Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Moffitt Angling System...To Moffitt or Not To Moffitt?

The Debate of Using the Moffitt System Ensues

There has been much chatter lately about something called the Moffitt Angling Systems, perhaps you've heard of it, if not you're like most of the masses and curious about what the heck this is! I remember years ago in the haste of a 5am wake up call at the door to fish I grabbed all of my gear only to realize I left my fly boxes at home (I take all 15 now). Since on the river without flies like an idiot, a friend let me use some of his. Though happy to fish, not too happy about the flies I was stuck with and felt out of my rhythm. My point is that with this new Moffitt Angling System, it may work, it may catch fish, but until I try it and decide to take the leap I just hate to change up what's been successful for me over the years. Don't get me wrong, I will always look to get better and improve but this really changes things up once you learn about it. There is also rumors about the snagging that surrounds this systems, hmm this should be interesting debate on what others think and how it's worked for them. I did get some packets at the Fly Fishing Retail Show this year to use, it just may take me a few more times out to change up my way of fishing.

What is Moffitt? The Moffitt Angling System is a fully patented revolutionary new fly-fishing method that uses hookless flies tied on flexible synthetic cores instead of hooks, which can be looped on and off the leader above a uniquely designed barbless circle hook. The Moffitt System offers several advantages over existing fly-fishing methods. The flexible, hookless flies look and feel more realistic than traditional flies so they're more appealing to fish. Multiple flies can be fished with a single hook resulting in fewer tangles. The unique barbless circle hook is specifically designed to cause minimal damage or disfigurement to the fish. And, fish can be quickly and easily released without removing them from the water.

The Three Advantages of the Moffitt System are:
Simplicity and Convenience
Protection of the Resource
Success



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Monday, September 28, 2009

FFA Blog Recap

Fly Fish Addiction September Monthly Recap
For those that have been too busy or distracted lately -I forgive you, and haven't had time to read my Blog this month, I've done a recap for you. Fall means most of you have been out fishing, hunting, watching far too many football games or dreaming of getting out so hopefully these threads inspire you more, it definitely has for me! Enjoy


September (10)

Montana September October Fall Fishing Reports!

Atlanta Flood Hits Hard

Top Fall Fly Fishing Destinations

Kenai River September Fishing At It's Finest!

Jay Moor....Photographer of The Week!

Denver Fly Fishing Retail Show and Video Awards

Michigan Brown Trout World Record

Hook TV, Online Fishing Video Community

Alaska Fall Fishing, Big Bow Bound!

Colorado September Fishing Reports!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Montana September-October Fall Fishing Reports!

Montana Fall Means One Thing...Big Brownies!
I can't believe it, I'm going to have to miss out on one of my favorite Fall fisheries in the country this year! I know dang it, a friend recently said "You can't be everywhere and fish every river in the Rockies this Fall Troutdawg!" My reply was simple, yeah why not? Okay so maybe I'll fish every Colorado stream but Montana will just have to wait until Fall 2010


If you just have a few quick seconds and don't see the River or area you're looking for, checkout my pals at ChiWulff for extensive reports, they have almost every report needed for your next day out on a favorite Montana stream.


Yellowstone River Montana Trout Wranglers
The Stone continues to be one of our favorite local rivers to fish this summer. The flows are still at a great level and the big fish are more accessable these days. There have been reports and I have seen the photos of a few 25 inch plus fish caught in the last few weeks. Hoppers and caddis and ants are the flies of choice. No one can keep the Morrish hopper in the fly bins at the shops, but yellow chernobyl ants, grand hoppers, and the carnage hopper is all working well. The trout have gotten a little smarter after seeing two months of foam flies float by. Twitching your hopper can trigger some unbeliavable strikes, and dropping a caddis or ant off your hopper will give them another option to choose if they refuse your hopper.


