Trouts Fly Fishing

Trout’s Logo Hat Contest Entry | Hollywood Edition

Trout’s customer David Miller posing for a nice shot with fellow angler Michael Keaton while on a recent trip to Belize.  Supposedly Mr. Keaton was a might bit keen on the look of our Trout’s hats, can you blame him.  If you’re reading this Michael, give the shop a shout and we’d be more than happy to set you up with one of these classy lids.  Thanks for sharing David!

Felt:  friend or fo?

Recently, there has been a lot of controversy and debate of the proposed ban of felt soled boots.  Alaska and Vermont have officially banned felt soled boots, and other states like Maryland won’t be far behind.  I’ve remarked in previous posts on where I stand on this issue, and have had insightful conversations with customers and business colleagues alike.  So I was thrilled/amazed/disappointed to read the latest article put out by none other than the New York Times on the issue (read the full article).

Now putting the debate and accompanying science to the side for a moment, what struck me most about this article is how poorly it makes our industry and sport look to the general public.  The author does a great job of using published science and the opinions of those that matter most to paint a picture of a bunch of sportsman who are more concerned about what material stands between them and the bottom of a river, than they do about the future health and viability of our nations fisheries.  So whether or not you believe in the need and viability of a ban on felt soled boots, I think it’s fair to say that the time has come for all of us to put petty personal beliefs and differences aside, and open our eyes to what this debate is truly about.

But hey, these are just my thoughts, what do you think?

Late summer trout fishing best in the state’s many tailwaters

The streams below hydro dams and reservoirs are particularly fertile for insects and bait fish, so the rainbows, cutthroats and browns tend to thrive

Colorado is known far and wide for its excellent trout fishing, and with more than 6,000 miles of streams and 2,000 lakes and reservoirs throughout the cool mountains and the sunny plains, it's no wonder. While fishing experts say that the trout angling is excellent all year round, late summer, they add, is a particularly great time to hit the tailwaters - streams below hydro dams and reservoirs - because the conditions are excellent for big trout. Indeed, the Colorado Division of Wildlife reports that the largest trout ever taken in the state come from tailwaters.

Tailwaters are sometimes a contentious issue with anglers, as a presence of a dam means that the natural flow of the stream has been changed. However, Colorado is replete with such dams and tailwaters, some which have been in place for decades, so taking advantage of the unique nature of the environment is a well-practiced art.

Tailwaters are subject to the man-made release of water from the reservoir, and at certain times of the year may experience high flow rates and dangerous conditions for wading. On the other hand, they are often very fertile waters, as the cooler, rushing water from the reservoir in summer is perfect habitat for trout to thrive late into the summer heat. Moreover, since the water is also released in winter and is then warm, these tailwaters are excellent breeding ground for the insects that constitute the natural food supply for trout. Because of this ample food-source, there is also an elevated number of smaller bait fish, so the trout in tailwaters have an abundant menu year round and tend to grow large.

There are many tailwaters locations throughout the state, but there are several known by the experienced fishermen as particularly excellent for the rainbow, cutthroat and brown trout Colorado is famous for. Experienced anglers cite the South Platte River below the Cheeseman Canyon, the Blue River in Silverthorne below the Dillon Reservoir, and the Frying Pan River below Ruedi Reservoir near Basalt, as premier locations.

A few other tailwaters spots to consider include, according to the Division of Wildlife:

SOUTH PLATTE RIVER IN SOUTH PARK: One of Colorado's best for quality-sized rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. Best areas are between Spinney Mountain and Elevenmile reservoirs, upstream from Spinney, the Middle Fork from the confluence with the South Fork upstream to Fairplay and the South Fork above Antero Reservoir to Highway 285. Best kept secret: Elevenmile Canyon. Location: West of Colorado Springs on Highway 24.

TAYLOR RIVER AND RESERVOIR: Excellent rainbow and brown trout fishing is available in the tailwater below Taylor Park Dam where some of the largest rainbows in the state can be found. Rainbows 10-14 inches are common. Location: Northeast of Almont on Highway 742.

RIO GRANDE: The mighty Rio Grande begins its long journey to the Gulf of Mexico high in the San Juan. Look for good brown and rainbow trout fishing from Rio Grande Reservoir downstream to Del Norte. Fly-fishing is best June through July when stonefly and mayfly hatches dominate fish diets. The Gold Medal section from South Fork to Del Norte provides trophy brown trout. Location: West of Del Norte and north of South Fork to Creede. There is easy access to the river via highways 160 and 149. Much of the river is privately owned, but public access is excellent through numerous state leases.

For everything fly fishing in Colorado look to Trout's Fly Fishing, a complete equipment, outfitter, education and destination travel source for fly fishing at http://www.troutsflyfishing.com/.