Colorado Fly Fishing Blog - The Flyfisher

Featured Colorado Stream: Bear Creek

Bear Creek is truly one of the hidden gems of Colorado’s Front Range. 

Pound for pound we can’t think of a more interesting and dynamic fish than that of the brown trout and Bear Creek is teaming with a self-sustaining population of wild browns.  

The fishing is a good mixture of pocket water dry fly presentations and the creek is also a good place to perfect your skills as a nymph fisherman.  The fish are by no means gigantic; however persistent anglers can definitely find healthy brown trout in the fourteen to sixteen inch range.  Small creeks are a great place to learn the ins and outs of fly fishing and a great place to introduce newcomers to the sport.

For the most up to date and real time Bear Creek fly fishing reports visit our Colorado
Fly Fishing Reports website.  Our public water guide service Colorado Trout Fisher is now booking spring fly fishing trips, call today or visit our website to reserve your reservation.

Tight Lines,

The Flyfisher Group

www.theflyfishergroup.com

Office: (800) 882-4314

tyler@theflyfisher.com

Featured Colorado Fly Fishing Preserve: Singing River Ranch

Singing River Ranch is located on Colorado’s Bear Creek and is a beautiful high mountain meadow stream.  This fly fishing only preserve on upper Bear Creek is truly one of the hidden gems of the Front Range, consistently producing wild trout.  Browns, rainbows, brook and the occasional cut throat trout can be found in great numbers on this section of the creek.  The Flyfisher Guide Service is the exclusive outfitter for Singing River Ranch.

Insect hatches are prolific on this small stream.  Guide favorites include spring and fall midges, micro stoneflies, summer caddis and a wide array of mayfly species.  The summer red quill hatch and
spinner fall offers some of Colorado’s best dry fly fishing.

Singing River Ranch is a classic small stream, best suited for dry fly anglers and slow action rods.  Bear Creek is a great location to fish with light one-three weight rods and is an even better spot to break out that bamboo fly rod.  Singing River is easy to wade and is an excellent spot to take children or newcomers.  The creek features some wide open riffles for easy casting but also is full of tight willow thickets and tricky spots requiring all but the most delicate of fly casts.  Coupled with trophy trout ponds, Singing River Ranch has an offering for anglers of all experience levels. 

Spots are filling up fast for the 2013 spring and summer.  Give us a call or send us an
email today to make a reservation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tight Lines,

The Flyfisher Guide Service

www.theflyfisher.com

Office: (800) 882-4313

tyler@theflyfisher.com

 

 

Louisiana Redfish Dreaming

It has been about a week since I chased redfish on the flats of New Orleans, Louisiana and I can’t stop thinking about the day!  Fly fishing for redfish is just pure fun and for a guy that likes to hunt and fish there is just no better combination than scanning salt water flats for your prey with a fly rod in hand.  

The season for big redfish in and NOW is the time to go!  Trust me if a trip for you is at all possible right now you want to get yourself down to the Bayou!  You won’t regret it! 

I cannot say enough about my guide, Rocky Thickstun he put me on lots of fish and has a ton of personality to boot. 

Don’t miss out this winter, why be bored when you can catch salt water fish in excess of 20 pounds?

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

tyler@theflyfisher.com

Sight Fishing for Redfish in New Orleans

Louisiana is home to perhaps the best sight fishing for Redfish in the world. 

Recently, I was fortunate enough to take to the flats of New Orleans with Captain Rocky Thickstun.  The adventure began before dark when Rocky picked me up at our hotel on Bourbon Street.  After saying our hellos, I told Rocky that I was a trout guide back in Colorado…

“Are you a good angler?” 

Rocky inquired just hoping that he had a halfway decent stick in the skiff today.  It was a less than perfect day for fishing; intermittent cloud cover and high winds were set to plague the flats.

“I can see fish, I’m certainly no great fisherman, but I’m persistent.”  I replied hoping that I wouldn’t make too much of a fool of myself today.

“Don’t trout set these Redfish!” he said.  “I fish a lot of trout guides and most of them blow their day by doing a trout set and pulling the fly away from the Redfish.”

“I’ve salt water fly fished before.”  I quickly replied trying to convince Rocky that I wasn’t a complete hack at this game. 

“I’ve seen that trout set shit go on all day!”  Rocky snapped back at me.  “If you trout set you won’t just miss some of the fish, you will miss ALL of the fish!”

