10/14/12 Arkansas Below Pueblo

10/14/12
Arkansas Below Pueblo
Flows 41
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Another day down in Pueblo!  My buddy Andy joined me today and I was looking for the fishing to improve compared to yesterday!  We started at Valco again and picked up a few fish at 3 rocks, and we made our way upstream to the gauging station shortly after.  The fishing was still pretty slow like yesterday, but we were getting consistent bites.  Not a fish every cast, but we could pass our rig through some fishy water and eventually pick up a fish.

I was rigged up with a red san juan and 2 midges.  Andy had a red san juan, a soft hackle hare's ear and a midge.

Andy managed this nice bow at the far run at the gauging station.

Later in the day, we moved over to the Water Treatment Plant and caught a few more small guys.  I was starting to get discouraged, and Andy had to leave to go back to Denver so we decided to head over to the dam to see if we could find anything bigger.  The water looked even skinnier here so we decided to call it day.  Andy made his drive back to Denver and I started heading back into town...but I just couldn't resist one more cast at Valco...

I'm glad I stopped!  I ended up finally catching a decent fish above the gauging station.  He took a beadhead olive emerger pattern.

He measured out to 19 in, so certainly not the biggest, but a nice fish when all you've been catching all day is 12 inchers.

Here he is swimming away...

On my way back to the car, I ran into this little fella.  Made me want to tie on a crayfish streamer and see what would happen!

I guess this proves that there's plenty to eat in this river for the big fish!

So...a good end to the day.  Fishing was ok, but not incredible like I've seen it before.  I'll attribute the poor fishing to the low flows and windy conditions rather than my fishing ability.  :)

If you're going to head down, stock up on midges, mayflies, bwo's and trico's.  We witnessed an amazing trico spinner fall at 11:00.  Fish were rising to them, but took our small black size 20 midges as well.  I imagine a drowned trico spinner would get lots of hits too.  I tried a z wing caddis, but had zero hits on it...looks like the caddis are pretty much done.  Moving into winter, bwo's and midges will be the go to flies.

10/13/12 Arkansas Below Pueblo

10/13/12
Arkansas Below Pueblo
Flows 41
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

I got up at 4:00 AM and started my drive down to Pueblo from Vail.  I thought I might stop at the Dream Stream, but with the snow and rain, I figured it would be a better idea to make it to Pueblo before I stopped and fished.  I had a wedding Saturday afternoon and even if the weather did make me late...it wouldn't be an excuse my wife would accept!

So on down to Pueblo and my 1st stop was Valco.  I was surprised to see a lot of cars in the parking lot, and even more surprised to see this many fisherman on the water!  I guess the nice weather down south drew some Denverites to make the drive down south instead of west to fish.

I know the picture is a bit dark, but there were 4 guys fishing the gauging hole run and 2 guys standing in the middle of seams where fish lie!

So I made my way upstream and fished a red san juan, a two bit hooker, and midge.  I managed a few fish, but nothing of size.  I was pretty dissapointed with the low fish count and size so after catching a few, I hoofed it over to the Water Treatment Plant.

At the Water Treatment Plant, I didn't have much luck either.  I did run into the Steel City Angler guys and the local TU chapter who were doing a river clean up.  They managed to haul out 6 bags of trash and it still looked like they didn't do anything...glad they are out doing stuff like this, but it's hard when what they do only has a minimal impact.  Crazy how much punishment this river can take and it still produces good fishing.

I managed a few fish at the pools upstream but again, nothing too big so I decided to call it a day and focus on getting a good start tomorrow.



Fish were taking mostly the san juan and midge.  I had a few take the two bit hooker, and a few took a price nymph when I changed out the two bit hooker, but overall the fishing was slow.  The flows at 40 made the water really skinny and the fish super spooky.  Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!

09/02/12 Arkansas River Below Pueblo

09/02/12
Arkansas Below Pueblo
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Flows 106

After sleeping in a bit, it was time to hit the road and head back to Parker.  But I couldn't leave without fishing in Pueblo!  It would be crazy not to fish before I left town!

