St. Vrain Angler News & Muse October 4, 2005

Greetings!

Yesterday was one of the days that makes you realize how wonderful it is to live in Colorado. The sky was crystal clear and blue, there was very little wind and it was probably about 80°. Sunday was about the same. Then, in the late afternoon, a slight wind began to blow and clouds started moving in from the north. Wyoming was kindly sending us another storm, probably by way of parts further north and west. This morning it is calm and there is cloud cover and moistness in the air. It's lovely and the type of day an angler ought to use wisely. The small mayflies should be popping on streams today and hungry fish will eat them with hungry greed.

These are the days we await! Our days on the water, fly fishing. If possible, gather up your gear and a few small dry flies, some 5- and 6X tippet and head to the stream. You'll be glad you did.

I hope this finds you well today, enjoying life and thriving in living. There's lots in store for today's missive! Enjoy the read.

October is a funny month, but it's not hilarious. We'll have ups and downs with weather conditions including days like yesterday - clear, blue sky and 80° temperatures, to days like today with overcast skies, cool temps and mist and moisture in the air. Both are lovely, depending on what your plans are. If yesterday was a golf day, for example, old duffers would be very happy out there, and if today was the fishing day, the same would be the case. Tonight, snow will fall in the high country and when skies clear we'll see it on the mountain tops. Beautiful.

If it's warm weather you enjoy for fly fishing you must get out again soon. November will probably not be as friendly as October, but the fishing should be fun during both months.

Where to go? I just received a report from Josh that fishing in Cheeseman Canyon was good on the weekend, although conditions were crowded. That's the norm in popular spots. The Frying Pan is probably great right now, as is the Roaring Fork through much of its reaches. I'll bet the Arkansas would be way too much fun with aggressive brown trout eating streamer patterns in between munching small mayfly adults.

I just got these shots from Edward of his friend Cherie. She caught this big, beautiful brown trout somewhere on the North Platte - you'll have to go and discover some for yourself, if you don't mind - and the smile says it all! Beautiful girl; beautiful brown trout; beautiful place. Wow!

Ah. October. Love is in the air. Love of lovely brown trout in lovely places.

North Park should be alive with feeding trout in Delaney Buttes and Lake John. Big fish will be feeding on everything from crawdad patterns, to midges, to large streamers and medium scuds. Silly fish just want to bulk up before the lakes ice over. I suppose a few of you could head up there to pester them. Let me know how you do.

I've heard a few good things about the Bighorn of late, and that would be a great trip if you have three or four days. In addition to good midge and small mayfly emergences, the fish will eat sow bugs - I tied some for the shop on Saturday - and streamer patterns. We have some Autumn Splendor-type flies that work great up there. The flies are just sitting in the bins, waiting to take up residence in your fly box. When you tie them on and cast them, they promise to hook you a big fish and build a great memory. Go ahead; take the plunge and hook a few.

The Poudre, Big Thompson and St. Vrain are getting pretty low. Still, the fishing will be good if you use longer, lighter leaders and make accurate casts. The Park is fishing well, too. Be aware that lots of folks are visiting Rocky Mountain National Park on weekends to view the elk and see the colors. Parking could be tough up there, but fishing should be magnificent.

Please read the following article about hitchhikers, then the next article about warm water fishing.

Last week I send an extra notice to all of you, and several folks responded to the offer of Ross Evolution Anniversary Reels as well as to the Saturday clinic and Scott's famous green chili. We had a fine time. I also mentioned and shared a picture of Charlie with a big, dripping carp caught while fishing with our carp expert, Andrew. It just so happened that Andrew stopped by on Saturday to check on doing a trip this Friday - Joel is going with him, and we expect great things - and Joe and I decided we should give it a shot. We met at the house yesterday at about 3:30 and were on the water before 4:00PM. The day was clear and breezy. Andrew didn't much like the breeze as it makes spotting fish tougher due to muddy water and chop on the water.

We motored across Union Reservoir and upon arriving at the other side realized the glare was also working against us. Andrew climbed up on his poling platform - it's one of the few times he's taller than I - and started pushing the boat along the east bank. (The west bank, as we all know, is too controversial.)

