Freestones, Tailwaters, and Spring Creeks

 

The Eagle River is a beautiful freestone river in Colorado.

Becoming familiar with the differences of a freestone, a tailwater, and a spring creek can be extremely helpful in preparing for a day of fishing.  The nature of these types of rivers holds a healthy population of fish with differences in how they are fished.  The distinctiveness of each can be noteworthy in the success of fishing these rivers and creeks.

The wild Freestone fisheries are rivers originating from mother nature’s snowmelt and rainfall.  Many freestone trout rivers begin up in the altitudinous mountains where trickles of snowmelt interfuse to create a small creek. The undersized creek will flow down and adjoin with other tributaries to form a grand river.

The more snow the mountains may receive in the winter, the more water is reserved for the runoff and trickle of melt throughout the season.  These rivers are consistently changing to the ebb and flows with the grace of mother nature.  Warm spring days when snow is melting quickly, freestones will swell quickly and become stained or off-color.  During high runoff, they may become unfishable due to raging water flows.

Freestone rivers are depended upon snowmelt and precipitation.

Freestones react to frigid temperatures and typically freeze over in the winter, and they become inaccessible.  If the snowfall is poor, lower flows can be expected and warmer water.  During the hot summer, carrying a thermometer is a good approach in checking water temperature throughout the day.  Temperatures can give the angler knowledge of hatches and temperature readings when too warm at 65 degrees and greater, to stop fishing.  Hot summer days may require fishing early morning and end by early afternoon and to not fish in the heat of the day.  Warm water conditions are stressful for fish with recovery and a higher mortality rate. 

S. Boulder Creek is sourced near Rogers Pass on the Continental Divide.

The trout in freestone rivers and creeks are survivors through below freezing winters, the fluctuation of flows influenced by melt and precipitation, and varied water temperatures.  The trout are eager feeders for nourishment that live in the freestone rivers and creeks.  They are not as finicky as those in tailwaters.  Nymphing, dry fly, and streamers are effective with abundance of Caddis, Stoneflies, and Pale Morning Dun patterns.

The Stagecoach Tailwater nestled in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

Tailwater fisheries exist solely due to the influence of a dam at the head of the river.  These great tailwaters exist with consistent water temperatures that are often drawn from the bottom of the in-river reservoir.  Water temperatures and flows are regulated and discharge from the dam.  These optimal conditions have a larger concentration of vegetation, organisms, hatches, and sizeable flourishing trout.

The Blue River is one of my most favorite scenic tailwaters.

Tailwaters are not at the mercy of mother nature of weather and snowmelt as a freestone.  Water temperatures are fairly consistent in the summer and all the other seasons.  It usually won’t freeze over during winter which allows for year-round fishing.  Many of these tailwaters are gold medal waters.

The S. Platte River is a favorite tailwater for winter fishing in Colorado.

Fishing tailwaters typically receive a lot of fishing pressure with the expectation of substantial crowds.  There is a consistent high number of small insects for food in tailwaters. These trout are knowledgeable and selective with all the different flies they see. Targeting these trout will require honing in on smaller midges and fishing with fluorocarbon.  Other variety of bug life are aquatic worms, small crustaceans such as mysis shrimp, scuds, and sow bugs that are not typically present in freestone rivers.

Spring creeks exist from the groundwater seepage.

Spring creeks exist entirely from the groundwater seepage of natural nutrient rich spring water.  They are free flowing bodies of water that are fed by an underground aquifer.  Water from spring creeks can additionally be nourished by snowmelt or rain, but typically live entirely on their own.  These small fisheries can sustain prolific hatches of mayflies and caddis for brown and rainbow trout.

Spring creeks will seep and create creeks or run into other creeks and rivers.

Fishing these creeks can be quite difficult with dense vegetation, shallow flows, and crystal clear water.  Fish in spring creeks are spooky and very selective of flies.  With a stealthy approach, a 3 wt. 8’ 6” fly rod, light tippet, and tiny flies, fishing these little creeks can be a hoot!

