September is unquestionably the start of one of my favorite seasons in Colorado. The weather begins
to cool, the leaves turn amazing colors and for the outdoor enthusiast there is a wide array of hunting and fishing adventures to pursue. It is somewhat ironic how closely upland bird and waterfowl hunting overlaps fly fishing as the feathers from these magnificent game birds tie some of the best flies. The plumage from pheasants, grouse, ducks and geese are some of the key and most featured materials in the realm of fly tying. There is just a so much satisfaction from catching fish on flies made from materials that you harvested.
One of my favorite fall adventures is a combo high country stream fly fishing trip mixed in with a little blue grouse hunting. Blue grouse are usually found next to small trout streams and lakes and the opportunity to cast and blast is very likely. When hunted with a canine companion these birds are very fun and challenging to hunt in the aspen forests of Colorado’s high country and can be pretty much found anywhere in the mountainous regions west of Denver and Interstate 25. Plus hiking for blue grouse is a great way to explore new creeks and lakes. I am thinking that I might just have
to tie some mayfly nymphs and soft hackles from this hard earned blue grouse…
The Colorado fly fishing season is still going strong and cooler stream temperatures have made for some great insect hatches. September looks to be our best month of fly fishing for the 2012 season so be sure and book your adventure today.
Tight Lines and Good Shooting,
Tyler Bowman