Within a few moments we spotted a carp that was feeding. You know a carp is feeding when you see a puff of mud rising like a small thunderhead under the water. It billows towards the surface and you know a carp is the doer of the deed.

Andrew said he couldn't tell which direction the fish was facing so we waited a moment. The fish began moving away from us a bit, so I made a very, very, very, very long - well, leave out the verys and the long - about a twelve foot cast in front of the fish. It swam towards the fly and took it. How did I know? I don't know; I just set the hook because something looked different. I hit the fish pretty hard on the hook set - I was using 3X tippet, and lots of it so it would stretch and hold. The fish wanted to go one way and I tried to make it go another, putting lots of pressure on it. Eventually Joe netted the fish, we took a couple of pictures and let the lovely carp go.

It was Joe's turn. I was not optimistic, though. It is usually bad luck to hook a fish on the first cast. While this one was hooked on the second very, very..cast it was the first fish and first shot. It didn't bode well in my mind, but I wasn't going to say anything to Joe.

We poled, then moved, then poled and moved and so on. The glare was awful, and the wind was pretty breezy, making seeing and casting tough. Often we'd move up on a flat and a fish would spook right next to the boat. It's really hard to cast one foot away. I've seen that happen with tarpon on the flats, too. You sit there wondering how in the world you can make a four foot cast with a nine foot rod that has at least ten feet of leader as the fish spooks and swims off in a panic, leaving a large wake and mud trail behind.

It was plenty of fun, and we all agreed to try again soon. Andrew said going in the morning is better, and Joel is going to meet him at the shop at 9:30 on Friday for his trip out. They should do well.

If you can't get away for a few days, or even one full day, try warmwater fishing. Bass, bluegill and yes, carp, should be eating until the lakes freeze up. Also, wiper are eating at Union. We didn't see any on Monday, but Andrew hooked a few late last week, and big ones at that.

Go fishing soon.

Fa la la la la, 'tis the season to tie flies. Let me count the ways we'll help:

1. A great selection of hooks and tying materials to tie most fly patterns.

2. Helpful, friendly service in selecting the right materials and how to use them - anytime of the day! Scott or I will point out the materials and show you how to use them. All we ask is that you use your pizza money once a week to buy tying stuff.

3. Free Clinics on Saturday morning from 10AM until Noon. I'll be demonstrating a variety of fly patterns and techniques.

4. Tying Classes, including Introduction to Fly Tying and Intermediate Fly Tying. We'll also offer special evening sessions on certain specific patterns and techniques.

5. Specialty tying sessions by appointment. If you'd like individual tying instruction we'll do it.

6. Specialty tying sessions for groups. Going to Alaska? The saltwater flats? For carp? Bass? Pike? Let us know and we'll set up one or two session to teach you and your angling partners how to tie and fish the right patterns to hook more fish!

7. Atlantic Salmon Fly Tying. This is very special, and very limited.

That's a pretty good list, and seven is a good number. If I had a nickel for every fly I've tied and given away during the year I could probably make a few house payments. I'd like to add you to the list. Just stop in, ask for the pattern and I'll tie it for you.

Many folks note the reason they take a tying class is to tie flies. It motivates them to tie more flies while they enjoy the fellowship of other fly tying nuts. We are nuts, after all, and admitting this is the beginning of healing our poor, warped souls.

I hope you'll join Scott and I for tying pleasure this fall and winter. We're really looking forward to teaching and sharing fly tying fun!

Please, repeat after me: I want to go fishing.

I want to go fishing.

I want to go fishing.

Thank you.

It's Fall. I guess we've discussed that at length the past couple of weeks. One of the important things about fishing this time of year and into the fall and winter is to wear the proper clothing and stay comfy out there. When we're comfortable we can concentrate on fishing rather than shivering. I love being out this time of year during cold, moist days. There's something about it that makes me know that I'm alive, and hot soup after is always the best of the year. Warming up again is another reminder of life coursing through my system.

I'm so pleased that we now carry Patagonia products. This stuff is the best, and is made to be used and abused. It will continue to work, too. Right now we're carrying a full array of their waders and fishing boots, socks and capilene for under waders and vests. We can also order anything that Patagonia offers, and they'd like you support St. Vrain Angler and Patagonia by doing just that.

