Fly Fishing Colorado Newsletter
Volume 5 • Issue 4 • May 2012
Welcome to The Flyfisher Guide Service Newsletter. We seek to be your fly fishing information hub with all items related to the sport. Whether you are looking for river conditions, gear reports, top flies, conservation news or travel information, this is your one stop for all things fly fishing.
From the other side of the riverbank...
Over the past year I have learned a lot about fly fishing. From tying flies to netting my own fish, I have immersed myself in the sport. Being able to land a trout on my own has to be one of the biggest accomplishments for me, however, understanding what fly fishing means to an angler beyond the thrill of the catch has been wonderful for my soul.
Throughout history and literature, water has been described and sought after as a healing element. Some of the stories are a bit far-fetched (the fountain of youth) but I can see the meaning behind it. Water, be it a river, pond or lake has an incredible way of taking away all the stressors of life and providing tranquility not found elsewhere. It is almost like the hardships of life and the things that weigh people down simply drift away downstream wrapped tightly in the current.
The other day I went fishing with my husband on Clear Creek under the I-70 bridge, a place I have frequented as the bystander reading quietly and making sure to keep the dogs away from his rig. It had been a nice Saturday; however, I was feeling overwhelmed by life circumstances and could not seem to just enjoy the day. As soon as I hit the river, I forgot what was weighing on me and simply fished, focusing on my casting and rig set up, rather than the minor life happenings causing stress. I stood in the cool water and with each cast the stress and anxiety of the day drifted away until I was left feeling relaxed and collected.
Many of you may have experienced such relief on the water as I have and can understand how important it is to have an activity that provides the necessary relief to make each day better than the last. As life continues on, I am comforted to know that I have a place to go to escape and revive myself and that place is the water.
From the other side of the river bank...
Brynne
Guide Corner
It's the little things...
Writer, poet and naturalist, Henry David Thoreau once wrote, "Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish they are after." I think we all fly fish for a variety of reasons and each trip to the water tends to take on a meaning of its own. For me I think the essence of fishing has to do a lot with the exploration and discovery of new rivers and places.
After years of being privileged enough to fish a wide array of destinations, I still find myself excited every time I head to check out a new spot. There is just something special and exciting about wondering what the next bend in the river may hold. I love studying maps to find a new local bass pond around town where I can throw some surface flies in the evening, or it's always interesting heading west to major river drainage's in Colorado or Montana that I have yet to discover. But perhaps my most favorite form of adventure is seeking out new mountain creeks and lakes. Finding new locations on a map and then hiking to a secluded area always brings a new thrill to my angling life.
On a larger scale, destination travel is always on my mind as I cannot think of a better way to enjoy the sport of fly fishing than by taking the journey to foreign places with a fly rod in hand. New fish and new areas are always challenging as different species hone your skills as fly angler, as you must adapt to new techniques and fishing methods to find success. Fly fishing is truly a sport that cultivates a wide variety of people and interests. There is a bright future for fly fishing and the summer angling season is almost upon us, so get out there and explore the water to its fullest. I for one can't wait to see what's around the next bend! Tight Lines, Tyler Bowman Read more articles from Tyler's blog.
Tight Lines,
Tyler Bowman
Meet Your FFGS Guides
Stacy Ferguson
Stacy has enjoyed fly fishing in Colorado for twenty plus years and is our go to guide. His ability to read water and match the hatch has allowed his clients to enjoy some spectacular and unforgettable days on the water. Whether it is picking apart a riffle or chasing down a trophy trout, Stacy will do everything in his power to exceed your expectations. Stacy began his fly fishing guiding career in the early 1990s on the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers near Aspen, Colorado. Now he specializes in our home water and various fly fishing only properties along Colorado's famed South Boulder Creek. Book a trip with Stacy today by calling 303.861.0240!
A Note from Angling University
Three Methods to Engage Your Kids in Fishing
Fishing, whether spinner or fly, is a great activity to enjoy as a family throughout the spring, summer and fall. Below are three methods that help to engage children in the sport and teach them the basics of fishing.
Spinner or lure fishing
This method focuses on an active retrieve, keeping kids engaged with constant motion and activity. You can still use the kid friendly closed face/button push style reel. Spinners and Rooster Tails are readily accessible at any sporting goods store and can be attached via direct knot, loop knot, or snap swivel resulting in a very simple rig.
Bait and bobber fishing
This method works well for almost all types of fish; trout, bass, panfish, etc., making it a technique that you can use virtually anywhere. The technique is simple and the casting can often be done by parents if kids struggle with it
Fly and a bubble
Like the spinner or lure approach, the fly and a bubble setup is best fished on an active retrieve, keeping them engaged. A single fly with a pinched barb allows for easy hook ups and releases. Retrieve speed is less important; if your kiddo wants to fish fast, put on a Pistol Pete. If they like the slow approach, put on a green hare's ear or a Prince Nymph. This method works with all kinds of tackle, especially the Barbie and Spiderman rods, my kids' favorites! Fly and bubble techniques work with all kinds of species but excel with panfish, and trout.
The methods mentioned above are what we focus on in our newest class "Reel Family Fun." This class is designed specifically for families with younger kids (12 and under) and takes place at the Stapleton Bass Pro Shops and Barr Lake State Park once a month, May through October. To sign up, or for more information about our classes visit: www.anglinguniversity.com
Tight Lines,
Ethan Emery - Angling University President Visit us online at The Flyfisher Guide Service to book your next guided trip, follow the fishing reports, or check out Angling University for information on upcoming classes!
Fishing Forecast
During the 2011 summer fishing season, we experienced a record run off year with most rivers and creeks flowing high and unfishable until mid-August. This year the water is a very different story as we experienced one of the mildest winters in recorded history along Colorado's Front Range and Western Slope. This winter our snow pack in many areas has been light to non-existent and most of our natural run off will be quick and mild. As the weather warms we are already seeing some watersheds experience run off. However, most tail water stretches are still flowing low and clear as most major reservoirs have yet to fill. Also due to the warm weather most dam releases will likely be utilized sparingly and heavily controlled. So look for tail water streams to fish steady and well throughout the summer and into the fall. Our freestone streams should all be experiencing high water soon. Expect run off to be short and mild on most of our Colorado watersheds. It will most likely be the case that streams fed by mountain run off will be flowing very low and clear during the fall fishing season. Spring and summer should still provide good flows and good fishing. Overall, we can expect a great 2012 fly fishing season!
Local Anglers Perspective...
We want to hear from you! Send us anything you want to say (within reason) regarding fly fishing.
- Did you have an EPIC fishing experience you want to share?
- Feel you are a lyricist - send us your latest poem or cartoon!
- Have an amazing catch – show off and send us your picture!
Send your stories and pictures to to see them posted in the June newsletter.
Visit us online at The Flyfisher Guide Service to book your next guided trip, follow the fishing reports, or check out Angling University for information on upcoming classes!
