St. Vrain Angler News & Muse June 8, 2004

Greetings!

I hope this finds you well this fine summer day. I'm not sure where you are as I write this, but is is going be very hot again here in Longmont. Yesterday was probably close to 100 degrees; cooler in the mountains, where trout live.

Thanks for reading once again. I receive many nice comments from week to week either via an email reply, or when I see you in the shop, and I appreciate all of them. I also get the occasional input on content and so on, and I appreciate these comments, too. As time allows, I continue to work on the web page, and each week I attempt to make this report one step better than the week before.

This one will be shorter, as it is time for fishing. I'm going to include a few fishing reports which I've received from friends spending time on the water, and a pictorial story about a man, his son, and a first fish. Pretty good stuff.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Kid's Fishing Day! Lots of fun was had by one and all, bluegill and small bass were pestered, hot dogs eaten and a fine time had by everyone! I appreciate all of our volunteers for attending and helping, the City of Longmont for their support, and the DOW and Wendy for her participation. Old friends Mark, Gary and Dennis were there for their usual parts, as were lots of other folks - if I tried to mention all, I'd miss someone so please accept a big, hugging thanks! We're going to do another session in July - I do not have the date as I write this - at the new kids only fishing pond in Longmont - Isaac Walton League Pond on South Sunset.

In addition, we are making headway on our Kids Fly Fishing School, and should be going by next week. Several of you have asked, and we're about ready to go. Sessions will be held in Estes Park at our Estes Angler store. We will charge $25.00 per kid. Sessions will begin at 8:30AM and conclude at Noon.

The idea is this: kids - from about 7-8 to 12-14 or so - can take this introductory fly fishing school while parents go fly fishing with one of our guides. Parents and kids will rejoin one another at noon at the shop to eat lunch. If the kids and parents would like to continue the day fishing together, we will arrange for a guide to go with them, or they can go on their own, using the newfound info and skills together.

Our friend Frank, who will be guiding for us beginning in July, has taken his family on a one month vacation. They drove to the east to visit historic places, and will make a loop that will eventually take them through Glacier and Yellowstone. That's quite a trip, and I'm impressed. Before departing, Frank came in and asked if we had waders that would fit his son, Michael, who was ready to do some fishing with dad. We set that up, and the following pictures tell the story.

The spot is in western Maryland, on an obviously small stream that is filled with lovely trout! The backdrops for the fish pix and the stream itself are different from here - 'eh?

You may have heard that the 17 year Cicadas are active this year back east. Frank said that after they rigged up a waded into the stream they noticed something plop into the water, float along, and then disappear into the maw of a trout. The light came on, and he said they rifled through his boxes for the biggest flies he had, tied one on each rig and proceeded to catch trout! That seems about right: see what's going on, make the proper adjustments, and start hunting for fish!

As you can see, Michael immediately assumed the position, crouching a bit and casting to the spot he'd seen the fish take the bug. After a few false hookups - the fish took the fly, but didn't really get hooked well - he finally hooked and landed his first trout on his own!

Do you remember your first trout on a fly? Was it a lovely eastern brookie like this one? I think mine was either a St. Vrain River brown, or a Boulder Creek Rainbow - can't remember, though. (I wonder what that means?)

This would not be Michael's last, though; nor would it be his only species of the day.

The next fish - or one of the next fish - was a lovely, wild-looking brown. Brown trout are so pretty.

This fish is particularly lovely, being his first brown. I think you can see the fly in this fish's mouth, too.

Frank said as they waded along - he was very happy with the hip waders we set them up with, by the way; that is always rewarding news for me - they alternated casting to, hooking and releasing trout. Frank said it was a great day of fishing, and he was a very proud papa.

Thanks for the pix and the story, Frank. I'll bet everyone enjoys this one!

What? Another nice brown trout in the net? Why not?

Did you say you'd like to hook a real fat brook trout on a dry fly? Why, go ahead and do it.

That is a fish - if you look they all are - that his eating well.

Let me out of this net, so I can go and eat more of those black and orange bugs. I've never seen them before, but they sure taste good.

I wonder how they would be dipped in chocolate? Maybe one of our eastern readers will give it a try and let us know. We'll gladly sit back out here in the old west, waiting.