Here are a few suggestions for Fall comfort. Please take note, give us a call and make an order! We'll get the right size and color for you and both St. Vrain Angler and Patagonia will guarantee the product will do what it is supposed to do. You must be satisfied!

Last week I included a Fishing The Water Column tip, and thought you might want to review it. Please follow this link to that tip: Fishing The Water Column.

Also, read again the Fall Fly Fishing page. Good stuff to help you solve Fall fly fishing problems. There's a lot of information on this page; please read it and let me know how it serves you.

I want to go fishing.

I want TO go fishing.

I WANT to GO fishing.

FISHING.

Of course we all know that all fishing stories are true. Anglers never lie, unless they plan on taking a nap, which is not a bad thing to do once in awhile. At the St. Vrain Angler's Trout Unlimited Auction last May I donated a Casting Class. Several people bid on it, so I donated another and two were purchased. Last month, Ken, one of the winners, called to set up a time with me. He's a friend of Mark Fiegal's, and Mark is one of the VP's of the club.

Both Mark and Ken mentioned another of their friends, who happens to be another Mark by name, and asked if he could join the session. I answered in the affirmative and met Mark and Ken at the shop for some casting. We had a great time and hope to get on the water soon.

On the way back to the shop, which is a very short drive, Ken and Mark shared a fishing story. They said they were out with Mark F in South Park - it was a trip that Mark K had donated for the club and Mark and Ken bought it from him. On one particular cast, fishing with a hopper and dropper set up, Mark cast close to the bank and the nymph dropper hung up on a blade of grass. The hopper was just skittering on top of the current and all three guys were watching the fly. Apparently Mark F said Mark should pull the fly off, which he was attempting to do, when this lovely, large rainbow jumped out of the water and inhaled the hopper! That pulled the nymph off the grass and the fish was fought, fairly landed, photographed and released.

It has to be the truth. All three of these guys fish.

Hey Mark: your rod is at the shop!

I must go fishing.

I need to GO FISHING.

Later today Frank and I are going to work out a few details for some fall fly fishing getaways. You know. Shop trips. I'd like to know what would interest you and when you'd be available to go. We usually have three to ten folks join us for these outings, which are free. All we ask is that you prepare by getting a few flies and supplies from the shop before the outing.

I have several Winston BIIx demo rods, and you'd be welcome to give them a try, as well.

We usually leave the shop on a Saturday afternoon and return on Monday evening. We'll spend two nights on site and eat meals at local restaurants. Carpooling will save everyone some dough on gas and a fine time will be had by all. Anyone who is interested in learning new fly fishing skills and enjoying time away from phones and the tyranny of the immediate is invited to join us.

Last week I had the opportunity to visit with an old friend in the shop. This gentleman is now retired from his business and is spending time fishing. When I opened the shop in 1991 over on 4th Avenue he had a business that was up the street a bit. Every once in a while he'd drop in to get something - a few flies, leader, tippet and floatant - and would say he was going fishing with his son.

Now, his son owns the business and he is retired. When he used to come in, before his son was ready to buy the biz, he'd say that he wished he could go more often, but had to work.

The other day I asked him if, in retrospect, he really thought that was the case.

"If you look back now, do you really think anything would have come any different if you'd have taken an extra day or two a month to go fishing instead of staying in the business, working?" I asked.

He thought about it for a few minutes, then looked at me and said, "No. I don't think it would have made any difference at all."

"How do you think I can communicate this to younger folks who are in the race and telling themselves they can't get away?" I asked.

"I don't know, but I wish there was a way you could." he answered.

Well, that's the musing session for today. I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing and sharing.

Fishing is fun. It's not really all that important, but then we ought to wonder about all of the other things we do and figure out if they are really more important. Fishing is a good thing and it refreshes and renews, washing away the worries of the moment while giving life realness that's not always found in our cubicle, no matter what the size or shape.

There's more to say; always is, and probably always will be. I just finished To Kill A Mockingbird. What a great story! Did she write any other books?

I hope you are well and thriving. I hope to see you in the shop, in a class, at a clinic or on a trip soon. Please write and let me know how you are.

Thanks for reading!

Dale Darling

St. Vrain Angler

418 Main Street

Longmont, CO 80501

\303-651-6061

angler@peakpeak.com