or in shallow water.

Fishing on those frigid days can be frustrating with your guides and tip icing.  My favorite, inexpensive trick is Chapstick.  It won't prevent ice buildup, but it will help delay the amount of ice buildup.  Apply a small amount of Chapstick on each guide and rub in with your fingertips.  It will require reapplying as ice begins to build up again.

Carry a small microfiber towel for the use of drying your hands after handling fish.  Packtwl makes a wonderful, small microfiber face towel that comes in a compact tote with a loop.  You can clip this towel to your waist or hip pack, or vest.  Dry your hands quickly after handling fish and grab onto hand warmers or put on gloves with disposable hand warmers.

A portable stove comes in handy to boil water for hot chocolate, soup mixes, or hot camping meals is quite awesome to have.  

Frostbite:

Frostnip:  relatively minor local cold injury that results from local vasoconstriction of blood vessels in response to cold.  It does not involve freezing of the tissues.  Ears, cheeks, tip of your nose, fingers, and toes are prone to local cold injury such as frostnip.  Once the skin is warmed, no blisters appear, tissue is normal color but may be slightly shiny.

Frostbite:  damage to tissue from freezing due to the formation of ice crystals between and with cells, rupturing the cells and leading to cell death.  The earliest symptom of frostbite is pain at the involved site more often of our hands exposed or handing of fish.  The pain is followed by numbness without pain because the tissue freezes and sensation and pain stop.  

Superficial (frostnip):  Affects the first or top layer of skin.  No permanent damage to the tissue results.

Partial thickness (frostbite):  Affects the upper layers of the skin.  Minor damage to the tissues results.  Following warming, redness my persist over several days followed by the appearance of clear or blood filled blisters.  Deep frostbite skin may appear with large fluid filled blisters.

Full thickness (frostbite):  Affects all the layers of skin plus muscle and may affect bone.  Severe damage to the tissues including death results.  The affected areas appear black, shriveled, and dry, or otherwise known as dry gangrene.

To reduce risk factors:

  ~ Know your environment and be prepared.

  ~ Bring adequate appropriate clothing for the environment and use a strategy of layering insulation, with inner synthetic "wicking" insulating layers and an outer shell layer.

  ~ Be attentive to yourself and your fishing buddies.

  ~ Maintain adequate nutrition and hydration.

  ~ Stay dry.  Pace yourself to avoid sweating and overexertion.  Remove or add layers of clothing as   appropriate.

  ~ Avoid tight and restrictive clothing, waders, and boots.

  ~ Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and drugs because they predispose you to cold injury.

  ~ Do not ignore or tolerate numbness in your hands or feet.

Hypothermia:  an abnormally low body temperature below 95 degrees F (35 degrees C) Think about this in regard to especially falling in the river.  Hypothermia occurs as core temperature drops further.  The body systems slow causing clumsiness, stumbling, mental confusion, and eventually unresponsiveness.  I always have a set of clothes in the car if falling in the river happens.

Winter fly fishing can be blissful and rewarding.  Dress smart be prepared with your gear for the adventure.  Stay warm and enjoy winter fly fishing!

End with questions.  You may also email me with your questions at:  cattoy.flyfish@gmail.com

Guiding season with Blue Quill Angler for 2022

 

Brandon Mcilroy with a magnificent brown trout.

As the year is winding down for 2022, what a great guiding season it has been with Blue Quill Angler!  Great enjoyment meeting some of the nicest anglers in the Denver, Colorado area and throughout the states.  Blue Quill Angler guides with some spectacular rivers including the S. Platte River with Deckers, Cheesman Canyon, the Arkansas River, Colorado River, Dream Stream, Blue River, Clear Creek, Bear Creek, and some of the best private waters:  Shawnee Meadows, Rawhide, Abell River Ranch, and Troublesome Canyon, and many other waters.

Peyton Mcilroy was so thrilled to catch this rainbow.