Hoppers: The all day hopper fishing has just now come to a close, but a few hours each afternoon still proves productive. There are a lot of fish holding on the banks in areas with current. Smaller Dave’s sz 10 and your hopper sandwich in larger sizes.
Dries: There are trico’s appearing for the spinner fall mind morning and fish have been keying into them on the surface on occasion. A few black caddis will appear on a day to day basis. Bugs: Spent wing Trico #20 trico spinner #20 cdc black caddis #20
Nymphing: Nymphing has been consistient throughout most of the day. Focus on your Scuds and Sow Bugs as that is really all they have been eating. They key in on some small baetis nymphs mainy in the afternoon. Bugs: Soft hackle Ray Charles grey #16, Grey Poxyback sowbug #20, Bighorn Scud orage #16.
Streamers: Our up and coming star is streamer fishing. We have had some great days throwing streamers, even with full sunlight. Off the banks and through the riffles is productive but if you have a sinking like the deeper swifter channels have been excellent. Bugs: Bow River Bugger #6, brown and yellow clouser #8.
It has been in the 80’s for the past 3 days and some very excellent fall weather! Flows holding steady at 3,000 cfs


Yellowstone Park Bud Lilly's
No new fishing regs for the Park this year, just remember "All Barbless".
The road between Madison Jct and Norris is now closed for the season.During the closure they will be building a new bridge across the Gibbon River and revamping the areas above and below Gibbon Falls. This is the completion of the project that was started 7 or 8 years ago. Trips from West Yellowstone to the Lamar Valley must go around Yellowstone Lake (an extra 48+ miles, plan on at least 3 hours from West Yellowstone to Tower Junction. The Firehole is cooling a bit but I'd wait at least another week. Madison is producing on hoppers in the meadow stretches. Flows on the Stone are finally below 2700cfs. Still some Goldens and green drakes - PMDs and Caddis - look for hoppers as well. Look for the hatch and look for the fish - if you don't see any fish move somewhere else. Some nice 20+ inch cutts taken lately. Still excellant fishing in the Lamar valley if you make the drive or stay in Cooke City. Hoppers, ants, beetles - have a variety of patterns and sizes. PMD Sparkle Dun 14-18, Para Quill PMD 16-18, Tilt Wing PMD 16, Hackle Stacker16-18, HOH Para Spinner, Delektable Halo Caddis Emerger, CDC Caddis Tan 14, Hemingway Caddis 14-16, Para Quill Gray Drake, Gray Drake Cripple, Para Adams 10-12, HOH Honey Ant, Deer Hair Ant, Ant Mis-behavin, Butt Munch Beetle, Krystal Leg Beetle, Morrish Hopper, Wilcox VW Hopper, HOH Spring Creek Hopper.

Hebgen Lake-Quake Lake:
We’ve had some really good fishing between Hebgen and Quake. Dead drifting nymphs has been the most effective way to find fish. Some nice browns and rainbows have been caught on Stonefly patterns, Princes and Caddis Larva. Late afternoon is the best time to try to get fish to feed on the surface with attractor dries, but as the days get cooler the window for dry fly fishing is starting to close.
Quake Lake-Lyon Bridge:
Terrestrial fishing is slowing down in the wade section, though hoppers remain effective at times. Fall Baetis have begun to hatch in good numbers. While these small mayflies make for some very good nymph fishing, one can find trout rising to them with a lot of careful searching. Bring Emergers and Thorax Patterns in #22. Seeing these small flies on the surface is a challenge. Larger parachutes can be helpful when fished in tandem with the smaller Baetis in tow. Cloudy days are best for these insects, but some will hatch even when the sun is bright. Nymphing with small Baetis Nymphs and Midge Larva has been quite good and the most consistent way to catch trout right now in the wade section.
Lyon Bridge to Ennis:
Hopper fishing has slowed down considerably, though fish can still be brought to the surface once the water warms up. Nymphing has been pretty good as fish are feeding on Caddis, Baetis Nymphs and Midge Larva. A few of our guides have found fishing willing to eat dead drifted streamers and larger stonefly nymphs fished below an indicator. Streamer fishing will get a boost when the weather clouds up. For now stick to the big flies in the mornings.
Bighole River Angler Guide Reports
Traditionally, fall is my favorite time on the water. And the Big Hole has been good to me in the fall. The period of time in fall when night temperatures have cooled the water down enough to make fish active again, all the way to ice-up can be a productive time for monster hunting.
In fall, Baetis mayflies can be important during hatches, which occur during the warmest part of the day. A tiny, number 18 or 20 BWO or Black Baetis can take a surprising number of fish if you find an area where a good hatch is coming off. Watch along the banks close to good holding water. Trout move to the edge of the faster current and sip in the small mayflies right on the current seam. Takes are often very subtle, so keep a close watch on your fly and leader.
You can find good Baetis beds along the entire river system. I prefer to fish the canyon stretch near Divide when the Baetis are on, and during the periods when nothing is hatching, I will bounce a nymph along the bottom through the deeper water with hopes it will find its way into the mouth of a big brown.


