Fly Tying Tip, Creating Dubbing Noodle with Dry Hands

With winter well underway, our hands can endure some serious battering from the cold weather.  As a nurse who has been avidly fly fishing through this winter, my hands will snag onto anything soft.  It was a long time bumbling blunder with me trying to make good dubbing noodles with fly tying.  Dubbing noodles often unraveled, or snagged on my dry fingertips.

I tried the suggestions from licking my fingertips, to applications of dubbing waxes.  It wasn’t until one evening I sat at my fly tying corner applying O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream before fly tying.  My hands felt revitalized, not oily, and a feel of tackiness I knew would be helpful with my fly tying.

I was astonished to find myself creating some beautiful noodles!  It is the application of O’Keeffe’s Working Hands hand cream on my hands, and a generous amount on my cracked fingertips that was my answer!  I use different hand creams to try to help heal my cracked hands, only to find myself returning back to this particular hand cream before fly tying.

Apply a generous amount on hands and particularly you finger tips and rub in well before tying.  Place dubbing onto thread, pinch tight, and twist dubbing on your thread.  I am simply amazed each time how easy and beautiful dubbing noodles come out.  Happy fly tying to all!

This Fly Tying Tip is featured at United Women on the Fly

Gearing Up for Winter Fly Fishing

The winters in Colorado are picturesque of wilderness mountains blanketed with glistening snow and featureless skyscapes.  The air is a frozen lace on my eyelashes, delicate and cold.  Winter is such crystalline joy, the brilliant rays that show the uniqueness of every snowflake.  Winter fly fishing may not be for everyone, but it is marvelous for the venturesome angler willing to put on some additional layers.  It can be an extremely rewarding experience with few people on the rivers, the enjoyment of beautiful, wintry scenery, and the stunning trout.

The prepared angler needs to dress wisely for the part.  Winter layers begin with a first base layer next to skin made of a wool/synthetic or silk blend that have moisture wicking capabilities.  Avoid cotton clothing of any kind as it is not an option at all.  Cozy sweatshirts, jeans, and cotton socks under waders are counterproductive because they do not remove moisture leaving you bleak and the inability to stay warm. 

Layers on top of your base layer are articles of clothing made of polyester, wool, and other synthetics. Fleece pullovers and fleece wader pants or merino wools are exceptional choices because they are lightweight, toasty, and breathable.  These layers are advantageous in trapping warmth and with the function of also wicking away moisture.

To top your inner layers, an insulated hooded puffy is another quality layer that adds wind and weather resistance.  It is the best way to counter the winds and below freezing temperatures.  It is a windproof outer layer that helps to trap warmth and block the elements.  The hooded puffy also is very easy to stow away if you get too warm.

Layering smart should be comfortable and to not cause constriction and hampering of movement.  Constriction will cause poor circulation which in turn results in feeling cold.  A set of happy feet works with a comfortable two-sock system with a synthetic liner sock of poly/nylon is useful to help wick away moisture away from the skin.  Over the liner, a midweight or heavyweight wool sock for warmth.

Your outer layer is your first layer of defense.  If you really want to stay warm, make your outer layer a wind and waterproof shell.  The ideal jacket will have a hood and vents around the armpits to allow sweat to evaporate from your interior layers.  I prefer an outer shell made of specially engineered materials such as Gore-Tex.  This quality material is built for wet protection from the snow, windproof, and breathability

The same applies for fishing waders and boots, a high quality, durable wader with a multi-layer system made with a permeable shell to help keep you warm and dry.  Be certain winter layers will fit inside your fishing waders with function and comfort.  Wader boots should fit comfortably with winter socks so blood can flow to your feet and toes to stay warm.  Felt soles are not recommended due to snow clumping.  Rubber-soled boots are a must.      

It is a great investment for some descent cold weather fly fishing gloves.  Gloves can be complicate to fish with, but absolutely necessary.  There are many glove options available from fingerless, to half-finger, and full-fingered gloves.  Choose the winning glove to add warmth, dexterity, and the ability to use your finger tips for the delicate fly tying.  Some winter fly fishing gloves have compartments to slip in hand warmers.  Air-activated hand warmers can emit heat for up to 10 hours.  Bring extra sets of hand warmers in case one plops in the water.  Always, always take your gloves of when handling fish.