The Womens Introduction to Fly Fishing Class has made me realize how much there are women who really want to learn and get out on the rivers to fly fish!  Teaching this class was such a privilege to get ladies excited about fly fishing and the necessities it takes to learn to become a great angler.  I am so overjoyed with ladies who had success with taking this class!  That is a sign for these ladies new in the sport, they too can be successful!

Cat's Fireball Leech.

When I think about guiding, I realized I have tied for nearly all of my guide trips.  I truly believe being a great fly fishing guide for me, is being consistent with fly tying and tying to match the hatch.  Don't get me wrong, I am not able to tie for all trips, but it has kept me keen with the entomology throughout the season.  Some of my own flies have hit the gong on days on the river.  A day of enjoyment, the gorgeous rivers, and catching beautiful trout does not get any better.

Phil Iwane's No Mercy Midge.

Featured river guest on this blog are only some of the many great guide trips I have had this season.  It was difficult to narrow down the those who are highlighted.  Each trip was so much fun fishing with some of the nicest people.  I really am excited for next season.

Stephen Jordan learned how to Euro nymph for the first time with great success.

A great summer it was and with meeting Stephen Jordan from San Diego.  We had an extremely productive Euro nymphing full day trip.  Euro nymphing requires patience in learning as well as being on your game the entire time you fish.  It isn't easy as people may think to learn, but it is pretty exhilarating once one gets the hang of it.

Jennifer Bracht did well with her river day with the Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing.

I had the pleasure to teach the Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing this summer.  Every week, I met some of the most fun women who wanted to learn fly fishing.  Jennifer really wanted to learn and become independent as an angler on the river. The Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing is an evening of class up at Blue Quill Angler, followed by a half day session on the river at Deckers.  I really enjoyed seeing her and many of the other ladies who took this class, have success on river day. 

Ashley Falcon and Hannah Robinson did incredibly well first time on the river fly fishing.

For beginners, it seems the most difficult part with fly fishing is how to set the hook and keep the fish on.  Set downstream and bring that rod tip up.  Pointing rod tip down towards the water is the next thing wrong.  While I may set the drag on each river guests fly rod, it isn't easy to learn about allowing a fish to run and the drag do some of the work.  It is certainly a skill acquired as one progresses in the sport.  Keeping proper line tension and drag tension are key.  Rod tip should be nice and high.  Side pressure to help control the fish in the direction you want it to go when bringing in.  Lastly, stay on it with practicing casting, the drift, and mending with an indicator set up.

Kristina Anderson got to check off fly fishing on her bucket list!

Ryan Anderson and his wife Kristina came to Colorado for a wedding and took a day for some fly fishing.  Kristina has a bucket list of things she wants to experience.  One of them was fly fishing.  She was so enthused for the opportunity to jump into a pair of waders and have a fly rod in her hand with her husband, she almost cried.  Clear Creek has some of the prettiest little brownies, rainbows, cutthroat, and brook trout.  It is one of my favorite creeks to fish and catch a grand slam is something so very special.  A pretty cool moment to be a part of!

You may see Geneva and I fishing together on the river.

Geneva Scarano is a new guide who join on with Blue Quill Angler.  I had the pleasure to meet her and her family and a day fishing Tarryall Creek.  Geneva is also a registered nurse.  She is an incredibly fishy talented, divine lady.  Looking forward to guiding with her in the future.  You may find us fishing Deckers together.

Eddie Yost with a beautiful brown trout.

Eddie Yost asked me about 4 1/2 years ago if I would like to go fly fishing.  I had never fly fished before but did not hesitate to accept the invitation.  The beloved fly fishing journey for me commenced at the Fryingpan River.  Such great joy and a new challenge of weekends catching rainbow and brown trout.  Eddie and I parted ways shortly into this fly fishing journey.  I was so passionate about fly fishing, I didn't want this expedition to end.  Fast forward to the present, Eddie booked a trip with me this last July with us making a full circle of us fishing together.  Eddie loves the incredible dry fly fishing on the Fryingpan River.

Ted and Maureen Steckel had an amazing day on the river.

