Trouts Fly Fishing

Boating Safety - back to the basics

Last Saturday (June 20, 2009), a local Denver angler died while floating the upper Colorado River from Pumphouse to Radium.  The specific details of the incident are still unclear, but there are a few key facts that are known.  First, the Colorado River that day was flowing at around 4,000 cfs, twice it’s 47 year historical average.  Second, the victim was a skilled and qualified oarsman.  Third, he was ejected from his raft in the Eye of the Needle Rapid.  And lastly, he WAS NOT wearing any sort of PFD (personal flotation device).

Rafting is an inherently dangerous sport, and I feel as though the greater angling community sometimes forgets this.  Whether it is the relaxing nature of our sport, or the relative calmness of many of our favorite rivers, float fisherman seem to forget and disregard the dangers that floating any river hold.  Keep in mind that this is not the first accident to have taken place in the Eye of the Needle rapid so far this season.  To date, 4 drift boats have flipped and sank, and countless rafts have also been victim to this particular rapid.  Why is this?  In my opinion, boaters are not recognizing the dangers that loom on this section of water when flows get above 3,000 cfs.  I will agree that at lower flows, Eye of the Needle and many other rapids are fairly tame and easy to navigate.  But we are not in a low water situation right now.  Quite the contrary, river flows across the state are at historical highs, and many of the “easy” rapids we’re used to boating are much bigger, more pushy and very dangerous.

Until we see flows come down, all float fisherman need to be very cautious and safe when venturing out for a float.  Be familiar with the river you are on, particularly in terms of knowing how certain flows will effect the difficulty of rapids.  And please, please, please, where your lifejacket.  Although cumbersom and bulky, this is the one piece of gear that will save your life in the case of an emergency.

Be safe and tight lines,

Tucker

P.S.  My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims family and friends.

Black Canyon Salmon Fly Update

The bugs are are in the canyon and the fish are on the feed!  Michael Ledger, one of our Trout’s Shop Sponsored Anglers, was on the Gunny last Friday thru Sunday and reported the fishing as boarderline EPIC.  Here is his report in detail:

“The salmon fly fishing was great and bordered on epic during the hot, cloudless days above Boulder Garden. We saw adults all the way up to Chukar trail. We strongly believe that we floated through what could have been the epic areas for the hatch during Saturday which was a cloudy, cool, windy day. Get there soon to really have a good shot at some of those big rainbows holding tight against the banks and against the canyon walls. Take your time and work the water over hard. You might not see a fish rising but if the water looks fishy, stop and take your time with it. Remember- “god save the queen” before you set the hook. You’ll miss fish but its well worth it.”

Don’t wait though, as the salmon fly action won’t last long.  The hot and dry weather forcasted for this week, coupled with consistent lower flows will have the bugs on the move.  The upper canyon should be fishing fantastically by this week-end, so change your plans and head to the gunny.