We all have our beloved lucky fly fishing hat.  Wear it to keep the sun out of your eyes and cap it with a cozy, warm, wool beanie, or go with a beanie with a built in visor.  The presence of snow can nearly double the amount of ultraviolet radiation that hits your skin.  Sunscreen is a must to protect your skin from the sun as well as those overcast days.  On 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 protection.

Protect your eyes from the harmful sun ultraviolet rays with a good pair of polarized sunglasses.  A pair of quality polarized sunglasses will reduce the amount of water surface glare throughout the course of 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.

Another warm preparation for cold fishing is having a PackTwol, a fantastic quick drying microfiber towel great for the use of drying your hands after handling fish.  It’s a compact tote bag towel that is super absorbent and, you can clip to your vest, hip, or waist pack.  They dry 70% faster then a cotton towel.  It may get pretty fishy from frequent usage, but the towel stays fresh with the polygiene odor control feature.  Get one of these towels!

Rig up your rods from the comforts of your warm home before heading out to the river.  Bring one rod for nymphing and 2nd rod for dry fly fishing. You can encounter hatches from time to time with winter fly fishing.  I will alternate back and forth from nymphing, to dry fly, back to nymphing and experience a greater number of catches.  It helps to target other fish with changing it up for the fish cuisine.

I hike in a distance to the winter fly fishing far from my car.  Therefore, I pack food and water being away all day.  Water stays warm or hot in a stainless steel container made of a double-walled vacuum insulation.  A small portable cooking system like the Jetboil is easy to pack with and having the capability to boil water as quick as 100 seconds for hot chocolate, soups, and dehydrated meals.  Don’t forget to throw a spork in your pack.

Fishing on those frigid days can be frustrating at times when your rod guides and tip keep icing up.  My favorite, inexpensive tricks of the trade is Chapstick.  It won’t prevent ice buildup, but it will help delay the amount of ice build up on your guides.  Do this preparation along with rigging up your rods at home.  Apply a small amount of chapstick on each guide and rub in with your finger tips.  Reapply out on the river when ice begins to build up.

Know your weather conditions ahead before your winter fly fishing trip.  Be aware of temperatures, any changes of conditions, wind, and the possibly 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.  Always have a family member or friend know where you are going as well as a check in time of your return.

Along the lines of weather, I will always take the time to research the sunset time.  Should you have to hike back to your car, to give yourself plenty of light upon your return.  You may see some fish rising activity mid-afternoon on sunny days.  On some of those gray, calm, peaceful snowy days, the fish may rise for hours.  Afternoons are usually the more productive times of fishing being the warmest time of day.  The fishing can be amazing during this time, but remember to keep an eye on the time.  Your car and safety awaits.

Fishing during the winter is different from 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 sleepier water, deeper fish pots or pools.  Fish will have a slower metabolism during winter months.  They expend little 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. 

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

Under such extreme winter fly fishing conditions, I have snowshoed into a river destination hauling a small fish sled with my gear.  When a recent major snowstorm opens to a day of sunshine, considering winter fishing under these conditions requires careful preparation.  Make this adventure in pairs.  A good set of snowshoes that will fit beneath your wader boots, a backcountry avalanche shovel, and a beacon.  Check in with the park ranger, family, or friends of your whereabouts and safety.  Deep snow conditions require caution with soft covered pockets from bushes or trees that may give way.  Your sled and backcountry shovel comes handy to aid in getting out of the snow hip or waist deep.  Don’t be alarmed.  Fishing adventures like this are invigorating and fun with the earned mountain experience and the plentiful catches of trout.

Winter fly fishing can be blissful and rewarding.  Dress warm, be prepared with your gear for the adventure.  Bring snowshoes for the deep snow.  Setting into the spirit of winter really can mean no crowds with the definite angler’s dream of fish galore.  Stay warm and enjoy winter fly fishing!