So off we went on a cruise through the flats, flying through the marshes of Southern Louisiana. 

The dolphins and waterfowl add to the mystique and beauty of this utterly unique environment.  I knew it was going to be a day to remember when we saw a Red Tail Hawk grab a duck from the water for a little morning snack.

“It’s a hunter’s day.”  Rocky whispered before he shut the motor off.

I climbed to the bow with a nine weight and fly in hand as Rocky polled the flats and we scanned the water for our prey.

There is a reason they call this fish the Redfish, a big fish looks like a giant red log swimming across the flat.  My first cast was in the money…

“Strip, strip, strip, strip!”  Rocky yelled from his platform as I trout set the fish, pulling the fly from his mouth and watching the fish vanish forever.  Rocky then proceeded to curse me for not listening and reminding me that if I did not strip set these fish I would go home empty handed…

The next opportunity came and my cast was terrible, well behind the fish.  I made another cast and missed.  And then another, third times a charm and the Redfish inhaled the fly and the fight was on!

There might not be a better made fish for fly fishing than the Redfish. 

These salt water creatures were simply crafted for the sport, cruising in shallow water and eating flies with reckless abandonment.

And so we polled on, through the clouds and the winds making for one tough, challenging but rewarding day of flats fishing.  A hunter’s day indeed…

For more information on sight fishing for Redfish with Louisiana’s best, Captain Rocky Thickstun please call or email me.

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

tyler@theflyfisher.com

720.253.2494

 

 

 

Colorado's Best Winter Tail Waters: The St. Vrain

OK, so the St. Vrain may not be as famous as Colorado’s South Platte but there must be good reason that noted fly fishing author chose to situate his home on the banks of the St. Vrain River near Lyons,
Colorado.  On one of our favorite Front Range tail waters, the St. Vrain below Button Rock Reservoir allows anglers to catch a mixed bag of brown and rainbow trout and the occasional brook trout and
cut throat, allowing the fly angler to catch a grand slam close to home.  The fish may not grow to epic proportions like some of Colorado’s tail waters but there are still plenty of trout and the
Vrain is a great place to learn how to fly fish.  All that one needs to be successful in the creek is a three weight fly rod, a box of dry flies and a variety of bead head nymphs.

The St. Vrain may be some of the best places to learn the art and science of fly fishing.  This
local creek is close to home (just a short drive from Denver or Boulder) and full of brown and rainbow trout that are opportunistic and willing to eat a wide variety of flies.  Dry dropper fishing with attractor dry flies like Stimulators and Elk Hair Caddis and bead head droppers like a bead head pheasant tail is effective almost year round.  In the spring and fall, the creek sees good hatches of blue winged olives and midges making for some fun and challenging dry fly fishing. 

Smaller weight fly rods are the most fun for these smaller sized creeks.  You can learn most anything about trout fishing from our Front Range streams and we are most fortunate to have such an incredible resource close to home.

Good public access can be found around Lyons.  The dirt pull offs on National Forest land are unmistakable and there is even some good fly fishing through town.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For a recent Colorado Fly Fishing Report on our Williams Ranch, located on the St. Vrain just outside of Lyons, Colorado, please click here:  Williams Ranch - St.Vrain Fly Fishing Report.

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

Colorado's Best Winter Tail Waters: The "Dream Stream"

As the name suggests, Colorado’s Dream Stream or Spinney Mountain Ranch just outside of Fairplay, Colorado gives Denver anglers the opportunity to hook and land true trophy trout.  Some of the biggest and most beautiful browns, rainbows and cuts show up in this famed stretch…my college GPA would have probably been a lot better during the spring and fall had this not been the case.  In the spring and fall, huge migrations of lake run rainbows, browns, and cut bows enter the stream to spawn and lay their eggs.  Sight fishing and quality polarized lenses are the name of the game for hooking these monstrous trout.  However, the legendary lake runs are no secret and crowds can be heavy if not shoulder to shoulder during the fish migration.  Nymph and streamer fishing is
a guide favorite for hooking the lake run fish.  However, the dream stream is certainly not for the faint of heart as cold temperatures and high winds are the standard on this section of gold metal
water.