Have you ever wondered what the bugs taste like to a fish? I can't say that I know what a fish's culinary buds are like - I know they like eating bugs, and that often people like eating fish, which might be guilt by association, but I can't be sure. One time, while fishing a very fertile plains lake up near Laramie, I waded out of the water and found my waders literally covered in scuds. Little green ones. On a lark, I reached down, scooped a few of them off the waders and ate them.

They were crunchy and tasted crisp and clean like fresh, cooled lettuce. Not bad.

Maybe I'll put some on my peanut butter and mayonnaise sandwiches. I'm full of good ideas, huh?

Another of our traveling, photographing/emailing friends sent me a few pix of damsels, which were emerging where he was fishing. Its a good thing they were, too. Trout in lakes love eating damsels. You should try it; you'll like it.

Damsels are skinny little critters that live in lakes - and maybe very slow water on streams - and emerge by swimming from out in the water toward shore. When they arrive - or if they arrive uneaten - they climb out on something - grass, a dock, an angler, a tree or rock - and spit their shucks to climb out, dry their wings and buzz around looking for a mate.

The adults, on top on the fly box, are usually blue, but often, as our bus it, tan or light olive. Their wings lie flat over their abdomen. They buzz about along the edges of lakes, often forming into large swarms of mating bugs. While trout will eat the adults, and it is a good idea to have a few along for the ride, lake fish are mostly interested in the nymphs.

The nymphs swim slow - maybe they swim fast for a bug; I don't know - wiggling along just under the surface of the water. When hungry trout take them, they roll on the surface showing their dorsal fins, and often their entire mouth. This movement and look is often confused as a rising fish by anglers, who will tie on a damsel adult and fish for some time with no results.

Fish the nymphs, folks. Especially out in the water. If the fish are surfacing along the edges and there are lots of adults buzzing about, by all means give the adult imitation a shot.

Here are a few reports:

    Hot temperatures have changed stream flows. The Poudre, Big Thompson, North Platte and other streams are running pretty hard. Some are clear, but high. Use common sense when wading, and fish with large flies. Caddis larva, emerger and adults, for example, will work well. I'd encourage fishing Stimulators, larger beetles, 20" or halfback nymphs, and larger prince and copper john nymphs.

    With Hot Temps bringing runoff - thank goodness for it, too; the streams need a good spring cleaning, you see - it is time to fish lakes. Mark spent the last few days in North Park. He fished the Michigan River, some private ponds, and Delaney Buttes Lakes. The Michigan was high, but clear, and some fish were caught on caddis and PMD patterns. The lake fish ate damsel nymphs - see above - and midges. Delaney was very good with cruising fish eating midges along the banks. Mark said the lakes are in great shape, too. There are are few damsels showing, as well as a few callabeatis - we've heard both reports from more than one place, by the way.

    The Lakes will have lots of midges, and you will begin to see damsels, callabeatis and some caddis beginning to emerge. Hungry fish will gorge on these bugs, so go with a box full of each.

Lake Fly Box: The Lake Fly Box has certain similarities, and certain differences from stream fly boxes. Here are a few tips, fly sizes and fishing ideas:

    It is time to fish lakes. North Park and South Park Lakes will be fishing very well. Look at a map, find other high lakes - under about 10,500 feet right now - and go fishing. You'll want: olive or tan  - but primarily olive - damsel nymphs in about a size 10-12; callabeatis nymphs tied tan - try ostrich for them - in 14-16, including a few with bead heads for getting down near weed beds and along drop offs; callabeatis emergers, including a cripple, an adult pattern and spinners. The emergers, adults and spinners should probably be one size smaller than the nymphs. Midge patterns that you will fish in the film: Dale's Stuck in the shuck; Griffith's gnats, Dale's Midge Adult; a small soft hackle; a red blood worm that you fish in the film. For all three bug types, watch for cruising and feeding fish. If you don't see any, go deep. When the fish start to move to the surface, re-rig and try again.

    In addition, carry a few beetles, ants and hopper patterns for fishing along the edges of lakes. Terrestrials fall into the water, you see, and fish eat 'em. Flying ants will become more and more important on high lakes when the bugs emerge here, and are carried into the heights by air current. What an interesting thing that is.

    Our Lake Box has to have some streamers, leech and scud imitations, as well. Carry olive and tan scuds in size 14-16; black and/or white zonkers in a size 6-10; a black and blood red leech in a size 12 - often with a bead - and a few other streamers that you enjoy fishing. For many, a wholly bugger is king of the lake.