This blog is featured on United Women on the Fly

 

Togens Scud 3X Hooks Review

The Togens Scud 3X Heavy Hooks are an excellent nymphing hook for tying patterns including scuds, shrimp, caddis pupa, and many nymphing patterns.  The shank is 1X short shank with a nice forged round curve to the hook.  These heavy hooks are my favorite to tie many of my flies for the seriously, voracious beasts in the river.

All of Togens hooks are made of premium high-carbon steel for the stout and durability for a long lasting quality hook.  The 3X heavy hooks have a constant taper which provides a solid shape and finish.  These beefy hooks have a remarkable speed of penetration, and the extra wire weight accelerates the sinking capacity of the hook for the subsurface flies.

Togens Scud 3X Heavy Hooks come in size 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20.  They can be purchased in 100 and 1,000 count.  Features of the hook include the forged round bend, a down-eye, 1X short shank, and 3X strong.

With Old Man Winter freezing and covering rivers, creeks, lakes, and streams, the tailwater season is in full effect. Tailwaters are rivers flowing below dams generally offering consistent, above-freezing water temperatures for year-round fly fishing, depending upon your area.  My go to winter fly tying flies on Togens Scud 3X Heavy Wire Hooks include the Black Beauty size 18-20, Scud size 14-16, Zebra size 20, RS2 size 20, WD40, and Meyer’s Mini Leeches size 14-16.

Togens Fly Shop is hunkered in BC Canada where the exchange rate is in favor to the buyer in the US.  Enter the code TOGEN10 and mention Cat Toy to receive an additional 10% on your order!  See you on the river!

Fly Fishing and Reading the River

The river resonates trickles, bubbles, and ripples with the existence of what a river is.  The river is the promise land to the fly angler for catching stunning trout.  It is a real priority to take the time to read the river to make a day on the river a success before the first cast.  Taking the time to read the water is a divine tool to help determine the most likely places where fish are gathering. 

Stand and observe a fair distance from the river to read the river.  Take a deep breath, sip on your coffee, and study the surroundings.  Observe the bugs flittering in the air, what is crawling on you, or hopping and landing on your wader boots.  Don’t be that guy clomping right into the fish pot and running down all the fish.  Cool your jets of excitement and transition into what the river has to offer.  Here are some sections on the river to look for on your next visit.

Listen to the riffle.

Seek the riffles, or shallow section of the river where water cascades over rocks creating a surface disturbance.  Riffles are choppy at the surface riding over rocks in the water.  These shallow riffles are highly oxygenated for the trout, and it can be a fantastic habitat for aquatic insects to fancy the fish to eat.  The deeper riffles with rocks and boulders offer fish rest and a spot to hunker down away from predators.  Where riffles drop off into a deeper section of water gives the fish a lagging current and many great offerings of insects that are sweeping over the edge.

A fishy run.

Runs are an area directly below from the riffles and where the water current become more uniform and deeper.  Runs are an excellent location to look for trout in a river or stream. Fish seek shelter in the deeper water as well as the near vicinity for a feast.  Fish often suspend at the edge of the current or drift along the bottom eating bugs that are surrendered downstream below the riffle.

The foamy bubbly trails identify a seam.

A seam is any region where two adjacent water currents converge where one is slower then the other.  This could be an obstruction such as a log, a boulder, or an extension of the shore which causes a distinct disruption from the main current flow.  Trout fancy the seams and foamy bubble trails as they create feeding lanes that collect and deliver food.

Pools are great for beginners to learn how to fly fish.

A pool is the deepest segment of a river with a leisure moving current.  I like to call these sections, fish pots.  Fish will often advance to a pot on brilliant, sunny day, or if they sense danger.  Quite often, the big fish typically may spend a good portion of their day in these pools where they are less active.  Approach quietly and a little distance from the river banks before the cast.  Fish near to far.

An eddy disrupting the river flow.