In addition to large lake run fish, anglers can expect to find Kokanee Salmon entering the river during the fall months.  These fish range anywhere from one to five pounds and are a ton of fun on fly tackle!  The Dream Stream supports a healthy population of resident browns, rainbows and cut throats.  Long slick runs and riffles make for some challenging fly fishing. 

The Dream Stream sees prolific hatches of midges, tricos, pale morning duns, blue winged olives and a wide variety of caddis and smaller stoneflies.  Be ready to battle the wind and cold on this historically desolate area but the rewards are worth it!  

Winter has always been one of the best times to fish Spinney Mountain Ranch, the crowds decrease significantly and on warm and sunny days, fishing in the valley can be quite pleasant.  Lots of winter insect life in the form of small midges and mayflies, makes for one of our most productive and sought after winter tail water fisheries.

For current stream flows, fly fishing conditions, fly fishing tips and useful fly patterns on the Dream Stream check out our updated daily Colorado Fly Fishing Reports.

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

 

 

Colorado's Best Winter Tail Waters: This week Cheesman Canyon

It is winter time in Colorado, but that is no excuse to put the fly rod and waders away! 

We are fortunate to have a wide array of tail water fisheries that remain open and productive throughout the winter months.  Over the course of this winter we at The Flyfisher plan to keep you up to date and informed on our favorite winter tail waters.  For daily updated fly fishing reports, water conditions, helpful tips and recommended fly patterns be sure and book mark Colorado Fly Fishing Reports.  Our reports come from our Flyfisher Pro Staff Guides (Colorado fishing bums) and are updated on a daily basis.  When planning your next trip be sure and stop by for the most up to date fly fishing conditions in Colorado.

This week we will start off featuring one of our favorite tail waters, Colorado’s famed Cheesman Canyon. Perhaps one of the most famous and iconic rivers of the west, Colorado’s South Platte will educate, challenge and humble both new and experienced anglers alike.  As the saying goes, “If you can catch trout in Colorado’s Cheesman Canyon, you can catch them anywhere in the world.”  Heavy fishing pressure, gin clear water and diverse bug life makes the South Platte one of the most technical fisheries in the world. 

Cheesman Canyon is the most sought after and routinely visited section of Colorado’s South Platte.

This is one of the most technical tail water fisheries in the state, demanding that anglers sight fish with small tail water flies and fine tippet.  The Canyon is accessed from the Gil Trail, requiring a short hike to get on the water. 

Fish are seldom seen rising in Cheesman but good dry fly fishing can
still be had, especially during hopper season where the canyon’s rainbows and browns just can’t resist a foam hopper bounced off a canyon wall. 

Plus hatches of small stoneflies and caddis make for some great summer surface action but as a general rule of thumb a good nymph fisherman will catch most of the fish.  Ideal flows for Cheesman are when the water is up, around 200-400 CFS.  When the flows are high the fish in Cheesman go crazy for worms and scuds and nymph fishing with a variety of San Juan Worms and scud patterns makes for some outstanding fly fishing.  Winter is one of our favorite times to hike into the canyon as the crowds are light and winter time hatches of midges and blue winged olives make for some exciting days on the water.  Catching a fish in Cheesman is always a reward no matter what your level of skill!

For the most recent information on fly fishing Cheesman Canyon, http://www.coloradoflyfishingreports.com/reports/?reportid=2356

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

Fly Fishing Colorado's Winter

Winter is here and many of our Colorado streams and still water lakes have frozen over for the season. 
Fortunately, we still have many winter fly fishing opportunities on our winter fly fishing preserves.  On warm and sunny days our fly fishing guides are reporting good insect hatches, primarily midges and
blue winged olives making for some great late season dry fly fishing.  

Even if you are new to the sport, winter is a great time to give fly fishing a try.  Let one of our
professional fly fishing guides help you learn the basics of casting and presentation.  Or, if the weather is too cold for you, winter is a great time to learn new skills like fly tying or rod building through Angling University or take one of our online classes about fly casting or insect
identification. 

One of the many beauties of fly fishing is the ability to stay connected with the sport year round. 
However you decide to spend your angling time this winter season, let us help facilitate your entire fly fishing needs.

Tight Lines,

The Flyfisher Group

www.theflyfishergroup.com

 

Fly Fishing Downtown Denver Carp!