Having knowledge of the different types of water from a freestone, a tailwater, or a spring creek with good preparation and tactics will lead for a successful day of fishing.  Each have their unique challenges and rewards.  See you on the rivers and creeks!

This blog is also at Togens Fly Shop  My favorite hooks, beads, threads, and fly tying materials!

A mountain spring creek.

Fly Fishing Events for 2023, an ongoing Calendar

This year is going to be amazing with guiding at the Blue Quill Angler and a number of fly tying expos, events, fly tying demos, and presentations.  Looking forward to making all of this to happen tying with some of Colorado's great fly tyers and events:

A Happy New Year to everyone!  What does this new year look like?  What are some of your personal goals you wish to achieve?

January 3rd, 2023, Tuesday for the Colorado Womens Flyfishers, I will be there January's Guest Speaker on the topic of Winter Fly Fishing.  It is tailwater season and how can we gear up and fish with winter conditions of snow, ice, and wind.  How to fish during these cold months.  Tips, tricks, and great info of how to stay warm and fish during winter.  After all, the trout still have to eat!  Colorado Women Flyfishers is a great organization for women offering the passion of fly fishing skills, knowledge, education, and events of hosing/sponsoring fishing trips all over Colorado and neighborly states.  To learn about more information and membership with, Colorado Women Flyfishers

"A sociable club for women who fly fish!"

A fun presentation with these ladies!  I look forward to doing more presentations!  Thank you for having me Colorado Women Flyfishers!

January 14th and 15th, 2023. Saturday and Sunday, the International Sportsmen's Expo:

Denver Convention Center 700 14th Street Denver. CO 80202

Join me and my fly tying friends at the International Sportsmen's Expo at the Denver Convention Center on Saturday, January 14th from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rick Takahashi, Scott Stisser, Steve Maldonado, Ben Baxter, Joseph Haddix, Eric Pettine, Dennis Martin and Al Ritt.  Phil Iwane will tie in the Tiers Theater, his Iwan-e-Dun Parachute Extended Body Parachute Mayfly and his No Mercy Midge as well as his Nymphing Rig and how to fish it.

January 15th, 2023, Sunday, join me, Rick Takahashi, Michael Ringus, Barbara Luneau. Mark Rayman, Jane Retherford and Mary Manka.

Both dates, I will be tying my Caddis Larva, Fireball mini leech, and my White Zebra.

Please join us, we always have an amazing time, and you will learn some great fly fishing tips and patterns.

Great event and always nice to tie with all these great tiers!  A pleasure to meet everyone who attended the expo!

Always lots of enjoyment tying and telling fish stories!

January 17th, Tuesday, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Night: 

Discovery Tap 4990 Kipling St, Ste 7, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

A fun fly tying evening with friends and meeting new people who are interested to drop in.  Tiers at all levels joining together to tie for a fun evening. 

February 4th, St. Vrain Anglers Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Expo:

American Legion Post 32, 315 Bowen Street, Longmont, CO

12:30 pm - 4:30 pm

A fundraiser featuring many amazing local fly tyer talents.

St. Vrain Anglers Trout Unlimited and Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop co-host an annual Fly Tying Expo that features expert tyers from Northern Colorado and throughout the state. This Expo offers the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the tyers where attendees can chat and learn their patterns, tips, and pointers. With more than 30 tyers demonstrating an astounding variety of flies, attending the Expo is a crash course in upping your tying skills.

