October 6, 2013

Flow: 252

Water Temp: 65 at the Dam – 57-63 downtown

Visibility: 24”

With a blown transmission, blown water heater (literally) and another guide trip to Rainbow Falls with a spectacular father- son pair of guests I haven’t had a good eye on our home water. This morning I was motivated to change that.

Water clarity is poor with a good flow. The lake for the first time in a generation does not have a thermocline. With that information it’s hard to speculate when the water will clear. That being said the water temperatures are out of the danger zone and it won’t be long before our browns start to get amorous. Protein patterns are producing well in the 18” to 19” class and the Arkansas River Tailwaters’ trophy trout will be waking up soon. Trout are everywhere but the easiest fishing is nymphing in mid-fast seams where trout have to make a snap decision and even with the diminished visibility trout are easily spooked. Cover lots of water and never give up. The same seam you just landed a 15” holdover stocker may hold a 22”+. Big flies, big files, big flies. Size 14 BH prince nymphs or iridescent glass bead annelids are producing well.

Join us on Saturday the 19^th at 7:30 PM on the deck of the Nature and Raptor Canter as we host Where the Yellowstone Goes. Bring your own lawn chair. Just $5.00 a person with half going to the Nature Center.

Tight lines,

Ben