An eddy is a point of where structures or an depression of the riverbank such as a sizable boulder, a log, or a fallen tree disturbs the river current and direction flow.  Directly downstream of the object, a pocket of swirling water will form opposite the main direction of current flow.  Fish are fond of eddies because they entrap and channel concentrated food sources drifting by in the current.  Look for foam or bubbles collecting on the surface of the water where the main current meets up with the swirling water and place your casts there.

The tailout is the calm water above before the action of the riffle.

A tailout is a shallow, even section at the end of a pool before the water descents down into another riffle.  A natural funnel is formed which carries anything drifting downstream directly to the fish.  Fish will often reprieve in a tailout and sip on hatching insects off the surface as they float by.  Look for rising fish and get your dry fly on for your cast.  If the fish are not rising, be very stealth with your approach and quietly cast your nymphs.

Below the water surface, search for changes in the river such as shelves, gravel beds, bends, and contours of the river bottom.  Fish will often be slumbering and feeding on the deeper side of these areas.  Fish frequently rest in the poky current below the drop-off from a riffle gorging on insects that come over the brim.

Fish those shallow waters!

Don’t overlook the shallows.  We may think we can spot trout particularly when the sun is at its highest point in the day.  You maybe pleasantly surprised with casting into the shallows, a surprising take.  I have caught lots of fish in the shallows particularly with dry fly on smaller creeks.  Many of these shallow sections hold cups, shelves, and unseen structure that can provided the perfect camouflage cover for the aggressive trout.  

Consider the time of day in your planning with morning and evenings.  These times of the day generally are the best times to fish in the day.  Conditions are typically cooler, shadows are elongated, and the insect hatches are usually of greater prevalence.  

Before making the first cast, take the time to read the river.  Select a section of the river and which structure to target.  Experience is the key to success.  Taking the time to understand the bubbles, plash, and the segments of the river can lead you to a very prosperous day of catching many fish.  See you on the river!

This blog is featured on Togens Fly Shop, Reading the River

Gear Reviews WORN, Togen's Fly Shop, Loon Outdoors

 

The leaves have transformed and delivered luminous colors to Colorado as well as our first snowstorms of the season.  This fly fishing season has been exceptionally fishy and with lots of good fishing gear to consider.  Cat’s hats off to you and many thanks to WORN, Togens Fly Shop, WildStream Fly rods, BUFF, Shwood Eyewear, Loon Outdoors, and ShopMcfly.

I have been a proud brand ambassador for WORN.  One thing for sure with the wintry weather in Colorado, having cold feet is fairly normal, unless you have found the right socks for your outdoor needs.  The Climate Moderating Woodsy Socks from WORN are some of the best ultrafine, backcountry warm socks I have owned.  These socks are built for adventure made of enhanced, insulated Arrowool with the ability to wick and evaporate while you are on the move with some of the most extreme conditions.  

They are over-the-calf height and comfortably cushioned with no bunching, slipping, or hot spots.  I wore these socks exclusively during my many winter fly fishing journeys hiking in and out to may favorite tailwaters.  My hikes were about a 5 mile round-trip for the day.  The high density knit holds up to the backwoods adventures with my backcountry skiing, hiking snowshoeing, and fly fishing year-round.  These socks come with a one year absolute warranty of repair or replacement of the same socks, no questions asked.  I will say it, yes, they are my favorite socks I can’t leave home without!  Check out their Frictionless Thermal socks 1.5 mm, another fantastic wader sock for the extreme cold for the dedicated winter fly fishermen as well as the other available high quality socks WORN carries for your outdoor adventures.  Receive 30% at your checkout with your discount code CATT3030 on your order!

Togens Fly Shop online carries an extensive inventory of fly tying materials from beads, hooks, feathers, hackle, wire, threads, fly tying tools, to leaders, fly lines, tippets, and lots of fly fishing gear and accessories.  They are a family owned and operated company with stellar customer service, designing of their own Togen brand products, and affordability. 

