The Start of the 2008 Damsel Fly Hatch

The damsel flies on The Lake are starting to hatch. It seems a bit later than usual, but we did ice-off two weeks later than usual, so that probably has something to do with it. The larva for these flies are HUGE! Now I know where the sci-fi guys get their ideas for movies like Alien...

A River Runs Through Everything

In Colorado, like most of the states west (or even east) of the Mississippi, the rivers are raging right now. Even the most die-hard "I only fish moving waters" fishermen are looking for a nice, calm lake to wet their line. Thankfully, I have my own lake. That makes me a VERY popular guy in June. Better yet, the stockers have been in the water since mid-May and they're turning on every day with the warmer weather.

The Lake Opens Again

The lake is open again. It opened up about three weeks ago, but the weather fluctuated a bit and it closed & opened over and over until this week. From the look of things, the hold overs are bigger than ever!

This fish is one that a buddy of mine caught. Notice the hardware... that's NOT a fly in this pig's mouth, that's for sure. I'll have a talk with him. The good news is that he put back every one he caught, so I'm pretty sure they're waiting for me...

Consistency

I know, I know - write more. I just need another hour in the day, that's all...

Westslope Cutthroat Denied Protection

I'm still learning about the various efforts that affect conservation, access, fish habitat, etc. This one jumped out at me...

From the American Wildlands website there's this article. Apparently the appeal to have the Western Slope Cutthroat listed as an endangered species has failed yet again.

The publication of the original decision from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is available here.

As far as I can tell, there's more to this matter than meets the eye. My guess is that if the species WAS listed, a lot of major industries (timber, oil, gas, etc.) that currently get away with polluting rivers that host this species would be hauled into court and forced to recognize that their hurting one of the few native trout species in the Rocky Mountain region. Given our current energy situation and presiding party in Washington, I doubt this matter will ever be judged in favor of the trout and those that represent them.

Roaring Fork Here I Come

My new job requires me to travel all over the state of Colorado. I'll be in Glenwood Springs in two weeks. I plan on fishing the Roaring Fork and maybe the Frying Pan while I'm there. I'll let you know how it goes...

The Fly Fishing Show Comes to Denver January 5,6, and 7

There almost two (2) feet of fresh snow in the yard and the lake is STILL frozen over. I just picked up the newest edition of Fly Tyer Magazine and my vise is out of storage and ready for some tying. The first stop for the Fly Fishing Show is Denver (of course!) on January 5, 6, and 7. I know that I've already seen 905 of what will be at the show, but it is a great excuse to take my daughter out of school for the day. Besides, she's so cute, maybe someone will give her a flyrod... See you there. Fish on!

A little time off...

Now that I've entered into the realm of multi-sports (elk hunting, duck hunting, pheasant hunting, etc.) I'm not fly fishing all the time, every time. Don't get me wrong, I still love fly fishing, it is just that there's more to do in the outdoors and I want to explore a bit. Besides, there's 2 feet of snow in my yard and the lake is frozen over. It is hard to think about fly fishing under these conditions. Fish on!