Today was a beautiful day in downtown Denver!  Fellow Flyfisher Guide Service guides, Ethan Emery and Randy Pruitt and I joined up with Lateral Line Media in an attempt to find some tailing carp.  The water was a little higher and more off color than we expected but sure enough right out of the gates we saw some nice fish moving across the sand flats of Denver’s South Platte.  

I have done quite a bit of carp fishing in lakes and ponds, looking for tailing and mudding fish but I am new to carp fishing rivers.  In the past I have always done well with smaller leech imitations and flies that mimic classic Bonefish patterns tied in drab colors.  However, the carp we encountered on the Platte were behaving more like trout, grouping up into large pods of fish and feeding in the middle of the bigger runs and longer riffles.  So at the suggestion of Ethan and Randy we rigged up some nymph rigs consisting of leeches, mayflies and of course San Juan Worms and after targeting where the fish were sitting we started getting some nice hook ups!  Joey of Lateral Line Media was on hand to document the day, so be sure and stay tuned for some awesome Colorado carp fly fishing footage!

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

 

 

Winter Fly Fishing in Colorado: Try fishing a Bamboo Fly Rod!

It is that time of year and as I write it seems that winter is just getting closer. 

As a Colorado Fly Fishing Guide winter is a time of year that I look forward to and is a most necessary time to prepare for the summer angling season.  At this point in the year my fly boxes are bare and a lot of my gear is in dire need of repair.  On the list for winter projects this year is to finish building a bamboo 4 weight, a rod that I started years ago, but have yet to find time to finish.  My friends, bamboo rod aficionados and Denver anglers, Shawn Bratt and Mark Shamburg helped me flame and split the cane, build a custom grip and fit the ferrules, but life got in the way and I have yet to finish wrapping the rod!  However, this winter it is going to be a different story…I’ll be posting pictures of my bamboo masterpiece come spring…

Fishing bamboo really is a lot of fun and learning to cast these more precise fly rods will help any fly caster better their skills.  Bamboo rod builders are in a league of craftsmanship all their own and their rods are true works of art.  Lately, I have heard a lot of anglers claim that bamboo fly rods are just too slow action to make the accurate casts that are needed for modern day fly fishing. 

However, this is simply not true!  Modern day builders like Mark Shamburg of The Confluence Rod Company are using more modern and progressive rod tapers to create bamboo sticks that generate higher line speeds and tighter loops.  These rods cast with the efficiency and tight loops of modern graphite and boron rods, but still maintain the classic touch and feel of bamboo.

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

The Flyfisher Group

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

 

 

New Winston Boron III-SX Fly Rod Review

Winston is proud to introduce a new fly rod series that was engineered to tackle the most technical and demanding fly fishing in the world and we were excited to try it out and review it. Hopefully our review of the Winston Boron III-SX will help you in your next fly rod purchasing decision.   The new Boron III-SX Rods can best be categorized as "super" fast-action, but the new rod blank still feels and casts as smooth as a classic Winston.  As with all Winston fly rods, the Boron III SX rod requires somewhat of a more advanced caster to properly load and is probably not the best choice for beginners.  But, if you have some decent casting experience the new rod can generate some really impressive line speed and tight loops.  The most interesting thing about this fly rod is that each line weight and length is specifically designed to best meet the needs of the species and situations that are most commonly pursued with that rod.  From small stream trout to world record tarpon, the SX has you covered!  I have always been partial to Winston seven weights and am thinking that the new SX might have to become my new go to bonefish and redfish rod, while maybe doubling as a big water trout stick…

The new Boron III-SX rods feature a superlight matte black reel seat with R.L Winston Rod Co. engraved on the barrel.  The trout rods are available with the same wood reel seats as previous Boron IIIx rods. The 9'6" 5 and 6-weight models have fighting butts for versatility and battling larger fish.  All come with a bomb proof graphite rod tube.

Check them out today: http://www.winstonrods.com/category/rods/boronIII-SX.php

Tight Lines,

Tyler Bowman

www.coloradotroutfisher.com

Angling University gets ready to teach at ISE

    Angling University President, Ethan Emery was warming up for teaching at the International Sportsmen's Expo by stopping by Denver Channel 9, NBC on New Year's Eve.

Click here to watch Ethan teach 9News anchor Corey Rose about the ISE show and fly fishing. 

   Angling University will be teaching ISE attendees young and old about the essentials of fly fishing for FREE. Be sure to stop by the Angling University Learning Center for free casting, fly tying, and entomology lessons, as well as to check out the scheduled fly tying demos from industry experts.