I have had the opportunity to test Togens Double Taper Floating Line.  This superb dry fly line is amazing for delicate fly presentations and designed for shorter distances.  The casting with this line is effortless and precise. Best with no to little wind, I can send this fly line into some of the tightest fishy pots.  I have had many wonderful, successful hook ups.  I also love the fact that they last twice as long.  By simply turning the line around, you are able to use the other end of the line getting double the life in a fly line. It mends incredibly smooth.  This is due to the consistent diameter and mass of the line, it stays consistently constant with the action of the mend.  If you order from Togens Fly Shop, use the code TOGEN10 to receive 10% off your orders and mention "Cat Toy".  Do not underestimate this fly line.  It will make you smile from ear to ear when you look in your net of your catch!

I have been doing a lot of fly tying as of late. Loon Outdoors is known for their great dry shakes and floatant products.  Did you know they have products for fly tying?  Every fly tier needs a great pair of scissors. I have had the opportunity to try out Loon Outdoors, Ergo Precision Tip Scissors.  You will not misplace these scissors with the handles coated with Loons iconic yellow.  These scissors are ergonomic for your fingers, even for tiers with larger fingers.  I tie nominally at sizes 18, 20, 22.  These scissors have a slick tapering tip for some of the best pinpoint cut.  No fly I tie is complete until the close cut after a whip finish and perfect clean up.  I highly recommend these scissors at your fly tying operation.  Many thanks to Hogan Brown to me a chance to test of some of the fly tying tools available from Loon Outdoors.

More gear reviews to come.  Enjoy wherever you are fishing, and be well.

ShopMcfly

 

“The Water’s Calling,” from Mcfly where you can find quality designed hats, t-shirts, and decals that capture the bliss in the quest of fly fishing,  Mcfly carries a timeless selection of inspirational designs with unique hats and t-shirts made with high quality, comfortable materials.  My favorite lucky fly fishing hats you will find me on the rivers, creeks, and streams.

One of my favorite hats would be the Mcfly US Western Rivers Steelhead hat.  A warm, autumn red plaid design, 6 panel, trucker style hat that is sharp!  Made of a plaid polyester shell and a soft flannel lining, adjustable snapback, black under the brim that is great for winter fly fishing.  I love the warmth and comfort of this hat.  It has a special woven Steelhead artwork on the front and embroidered back, Chasing Steel.  A cool $5.00 donation is made to the Wild Steelhead Coalition for every Mcfly Steelhead hat sold on shopmcfly.com.

A bestseller at the last Denver Fly Fishing show as well as online, the friendly fly fishing Sasquatch T-shirt.  He knows where the best fishing pots are when you are not looking.  This T-shirt is a comfortable 100% ring-spun cotton.  This cool T-shirt stands out especially for those of us who are crazy about fly fishing! The original art work is silk screen printed to last for the life of the shirt.

Shop online and check out all of the great products Mcfly has to offer! Shopmcfly.com

The Brown Trout Spawning Season is Near

 

As autumn moves in with her golden scarlet vibrant hues, the wind will whisper the tumble of the turning leaves.  The flaming foliage will settle to the earth as the warmest of dusting snowfalls will push into the months of September and October with the sparkle under the morning frost.  Fall brings the brown trout spawn with some incredible fishing opportunities.  There are many ways to enjoy catching beautiful brown trout while still protecting the outdoors while they spawn.

The brown trout are also known as the German browns (Salmo Trutta) are known to be some of the more guarded and helter skelter trout for the angler.  We are drawn to these attractive trout by their irresistible golden brown body, illuminated with black and red spots on their sides, and their butter yellow underbellies.  Their pectoral fins are painted with the distinct white margins on the lower edges.  They can thrive on some poor water quality conditions than other species of trout, and they are less susceptible to parasites.  These hardy trout fancy hiding beneath undercut banks, or hunkering down near the belly of a river until darkness falls.

