Fishing
Outlook 2006!
We'll talk about this more at the first of the year, for
sure. New Year's Resolutions and all of that, you see. As you know we have
early snow that is heavy, which portends good things for water in
streams and reservoirs. Many reservoirs finished the season nearly full, so
that's a good thing, too. The South Platte system is mostly full and Antero
was filling fast. All indications are that good flows in that river will
follow. So far, the only water negative I've heard about is that Southern
Colorado has been dry, with little snow thus far.
I do wonder if our season will be a bit mixed as we've had
very cold temperatures in December; they usually wait until sometime in
January and generally don't last this long. My crystal ball has failed often
so I have no idea what's coming our way. After two years of good water I
think we have reason for optimism. Rather than worrying about water in
lakes,
reservoirs
and streams we'll press on with confidence that there will be plenty.
And that will make fish happy because they like water. Happy
fish are healthy fish and healthy fish eat lots of food. When fish are
eating they can be fooled with flies, which is good news for us!
Here is what I'll more or less expect for the coming year.
Make your plans to fish and remember that one or two days a month fly
fishing are a good thing for all involved. Determine that you will spend
time on the water as often as possible.
January 2006
February 2006
Similar to January, although days will be longer and
sometimes warmer. That means more water may begin to open; we'll see and
keep
you informed. Plan to fish similar areas using similar flies and techniques.
The Shows will be done. West Denver Trout Unlimited will once
again host their annual Fly Tying Expo and that's always a good thing. Stay
tuned for dates!
The Shop will continue with lots of classes and clinics.
We'll be having a good time and hoping you'll plan to join us for it.
I'd like six or seven of you to join me in Ascension Bay for
a flats fishing trip this month. Like it? Drop me a line at
angler@peakpeak.com
Stay tuned for the good things to come!
March 2006
Waters will begin to open. By now the St. Vrain and Big
Thompson, as well as the Poudre, Boulder Creek and Clear Creek are open and
will be fishing well. The Colorado, Blue, Roaring Fork,
Frying
Pan, Arkansas, South Platte and so on will all be available for fine fishing
days.
Classes and Clinics will continue to thrive, and so will your
fly fishing skills when you participate in them! I promise.
Casting Classes and First Adventure in Fly Fishing Classes
will get going. Take them early to learn techniques that will help you hook
more fish!
Anyone want to go Flats Fishing? Let me know as I'd love to
host another outing this month.
April 2006
One of the favorite months of anglers throughout the Rocky
Mountain West! Waters are open, including lakes, and fishing is
excellent.
Small mayflies are emerging with vigor and trout know they need to put on
weight; so, they eat! Remember: eating trout can be fooled with flies! Good
news for the common fly angler - that's all of us, you see.
Rocky Mountain National Park will start to come to life in
lower elevations. Fish there will be very hungry and ready to eat, as long
as the offering we make is acceptable.
Delaney Buttes and other North Park lakes are opening and
fishing is great! Spinney will open this month, too, and many Laramie Plains
Lakes will be fishing fabulously. It is time to hook a big one, my friend.
Can you say caddis hatches? Caddis will be the talk of the
town
with great emergences on the Arkansas and other streams. Be prepared for the
caddis!
Also, warm water lakes will be open and warming up. That
means wipers, bass, bluegill, carp, perch, smallmouth bass and much more!
Good stuff for short outings of a few hours. We have so many places to visit
that are wonderful and close.
Casting Classes and First Adventure In Fly Fishing Classes
are in
full
swing; guiding has started and instruction and helpful hints will be
presented in their full glory to help you solve fly fishing problems!
If you missed Winter tying classes, there will be one or two
available during April. Learning to tie your own flies is part of the joy of
fly fishing. Enjoy!
May 2006
Spring is fully sprung. Leaves are budding, flowers blooming
and loveliness surrounds us at every turn. The mountains are white with snow
and the foothills green with new growth. It's beautiful out.
And that's where we should be: outside, fly fishing with a
friend. Everything is fishing well at this point and open waters abound with
opportunities to refresh and experience personal rebirth alongside blooming
trees and budding flowers.
Classes and Guided Trips are always available. High lakes are
beginning to thaw and hungry trout await our arrival. Pike are active in
many parts of the state, offering big teeth to brave anglers who will cast
large flies. The bass fishing is getting darned good right now and golden
stoneflies are emerging around the area at certain elevations. Fishing is
great. Life is great. Let's experience both soon and often.
June, July, August 2006
Who knows? Runoff? It will probably happen, but we won't know
how
hard or for how long until we know. Thanks, Yogi.
Warm water is great.
A trip to the flats in June or July would be great.
Lots of you are planning Alaska trips; we'll help with gear,
flies, knots and so on if you'll allow us the privilege of doing so.
Local trips will be great to all of the streams that are not
running too hard.
Pale
Morning Duns. Green Drakes. Stoneflies. All the bugs are emerging and doing
well.
Grasshoppers, Beetles, Ants - going strong and being eaten.
We'll provide
continuous and accurate fishing tips and information throughout the year in
the shop, on this site and via this email. Please stay tuned for up-to-date
information that will help you know where to go, what to use and how to use
it! Fly Fishing is Fun! Have fun in 2006!