See you there!

Angling University Staff

Angling University kicks off 2011 at Denver ISE

For the fourth consecutive year Angling University has teamed up with International Sportsmen’s Exposition in adding a local flavor.
Every year more than 30,000 people flock to the Colorado Convention Center in downtown Denver. This year it is no different, except outdoor enthusiasts will be seeing Angling University in a lot more places.

On January 6,7,8 and 9, Angling University Instructors will be staffing the Angling University Fly Fishing Learning Center equipped with stations to teach attendees about fly tying, entomology, knots, rigging and a private pond for casting. While at the booth, check out the new online classes being offered by Angling University. New for 2011, every ISE show attendees will receive a Free voucher for one of Angling University’s cutting edge online classes. Pick up a voucher at the Learning Center or the ISE brochure table.

Special Promotion: While at the Learning Center, sign up for an AU class, lesson, or Flyfisher guide trip and receive a Free AU/Simms T-Shirt!

This year Angling University instructional staff will have an expanded role. Our Instructors will be featured in the following ISE venues.

Venue	Thursday Jan 6th	Friday Jan 7th	Saturday Jan 8th	Sunday Jan 9th
Aquarium Demo Tank	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Eye for the Spin Guy 1:30 PM	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Eye for the Spin Guy 3:30 PM	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Eye for the Spin Guy 6:30 PM	STOP BY THE AU LEARNING CENTER For Great Instruction and Prizes
Fly Fishing Theater	STOP BY THE AU LEARNING CENTER For Great Instruction	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Fishing Myths & Truths 6:30 PM	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Fishing Demystified 1:30 PM	Ethan Emery & Staff Fly Fishing “Reel” Family Fun 12:30 PM
Fly Tying Theater	Matt Nery- Warm Water Patterns 3:30 PM	STOP BY THE AU LEARNING CENTER For Great Instruction and Prizes	STOP BY THE AU LEARNING CENTER For Great Instruction and Prizes	STOP BY THE AU LEARNING CENTER For Great Instruction and Prizes
Angling University Learning Center	FREE Fly casting instruction, Knot tying instruction, Fly Tying instruction and Interactive Entomology Noon to 9PM	FREE Fly casting instruction, Knot tying instruction, Fly Tying instruction and Interactive Entomology Noon to 9PM	FREE Fly casting instruction, Knot tying instruction, Fly Tying instruction and Interactive Entomology 10 AM to 8PM	FREE Fly casting instruction, Knot tying instruction, Fly Tying instruction and Interactive Entomology 10 AM to 5PM

Stop by the Learning Center and register to win one of the many prizes that include:

A complete fly fishing rod/reel combos, new fly lines, fly boxes, Simms t-shirts and much more.

Information will be available for classes and guide trips.
Follow the link to buy your tickets now: https://v2.interactiveticketing.com/tickets/t149_2011_sportsmens_expo_denver_10092058df/form_purchase.php?step=intro

Learn How To Fly Fish Online - get started for FREE

---

ANGLING UNIVERSITY IS GIVING YOU A FREE ONLINE FLY FISHING CLASS  To redeem your free module: 1. Just click on the online classes link below. 2. Select the Trout Identification / Quarry module from the “Single Courses” by adding it to your cart and checking out. 3. Complete your reservation info and enter FriendofAU in the promo code field and finish your reservation. 4. Follow the link at the end of the reservation and begin your online learning session. Angling University Online Classes       ONLINE LEARNING - Fishing classes for less than $5! Brows through our fully automated, interactive online learning modules. In a few clicks, you can be learning about fish identification, entomology, fly selection, fishing knots, and more. Check back frequently for new course offerings that include warm water, salt water, steelhead, and our Holiday gift certificates. Click here to see for yourself.

---

NEW WEBSITE INCLUDING NEWS & MEDIA PAGE For your convenience and browsing pleasure you can now get all the latest fishing reports, news, blogs, and access to our trophy trout pics right on our homepage. We have also added a News & Media page for more in depth stories and amazing fish pictures.   Click to see the new Angling University site

---

Enjoy!

