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