A Happy New Year of Fishing

First off, Happy New Year to everyone! Let this year be the best to us all.

Now that we have ushered in a new year, many things of the year ahead come to mind. Summer dry fly fishing and warm temps of course, but I still have some powders days in my future as well as some winter fly fishing.

Winter fly fishing can offer a fly fishing experience that is quite unique. Typically the waters can be less crowded and the solitude and quite gives a peace to the day. Somewhat like what most of us envision a perfect fly fishing experience to be. Sure the cold can sometimes creep into your toes and fingers, but if you pick the day right, you may never notice a chill.

Trout on Colorado tailwaters and spring fed streams will eat vigorously during the daylight hours, with the most action in the middle of the day. Some streams even often a mid day midge hatch and it is not uncommon to catch a few fish on dries, when the opportunity arrives.

Right now in Colorado, we have been having quite a warm spell and the fishing has been good. I have had some great reports from the Blue River tailwater below Dillon reservoir and also some great fishing up on the Williams Fork below Williams Fork reservoir. This section feeds the Colorado and this gives a unique opportunity to fish two different rivers. Each river fishes quite differently and you could find yourself having to change flies and techniques within a matter of feet.

In the next couple of weeks, the rainbows on the Colorado and South Platte will start thinking about spawning and making a move. I have had some great January and February days on the Colorado, Williams Fork and the Dream Stream on the South Platte. These fish will be “Hot” so be ready for a fight!

Besides these opportunities there are many others to offer. Try the Arkansas in the Salida area, look at the Eagle River in the Gypsum area, head to the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork Rivers, check out the South Platte at Deckers or maybe head to the Yampa Tailwater out of Steamboat.

These are just a few, so pick a nice day and head out for a serene fly fishing experience on one Colorado’s premier winter fly fishing destinations.