Each week I ask for questions. Last week, our friend Chuck Y. wrote, asking this question: Can you catch fish on dry flies even when there is no surface activity?

It's a good question, and one that I beg. As I normally mention, I love fishing with dry flies whenever I can. Often, I force feed trout with dry flies, trying to put the fly in a spot where I think they are holding and will see the fly. Generally speaking, if there is an emergence of bugs there is a better chance that fish will be feeding on the surface. However, trout are built to eat looking up - observe where their eyes are located on their bodies and head - forward and aiming toward the surface. Most of the time, when fish take a bug or fly, they more toward the surface.

When you arrive on your fishing water, take a moment to observe what is going on. If no bugs are apparent, but you want to fish a dry fly, use something that you think the fish will eat. Begin with a general pattern, like a parachute Adams or a Stimulator - something that is general rather than specific will cover a multitude of bug possibilities. The Adams just looks like trout food - could be a mayfly or caddis floating along, or maybe an ant or beetle; who knows what a fish sees and thinks? A stimi looks like a hopper, a cicada - just ask Frank and Michael about that - or a stonefly adult.

Make casts to likely looking spots where you normally would see a fish rise. Along banks, next to undercut banks, for example, next to submerged logs or in pockets. If you begin moving fish, don't make many changes and move slowly. If you do not move fish, change flies often and move faster, covering more water types to determine where the hungry ones are living, waiting for a meal.

I hope that helps. If you have more questions - or this answer is not quite enough for you - let me know and I'll say more.

Other questions? Please submit them to me. Just hit angler@peakpeak.com and write your question on the page. I'll answer it here, or directly to you.

Did you know we help lots of folks go on saltwater, Alaska, Canada and other trips? WE often tie boxes of flies, help folks build rods, rent gear and help with arrangements, if we know. We'd like to help you. Please ask.

A Few Reports

Yesterday, there was a report from the Gunnison. Our angling friend hiked into the canyon and caught many large, healthy lovely trout on stonefly imitations. Time to go there, folks.

Frying Pan: reports have been good. Several first-time Pan anglers have reported seeing and hooking lovely fish, and that the crowds have not been all that great.

The Roaring Fork below the Pan was reported as off color - even muddy and high. I'll bet the Colorado near Glenwood is in the same shape.

I do not have a current report on the Colorado near Parshall and so on, so will not say anything about it here.

RMNP waters are in good shape - some a bit on the high side, but clear for the most part. I heard that the area near Horseshoe Park has been closed for a bighorn study, so stay clear of that.

The Big T below the dam is running hard right now, and I'm glad for it. It will be very good for the fish, the bugs, and the stream itself. Be very careful wading, but go fishing. Fish the edges with big dries, or with a dry a dropper, or heavier, deeper water with a larger nymph with plenty of weight. Don't give up.

St. Vrain: Portions are good; some a bit higher right now. Keep moving up the hill - same on the Poudre and the Big T - to find clear enough water, and then go fishing. I'm going to head up there today to see what's up, so will report later on that front - or give a call later in the week for a report.

Carp: Local carp anglers are doing great! Time for you to try?

Bluegills: are happy, sassy and ready to take flies. We had a report from a reputable friend of a 9" bluegill - that's a monster, folks. Mark didn't believe him, and he said he'd bring a picture, which I have not yet seen. If we get it, you'll see it here!

Bass: start fishing more to the cooler parts of the days - sunrise, sunset; hey, maybe I should write a song like that? Wait; someone already did that, didn't they? Oh well. Fish on top; have lots of fun. By the way, that lovely bronze brute above - not Ken, the fish - is a fine smallmouth Ken hooked over Memorial Day weekend. What a great fish! If you are back east anywhere this fish lives, don't miss out! This is a built-for-a-fly-rod-fish folks! Go more, Ken. Send pictures, Ken! It's not George's fault, Ken.

This time of year, when you are in the high country, beware of critters. Especially moose! If you are heading over Trail Ridge and see cars pulled off and folks walking after a moose - especially a moose with little moosies along - stay away! This is a dangerous critter. Wonderful to observe from afar, but dangerous. If you are fishing and one wanders up to you, just stay still and let them have their area. Be careful not to startle them. Often, the beating of my heart as I try to run away has frightened moose out of their skin, which is pretty fast even without the moose attached by the way.

The pretty little kitty cat above is actually a young mountain lion that was recently in Estes, near the visitor's center. It might have been interested in available restaurants, but we don't know for sure as it was not permitted into the center.

