by Pete Mott
I know a few snow fanatics that track seemingly every flake of every storm to make sure they are on the right mountain when the skiing and riding is the best. Avid fisherman too are consumed with the knowledge to be there, there when the fish are most willing to eat, those magical and unforgettable ultimate conditions that once we find for the first time, we then strive to find again and again. You could apply to most any sport, hobby, or passion; enthusiasts listen and watch and practice to hopefully eventually become a skilled expert in whatever they love the most, spending countless hours learning its secrets and to be there when its the best.
That time is Now for western Colorado as warm spring temperatures have overtaken winter’s chill and the resurgence of aquatic hatches the trout depend on have the the fish eating happily.
If you love to fly fish, your probably already out there enjoying some of the easiest fishing of the year. The fish are simply on the feed, and they are not picky, but rather recklessly hungry.
One of my guide peers likes to state “anyone can catch a trout in the spring…” The Colorado river is one of those places offering incredible “catching” conditions during these early spring months.
Back in the early 90’s I remember often being the only boat out there, sometimes day after day after day. I liked to rotate my favorite holes, fishing the left bank runs on Monday and then the right bank on Tuesday. How exciting it was knowing exactly when I had last placed a fly in a particular hole last, and the anticipation knowing the resident trout had been rested, not prepared for me to be back and tricking them once again. I did not always get it right, but I would sometimes joke to my clients, over there is a fish is that is on the payroll, just cast 10 feet, mend, count to three and set the hook. Lots of fun when it would happen just as I choreographed.
Still today the Colorado river is un crowded, lots of space to not compete with other anglers and if you time your boat launch right, literally have it all to yourself. This legendary watershed has it all with long wide open runs, gentle rocky bottom riffles, enticing undercut banks and lazy foam lined eddies. Perhaps the most challenging is where to cast with so many inviting options and committing to your drift without changing your mind to cast again to yet another fishy looking lane.
What would be my answer to my favorite river I have fished and guided…hard to answer as I recall all the days on the wonderful rivers I guide, but it has to be the Colorado.
Rotating my rowing throughout the 100 or so miles we consistently float, it’s the bread and butter of our guide seasons.
I invite you to also experience epic spring conditions and enjoy the best days doing what you love the most!
Check out Trout Trickers and all they offer over at https://trouttrickers.com/ or give them a ring 970-306-6255 and make sure you tell them AvidMax sent you! We love knowing our customers are going to go spend a day with the best guides we can recommend. We want to see those photos and hear about your epic adventure – please tag AvidMax in your social posts or email Lincoln@AvidMax.com.
