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

November 2, 2014

Flow: 400-300

Water Temp: 57

As you, our loyal readers know we consider this the worst day of the year. With the clocks changing and losing an hour of evening fishing I tend to get depressed. This morning I had the privilege to greet one of my favorite guests I’ve had the opportunity to guide over the years and it put me in good spirits for the day. I said hi, gave a report and headed for the river with friends. My catch today wasn’t spectacular but the week has been great. Cooling water makes for hard fighting trout. Browns are feeding in anticipation of spawning temps and our “trophy” class has grown by two inches. Barr’s patterns are producing well. Suspend your nymph rig a foot off the bottom and keep the trout out of the rocks when you hook up.

Another good note for the day is that the PayPal button and entry is up for the Fifth Annual Frostbite Fish-Off. Three teams have already nabbed their slots out of 18. We have the beautiful venue of the Elks club for February and this tourney is going to be sweet! Emceeing the event and seeing some of the countries’ best anglers compete on my home water is my best day of the year.

In less than two weeks winter water storage begins. The water will clear, fishing will get even better and our tailwater will shine once again. Book your adventure now, the list folks waiting for 100 cfs is long.

Tight lines,

Ben