Ethan Emery
Angling University President

G.Loomis Introduces The Next Advance In Graphite Rods

WOODLAND, Washington USA - ICAST Show 2010 Introduction - Anglers around the globe realize G.Loomis is a long-time leader in graphite rod blank technology. It started with IM6 and GL2, then to GL3 and IMX, and then GLX more than 16 years ago, the only graphite made strictly for use in the construction of fishing rods. The next breakthrough is now here with G.Loomis' new 16 NRX four-piece fly rods in weights and designs for trout, salmon/steelhead, saltwater and two-hand/spey techniques.

(Editor's Note: G.Loomis' NRX fly rods will be available from select retailers in both the U.S. and Canada on Friday, August 13 - we'll have additional information on the rod launch including participating shops the week of August 2)

Calling on the talents of chief rod designer Steve Rajeff and the support of the entire G.Loomis team worldwide, anglers "will uncover a series of rods that are at least 15-percent lighter than similar GLX rods, plus we're able to offer a durability feature to make them up to 20-percent stronger and more impact resistant," said Rajeff. "And as anglers would expect from G.Loomis, we bring the best in components - from reel seats, grips and guides - specific for the bass rods and fly rods. At G.Loomis, we have never settled for just good enough. These NRX rods are the best at every level in terms of graphite, resins and components to provide anglers with the most dynamic, lightweight and sensitive rods we've ever made."

According to Justin Poe, brand manager for G.Loomis, the NRX construction method is completely unique to rod manufacturing. "By utilizing a stiffer, lighter and higher density carbon married with Nano Silica resin systems, we can provide Steve and his design team with a material that provides all kinds of positive benefits to anglers. The rods are lighter, yet more durable, extremely sensitive, and yet stiffer. Obviously we simply think they are the best rods out there."

All rods feature G.Loomis' unique 'Hybrid Guide System' that combines the strategic placement of both Fuji titanium-framed SIC and REC Recoil black ion coated nickel-titanium guides from the stripper to the tip. "We use stiffer Fuji guides closest to the reel to offer more sensitivity transfer to the angler along with moving weight back to rods' butt section - plus also on the tip," said Rajeff, "and then REC black Ion-coated single foot guides that are extremely small and light so as not to impede casting and retrieve performance. Looking down the rod, it looks like the guides disappear off the blank."

"Never before have I felt a rod with this much life," said Poe. "Life is something we talk about as a premiere rod company, and in these NRX rods, anglers will feel the difference when their lure drags across silt, gravel, and ridges - even at 60-feet. With the life in these rods, even a light tick turns into a thump. Set the hook."

As with all G.Loomis rods, the NRX models are manufactured in the USA. For more information on the new NRX fly rods, visit www.gloomis.com or call 1-800-GLoomis.

Courtesy G.Loomis

Ranch & Resort TV Features Flyfisher Guide Service on May 18 and May 23

The Flyfisher Guide Service will be featured on national television on Tuesday, May 18 on ICTV at 5:30 p.m. MDST, and throughout Colorado on Comcast on Sunday, May 23 at 10 a.m., all times Mountain. Ranch & Resort TV host Milton Dailey along with special guest Jim Ferguson of Great American Outdoor Trails Radio Network were guests at Lincoln Hills Fly Fishing Club to tape the show.

 

 

 

 

The personalities were treated to a special day outside of Pinecliffe, Colo., where Ferguson was amazed at the total number of fish caught and the overall strength. Dailey is still trying to find ways to put all of the footage together for a half-day on the river.

 

“I’ve never had such high quality, non-stop fly fishing action before,” said Dailey. “This is the best fly fishing footage I have ever gotten.”

 

The 10-minute feature will focus on the many great trout located in South Boulder Creek. Fans can catch 2009 Guide of the Year Anthony Bartkowski working with Ferguson throughout the day, while Flyfisher Guide Service Owner Matthew Burkett works with a never-ever angler to great success. Additionally, Cody DeGuelle, Lincoln Hills Fisheries Biologist and Guide, will be highlighted about the various streamside improvements that were conducted in making this section of Lincoln Hills one of Colorado’s best private fly fishing clubs.

  

Ferguson hosts a weekly radio show that can be heard on more than 400 radio stations throughout the world. He has hosted Bartkowski several times in the past, and you can listen to the duo talking about Ferguson’s trip to Lincoln Hills.