Maureen attended Joan Wulff's casting cast in New York.  I thought, gosh, this trip has to be special as she did catch her first trout on the fly here in Colorado.  Her husband Ted slayed it catching brown trout after brown trout!  What a pleasure to guide this fun couple so enthusiastic for fly fishing!

Tom Himes and his son Kurt had a double at Rawhide Ranch.

A memorable trip I guided was Tom Himes and his son Kurt at Rawhide Ranch.  The weather forecast had us worried of potential heavy rain and thunder.  We proceeded as planned with quite the epic day for these boys.  Tom landed his personal best rainbow within the first few casts.  The ominous clouds crept closer to us, but the fishing was lights out with both father and son having me jumping back and forth with so many fish in the net!  We sure had a great time.  Just 10 minutes before the trip came to an end, the rain came in with a vengeance.  Perfect day on the river with a drive home for all with grins on our faces right into next week.

Kurt Himes with an amazing personal best rainbow.

 

Jason with a tiger trout at one of Blue Quill's private water, Pepsi Pond

Blue Quill Angler has some incredible private waters including Abel Ranch, Shawnee Meadows, Rawhide to mention a few.  Fishing was amazing in these private waters with big, beautiful rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout.  While wintertime winds down the guiding, Pat Dorsey from the Blue Quill Angler is guiding Winter Fly Fishing Classes at some of Colorado's pristine winter private waters, Rawhide Ranch and Shawnee Meadows along the North Fork of the South Platte River.  Fly fishing can be enjoyed year-round.

Stay warm with winter fly fishing, fish small, and lighten up on your tippet.  Cheers and tight lines everyone!  Looking forward to the next guiding season!

This brownie took a size 20 Mercury Black Beauty.

Blue Quill Angler's 32nd Authors Day 2022

 

Landon Mayer and his son, River, and Cat and Phil Iwane

Blue Quill Angler had a marvelous turn out for their 32nd Author Day, December 3rd, 2022, featured authors Ron Belak, John Barr, Pat Dorsey, Bob Dye, Ed Engle, John Gierach, Landon Mayer, and Phil Tereyla.  A delicious Chili Cookoff for everyone to enjoy and vote for best chili.  Some of my wonderful friends at the event included Phil Iwane, Umpqua signature tyer of his No Mercy Midge, and Steve Maldonado, Umpqua signature tyer of his Jungle Junkie featured in Pat Dorsey's book, Favorite Flies for Colorado, 50 Essential Patterns from Local Experts.

Ron Belak is an award-winning writer and photographer from Evergreen, Colorado. He has fished the Colorado backcountry as an adult for 40 years. In that time, he has fished about 600 different high lakes and small reservoirs in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Alaska, British Columbia and Argentina. Ron has published about 80 magazine articles on fly fishing, mostly in Colorado Outdoors magazine–the official publication of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. He has also published two books on fishing the backcountry.

Educated as a scientist with degrees in geology and significant coursework in the biological sciences, Ron approaches fly fishing from an analytical perspective, trying to decide what strategies, techniques, equipment and patterns work and what is the scientific basis for why they work. In addition to Colorado Outdoors magazine, Ron Belak’s writing has also appeared in Fly Fisherman and American Angler magazines. He is a frequent presenter at chapter meetings of Trout Unlimited, other fly-fishing clubs, the Fly Fishing Show in Denver and the International Sportsmen’s Exposition in Denver.

Ron’s latest books:

Fly Fishing Colorado’s Backcountry

John Barr is the most successful designer of commercially tied flies in the world! His fly, the Copper John, has evolved into one of the most popular commercially tied flies ever created. The Barr Emerger remains one of the best producing flies throughout our mayfly hatches, specifically BWO’s, PMD’s, and Trico’s. Other patterns John has created throughout the years include: the Graphic Caddis, Vis-A-Dun, the Meat Whistle, Tung Teaser, and the Slump Buster among many others.

