"Bone Fishing" the Flats at Deckers, Colorado

Of course we were not bone fishing at Deckers. But we were sight fishing to trout moving over a sandy bottom that reminded my client of bone fishing. My client loves to sight fish and had the skill set to present the fly 'just right' to the fish. He said, "I would rather hook just a few sight fishing than catch a dozen fishing blind." I agreed.

He hooked and caught more than a few. But what does it matter? And what does it matter what we were catching? They were beautiful, deep bodied with big shoulders and they came exploding out of the water. Some ran like bone fish (for a short pull). 

Slightly over cast at times, brought some of the fish up to the surface for BWO's. But our tactic was mainly to nymph with a short line. No need to double haul; or single haul. Just keep it short and sweet. Perfect presentation.  Again; black beauties and RS2's were the ticket.

Caution: Even though it is late May, we are still seeing some spawning fish so please ignore them. Look for the feeders on the flats and in the channels.

Enjoy the Caribbean sun. 

Riding the Storm Out: 11 Mile Canyon Fish Still Rise Among Falling Snow Flakes

It is difficult too see trout rising to tiny midges during a snowstorm but we were able to be quite successful drifting nymphs below a small strike indicator. How beautiful it was to see rainbow trout leaping through the falling snowflakes as our clients hooked many fish.

Scott Hartwig and I guided a group of 6 wonderful people this past Thursday during the storm. It was one of those storms that could not be avoided. In the days proceeding the trip the forecast for snow in the mountains was 100%.  Although we had to deal with the cold there were advantages. We were mainly alone giving us a true wilderness experience.

The fish were somewhat picky wanting perfect drifts and tiny imitations. Instead of the common size 22's we were using 24's. Black beauties and Rs2's. As is often the case, short line high stick nymphing was the key. We also tried to use smaller strike indicators.

Besides doing some great guiding, Scott prepared a much needed hot meal over a fire. Buffalo burgers and smoked salmon. Then a flash of light, and two seconds later, the boom. Time to run to the vehicles and head down the mountain.

The photos above were taken by Scott.

Taking a "Run" before a Fishing Trip

Before fishing the runs of the South Platte tomorrow, I had to take this run down Pikes Peak. What a place to live!

Eleven Mile Canyon Heating Up.

Some anglers are wet wading already. BWO's and midges are hatching bringing fish to the surface. Some nice fish are on the move.

Deckers in A Storm:

It is getting warm again. The river is in good shape. Fish are feeding. But last week, was brutal.

I guess I am not as tough as I used to be. Cold feet. Cold hands.

Last week my client John was determined to fish and so there we were in the snow and cold wind. With some folks I experience an unspoken connection. Or maybe it was just too cold to talk and use words. In the silence, we did a lot of staring into the water through the snowflakes (enough wind and snow made it hard to see the fish). Every once in a while, even with blurred vision, a trout appeared inbetween the flakes, connected to our leaders. 

And those fish warmed our hearts.