 

To see Ranch and Resort TV check below:

 

Tuesday, May 18 at 5:30 p.m. MDST

DirectTV – ICTV channel 344

Dish Network – ICTV channel 230

 

Sunday, May 23 at 10 a.m. MDST

Colorado Comcast channel 3

 

Drilling May Encroach on Trout Streams

In the endless debate over conservation and development will we ever find a way to get along? I support both; conservation is smart and necessary, and development is required. Just as we need to preserve our environment, we need to find better fuel options and technologies and we need to extract resources. Most of all we need to figure out how to work together so that our collective interests can be addressed.

mattieb

As reported in the Denver Post: "The bully boys of oil and gas are drilling away at Colorado's fish and wildlife again. No surprise there. It's what an industry allowed to rumble unrestrained by the federal administration has come to view as its absolute right.

Question is, will the administration of Gov. Bill Ritter roll over beneath this latest onslaught and allow the energy express to quash its own laws and regulations?

At issue is a series of draft rules by the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission, a branch of the Department of Natural Resources, establishing protection for the state's streams and big game herds. As proposed by commission staff, the rule would prohibit drilling within 300 feet of streams. It also would establish sensitive periods and areas for certain species, such as fawning for mule deer or mating for sage grouse."

Public comment accepted in June at oil-gas.state.co.us/rulemaking/draftcomments/comment.cfm

It's Good to Know Fly Fishing is in this Season

High fashion makes its mark on fly fishing with the introduction of a fly rod and fly box paring from none other than Coco Chanel. The famous double C logo will be adorning the rod, box and the wings of the flies. If you have always wanted to get your lady into the water now is your chance to deck her out in style! Hang on to your hat, it's almost $20,000; now that must carry a really good warranty.

I am already excited to meet the client who shows up with this puppy. When we do see this set up on the water this season, I hope the angler fishing it remembers to set it up in the air when putting in down and stow it in the case on the way from one location to the next. I'd hate the first break to be from stepping on it or rolling it up in the truck window.

mattieb

We learned about this story from: The Guardian

The Perfect Storm - Runoff in the Rockies

Charlie Meyers in his article "Clear opportunity in muddy waters" suggests that fishing the spring runoff is for some anglers the best fishing of the year. I agree in that the fishing is always best for those willing to venture beyond the road side pull off and well worn anglers paths. Fishing in runoff and in the weeks immediately following is also the most dangerous time of the year for fly fishers. High off-color water, eroding banks and shifting boulders can be hazardous to an anglers heath. Take this opportunity to look before you cast and fish the water right under your nose. The catchable fish are holding against the banks often within inches or a couple feet of the high water mark. Remember that spring runoff is a time for the rivers to renew themselves. We all need a good flushing every once in a while. Colorado's rivers and streams have not been flushed like this in a while and it should lead to a very productive summer and fall.

mattieb

Dollar Wise Fly - New TV Show on Versus

Versus just debuted Dollar Wise Fly with Conway Bowman tonight. This is the first fly fishing show to come to the airwaves recently that is fast paced, quality, action packed, and most of all entertaining. The first episode was about Red Fish in New Orleans, Lousiana.

The basis of the show is how to fish different locations economically. Conway was able to fish outside of New Orleans for $1,500 including 4 days of fishing, airline tickets, hotel, food, and rental car.

The ending will take us thrill seekers down to cajun country. It was a 38-pound Red Fish cuaght in a kayak. Hold on. Next week, Conway takes you into his hometown of San Diego for some Make Shark fishing. To get the schedule, visit: www.versus.com and do a search for Dollar Wise Fly.

Anthony Bartkowski

Rose are Red, Violets are Blue...

Have you gotten your loved one a Valentine’s gift, card, and dinner reservation yet? If not, lunch is less than two hours away. Start scrambling. One of my goals for the year is to read more classics. I finished John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row last night, to only find myself wired. I grabbed the Quotable Fisherman and found one that is appropriate for today.
 

“Most fishermen swiftly learn that it’s a pretty good rule never to show a favorite spot to any fisherman you wouldn’t trust with your wife!” by John Voelker

What are some of your favorite fishing quotes? Please post.

Anthony Bartkowski

Weekend Fishing - Perfect Weather - Grab Your Rod

I am excited. Over the past few days the weekend forecast has been looking like a perfect long sleeve fishing day in Colorado. Today after checking out the flow conditions of the front range waters we guide on, my excitement is best described as similar to a kid in a candy store.