Between now and the start of winter, the female browns will clear off shallow areas in the river by fanning their tails in areas of flatter water.  A redd is a space of groomed, typically of pea-sized gravel that trout have shifted into a depression on the river bottom.  Oftentimes, there is a small heap of gravel at the downstream of the redd.  The female trout will deposit her eggs in the redd where the eggs will sift and settle into the trout nest and the gravel heap.  There maybe up to two males and will move alongside of the female and fertilize the eggs with milt.  The female trout will then move to the upstream edge of the redd and fan her tail on the river bottom to create stir of current to cover the eggs.  Trout are quite aggressive while over the redds to guard their eggs and spawning habitat.  After the fertilizing activity, the eggs are left alone.  The development of the eggs will depend on water temperatures.  Colder water temperatures will have a slower development with the eggs.

There are plenty of natural predators and obstacles for the survival of these redds.  Be very careful when wading where you step.  Walking across a redd can perpetually mash thousands of eggs and displace many others.  Displaced eggs have no chance of hatching and crushed eggs undeniably have no survival.  If in need of crossing, avoid redds as much as possible. Covering of settled mud and silt over eggs can be less optimal.  It is best to cross downstream below the redds, or walk along the banks.  Steer clear to ensure that the trout have the best opportunity to spawn uninterrupted.

The brown trout eggs incubate through the winter and hatch around four to twelve weeks dependant upon temperatures and that the redds remain safe and serene.  The ova then hatch into alevins.  The young alevins survive upon the nutrients from their large yolk sacs before emerging as little trout fry at 14-30 days.  Only a small percentage of tiny fry emerge from the gravel during the first warmish days of early spring. The fry dwell in shoals and quiet water usually close to the shore and nourish on minute invertebrates.

A trout of less than one year in age is called a parr.  At this stage in their life, they are recognized as young trout.  They have distinctive characteristics or parr marks along their sides, and they will loose these marks as they grow older.  Parr have similar dwelling needs as the fry with plenty of areas to hide from predators.  They are able to flourish in swifter and deeper water.  These pocket-size brown trout will feed on chironomid larvae, small arthropods, and nymphs.  Young brown trout have a greater chance of survival once they reach a few inches in size.

Juvenile browns may reach in sizes of four inches and greater by the end of their first summer.  In most park rivers and streams, the average age of maturity is between one and three years.  The typical life long span of a wild brown trout varies upon the size and conditions of their habitat.  Brown trout generally have greater longevity averaging about five years.  

Be aware of the trout surrounding and identifying redds.  Remember, if you see redds in your crossings, travel below the redds.  Help preserve the trout habitat during the spawn so that our fisheries will continue to flourish.  See you on the river!

Togens Fly Shop

Togens Fly Shop has an amazing selection of hooks, threads, beads, fly tying materials and tools, as well as fly fishing accessories.  My favorite styles of hooks are the scud hooks in size 16, 18, and 20s.  If you are into Euro nymphing, they carry 60 degree jig style hooks and slotted beads.

Check out their hook comparison chart here:

https://togensflyshop.com/pages/togens-hook-chart

Togens beads are come in a very unique array of custom colors in both brass and tungsten.  I love the Togens cool beads that are available in so many great colors.  You can really add some complimentary tailoring with your flies.  They work so perfectly with chironomid patterns for the mountain lakes, rivers, and creeks here in Colorado.  Check out their bead selection including slotted tungsten beads for their jig hooks here:

https://togensflyshop.com/collections/beads-cones

If you order from Togens, use the code TOGEN10 and mention "Cat Toy" to receive 10% off your orders, plus it helps to let them know you heard about Togens from my blog and social media feeds.

Hats off to Togens Fly Shop!

United Women on the Fly for August Fly Girl

It gives me great pleasure to be featured on Untied Women on the Fly for August Fly Girl!  Click here to view and read United Women on the Fly

Thank you very much for your support!

https://uwotf.com/featured-fly-girl/cat-toy/

Cat's Candy Cane Zebra

Chironomids represent a great amount of the trout’s diet. Tying some fish candy tonight. My own fly I call it the Candy Cane Zebra of which the cutthroat trout have gorged themselves on. Tied with Togens Emerger #20 hook, Togens brass premium sterling silver 1/16” beads, UTC Ultra thread 70 Denier red, UTC Ultra wire small white. Great simple effective fly!