FishEyeSoup Montana Rivers Listings

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Atlanta Flood Hits Hard

Georgia Flood Losses Estimated at $250M
Updated: Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009, 10:38 PM EDTPublished : Tuesday, 22 Sep 2009
ATLANTA (AP) - Damage from severe weather that has flooded north Georgia and killed at least eight people has been estimated at $250 million.


I've gotten a number of calls the last few days from family and friends back in Georgia and the topic of conversation undoubtedly has been the big flood in Atlanta. There has been rain and there has been rain, but nothing like this as far as I can remember. Talk about devastation! When you have highways closed, homes flooded, schools closed and for those fisherman, well you know what that means to rivers, no fishing or you better have some chum out and some level 800 grain Teeny line! Not much fishing around here for awhile and I can only imagine how uch more polluted the Chattahoochee will be after this. A very sad state anyway you look at it and it will be sometime before things get back to normal again, I just hope that the victims from this flood get all the help needed or if you feel like helping contact the Atlanta Red Cross to make a donation




Lake Lanier Georgia Statistics
Last Updated on 09-22-2009 at 9:05 AM
12:00 AM Pool Level....1067.31 MSL (up 21.12" since yesterday)06:00 AM Pool Level....1067.46 MSL (up 18" since yesterday)Full Pool Level........1071.00 MSL (-3.69' deficit at 12:00 AM) Inflow....33,715 CFS Outflow......677 CFS (33,038 CFS surplus)

Additional Local Fishing Information
Western North Carolina Fly Fishing Expo

Monday, September 21, 2009

Summer Fly Fishing Colorado Rivers, Hot spots, Tips, Websites, Guides, Lodging, Hatches for Vacationers!

Your How To Guide For Fishing Colorado
Link to a detailed page on Colorado Rivers

Multiple times a year I get an email from out of town friend's, fishing buddies, friend's of friend's, or newbie's to the state and ask.....where's a good place to fish?

Rivers of interest are all dependant on where you would like to fish, the area you may be in, scenery, crowds and sizes of fish, numbers of fish, weather and lodging are all big factors. While there are plenty of choices to choose from, it basically comes down to what you're looking for. Regardless, I'm sure you'll find what you're looking for!

Cheesman Canyon-South Platte River 1 hour away, Spectacular scenery hands down, little tougher fishing since they are quite finicky but great place to fish and it's close to the front range.

Big Thompson-Estes Park (right near Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park) 1 hour 15 minutes from Denver, easier fishing, close to RMNP if going to spend time in Estes Park, 12-14" avg size fish, decent scenery but the drawback is that it's right off a 2 lane hwy.

Blue River- (below Dillon Res) This popular area is close to not only Denver but also a popular shopping area for your wife or girlfriend, lot's of lodging accomodations, access up and down the river, close to Resort areas, nice size fish from 12-20". Expect crowds and spooky fish.

11 Mile Canyon- Incredible views in the canyon, nice pocket water, average fish around 12-14", very crowded on weekends, camping close by and lot's of hatches. If it's not your thing or not fishing well, you have Tomohawk, Dream Stream, Spinney or Antero to fish close by.