The Fly Tying Expo is a fundraiser to support the Chapter’s work and outreach. Flies tied at the event are donated by the tyers for bucket draws. The event also features a silent auction including trips and fishing related items. Fundraising proceeds go to:

1.  Youth programming that introduces kids to fly fishing and healthy watersheds

2.  St. Vrain Creek habitat improvement and restoration

3.  Educating our community on the value of healthy streams and trout habitat.

Featured tyers:  Jonathan Antunez, Scott Drake, Frank Drummond, Chuck Esch, Jason Haddix, Phil Iwane, Joe Johnson, Stephen Johnson, Dan Kloster, Chris Krueger, Barbara Luneau, John Majerus, Steve Maldonado, Mary Manka, Chase Martin, Dennis Martin, Tony McColl, Mark McMillian, Eric Pettine, Rich Pilatzke, Mary Rayman, Jane Retherford, Michael Ringus, Al Ritt, Mary Lou Rogala, Dick Shinton, Marty Staab, Rich Takahashi, Cat Toy, James Ushiyama, Frank Whispell, Tom Ziegler, and more...

What a great event!  Pleasure meeting you if you were there!  See you at the Fly Fishing Show!

February 18th and 19th, Saturday and Sunday, The Denver Fly Fishing Show 2023:

Gaylord Rockies Resort and Convention Center

6700 North Gaylord Rockies Boulevard, Aurora, CO 80019

So much fly fishing goodness to see and do!  You can find me at Finest Fly Tying Benches of Colorado fly tying both Saturday and Sunday.  I will also be fly tying on the Fly Tiers wall on Sunday from 2pm to closing. Find me at Blue Quill Anglers booth and Mystic Fly Rods.  Please stop by and say hello!

Wow!  What an amazing Fly Fishing Show it was this year!  Always a pleasure to meet and see everything under one roof!  Even for the days of the show, it just isn't enough time to visit with everyone.  Looking forward to next year!

February 22nd, Wednesday, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Night: 

Discovery Tap 4990 Kipling St, Ste 7, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

A fun fly tying evening with friends and meeting new people who are interested to drop in.  Tiers at all levels come join us for a fun tying evening.  Great ideas are shared, fish stories, and fish dreams are made.

March 4th, Saturday, Angler's Covey Hootenanny:

295 S. 21st Street, Colorado Springs 80904

Hootenanny Sale and Event!  9:00am to 2:00pm, Angler's Covey kicking off the season! Get there early, (doors open at 9:00AM), for the best doorbusters and deals, and stay for the speakers, tying demos, free lunch, brand reps, open casting, giveaways every hour – including a rod – and more! 

Free Swag Bags for the first 100 people in line!

Speaker / Presenters include, Landon Mayer, Cat Toy, Steve Maldonado, Ed's Fly Shop, Covey Guide Panel.

Tying Demonstrations include Landon Mayer, Cat Toy, Phil Iwane, Steve Maldonado, Ben Baxter

I will present, Reading the Water, and fly tying demo with some of my most favorite, productive flies!

I hope to see you there! ;O)

And, a great action packed event of amazing tiers, cools swag, fly casting, raffles, and such a pleasure to meet more fly fishing friends and opportunities in the near future of fishing the Arkansas tailwater with you!

March 11th, Saturday, Rocky Mountain Flycasters' Fly Fishing Expo:

Northside Aztlan Community Center

112 E. Willow Street, Fort Collins

11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Join us to get the fishing season started in style! Door Prizes, Raffle, Vendors, Fly Shops, Fly Tiers, Silent Auction, rods for you to cast and compare. Try to catch the very rare Lawn Trout! Casting and fly tying for kids as well!

“Trout Fishing Trade Show” – local fly shops and other fishing businesses

Speakers: St Peter’s Fly Shop will be there to talk about the upcoming season and Chris Krueger will present Tips on Streamer Fishing.

Join us to discover new fly patterns, connect with regional fly shops and tiers, learn about volunteer opportunities with local conservation organizations, make new friends and see some old ones. 

RMFTU’s vision is to see robust populations of native and wild trout thriving in Northern Colorado’s Big Thompson River, Cache la Poudre River and North Platte watersheds. 