John has influenced fly tiers and fly anglers alike for decades. His innovative tying techniques are found in many patterns nowadays. John just released a new book, “Out of the Box: Unconventional Fly Fishing Strategies and Winning Combinations to Catch More Fish”. This new title covers techniques to catch trout and warm water species like bass. John’s unconventional techniques include adapting tactics for bass and panfish for catching trout – and using trout techniques for warm water species. Even if you’re wise to the technique of fishing multiple flies to increase your chances of catching fish, Barr takes that game to a whole new level in this book.

John’s latest book: 

Out of the Box: Unconventional Fly Fishing Strategies and Winning Combinations to Catch More Fish

As a native of Colorado, Pat Dorsey has been guiding customers of all abilities for nearly 30 years. Pat spends well over two hundred days a year on the water, a combination of guiding clients, hosting destination travel-trips, and personal days on the water.

Pat Dorsey is the head guide and a co-owner of the Blue Quill Angler fly shop in Evergreen, Colorado. He oversees and trains more than 25 guides, setting the standard for integrity and professionalism in the Blue Quill Angler guide operation. Pat Dorsey in a Colorado Fly Fishing legend. Dorsey has authored 5 extremely successful books, to go with nearly 30 years of professionally guiding and fly tying. Pat’s patterns continually prove to be standards on the South Platte River, and tailwaters all over the country.

Pat’s latest books:

Favorite Flies for Colorado:  50 Essential Patterns from Local Expert NEW

Colorado Guide Flies:  Patterns, Rigs, and Advice from the State's Best Angler and Fly Fishing Guide to the South Platte River"

Fly Fishing Tailwaters:  Tactics and Patterns for Year-Round Waters

Tying and Fishing Tailwater Flies

Blue Quill Angler is proud to have Bob Dye as our lead float fly-fishing guide. He’s been with us for 15 years and has a total of 20 years of experience as a fly-fishing guide. Bob has an extensive knowledge of the Colorado River, which is unparalleled, so it’s no surprise that he spends most of his time float guiding on the Colorado River.

Bob wrote the book on fly-fishing the Colorado River… literally! In 2018, he published the book, Fly Fishing Guide to the Colorado River, Hatches Tributaries and Guides Advice, which describes the Colorado River in detail; from its headwaters on La Poudre Pass all the way down to Silt, Colorado. Bob is also a proud member of the Simms Ambassador Team.

Bob’s latest book:

Fly Fishing Guide to Colorado River and Tributaries

Ed Engle is an accomplished author, fly angler, guide and overall icon in the fly fishing industry. After receiving his first starter kit from his parents, Ed started his fly fishing journey fishing the South Platte River. Being primarily self-taught, Ed learned the importance of presentation and fly choice in order to fool the finicky South Platte fish. Decades of experience fishing and guiding turned Ed into one of the finest anglers around. Ed shares his tips and tactics through his books, which have helped countless anglers learn the nuances of fly fishing, especially tying and fishing small flies that are incredibly important on our tailwaters. Ed also travels the country, and shares his knowledge through presentations, magazine articles and classes.

Ed’s Latest Books

Fishing Small Flies

Fishing and Tying Small Flies

Splitting Cane: Conversations with Bamboo Rodmakers

Trout Lessons: Freewheeling Tactics and Alternative Techniques for the Difficult Days

Tying Small Flies

John Gierach is a freelance writer and the author of over 20 books – some of which have been published in Norway, Japan, and France. Gierach’s books are second to none and have entertained anglers through stories for decades. John is one of the most accomplished authors in the fly-fishing industry.

John has also written numerous magazine articles, essays, and columns. He is a regular columnist for Trout Magazine and the Redstone Review. John’s work has appeared in Field & Stream, Gray’s Sporting Journal, and Fly Rod & Reel Magazine. John is a resident of Colorado and has been coming the BQA’s Author’s Day event for over 30 years! The continual support throughout all these years means the world to the BQA, and we can’t wait to have John back!