Arkansas River-Buena Vista 2 1/2 hours away, perfect access to 50 miles of water, easy to fish, 12-14", whitewater, many big mountains in the back drop while fishing so hard to stay focused with it being so pretty there.

Colorado River-Kremmling 2 hours away, near Winter Park, spectacular scenery area, great dry fly fishing if the right time, fish avg 14-15".

Clear Creek-30 minutes away Idaho Springs,10-12" avg size fish, easy to fish, decent scenery but right off I-70 hwy, perfect dry fly stream.

Frying Pan River- near Basalt and Aspen 2 1/2 hours away, amazing area with the red cliffs, near Roaring fork river as well, more crowded but BIG fish, BIG hatches and a must if close to there.

Spinney Mtn Ranch- Commonly known as the Dream Stream is a 5 mile section of the South platte river nestled between Spinney Rez` and 11 mile Rez in South Park. Big fish move up when the water exceeds 100 cfs in the Spring and Fall for your best chance at huge fish...that and lots of people! One last tip...expect Wind!!

Antero Reservoir- If already in South park, check out this Gold Medal Stillwater location. Yes there are waaaay to many crowds for me, but if you're lucky enough you could score the fish of a lifetime here.

Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park- Definitely a must stop when in Colorado and to drive over Trail ridge road is a must! Lots of small water to choose from and my personal favorite, get out of the car and walk a few miles to see truly what some of Colorado's high mountain lakes have to offer. Start out 1st at Sprague and Lily, than work your way up higher!

eagle6

Tips For Fishing In The Rockies
*Determine when is the best time for you 1st and foremost
*Choose a time that is preferably before or after our run off season (Mid May-late June)
*July and August can be superb dry fly fishing season, the best and often easiest way to fish many of our popular Colorado tailwaters
*Do your homework whether you're hiring a guide or DIY (doing it yourself) on how crowded your river of choice will be, current hatches, water flows, camping/lodging in the area and distance


Guides In The Area To Check Out:
Colorado Trout Hunters
The FlyFisher


Links for fishing Colorado:
1)FFA Website River Reports
2)Good site for hatches and rivers
3) Colorado Stream reports
4) River Gauges

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FTOTHEA

Top Fall Fly Fishing Destinations

Okay Time For All Fall Fisherman To Chime In Here!

We're starting a poll on our blog to choose top favorite fishing areas throughout the country. We all have our own favorite Fall Fishing areas we hit each year or perhaps a memorable location from years past. Most can agree that regardless of the destination, any place away from life's rat race is very much appreciated and savored for many years after.

So what are your favorites? Is it the San Juan Mountains in Colorado, fishing a small creek in the Catskill region, perhaps on a prefered river in Alaska during September, or could it be the Jackson Hole area, Muskegon River in Michigan or the Gauley area of West Virginia...you can't go wrong! Where will you be this Fall, hopefully on a the water enjoying some fine fishing and scenery. Me, well I think most of you know by now that I live for the Fall and I will be fishing as much as humanly possible for the next 4 weeks unless my client's at work protest my absence and I'm limited to only 3 days a week instead of 7!

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Kenai River September Fishing At It's Finest!

Alaska Fishing Adventure
Click Here For Alaska Trip Pictures and Story
It's Fall in Alaska, which can only mean one thing to me, Big Fat Rainbows! Fall is usually thought of as Big Brown time but up here in Alaska big Rainbows, Silvers and Dolly varden's all reign supreme.

c-guideshot
It was time again for me to head back to Alaska in the Chugash Mtn range and have my Pal Colin and Drifter show me where the fish were at and they absolutely did not disappoint. Another trip to remember for sure and besides incredible fishing we had immaculate weather, spectacular scenery and good friends to hang out with for a fun week of fishing!


ak-6

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Jay Moor....Photography Website of The Week!

Impressive Photographer Worth Checking Out
Link

We always enjoy showcasing good photographers out there, especially since I live vicariously through most of their mad skills. Jason is another artist out there that always seems to find the right subject whether it be a nice river shot in black and white, close up mayfly shots or portraits of fly fisherman, he has them.



