SPRING FLY FISHING

Published On: May 12, 2005

Welcome to Spring Run Off in Western Colorado! Finally we have a decent snowpack this year. The Gunnison Basin is 140% above normal in snowpack. All of this translates into high water for several weeks to come. As we haven't had a true spring runoff in several years, our rivers and streams have become silted on the bottom. The high water acts as a cleansing tool to help clean the river. This adds more area for aquatic insects to live and thus more food for the trout to feed upon. Because of the higher water levels, nymph and streamer fishing become the most productive way to catch the Trout. When you are nymph fishing, be sure to use plenty of weight to get your fly to the fish. If you are streamer fishing, a sink tip line works well as it will put the fly where the fish are feeding. Fish fairly close to the shore as the high water has a tendancy to force the fish to the edges. Start in close and work you way to the middle. "High Sticking" works well. Be very careful wading this time of year. As water clarity is very poor, it becomes hard to see the bottom. We suggest that you invest in a wading staff. It will become one of your best investments. As fishing conditions change rapidly, please call the shop to find out what the current conditions are. Our telephone number is 970 244-8658. You can also e-mail us at 800 513-3474. Good Luck!!

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