So back to Valco for a quick trip.  I a was out of my regular flies for this stretch having lost or mangled them from the last 2 days of fishing.  I thought I'd try a change since the fishing has slowed down a bit over the weekend from all the pressure.

I rigged up standard "winter" midge set up with a juju baetis, zebra midge, and a blue poison tung.

There was already 2 guys fishing below the 3 rocks so I moved up to the faster waters and the tailout.  I was pleasantly surprised to pick up a fish on my second cast!

Another 2 casts later and another rainbow!  The fish were really liking the midges and the 2 guys below me came up to talk to me after I picked up another.  They had been fishing san juan worms.  I suggested a prince and a midge combo.  They thanked me and moved on upstream while I managed to catch another beautiful cutbow.

After 7 fish in an hour's time, I decided it was time to head home!  I guess it was fortuitous that I was out some of my "standard" flies since the midge fishing was hot!  I'll have to remember to try midges when the fishing slows down late in the summer.  Size 18-22 on 6x fluro seemed to be the ticket.  The overcast skies also probably helped.

07/22/12 Arkansas River Below Pueblo

07/22/12
Arkansas River Below Pueblo
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Flows 82

It's been a couple of weeks since I've had a chance to get out on the water!  And the warm weather isn't making it any easier on the fishing!  Usually I would make a trip up to the mountains, but since I had to meet the family down in the Springs for dinner, I figured a quick trip to Pueblo was in order.

Flows have been fluctuating from as low as 65 up to 450.  Recently, it's been very low and the high temps aren't making it easy on the fish.  Fish are holding in faster water and behind piles.  Some fish will move out into the slower water to feed but if you are nymphing, keep to the faster water and tailouts.

Besides the warmer temps and low flows...the fishing is insane!  Hatches were happening all day long with caddis, mayflies, and midges.

I started the day at the water treatment plant and got into lots of fish right away.  Hot flies for this stretch were a micro olive mayfly, brown z-wing caddis, and flashback pheasant tails.

Most were rainbows but I was pleasantly surprised to catch a few brownies as well!  Nothing huge, most around 12-16 in.

As the temps got higher, I decided to move closer to the dam in search of bigger fish and colder water!

I got to Valco and switched up my rig to all caddis flies.  An elk hair flash caddis up top, and a brown and green z-wing below. 

I was happy to get into some bigger fish!  But as you can see in the second picture, the tube hatch was in full effect...I had to wait a while for the water to rest before the fish starting rising again. 

After a couple kayakers came through I decided to move upstream and see if I could find some more fish...

I changed up my rig again; this time to a z-wing caddis, a cream midge, and a black tube midge.  I had TONS of midges and caddis all over my legs and shorts.  Definitely a hatch going on!  I even noticed a few trico spinners, but I didn't have any patterns that would match in my fly box.

I fished just past the gauging station into the faster water behind the rocks and managed quite a few more!  The most impressive of the day would have to be this brownie that I caught in front of the gauging station.  He took a size 20 black tube midge.

When 4:00 rolled around, I didn't want to leave!  The fishing had been hot all day long with fish taking dries and nymphs.

Hot flies were caddis dries, emergers, barr's emergers, z-wing caddis, micro mayflies, two bit hookers, pheasant tails, rs2's, and black or cream midges.

Fishing closer to the dam is definitely recommended, colder water and it seemed like the water temp was perfect for lots of bug activity. 

06/08/12 Blue River in Silverthorne

06/08/12
Blue River in Silverthorne
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Flows:  75

A quick trip up to the mountains for some work and play!  My 1st stop was the Blue in Silverthorne, and it was a zoo!

I had planned on getting up there much earlier, but ended up getting on the water at 10:00.  There were already 5 cars in the little pull out at cable hole and 3 guys were already fishing.  I walked to the tail end of the cable hole and promptly proceeded to pick up a few nice fish!