John’s Latest Books

Dumb Luck and the Kindness of Strangers

A Fly Rod of Your Own

All Fisherman are Liars

Another Lousy Day in Paradise & Dances with Trout

At the Grave of the Unknown Fisherman

Death, Taxes, & Leaky Waders: A John Gierach Fly Fishing Treasury

No Shortage of Good Days

Standing in a River Waving a Stick

Landon Mayer has been guiding in Colorado full time on the South Platte River for the last 20 plus years. Mayer’s angling success is fueled by an addiction to pursuing selective quality trout on the fly. Mayer enthusiastically teaches and demonstrates his techniques and on-river knowledge to fellow anglers and has developed innovative strategies for sighting, hooking, and landing selective trout. Landon shares these tips and secrets in his books.

Landon is a contributing writer for Fly Fisherman and High Country Angler magazines. His contributions also have been featured in publications such as Fly Fusion and American Angler magazines. Landon is a signature fly designer for Umpqua Feather Merchants, with many of his flies being staples on watersheds all over the country.

Landon’s Latest Books;

Landon Mayer's Guide Flies, Easy to Tie Patterns for Tough Trout

101 Trout Tips: A Guide’s Secrets, Tactics, and Techniques

Colorado’s Best Fly Fishing: Flies, Access, and Guides’ Advice for the State’s Premier Rivers

Hunt For Giant Trout

Sight Fishing For Trout 2nd Edition

Phil Tereyla grew up in Colorado Springs and started fly fishing when he was 10 years old. While going to school at UNC in Greeley, Phil started his guiding career on the South Platte River. Through 2019, Phil was a contributing author with American Angler Magazine. In addition, Phil released his book, “The Flyfisher’s Guide to Colorado’s Easy Access Mountain Lakes”, in July of 2021. Phil is not only an accomplished angler and guide, but he is also an incredible photographer and a signature fly designer with Montana Fly Company. Phil’s true passion in life is fly fishing, and nowadays, you can find Phil guiding down in Colorado Springs for Anglers Covey.

Phil’s Latest book:

Fly Fisher’s Guide to Colorado’s Easy Access Mountain Lakes

The Articulate Fly Podcast Interview

I had the pleasure to interview and visit with Marvin Cash on The Articulate Fly.  Take a listen of a journey and short history of my fly fishing and as a guide at Blue Quill Angler.  This can only be the beginning and looking forward to the future adventures with fly fishing!

Foam is Home

 

Foam is home for hungry trout.

When I am out fishing, I will take notice of bubbles or foam lines on the rivers and creeks.  Foam is often seen next to the banks of streams, or on windy days, foam can be seen along lake shores.  What is foam other than small bubbles in the water?  What causes the formation of foam in our rivers and creeks?  Why should we fish a foam line?

For the love of foam.

The occurrence of foam happens with variations in the water surface tension and the physical presence of air.  There is a slight tension on the water surface caused by the chemical attraction with water molecules.  This tension allows some insects to move along and on top of the water surface.  There are certain molecules which interact with water and reducing the surface tension.  These molecules are called surface active agents, or surfactants.  Foam is produced by air being introduced within the turbulence of river riffles, at the bottom of waterfalls, and waves breaking along a shoreline.

Organic surfactants are part of a large variety of plant material such as algae, grass, stems, leaves, sticks, and nearby contributing watersheds that when dissolved in water, are called dissolved organic carbon.  With the presence of dissolved organic material in lakes and streams, this usually creates darker in color water particularly with springtime snowmelt.  Fall season is another time with dissolved organic materials with leaves falling into lakes and streams.  These conditions produce foam and supply energy and many other benefits that are important to the aquatic ecosystems.

Foam created from the rapids and the dissolved organic carbon in the creek.

Foam from plant produced surfactants will accumulate in concentrations against banks, logs, and rocks.  It is white in color and will transfer into brown over time as sediment particles build up in the foam.  The foam will magnify for a period of time and gradually deplete in size.  Foam abundance can be often seen after a rainstorm which transports surfactants to the rivers and creeks as well as lake shores on windy days.

Foam swirl behind rocks.

Foam will show in details of the insect life in the river.  Patches and trailing foam lines consistently have dead insect life adhering in its structure. Trailing foam lines may give a sense of safeguard to the trout to venture for food sources in faster, open water.  The foam lines are where “foam is home” and many times, a trout nose may show through while eating trapped forms of food within the foam.  Cast into those trailing foam lines!