Fishing during a Trout Spawn

The trout reproduce in rivers and streams at various times of the year depending on the species.  Should we fish during a spawn?  Or, should we stay off the river during the spawning seasons?  I think it is positively important to be knowledgeable of the trout spawn, and to make a plausible decision based on that knowledge.  Of course, follow rules, regulations, or closures due to spawning in your area.  If the angler knows how to respect and fish responsibly during the spawning periods, there realistically can be year-round enjoyable fishing and little repercussions for the future generations of the fish and for the future of our ecosystem. 

Different species of trout spawn at different times of the year.  Some trout will spawn in the spring through early summer and even to mid-summer in higher elevations, while other trout will begin their redds starting early fall through mid-winter.  Rainbow trout are spring spawning fish and may start their spawn around March and will continue through May.  Cutthroat trout are late spring to early summer spawning fish.  Brown trout are fall spawning fish around late September through mid-December.  Brook trout are fall spawning fish between the months of September and October.  Elevation, water temperature, and local climate can all affect these spawning time periods.

During the time periods of trout spawn, it is vital to be observant for these trout nests called redds.  The trout create redds by fanning their tails in areas of flatter water.  It is a space of groomed, typically of pea-sized gravel that trout have shifted into a depression on the river bottom.  Oftentimes, there is a small heap of gravel at the downstream side of the redd.  Female trout will deposit her eggs in the redd, and the males will fertilize them with milt.  Many of the eggs will sift and collect into the gravel of the depression and the gravel heap.  Trout are extremely aggressive while on the redds to guard their eggs and spawning habitat.

First and foremost, do not walk across redds.  Walking across a redd can perpetually mash thousands of eggs and displace many others.  Displaced eggs have no chance of hatching and crushed eggs undeniably have no survival.  If in need of crossing, avoid redds as much as possible.  It is the angler's responsibility of respectful wading as well as their dogs.  If your dog is not anytime soon to be winning the blue-ribbon prize for obedience, place them on a leash.  Leaving them home during the spawning time maybe also another option.

During the spring and early summer months, water may often vary in clarity due to spring melt and runoff conditions.  Be very careful when wading where you step.  Detecting redds maybe more difficult to spot.  In the fall, water levels are frequently at laggard flows.  Water clarity is typically pristine, so take the time to pinpoint the redds before wading in the water.  If in need of crossing during low flows during spawning, it is best to avoid turning up mud and silt over redds.  Covering of settled mud and silt over eggs can be less optimal.  It is best to cross downstream below the redds, or walk along the banks.

Fishing to these trout on their redds is detrimental and makes them very susceptible.  Mishandling a spawning trout could stress their abilities to spawn entirely.  Catching a female from her redd can cause her strain or a reaction to where she may immediately begin releasing her eggs.  Sadly, there are anglers who mishandle and place tension on these females and leaving the river banks loaded with hundreds of dead eggs.  Male trout will drop milt from the same stressors of being fished.  These trout will have wasted their reproductive abilities from the trauma of being mistreated during spawning.

While fishing during a spawn, it is wise to try to land the fish quickly to help prevent exhausting and stressing the fish.  This will respectfully and in favor of keeping females from dropping eggs and males from wasting their milt.  Do not squeeze fish as this can cause internal organ damage.  Do not drag fish across grass, dirt, rocks, onto the bank.  Keeping them wet will give the fish the opportunity to prosper.  With taking photos, be hasty with the fish out of water.  As always with release, ensure the fish are properly recovered before freed back into the water.

Fishing during a spawn can be amazing even while avoiding redds completely.  Fish the deep pots, along the edges of the river, the undercut banks, and sections of water away from the redds.  Leave the spawning trout the chance to reproduce.  Recognize redds during spawning season, take into consideration with careful wading, and give high regards with handling fish with ease.  No need to yell or knock out the next guy.  Be a river ambassador, and help others be aware so that the fish can successful with spawning.  These reflections will help to ensure our fisheries continue to flourish in our areas.