Same old brooders, but they are starting to wise up a little to flies and presentations.  A fly that usually does very well here netted zero (zebra midge) and most fish are taking smaller and more "natural" looking flies.  Basic black midge larvae, cream midges, and emergers were consistently taking fish.

I even had quite a few take a size 20 stalcup's mysis and a size 18 craven's mysis.

I always run a 3 fly rig through here with a mayfly pattern, a midge, and then a mysis.

As cable hole got more and more crowded, I decided to head down river and explore a bit. 

My next stop was I-70 hole and you could easily see a few brooders hanging out in the tail out.

I pulled 2 fish out of here and kept moving downstream...

The hole just below wildernest rd. also had a few stacked in it as well and even a few were feeding in the riffles.

After working the riffles and catching 3 dinks, I moved down to the foot bridge and the 7-11 hole.  There were 3 guys down by 7-11 hole and another 2 above so I settled in below the footbridge. 

With a large crowd of people watching, I managed to hook into a nice fish and was playing it well, until it took a turn a jumped the waterfall and then spit the hook...a collective "awwww" from the crowd was my consolation prize!

Another great day on the Blue...the fishing might seem like it has slowed down, but the fish are just getting a little smarter and the fishing pressure is up.  I didn't see another person between cable hole and the footbridge so walk a little and find some solitude.  The brooders are all over this stretch and you won't need to fish shoulder to shoulder with some.

Hot flies for the day were mysis and midges.  Dorsey's Top Secret in a size 20, and a black thread midge with midge tubing were two flies that I didn't change and were consistently catching fish.  Use a 5x leader, and drop 6x after your 1st fly.  I still run fluro, but I don't think it's necessary...but with the low flows and clear water, fluro might help you catch a few more fish.

05/06/12 Blue River in Silverthorne

05/06/12
Blue River in Silverthorne
3:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Flows 53
Temps in the low 40's with rain turning into snow

Work is really getting in the way of my fishing!

I can't really complain, my job is a good one with certain times of heavy travel that can be fun...but let's get to the fishing!

The Blue has been fishing very well since the DOW has stocked it, but the fishing is starting to get a little more technical.  Even from the last time I was up, I'm seeing more and more people not catching and I'm noticing that when I'm lazy with a cast, I'm not catching fish either.

These guys have definitely gotten smarter and without a good drift, you won't be catching fish.  A variety of flies will still work, but stick to 5x or 6x fluro tippet and size 16-22 flies.  Midges, mayflies, and mysis are the ticket here and even a mid day midge hatch happens when the sun is up.  Unfortunately, this wasn't the case for today.

I took the family up to the private stretch of the Blue below Green Mountain and we did some fishing and grilling.  This was the 1st time we took Kaycee out to the river and she had a ball.  She even fell asleep in her backpack while we fished for a little and wasn't fussy at all.  She really enjoys being out and taking everything in.  Temps in the morning were mid 60's and slightly overcast skies.  By the time we were done with lunch, the clouds were rolling in...

My wife dropped me off behind the outlets so that she could do a little shopping, and I could get more fishing in!

Lots of beautiful fish and even with the rain that was changing to snow, there were still at least 5 anglers that I could see working their way up and down the river.

Temps dropped fast and the rain continued...but the fishing was still go.  Zebra midges, UV emergers, Top Secret Midges were all readily taken, but only on a good drift.

Again, this river is just getting pounded by anglers so land your fish fast, snap that picture and get them back in the water.  Lots of fish that I caught also had additional "jewelery".  Please don't try to snag the fish...lots of fish with 3 fly rigs in their backs or on their bellies...These fish will eat...just don't try to use 3x tippet and huge flies.

Another great day on the river!  If you are headed to the Blue, the fishing is still good...don't get discouraged when the fishing slows...take time to consider what is going on and change up your flies, add or take away a little weight, and get a good drift and you'll start catching fish again!

Good luck out there!

05/03/12 Blue River in Silverthorne

05/03/12
Blue River in Silverthorne
Flows 70
9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

It's been almost 3 weeks since I've been out fishing...The itch was getting too strong and I had to go get it scratched!

