June 22, 2014
There’s no place like home.
Arkansas River flow:
1560
Colorado River Flow: 3100
Why a Colorado River flow on a site from a couple Arkansas
River tailwater trout bums you ask?
We had the invitation to float the Colorado Saturday with
Mike M. of Frostbite Fish-off fame (team Flat Beer) and get a taste of big
water, a veteran guide and excellent captain offered and we jumped at the
chance. Planning all week ordering stonefly patterns we’re not accustomed to and
prepping for four guests Tuesday and Wednesday on our private waters we were happy
with the schedule. Late Friday we got another booking.
Lou’s Tuesday trip went great battling periods of wind and
bliss so I thought my Wednesday should follow suit. Unfortunately the wind for
my guest started up as we walked in and never quit. We still had fun and
techniques were passed on but I like results. Bookmark this report for December
when Doug and I seek redemption on a tailwater trip.
Saturday with Mike was a blast. We put in at Rancho Del Rio
and drifted fourteen miles down near Catamount. That sentence makes it seem
easy. Mike bust his tail to ensure we had a great day. His knowledge of the
river is exceptional and we were just humble enough to take instruction.
It was an incredible day hitting pockets as we zoomed by in
high water with a good friend but today’s outing hadn’t been confirmed and with
no cell coverage I couldn’t get all the details until we were back in cell
coverage.
Somehow everything aligned and my wards for the day during
the breaks in wind put out 65’ roll casts, landed some exceptional trout and
are on their way to becoming great anglers.
We are so blessed, during most of the year we live five
minutes from a national tailwater and we love the opportunities we’ve had. Driving
close to 1,000 miles in a week reminds us how fortunate we are. In a few weeks
our home water flows will recede after a great flush and break in pressure on
trout and Pueblo will be on top again.
There’s no place like home.
Tight lines,
Ben
