Happy New Year and Happy Fishing

First of all I want to wish everyone a happy New Year.  I am looking forward to some great things in the year to come.

The New Year always is a great time to clear the slate and build on what you have and think about the year to come. 

That can mean fishing in the next few weeks and months.  Right about this time of year I get an itch to get out on water with some warmer temperatures.  Maybe it’s that the solstice has come and the days are actually getting longer. Or it is just time to get out of the cabin.

This winter has offered some great fishing of the Blue River below Dillon Reservoir.  The flows have been up since September and this has offered lots of Mysis shrimp to the fish.  The fish have been very active on Mysis patterns and other midge and nymph patterns.  Many large fish have been caught and released in the past few months.  The time is now to get out on the Blue River!

There has also been some great fishing on the upper stretches of the Blue between Dillon Reservoir and Breckenridge.  There was a decent run of Kokanee in the river and some nice Browns as well.  This section fishes great in the winter.  If you haven’t checked it out, I would recommend it.

I usually like to escape Summit County this time of year for some warmer temperatures.

One of my favorite escapes is the Arkansas River in the Salida area.  Not only is the fishing great all winter, but also you can expect warmer temperatures and little fishing pressure.  This is always a welcome feeling on the hands while wielding a fly rod or tying a bug on.

Another favorite is the South Platte River in the Deckers area.  I love to hike up into Cheeseman canyon and spot lunkers from the trail.  The fish can be wary but if you take your time and hike a ways up into the canyon the fishing can be great.  The fish are large, you may run into a midge hatch and the scenery is breathtaking.

There are plenty of other options to get out of the cabin and feel some warm sunshine on your back and break the fly rod out of it’s case.  Look to the Roaring Fork Valley and the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers.  Or maybe you need to get out farther to the San Juan River in New Mexico. Don’t worry in just a few weeks there will be plenty more options, as the longer days warm temperatures and break more rivers from the ice and grip of winter.

If you want to get out for a day on the river please get in touch.  We are offering 15% off all winter fly fishing trips.

Also until the end of January I am going to offer 20% off all guided trips booked for the summer, from 5-1-14 to 10-31-14.  I am opening my schedule up for the summer, so if you would like a day with me.  Book me and take the discount!