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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Denver Fly Fishing Retail Show and Video Awards

No more than just a few hours after getting back from an exciting Alaska trip did I get voicemails "Hey I hope Alaska was good to you, interested in hitting up the Fly Fishing Show events this week?"

You know where my priority is after a week in Alaska I get back and thrown into the Fly Fishing retail mix for a few days. Can't complain and after getting another invite for attending the Fly Fishing Video awards I was all over it. Could you really pass up free drinks, free food, chatting it up with some important players in the industry and a chance to work on a few more free trips if possible, oh yeah!

Top Videos of the Night
Worldangling Group won with Slam,
Into The Backing also got some attention with wild Salt and Freshy action
Brian O'keefe's Bass film also got the juices pumping for some Bass action as well
Mikey Wier's Taimen chase was incredible and Jeff Courier also assisted in the making


The Video awards night couldn't have been better. We started the evening at a pre-party having drinks with a few people before running into a new fishing friend. Not your average fisherman or one who travels infrequently, Tom Lewin from Frontier Fly Fishing is quite the opposite. After having about 3 beers and comparing fishing stories with this guy, I don't even come close in my travels! He helps to arrange trips around the globe from the Seychelles (my favorite of his because it was from a Jose Wejebe Spanish Fly episode last year that I knew about very well) Tom was the lead in that journey, to his Patagonia operations and lastly to a new favorite for years to come hopefully in Havana, Cuba. From 40lb Permit to 18lb Rainbow's on a 5weight, Yes Tom is my new best friend!

retail-book

I was also fortunate enough to run into Conway Bowman and talk sharks a bit, Mark Lance who also just returned from Alaska not long ago to compare notes and to lightly touch on a few pictures of mine which are never in his amazing category of photography. His wife Sharon and their friends at the event from Trout Unlimited National also provided interesting conversation about recent conservation actions ongoing back in DC. Kelly Galloup whom is always a character and fun to chat with stayed to busy talking amongst the masses to catch up with this time darn it. I also was able to catch up with fellow Carper Sabrina from Sheloveflyfishing and my pal Kyle from a newly popular site FlyFishMap and Compleatthought for a drink or two so the night definitely provided a ton of entertainment. No way I could I make it to the Simms party the following night, I needed some much needed rest!

The Retail Show also gave me a sense of excitement, all these goodies available and it was time to do some serious talking and smoozing! I've been lucky enough to attend the event for a number of years now and though there is talk of a move to another city/venue. A recent Charlie Myers article and chatter at the show, most of those I talked with stated they prefer to stay and any change won't proof anything but to be a pain.

P7282843

Dan Narsete from the Fishing Show "Field Day" got me in on Saturday and it was time to get going. It didn't take long to run into a few familiar faces again like Brian O'keefe from Catch Magazine, to tell him about my recent Alaska trip and to see where he's off to next, lucky dawg!!

Another fellow Georgian was Zach Matthews, most know him from his site Itinerant Angler, or from his writings in Fishing Mags and Midcurrent. It was good to catch up with him and to talk about his recent trip to Yellowstone NP catching lot's of Cutthroats. Something about passing by the Tibor and Abel booths just pull me in! Yes I'm drawn to em and am always looking at the new stuff as well "brownnosing" my butt off for some rare discount with them even if it's a blemished Backcountry model....I don't care! All in all a fun weekend and lot's of swag to show from the guys from Mustad, Rainy's, Scientific Anglers and a from a few favorite rod makers.

Congrats again to the boys at Scott Fly Rod, they got the gold from their Scott S4s - 2010 Dealer's Choice for best new rod of 2010.

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Michigan Brown Trout World Record

Did Someone Say It's Brown Trout Time on The Manistee!
With Fall lingering around for some wild brown trout action the season is off to a wild start having a large brown caught in Michigan and the thought of Fall already get's many of my fishing buddies amped up -as well as myself, to get out and chase some monster browns. Can't wait!!