Foam with lots of insect life!

It doesn’t matter the time of year, or which river, lake, creek you are fishing.  Observing foam is essentially a key to success whether it is fishing flies, emergers, or nymphs.  See you on the river.

This fishing blog is also featured at Togens Fly Shop.  Take a look at a great one stop shop for all your material fly tying needs.

Creekin with success with a beautiful brookie hiding under the foam.

The summer has only started

This late spring and rolling into full swing of summer has been incredibly fishy!  With the price of gas, I will admit, it has not slowed me down a whole lot with fishing with friends and guiding for Blue Quill Anglers.  The sheer enjoyment of beautiful rivers the trout have taken me keeps me coming back, and the smiles clients gleam with trout in the net.

Fishing with my friend, Cal Winn, I netted his fish after mine.

I have been teaching almost every week, the Women's Introduction to Fly Fishing at the Blue Quill.   There is nothing better than teaching about something I am so passionate about.  The excitement of having ladies learn about fly fishing is extremely rewarding and great enjoyment to share.  The class is held on Wednesday evenings followed by that Sunday of a half day walk/wade guided trip at Deckers.

Love them brownies!

I am a full-time Registered nursing supervisor with the flexible schedule of working 3 twelve-hour shifts.  No doubt, I remain quite busy in mastering all of the areas I am committed and dedicated in.  My days away from nursing have been invested with guide trips, tying flies, and days on the river to fish with friends.  So, I apologize, but I am working on a new blog, "in my spare time." 😂😂😂

Orange scud, one of my favorite flies to tie.

I thank you for your patience during this busy time. 💓

Don't forget about the Little Creeks

 

While we quietly countdown the days of winter to come to an end, the true sign of spring emerges with snow melt, green buds from trees begin to appear.  Tiny, green shoots begin to produce color and slowly dress winter away.  Springtime is a wonderful reminder of how beautiful changes can awaken after a long winter.  

Brook trout from Clear Creek.

Brook trout in Clear Creek.

Many of us become feverish for the desire and wish to pursue some big fish to the net. Don't forget about those sweet, little creeks for an enjoyable day of plenty of beautiful trout.  Even I get blinders on dreaming about big fish.  Who doesn't like catching a notorious pig of a trout! 

Winter leaves remnants of natural debris.

Jump in your car and drive to a small creek with your 3 weight. fly rod.  Fishing a creek is like having your very one little river.  Some winter remnants of old timber and leaves may be evident.  Young mayflies and caddis have been witnessed as well as rising trout.  Small creek fly fishing is one of the most rewarding ways to fly fish.  Creek fish are easily spooked, therefore approach with softly in a low position.  

Lots of brownies in Bear Creek.

The trout in small creeks will readily take flies voraciously. Look for riffles that may lead to pocket water and plunge pools.  Hatches of PMDs, Caddis, and BWOs has to be some of the most delightful dry fly fishing.  These beautiful creeks can offer gorgeous scenery and solitude with less crowds and excellent fly fishing.  Don't forget about the little creeks.  

Cutthroat trout from Clear Creek.

Spring is off to a good start!  Join us free at the Park Meadows Fly Tying Fanatics Fest for an all-day fly tying extravaganza on April 30, 2022.  20 of the top tiers in the Rockies will demonstrate their signature ties, and give away their favorite fly fishing and fly tying secrets.  Drop in any time and watch tiers like Rim Chung (RS2), Phil Iwane (No Mercy Midge), Rick Takahashi (Crystal Chironomid), Steve Maldonado (Maldo’s Trico), Scott Stisser (Stillborn Midge), Eric Pettine (Lucky Charm), Kevan Davidson (Sow Chow), Chris Krueger (Zombie Snack), Gary Okizaki (Life Cycle of a Midge), Frank Whispell (Fish Whacker), Tim Jacobs (Deer Hair Master), Merne Judson (Gunnilator), Richard Pilatzke (Mighty Mouse), Walter Newman (Micro Matcher), Cat Toy (Blue Quill Angler), Ben Baxter (Anglers All), Antonio Rodrigues (Superman Caddis), Daryl Eakins (Hipster Dufus), Vincent Su (720 Vise). 

