Snowy Decks
Spring is here in the Rockies, but that does not always mean
warm and sunny days. In fact most
years, it means a lot of snow. In
Colorado, we have been in a dire need to build our snow pack and free us from
the drought that has plagued us for the last year and a half.
The snowy days start to where on you, however, this time of
year. Most of us are dreaming of tall
grass, hoppers and hatches. Waking up day after day to shovel a deck can get a
little old. We all know the warmer temperatures will come in time, but the
winters are long in the high country and a reprise can be appreciated. In due
time, I try and remind myself. As a local, I know how important the moisture is
this year, especially following such a drought year in 2012. I will try and stay happy while I shovel my
deck.
Over the past couple of months Colorado’s snow pack has
started to near ‘average’ numbers. This
is good news! The average snow pack will mean normal levels in our streams,
which will be appreciated. After super high flows in 2011 to super low flows in
2012, average will be a nice change.
The average flows should help us get back to normal hatch
patters. Not a month late, like 2011 or a month early like last year. A normal fishing year, now that is a novel
idea!
Speaking of normal fishing; it is about the time of year to
get to the Arkansas River for the years first Blue Wing Olive hatches. Shortly after that, get ready for the Caddis
moving up through Canyon City. These
first hatches are a blast to fish and I highly recommend getting out for both
of these hatches.
Many other options are starting to open up. I have had some good reports on the lower
Colorado being floated out of Glenwood.
The upper stretch of the Colorado at Parshall has been also fishing well
and the Dream Stream can be at it’s hottest this time of year.
Many streams are just freeing of their winter ice and if you
are adventurous and don’t mind scouting to find open water, the rewards can be
bountiful. We have been exploring out of the county in the last couple weeks
and have had some great success. We
would love to get you out with one of our guides for a spring fly-fishing
adventure!
Get a jump on the season and get out with us, after we
shovel our decks!
