December 25, 2014

Flow: 97

Water Temp: 35-38

Happy Holidays from all of us at Steel City Anglers. It’s been another stellar year that gives us a lot to be thankful for. We got the water we needed and the lake is already higher than last year’s peak. Our fishery had a break from the long hot summers that had plagued us through the drought. Improvements to the river have added more holding water and spread the trout out. Our biggest blessing has been, as always, our exceptional guests and fans. It’s a rarity anymore to walk the banks and not meet someone out there. Thank you for making us the top dogs (sorry Winston) of the tailwater of the most fished river in the country.

Last weekend we did a little follow up fishing with one of my favorite repeat pairs and Frostbite Fish-Off up-and-comers along with exploring the river with friends not seen in a long time. In preparation for the tournament we’ve been exploring the river beat by beat to ensure that each can score four in a three hour segment. So far it’s been easy enough but this young man is doing it in twenty minutes and I say “Do that again, bow bow bow”. As I write this I’m listening to the Blues Brothers’ “Messin’ with the Kid” on vintage vinyl (thanks Phil).

The Frostbite Fish-Off is shaping up nicely thanks to the massive prize packages from team Scott-Costa. Teams are full but we are still in need of volunteers to measure fish and enforce the rules. There will be great food and goodies for your help. Training is 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 8^th at Jones Healy Realtors; 119 W. 6th St., Pueblo. This is going to be our best event yet.

Water clarity has improved even more and winter bugs are producing big trout along with the stockers. Cream midges, RS2’s and smaller copper johns are getting the hit. Look for subtle takes but don’t mess your waders when your indicator charges upstream. That reminds me, I better go check mine.

Tight lines, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Joyful Kwanzaa, Merry Boxing Day, Bark Bark,

Ben, Lou, Diamond and the Arkansas River

December 18, 2014

FDlow: 97

Water Temp: 36-41

It’s been another busy week on the Arkansas tailwater with friends, guests and prep for the Frostbite Fish-Off. When one of my favorite repeat guests, and a great father son duo that are tournament bound, said they were coming down on my day off I said; “Call me when you get here, I’ll fish with you”. I had a great Saturday morning fishing “beats” that haven’t performed in the annuls of FFO lore and filled a score sheet in fifteen minutes.

When my friends finally arrived I had my fill and daily satisfaction of trout so I was able to hang out and watch. The dad is a good and humble angler and after a few trips is asking questions far advanced for a fisherman of his tenure. The kid on the other hand is something unique to me. He’s a “fishy” individual that has a natural insight to fly fishing. The thing that gets me however; is the total lack of ego, especially for a twelve year old. Inquisitive, attentive and able to follow through.

As a guide the cardinal sin is fishing with your guests. I was happy to be able to wet my line with the dynamic duo and meet, for the first time the younger brother. Here comes a nine year old in bootfoot hippers as eager as anyone I’ve met. I watched the older brother hook up and hand over his rod to his sibling countless times. The old generation of guides had better look out if this is the future of guiding.

BWO and tricho hatches are still strong depending on the cloud cover. Tapered rigs with attractors to barr’s pattern to midges are working well along with streamers.

We’re still looking for volunteers to measure trout for the FFO. Please give a day to the river. The swag and food will be well worth it.

Tight lines,

Ben

December 10, 2014

Flow: 98

Water Temp: 41-45

It’s been a busy week at SCA HQ. Friday night Bill Edrington joined our Trout Unlimited friends for a terrific banquet and presentation at the Coyote Grille, Saturday I had a full day with one of my favorite returning guests in a practice session for the upcoming Frostbite Fish-Off. The dynamic father-son duo is entering their first tourney and wanted to score some tips on effective team fishing. First thing in the morning however; was to present my young ward with a new Douglass DXF 9’5#wt dad had me order in advance.

Saturday was a little slower compared to recent days since the water ebbed and river cleared but we scored some nice trout and dad had on some of the pigs that make our tailwater famous. A few more trips and these guys will be a team to be reckoned with. Stripping a size 14 thin mint Put two in the net in twenty minutes (get them at the Drift). Thanks again for a great day and best of luck in the FFO.

Sunday was a personal day and with a little sunshine we saw it all on the river. Early morning buggers produced nice browns followed by trout suspended taking small black midges and an afternoon BWO hatch that brought twenty inchers to the top. I do like seeing my ugly mug on these reports but the hero Sunday was a new friend fishing just below us. I took a little video and gave an assist with the net. Thanks for letting us put it up.

We have a few Douglass DXF 9’5#wt, (Fly Fusion’s Editor's Choice Newcomer of the year), in stock for your holiday shopping and a gift certificate for a guided trip is always a big hit.

Tight Lines,

Ben

December 1, 2014

Flow: 94

Water Temp: 47-40 Downstream

What a great holiday weekend folks, we had a great day with family and friends and hope you did the same. Black Friday and Saturday was pretty sporting on the river with anglers from all over in our little river. I talked to some as far as Las Vegas NV; there’s an active Trout Unlimited chapter there, I like meeting new people but the crowds can spark the ire of the locals from Bojon Town.

I have been remiss in my exploration of the upper sections of the river since I moved to my little house on the hill and with an upcoming trip to that section I figured I had better get out there. The new stone steps on the south bank are a welcome addition. I’ve slalomed down those mud banks more than once in a mix of arse, elbows and fly rods.

Fishing has been more cyclical since the flows dropped, we’re seeing more periods of slow fishing changing to a heavy bite than in years before the drought. Water clarity continues to improve and BWO hatches are rampant. The dinks are back and feeding heartily on the bugs. We typically carry two rods and now it’s paying off big time. Match the hatch exactly and when that doesn’t work tie on a Griffith’s gnat. Just don’t spend all day at it, catching trout on the dry is so much fun but the big boys are a bit deeper. BH Pheasant Tails and Johnny Flash in size 18 did well over the weekend.

Our friends at Trout Unlimited are in need of a little help. Friday night (the 5^th) is holding a conservation banquet and celebration of the Arkansas River featuring Bill Edrington’s The Arkansas River: Rags to Riches. The banquet will be held at the Coyote Grille just paces off the river, surrounded by our recent river improvements. Tickets are $40.00 each or $75.00 a couple. We still have a number of chairs to fill. There’s some nice stuff we’ll be raffling off including a month’s pass to Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout. Join us for a fun night. Tickets will be held at the door. Get them at http://chapter509tu.org/conservation-banquet-2014.html

Tight lines,

Ben