After an early morning flight in from Chicago, I decided to head up to the Blue to see what was shaking.  It's been over a month since they stocked it with the brooders and I wanted to see if they were still there in good numbers.

I was pleasantly surprised...

Lots of fish and they were all still eating.  Although they aren't readily eating everything you throw at them, they have acclimated nicely to "wild" life and are learning what is food and what isn't.  You can't just toss in a size 14 prince nymph anymore and expect a fish on every cast, but the fishing is still consistent if you have the right flies and can get a good drift.

I worked my way up from cable hole and sight fished to lots of fish.  Again, getting a good drift and presenting the right flies were key.  You could easily see fish moving out of the way of your rig or a nice flash of white as they inhaled your flies.

I caught a good mix of brooders and "resident" fish.  (fish without their adipose fins clipped)

Another thing to consider when fishing the Blue is to keep moving.  The fish are on the move so if you are staying at one hole throwing the same rig, the fish will wise up.  If you really want to catch lots of fish, move up and down the river and have fun sight fishing to the big fish!  Find new runs and tailouts!

Or, if you prefer not to move, at least change up your rig.  What's that saying by Einstein?  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results.

Hot flies for the day were top secret midges, uv emergers, miracle midges and rojo midges.  A few also came on a black rs2 fished in the film to rising fish.

If you haven't fished the Blue this spring yet, get up there!  Now is the time for redemption from a winter of poor fishing on the Blue!!!

Here's a little vid before the go pro died...I didn't edit it on purpose to leave out what fly it took...it took a miracle midge.

03/06/12 Arkansas Below Pueblo

03/06/12
Arkansas Below Pueblo
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Air Temp: 78

With Tuesday being forecasted as the nicest day of the week, Dave talked me into taking the day off. We decided to head to Pueblo since it was going to be a warm day and we expected lots of fish!

The wife and kid were even able to tag along!

Here is Kaycee meeting her 1st trout!



It was fun having the wife and kid around. Brenda hasn't been fishing since before Kaycee was born so this was our 1st family outing together. A friend of ours got us a Kelty backpack kid carrier which worked perfectly.

We decided to start the day at Valco and as soon as we pulled into the parking lot, we realized that a lot of people had the same idea as us to take the day off of work and do some fishing. The parking lot was packed!

We quickly geared up and headed down to the 3 rocks and there were already 2 guys fishing the run behind there. A quick hello and we started fishing just above them. Brenda immediately hooked up by being out of practice, she lost the 1st 5 fish that she hooked up with. A few of them were quite big as well!

I was able to hook into quite a few fishing behind the 3 rocks while Brenda continued to fish the side run.





No monsters, but decent fish. It was fun having Kaycee on my back and to hear her squeal as I was catching fish.

After a couple of hours, Brenda and Kaycee were getting hungry so they took off to get some lunch. Dave and I continued to fish and we moved up to our #2 spot down from the gauging station.

The fishing here was a little slower, but Dave was able to hook into a few larger fish. Unfortunately they would come unbuttoned before he could get them in the net.





This was the biggest of the day, a nice 17 incher.



At around 2, the bite started to die. Maybe it was all the pressure...there was a ton of people out there. When we left, we counted at least 15 cars in the parking lot. So to end the day, we decided to run to the spillway and see how that was fishing.

Dave set up below the bridge and proceeded to catch a few, and I set up in the runs below the spillway and picked up quite a few stockers.





Overall, a great fishing day! It was crowded, but we were able to find the fish. Flies for the day were midge patterns. Jujubee Midges, Zebra Midges with a chartreuse wrap, WD40's and Flashback Black Beauties. Mayfly patterns like two bit hookers and prince nymphs also worked great as a lead fly. I even picked up quite a few fish at the spillway with a red micro san juan.

A lot of the rainbows were also starting to get colored up for the spawn. I would suspect egg patterns will start working again so have a few in your arsenal if you plan on heading down there. Flows should be jumping up pretty soon to so keep your eye on the flows before you head down there.