I am not frightened when I am fishing. I've run into a myriad of critters out there, and for the most part they are more interested in avoiding me than I am in avoiding them. Just beware. That's all. After all, there's more fishing to be done.

That's about it for now. Following are other options we have on the horizon. I hope you'll join us for a class or guided trip in the near future, or for one of our many upcoming destination adventures.

If you have any questions about anything at all, please drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com, stop by one of the shop - addresses below, and driving directions can be reached via the Shop Tour page - or give us a call in Longmont at 303-651-6061; 800-651-1770 or in Estes at 970-586-2110 or 800-586-2110. Thanks.

News Bulletin: I've been asked to provide judges again for this year's edition of the Fly Fishing Masters casting competition which will be held in Longmont at Loomiller Park on Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20. If you are interested, please drop me a note at angler@peakpeak.com. Also, mark your calendar and plan to join the fun, watching some wonderful fly casters jump through the competitive hoops in their attempt at fame and fortune.

Just a reminder that the Estes Angler is up and operating. The kids - William, Rachel and Ryan, from left to right - are ready to help you in any way they can. They're fishing all the time when they're not in the shop, and getting lots of reports from local anglers and our guides. Give them a call at 970-586-2110, or 800-586-2110 to get up-to-the-minute weather conditions and fishing reports. You'll be glad you did. Stop by to see the newly redecorated shop, and the pretty new sign, too. We're right by the aerial tram, and across the street from the Donut Hut. Yumm. 338 West Riverside Drive, Estes Park, Colorado. We've been in the same space since 1993. Amazing.

Gear Updates

One of the things that most of us enjoy is procuring the gear we'll use on the water, or materials we'll use at the tying vise. Here's a quick update of a few things.

1. Winston has introduced a new fly rod called the Boron II. The rod has become very popular, and has been very difficult to get. At this time we have several rods available, as well as several blanks. You can come by and cast one of the rods, and then buy one from us, or decide to let us build you a custom rod, or allow us to help you build your own from the blanks we have in stock. This is a great rod. Get yours now, while we have a few in stock!

2. Redington: Outfits for Kids; some great clothing items that you must wear fly fishing. And, all of it is economically priced. We'll have this stuff in both shops, so stop by for your goodies soon.

3. St. Vrain Angler and Estes Angler Logo hats are on the way. If you'd like, reserve yours now by giving us a call at 800-651-1770 or 800-586-2110. It's about time, huh?

4. We have a new product called Rod Mounts. This is one of those things that surprised us a bit. A good friend wanted one for his car, and we had to buy four to get them. Mark was concerned that the other three would just sit here, but all four were gone within a few days. The mounts go inside of pickup shell, any SUV or station wagon. They are easy to put into the vehicle, and will hold up to six fly rods. At $99.95, this product is good when you are going to fish and move, fish and move. We get so many broken rods that are ruined from rattling around in the back of a vehicle, that we feel Rod Mounts will save lots of fishing trips and embarrassment. Buy one soon. Use it often.

5. Additional products continue to come in all the time. If you need it, we probably have it. If we don't have it in stock, we will get it for you.

Destination and Other Trips: please read for new updates!

It is time to consider several things. Here are a few options. Please take advantage of the one that interests you most!

Classes, Clinics and other Opportunities

Solution Booklets

Do you want to learn more in the comfort of your own home? I've written several Solutions Booklets that we sell here in the shop. They condense lots of info and cover a variety of topics. We sell them for $7.95 each, and we publish them in the shop. Give one a try. Drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com or call us at 303-651-6061.

Girls Only Classes

Our classes continue to fill fast. Recently, we've had a number of ladies who have attended and shown an interest in getting into fly fishing. I've mentioned doing some "Girls Only" classes and would like feedback. Both my daughter Rachel and guide Phyllis would like to do a few classes for women, and I'd like to know if we should press on with this idea. Don't be shy. Please let me know.

Rachel has been meeting more and more women on the water while she's been out, and many are very interested in learning more about fly fishing. Doing so with other girls is not that bad an idea, either.

As I've mentioned to many of you, I'm an expert on girls, and am not afraid of girls anymore. Now, when I was in High School and it was time for a dance or something, that was a different story. But after 25+ years of marriage to Shan, raising three daughters, and hosting multiple girl teenage exchange students - well, you see the point. Please let me know by dropping a line at angler@peakpeak.com Thanks, girls. I'm really looking forward to these classes!