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

Hook TV, Online Fishing Video Community

In search of another good outlet for top fishing videos look no more! Whether you're bored at work or want to post your own videos, go straight to Hook TV for some entertainment.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Alaska Fall Fishing, Big Bow Bound!

Time To Head Back To AK Again For Some Big Bows, Salmon, Steelhead and Dolly's!

It's been a trip I've been waiting on all Summer for and it's it's finally here. The question that's been pondering me is, did I bring enough rods : 5wt, 6wt, 2 7wts, and an 8wt? Did I buy enough 0X, 1X and fly lines for the water we're fishing? Did I remember to buy my license and most importantly, place the dang thing within reach since I somehow misplaced it last time and you guessed it...got hit with a ticket! Not letting that happen again while out on the Kenai.

We're fishing some small creeks, the mighty Kenai, maybe some inlet areas and who knows where else, can't complain really where we go I'm just letting my Pal from Anchorage show me to the promise land!


alaska fly-boxesegg patterns
I think I should have enough flies this time as I made sure to bring a little of everything. Being a streamer guy and loving the big stuff I brought along a few too many fly boxes just in case. What about Eggs you ask? You better believe I got em and just about every color needed. As they say, the planning is half the fun, true but with my planning the danger always exist for me to enter the Troutdawg dungeon with no clue how to get around. With so much chaos ensuing from flies all over the place, different reels with varying lines, who knows what I have?? I guess it's better to have more than not enough as long as I don't accidentally use a 6wt 500 grain Teeny line hoping to use as floating line. Will definitely report to you when I get back, expect Mucho Pics!!


akreels

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Colorado September Fishing Reports!

September is here can you believe it! Fish On

With Fall right around the corner the question most fisherman are asking one another is where to fish? Pretty Nice problem to have with so much good water around the state to fish and it can only get better with the upcoming months. Most of the rivers listed below are favorite's by most, but if you're like a few of us, we'll save the secret spots for our GPS eyes only and some hungry browns that hopefully will make this Fall one to remember again!

Don't Forget FFA has daily updated River Reports on our blog below! So feel free to scroll down and look for your favorite rivers whether in the Rockies, Michigan, Cali or if looking for Saltwater reports we have em as well

Gunnison River Willowfly Anglers
Gunnison River:Flow: 376 cfs through townStonefly nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Copper Johns, Barr's BWO Emergers, and streamers. Mayfly nymphs trailed behind larger stonefly nymphs. Streamers in black, olive or white (4-8). Dry fly action with stimulators (10-12), caddis (12-18), and BWOs (18-20). Hopper-dropper rigs are working well. The kokanee are now moving up the Gunnison and some salmon are in the Almont area and up at Roaring Judy. Their numbers should increase during September.

South Platte River Reports Blue Quill Anglers
Dream Stream Flow: 134cfs Food Organisms: Midges, Caddis, Tricos, Pale Morning Dun's and Yellow SalliesHatches: Midges, Caddis, Tricos, Pale Morning Dun's and Yellow Sallies14 Day Forecast: Look for good hatches of midges (black and olive), caddis, Tricos, pale morning duns, Baetis, and yellow sallies.Tips and Other Information: Flows are low and the fish are spooky. Dry/dropper rigs are your best bet right now. Hopefully flows will improve soon.Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Flashback RS II, #18-20 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18 Buckskin, #16-18 Bead Head Barr’s Emerger (pmd), #20-22 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Stimulator, #24 Stalcup Trico

Frying Pan River Taylor Creek Fly Shop
FRYING PAN FLOW: 446 cfs. MYSIS ALERT! Stickin' pigs is commonplace for good anglers right now! Lots of Drakes too! WOW! Big flows equal big fish. THE SHORT AND SWEET: Typically we only experience these flows once a year. However, due to endangered suckers and chubs along the Lower Colorado River extra water is needed from the Frying Pan. If you missed the last flush, you won't want to miss this one! Big Fish madness is on in a big, big way. Not to mention all the great dry fly fishing and hatches of Drakes, PMD's, BWO's and superb Rusty Spinner falls.
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Drake Nymphs (12-14), Mysis Shrimp (Clear and White), PMD's #16-18 (Yellow and Greenish, Pink on the slowdown)), #16-20,BWO's #20-22 (Gray,Olive, and Black),, Huevos (Yellow and Orange) #14-18, Sculpins/Streamers (Olive, White, Brown, Black) #6-10, Caddis #14-16, PMD's #16-18