Great tiers, refreshments, and raffle!  

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Cat

The Handling of Trout

 

Trout are a very elegant and stunning fish that many anglers are fond of.  They are a very delicate fish that require conscientiousness and careful handling.  Poor handling of trout or being unaware can result in casualties of healthy fish. Their chance of surviving after being released is determined by how we handle and take care for them.  Here are some key recommendations to remember the next time you are on the river to increase their chances for survival. 

The excitement of hooking a trout when your line goes tight, the strenuous headshakes, the flash of colors and size when the trout breaks through the water surface into the air!  These moments are important to be mindful of how long to toil a fish before a swoop in the net.  The quicker you can get the fish in, the better chance for survival.  Avoid playing the fish to the point of exhaustion.  

Prolonged fights increase the stress levels on the fish with a less chance of survival particularly when water temperatures are high.  Carry a thermometer and check water temperatures during those hot summer days and low flows.  Water temperatures headed towards 68 degrees Fahrenheit and above are not optimal conditions to fish.

Rubber basket nets are choice.

Rubber basket nets are choice compared to the old-fashion string nets in protecting the fish from disease and bacteria.  Removing the protective mucous layers places the trout into susceptibility in decline of health.  Always wet hands first before handling trout.  Be conscientious not to squeeze the trout.  Squeezing too hard can cause trauma to internal organs and possibly result in death after release.  Never place fingers in the gills or hold the trout by the lip.  Fingers in gills can insult the trout’s breathing structures as well as holding by the lip can injure or break its jaw.

Keep the fish wet!

Keep the fish wet!  Fish breathe through their gills in moving water.  Prolonged exposure out of water is oppressing or suffocating the fish.  Keeping the trout in the water maintains its capability to still breathe.  Once the fish is in the net, keep the basket submerged underwater while reaching down to unhook the fish.  

Carry a good pair of hemostats for use of unhooking the trout.

Always carry a pair of hemostats for use of unhooking the trout.  Try to unhook the fish when it is in a more relaxed state and cradle the underbelly of the fish.  Remember to not squeeze the fish for a better grip in unhooking.  Once your hemostat has a good grip on the hook, gently reverse the curve of the hook out of the fish.  Thrashing while unhooking can cause injuries, and bleeding to the face and mouth of the fish. Often, I’ve caught many trout already missing one or both maxillary bone structures.  This can be prevented by simply being patient in the removal of the hook.

Fishing barbless causes less physical trauma and removal is effortless.  Again, with a grip on the hook with your hemostats, reverse the curve of the hook out of the fish.  Bonus with barbless hooks is that it is very easy to unhook from your clothing and anything else you may accidentally get hooked into. 

Cradle underneath just behind the head and the wrist of the tail.

Many anglers marvel over a big catch which means taking a photo to share with friends.  It is easy to figure the experience of an angler by how he or she holds a trout.  First and foremost, avoid placing a trout on the dirt, rocks, and sticks on the river banks.  This is harmful causing damage to their outer protective slime as well as dirt sediment in their eyes and gills.  No fingers in those delicate gills. With taking photos, be hasty with the fish out of water.  Trout calm down by cradling them and supporting their weight.  Cradle underneath just behind the head and at the wrist of the tail.  Keep the trout in the water, lift up very briefly out of the water for the picture shot.  Always use two hand with large trout.  Your hand cradling just behind the head is right where the heart and many other essential organs are located.  So, don’t crush the heart as a fish may soon swim away and die shortly thereafter.

The cradle hold is calming for the trout.

As always with release, ensure the fish are properly recovered before freed back into the water.  Release the trout facing it upstream and when the fish has responded with a sure recovery.  With being knowledgeable of how to handle trout, we can continue to savour our beautiful fisheries.  See you on the river!