Casting Classes

Casting Classes continue to fill fast. We've added a casting teaching assistant in order to accommodate more folks. Still, we'd encourage you to register soon to reserve your spot! Drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com or give us a call at 303-651-6061. Tuition is only $35.00 per person. Register here classes, if you prefer.

Here are the dates remaining: Many are filling fast, so please reserve your spot soon.

June 26    July 10    July 24

August 7    August 21    September 11    September 25

All sessions are held on Saturday from 9AM-Noon, and we do 'em on the water: a great morning of instruction and casting fun! For a description of the class, please go to: Casting Classes

Almost everyone reading this note needs to take a casting class. If you'd like a Private Casting Class, let us know. The price is reasonable, and you'll learn lots. Drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com or give us a call at 303-651-6061.

First Adventure In Fly Fishing

Here is our companion class to the Casting Class. For a description, please see: 1st Adventure in Fly Fishing

These sessions are also filling fast, so register soon! Register here classes.

Here's a schedule:

June 20 Here's the next one - sign up soon so you can enjoy summer fly fishing!     July 11    July 25

August 1    August 25    August 29

September 12    September 26

    All sessions are held on Sunday from 8AM-5PM: a great full day of instruction and fishing fun!

Who should take this session? Anyone who has completed the Introduction to Fly Casting session, anyone who has fished a few times without much success, anyone who'd like to clarify information and fly fishing techniques - basically, anyone who would like to feel more comfortable with a fly rod and flies on moving water. Learn about bugs -how to find and identify them; it really is fascinating stuff. Tuition is $150.00 per person, and includes our delightful syllabus, all instruction and the use of any gear, including waders, boots, fly rod, reel and line. Sign up soon: you'll be glad you did! angler@peakpeak.com to sign up; or give us a call at the shop - 303-651-6061. Let's Go Fishing!

 To contact us, please call 303-651-6061; you can visit our web site at www.stvrainangler.com or drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com

Shop Hours

We’re open Monday-Friday from 9:30-6:00, and Saturday from 9-5 in Longmont at 418 Main Street. To contact us, please call 303-651-6061, 800-651-1770, or drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com You are on the web page, so surf around and see what else floats your fly line.

The Estes Angler is open for the season, every day from 8AM to 6PM.  We expect to have a great one, so please come up and visit. Go fishing on the T, in the Park and so on. We're looking forward to a fun summer of helping folks fulfill fly fishing dreams, and hope to see you soon.

Did you happen to notice the new Fly Of The Month Fly? Go here May2004 and see what you can learn about the Golden Stoneflies we all love and fear. Do you have other questions? Please drop me a line at angler@peakpeak.com, call the shop at 303-651-6061, or drop by at 418 Main Street in downtown Longmont during our business hours. We'll do all we can to help you out.

Guided Trips

Our Guided Trips are the best around. Why? Well, they are economic, instructional, enjoyable, fun and take place in beautiful places. We guide in and around Rocky Mountain National Park, as well as on a variety of private water locations.

Our professional fly fishing guides are thoroughly trained and love sharing fly fishing skills and fun with their clients. A typical day will find guides discussing casting, reading the water, presenting the fly, discussing entomology and much more. Guided Trips are fun! The memories you'll build will last a lifetime!

Make a deposit in your memory bank. Join your friends at the St. Vrain Angler and the Estes Angler for a great day on lake or stream. Register Online, or by calling us at 303-651-6061; 800-651-1770; 970-586-2110; 800-586-2110.

That's going to do it for today. I hope you enjoy the read. I hope you'll get out fishing soon, and then go again. On this page Fishing during the Summer you'll find info on where to fish within certain driving times. I'm going to add more info to this each week, so stay tuned for helpful angling tips.

I hope you are well, enjoying the onset of summer. The recent cool days and nights, and additional moisture are putting us in pretty good condition for the near future. Fish are happy and hungry, and ready to play with you. Get out soon, and then go again. We're here to help you in any way that we can, and we love doing just that! Please join us for a class, guided trip, or a free tying lesson as soon as you can. The coffee pot is always on, as are the smiles on our faces.

Thanks for reading. I'll talk with you again next week; same time, same station.

Dale Darling

    doing some composing, tying, fishing and still raising girls.

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