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

November 23, 2014

Flow: 93

Water Temp:  45-48

One more cup of joe please.

Saturday showed us a shirtsleeve day in late November with a mixed bag of size and species. Browns are spawning and there a good number of juveniles playing spawn.  Fishing didn’t really pick up until after noon but when it did it was Katie, bar the door. The cooler the water gets the harder the trout are fighting.

This morning I opened the door of my little Shangri-La above the river to see snow blowing sideways at 40 mph. The weather reports called for diminishing winds so I decided to have another cup of coffee. Half an hour later the snow is blowing at the same speed in another direction. A few more cups and I’m jacked up like a spider monkey on Gatorade; the snow is coming straight down. I suited up and made the ninety second hike to the river.

 The river is empty and my consciousness is tuned to three things; my little dog sitting attentively on the riverbank, my cast, and the silence the snow manifests. Occasionally the peace is broken by a hardy trout. The dog looks at me with approval but has long since lost interest in kissing fish.

Sunday was a good day to fish after Saturdays’ crowds. Most folks left before the fishing kicked in. For the most part I enjoy the guests our river receives but please understand one thing: this is the biggest small town you may ever see. If you want to fish here respect the locals, be courteous and spend a few bucks in town.

I’m trying to get Norm here to video how to tie a Johnny flash ‘cause it rocked this weekend.

Our friends at Trout Unlimited are in dire need of folks to help measure fish at the 2015 Frostbite Fish-Off. Please contact me if you can give a day to help the river.

Tight Lines,

Ben

November 16, 2014

Flow: 114

Water temp: 43

I’ve mentioned it before; making the first prints on the snow covered banks takes me back to a childish glee. The landscape and quiet so close to home, safety and five star cuisine at the Coyote Grille makes the city seem farther away. And the $4.00 Sunday bloody mary? Fuggedaboutit!

 After a great weekend exploring our burgeoning winter fishery and watching trout seek their winter homes I am seeing signs of a great season. Numbers in the net grew exponentially and sight fishing is on the cusp of returning.

Trout are vying for position in the new feeding lanes since winter water storage began, leaving a mixed bag of hookups throughout the river. When your indicator dips the taker could be two inches or ten times that. Like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get. RS2’s, annelids and blue Copper Johns worked well above small flash-backed cream colored midges. Temperatures are cold but with layers and proper care great times can be had. We’re seeing a number of redds and the browns are getting amorous so watch your step (at least now you can see your feet).

Our friends at Trout Unlimited chapter 509 have some great events coming up; the Conservation Banquet & Silent Auction Fundraiser with Bill Edrington is Friday, December 5 at the Coyote Grille and the Frostbite Fish-Off is over half full of teams. Volunteers are still needed.

Book your trip now for winter angling at its finest or drop us a line to volunteer.

Tight lines,

Ben