Arkansas River Royal Gorge Anglers
The Arkansas now has a very stable flow of around 300 cfs which should last a couple of months or more, give or take a cfs or two. Fish are holding in riffles and along cut bank shorelines with some venturing mid river during the early evening hours. Fishing is a bit more technical than during the summer. I recommend longer leader systems and fluorocarbon tippets. Attractors are now smaller in #16 and #18 but the old hopper/copper/dropper is still hanging in there with a #16 Foam Stimulator or Amy's Ant trailing a #16 Copperhead, Red Thunder or Red Copper John and then dropping a BWO emerger such as an RS2. A variety of single dries including Wulffs, Coachmen, Royal Humpies, Caddis and Red Stimulators are all taking fish.

Colorado River Cutthroat Anglers
The word on Guide Street is, the Tricos are exploding on the Upper Colorado! Clouds of insects are covering the water up there, and the fish are going crazy! It's hopper and dry-fly season! Guide wisdom... "Fish a UV emerger behind a hopper or stimulator."
Top producers include: Black UV Emergers, JuJu Baetis, PMD Barr's Emerger, WD40s, Barr's Pure Midge Larva, Garcia's Rojo, JuJu Bees, Big Bear Baetis, RS2s, Crystal Hunchback Baetis, Killer Mayfly, Sparkle Baetis, Brooks Sprout Baetis, and San Juan Worms, Graffic Caddis. Dries: Trico spinners in all flavors, Para Wulff PMD, Parachute Hopper, Orange and Yellow Stimis, Elk Hair Caddis.

Rocky Mountain National Park Kirk's Fly Shop
Lily Lake - Fishing good in late morning and early evening. Use a suspended scud pattern in tan, callibaetis, damsel nymph or dry, or small black midge on the surface.
Sprague Lake - Fishing very good at the inlet. Use small surface midges, such as a #22 or #24 Griffith's Gnat, Neversink Gnat or CDC Cluster Midge. Also sink a #20 pheasant tail, copper-beaded Micro Mayfly or green Gidget under a Pearl Elk hair Caddis #18 or ParaWulff Adam #18. Dream Lake - Fishing good. Try a small black midge on the surface, such as the Neversink Gnat #20, dropped with a jujubee #18.
Lake Haiyaha - Fishing good. Try similar flies to Dream, plus an Orange Asher #18.
Fern/Odessa Lakes - Fishing good. Use a Parachute Adam #18, ParaWulff Adam #18 or Deer Hair Ant #16 on top, trailed with a copper-beaded Micro Mayfly #20, flashback Pheasant Tail #20, Crystal Hunchback Baetis #20 or a Mighy Mite #20.
Spruce/Loomis Lakes - Fishing good. Use small black, surface midges. Griffiths Gnats #22, Neversink Gnats #22, CDC Cluster Midges #24 are best bets. You can also sink a small pheasant tail #20, copper-beaded Micro Mayfly #18, or a Crystal Hunchbak Baetis #22 beneath a Parachute Adam #20, Parawulff Adam #18 or a Flying Loco Beetle #14.
Mills Lake - Fishing good. Use either small midges on the surface, such as an orange asher #16, Yager's Neversink Gnat #22, or Sprout's Baetis #24, or us a Pearl Elkhair Caddis #18, Trigger Caddis black #18, or a black Ripcord Caddis #16, trailed with a Might May Sloan Baetis #20, Jujubaetis #20 char, Transparant #16 or a copper-beaded Micro Mayfly #18.

Statewide Colorado Streamflow Reports