The lineup of tiers:  Doug Martin, Steve Rogers, Jonathan Antunez, Marty Staab, David Morse, Cat Toy, Phil Iwane, Jane Retherford, Michael Ringus, Barbara Luneau, Mark McMillan, Dennis Martin, Fred Portillo, Rick Takahashi, Stephen Johnson, Chris Krueger, Josh Henricksen, James Ushiyama, Rob Stout, and Steve Maldonaldo.

All proceeds directly support local cold-water conservation efforts to help raise money to help the northern Colorado trout and trout streams that we all love. 

March 14th, Tuesday, Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing:  

Blake Street Tavern

2301 Blake Street, Ste 200

Denver, CO 80205
6:30 pm

Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing Denver, I will be doing a presentation for Project Healing Waters on:  Reading the Water, an essential part of fly fishing.  Please join us for this presentation, good food if interested, fly fishing camaraderie, and fish stories.

What a great time this was with an awesome crowd!  Thanks for joining and looking forward to next time!

March 20th, Monday, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Night: 

Discovery Tap 4990 Kipling St, Ste 7, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

A fun fly tying evening with friends and meeting new people who are interested to drop in.  Tiers at all levels joining together to tie for a fun evening. Always a lot of fun tying and sharing fish stories!

Amanda caught her first brown trout on a fly!

April 14th, 2023, as I commence guiding season with Blue Quill Angler!  First trip of the season with Mother Nature's spring snowstorm of wind, rain, and snow, Amanda and I set out for a full day trip.  I was pretty pumped and excited for the day!  I love teaching fly fishing, how to stalk the trout, read the water, and create some special memories of a great day on the river.

Book a trip with me at Blue Quill Angler!

April 18th, Tuesday,West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Night: 

Discovery Tap 4990 Kipling St, Ste 7, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

I will be joining in the tying fun in my scrubs.  My nursing schedule has changed, and I wouldn't want to miss the evening of fun!  A fun fly tying evening with friends and meeting new people who are interested to drop in.  Tiers at all levels joining together to tie for a fun evening. 

A grand rainbow from the Blue River, a river Blue Quill guides at.

Please join us this Saturday, May 13th at the Blue Quill Anglers in Evergreen, Colorado, for the 35th year Anniversary Extravaganza.

There will be food and drinks, raffles, games, sales, meet the guides (Cat will be there! I’ll bet Pat Dorsey will be there too!) and representatives from many of top brands will be coming out to show off their latest and greatest.

WHEN: Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE: The Blue Quill Angler, 1532 Bergen Parkway, Evergreen, CO 80439

WHO: All are welcome!

A nice brownie at Deckers.

May 16th, Tuesday, West Denver Trout Unlimited Fly Tying Night:

Discovery Tap 4990 Kipling St. Ste 7, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033

Another fly tying evening after work, joining everyone in my scrubs.  A fun fly tying evening with friends and meeting new people who are interested to tie or simply hang out and talk about fish stories.  All level tiers, come join in on the fun!

Stagecoach Tailwater is one of my favorite places to fish!

June 2 and 3rd, Stagecoach Tailwater, Colorado Women Flyfishers

A club fly fishing event through Colorado Women Flyfishers of ladies getting together to fish in the Steamboat Springs area.  I will be fishing with ladies at the Stagecoach State Park Tailwater both Friday and Saturday.  One of my favorite tailwaters to fish, lots of fun, beautiful big trout.  If you are fishing in the area, come join in on the fishing fun!

July 8th, Saturday, Troutfest Colorado 2023 - Colorado Trout Unlimited

1536 Wynkoop Street, Denver, CO 80202

5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

On Saturday, July 8th, 2023, Colorado Trout Unlimited held its annual Troutfest Colorado at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. With approximately 3,000 people enjoyed the ballpark throughout the day to roam the mezzanine level of the stadium and visit over 50 exhibitors, watch films on the giant scoreboard, receive casting instruction, view professional fly tyers, and interact with numerous youth activities.

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