|
|
|
We trust you all had a safe and an enjoyable Christmas break. The weather was very pleasant last week and with it brought some great fishing. We had just a touch of snow last night and today is a little cloudy and colder. Over the next five days it is expected that there will be a little more snow and the temperature will continue to have daily highs in the high-twenties to thirties. We are now past the shortest day! The Bureau increased the flow in the Pan last week so that it is now running at 126cfs. This adjustment was undertaken because the inflow was greater than expected and the level of Ruedi was not dropping quickly enough. This is indeed good news for the fishing. The warmer weather and the increased certainly cleared out the river of any anchor ice in the Pan. We trust that you have a good new year and that 2006 brings much success and tight lines. Thank you for your custom during the past year. We look forward to seeing you when the opportunity presents itself in the future.
Frying Pan Current Flow: below the Dam 126cfs. (if you want more uptodate figures check out current readings on our "Links" page)
Harry and TJ continue to both good success on midges. Very few other folks are on the river although as the weather warmed towards the end of last week there was a very modest increase in traffic.. The higher water flow is going to protect the river more from anchor ice and will give the fish more room during the month of January as we head into the traditionally coldest part of the year. Now is the time to be careful with the fish when landing them. One does not want them to expend unnecessary energy. In addition, try not to take them out of the water. The cold will freeze their gills very quickly. At the moment on the Pan it is warmer in the water than out. It is now midges, midges and maybe a few eggs. Recommended Flies: The water is very clear and is now at its proposed winter flow so make sure you are using light tippet – 7x. There is midge activity when the sun warms things a little although there has not been much activity in the snowy conditions. As the sun gets lower, in the narrow Frying Pan Valley your principal goal will be to find where the sun gets on to the water. Spot the fish feeding as they will not move far laterally to take midges. Try midge larva and pupa before the hatch starts. When the fish begin to feed under the surface, try small emergers; olive biot emergers, size #18 - #22 and black special emergers #18 - #22. Small copper johns are working well. On the surface, use midge dries with emergers in the film as a dropper. The fish are still on the redds although the spawning season has passed its peak already, so egg patterns will work well. Roaring Fork The river has been very clear with the cold weather holding back the flow. The fishing has been excellent with principally midges. Ed had clients out on a cast and blast trip. He reports that the fish are feeding well on princes and midges. Recommended Flies: Use the same flies as the Pan (See our report for the Frying Pan). Generally try midge patterns - larva, pupa and emergers. For variety try very small baetis nymph patterns. Copper johns always work well now, the smaller the better. Black and olive beadhead streamers are also working. Also egg patterns. But keep clear of the redds. Colorado River The water color remains good as the falling level is aided by the colder weather. The fishing is good. Try midges, and 20 inchers. Also try any nymphs #20 and smaller. Recommended Flies: midges, both dries and emergers; pheasant tails #16, 18; BWO's #18,20; small copper johns; 20 inchers size #10 - #14; bead head prince nymph red #12 - 16; egg patterns #10 - #18; streamers #6 and #8 and smaller.
|
|
