May 26, 2014

Flow: 2300

With our trout getting a summer break we finally got a chance to explore some of southern Colorado’s other waters. Saturday gave for a slow day on Lake Pueblo and the riverwalk with storms coming in. We ended up with a few bass and trout but as I went for some decent carp in the riverwalk the weather got to be too much.

Sunday Norm and I headed for Wahatoya. This water is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get. Most of my ventures there ended with bass and rainbows nymphing from the bank. This day was something different. In the morning after stripping in a few failed nymph rigs and sunken dries it was time to pull out the six weight with Rio sinking line and buggers. The tug is the drug and all morning trout were chasing the bug right up to you and screaming the reel back out after the set. Lightning put an end to the fun so we went for lunch.

Mountain storms never last long and upon our return the lake went to dries and we picked them off handily. BBQ at Obie’s in Colorado City was the Coup de grace.

Today we hit our private ponds near Westcliffe, Last year the bottom lake that held the big trout. We had reports that the water was up and big trout have been stocked. Seeing is believing and while the levels are still low the fishing was great.

We like to work and there’s probably a finite time that the private water will produce trout like this so book your trip now. This is a great property for those with limited mobility and the time is right.

In the meantime the Ark tailwaters trout are getting a good summers break.

Tight lines,

Ben

May 26, 2014

Flow: 2300

With our trout getting a summer break we finally got a chance to explore some of southern Colorado’s other waters. Saturday gave for a slow day on Lake Pueblo and the riverwalk with storms coming in. We ended up with a few bass and trout but as I went for some decent carp in the riverwalk the weather got to be too much.

Sunday Norm and I headed for Wahatoya. This water is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get. Most of my ventures there ended with bass and rainbows nymphing from the bank. This day was something different. In the morning after stripping in a few failed nymph rigs and sunken dries it was time to pull out the six weight with Rio sinking line and buggers. The tug is the drug and all morning trout were chasing the bug right up to you and screaming the reel back out after the set. Lightning put an end to the fun so we went for lunch.

Mountain storms never last long and upon our return the lake went to dries and we picked them off handily. BBQ at Obie’s in Colorado City was the Coup de grace.

Today we hit our private ponds near Westcliffe, Last year the bottom lake that held the big trout. We had reports that the water was up and big trout have been stocked. Seeing is believing and while the levels are still low the fishing was great.

We like to work and there’s probably a finite time that the private water will produce trout like this so book your trip now. This is a great property for those with limited mobility and the time is right.

In the meantime the Ark tailwaters trout are getting a good summers break.

Tight lines,

Ben

May 4, 2014

Flow: 745

Water Temp: 48-55

Calling all outfitters with permits for the Ark tailwater; Get out there and book some trips will ya? You’re killing us! With 48 guests in April Lou’s so tired he can’t mendstraight (hee hee). We had an extraordinary month with 48 exceptional people from across the country with tough conditions, wind, wind, and a little wind. With the Santa Anna breeze subsiding this weekend we were finally able to take a day to play with our new toy the Imperial Speeder and pitch for bass. Too much time was spent learning foot controls and cruising to make any real effort on the lake but we had fun. Today I had the opportunity to get out with my old girl Diamond; the photo bombing dog and our cfo.

Warmer water temps and rising pressure provided for a terrific day exploring new structure below the hatchery hole. Three J hooks off the north bank made from beaver fallen trees prompted me to designate this new stretch The Lumber Yard.

Today was the first day in quite a while that the patterns didn’t matter much and strikes were substantial. I even hooked up on a number of trout on the swing or end of drift rise. 

Cover as much water as you can with your confidence flies and work your depth. Give a hole twenty good presentations and move on.

Thank you to all our guests that have kicked 2014 off to our best year yet.

Tight lines,

Ben, Lou, Diamond and the river.