Tonight I am going home and pulling out the vice to whip up a variety of midges. You need to take advantage of these warm days now, but the good part is that March is almost near where you will find us in the water on a regular basis.

If you have the opportunity to wet a line this weekend, I would suggest:

Deckers or Cheesman Canyon - Flow at 40 cfs, with temps in the mid-40s.

Arkansas River below Pueblo Reservoir - Flow between 100-110 cfs, with temps in the mid-50s.

I am in the quarter flipping stage of where I will be waving a fly rod. I can't wait. Hopefully we will see you taking advantage of this winter reprieve.

Anthony

Denver Fly Tying Classes

Angling University's Beginner Fly Tying Class continues to sell out and produce great results. Expert instructor Dan Robinson has been teaching fly tying for years. Since hooking up with Angling University, Dan has brought in all the goods; years of experience, great teaching techniques, and the students are eating it up! There are still a few spots left for our March Beginner Fly Tying Classes...sorry February is full :) Stop by Trout's fly fishing on 6th Ave., or log on to theflyfisher.com/AnglingUniversity to book your class and start filling your fly boxes before the fishing season is in full swing!

Ethan

Colorado Snow Pack Looking Good

The South Platte river drainage is at about 95% and the Colorado river drainage is at about 105% of normal snow pack as of today. That is good news for the fly anglers on the Front Range. Here we are at the beginning of February and it looks like we have the water for another epic fishing season. Normal flows from run off and consistent draws from the western slope should keep our Front Range waters in peak condition this season. Both the bugs and the fish prosper in the predictable flows of a normal season and since the 2007 season produced some of the best hatches we had seen in the past 5 or 6 years, we are really looking forward to how nature will follow that up.

Look for South Boulder Creek and the South Fork of the St. Vrain to be buzzing by April and if our snow pack holds out they should continue to swarm well into October; Royal Wulff anyone?

The southern part of our state including the Arkansas, San Juan, Rio Grande and Gunnison are all well above average. Which is good news for Mother's Day Caddis hatch on the Arkansas, the flushing flows for the quality water below Navajo Dam on the San Juan and the Salmon Fly hatch in the Gunnison Gorge.

Link to Snow Pack

Colorado Fly Fishing Newsletter

So, so pleased with the positive response we received from our first publicly distributed newsletter. Much thanks goes out to Anthony Bartkowski our Newsletter Editor-in-Chef for getting me out from behind the new web site construction long enough see that he had a good idea. Like all successful organizations The Flyfisher Guide Service is truly a product of our passionate and detected staff where individuals like Anthony are the rule rather than the exception.

Please look for PROMO CODES in future newsletter. These are good for discounts when making reservations for the 2008 Fly Fishing season through our new reservation system. Anthony will directly benefit from your use of these codes, so if you like the newsletter and saving money; using the PROMO CODES is what will continue to make our newsletter a reality.

Again, special thanks to Anthony for bringing The Flyfisher Guide Service directly to or clients.

mattieb

99.5 The Mountain Free Fly Fishing Class Promotion for the International Sportsman’s Expo

The Flyfisher Angling University in conjunction with the International Sportsman’s Expo (ISE) and radio station KQMT 99.5 FM The Mountain will be giving away free fly fishing lessons on the radio. Day one of the two day lesson includes free admission to the ISE and hands on casting and classroom instruction. Day two of the lesson features on the river instruction at Lincoln Hills Fly Fishing Club. All the winners need to arrive by 2PM on Saturday, January 26, 2008 part one the event.

Part One Casting and Instruction at the ISE:

• ISE on-site instruction: Saturday, January 26^th from 2–4PM
• Angling University’s Ethan Emery & Anthony Bartkowski will be the instructors
• Fly casting and instructional session in the ISE hall will be run in two separate groups; ½ learning casting while the other ½ enjoys a question and answer session.  At the midpoint the groups will trade
• Angling University will provide fly rods for the class

Part Two On the Water Fly Fishing Lesson:

• April 27th as a primary date, May 4th as a back up date
• ½ day session at Lincoln Hills (4-hrs on property)
• Noon – 4pm
• All winners arrive at noon meet at lodge
• Two – three guides – Ethan +1 or 2
• 2 groups of about 6 ppl each

• Angling University will provide necessary equipment for everyone

mattieb