March 22, 2015

Flow: 676

Water Temp: 40-48

It’s pizza, beer, tequila and tales at truot bum paradise this evening. In my last post I reported taking over the business I’ve worked for the last five years and with that the work days have been long. I may not have to answer to anyone above me but making sure the team that makes everything come together gets their paycheck is no small measure of concern. My time fishing has to be effective so in the few hours each day I have, I need to educate (myself) and inform and get to the office.

Lou, on the other hand has the time and experience to keep a watchful eye on the river and the fluctuating flows. Keeping a close watch will be a regular quick post on our Facebook page as the rising flows can be dangerous to traverse. Keep an eye on the flows on our webpage during our irrigation season or if you have a question give us a call.

The fishing over the weekend has been great for big, healthy (fat) rainbows. San Juans, RS2’s and BH Zebra  Midges have been the most productive. Rainbows are in all stages of spawn so stay off the redds and net trout above and below the redds quickly. Book your trip now while we can hit the hot spots and enjoy remarkable spring days.

Tight lines,

Ben

March 15, 2015

Flow: 317

Water Temp: 40-48

Luck is a physical law as much as gravity is. Luck; or “good fortune” is a set of circumstances that favor to bold in life that do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do. The law of inertia is well more known; an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force. Put the two together as a modus operandi and you equal success.

I had the opportunity this month (with my colleague and graphic artist) to buy out the business I’ve worked for the last five years. Steel City Anglers has been easy to manage from a business standpoint , no employees, rent and little inventory. We sell ourselves, give all our knowledge to our guests and give back to the river through TU and it all come back to us tenfold. I just dove in head first with nine employees and a massive book of business shipping worldwide. Thank you Luke and Jamie for the great deal on Trigger and the opportunity to keep this empire growing.

Fishing the Ark tailwater has been the same formula. Do the right thing and keep positive inertia the rewards will come. Fishing has been technical to say the least, but perseverance pays off! With the flows going up trout are moving around and sight fishing is abundant. The increased flows are churning up some sediment with clearer patches upstream.

Saturday Lou pulled on of the ballsiest moves I’ve ever seen in guiding. He took two rookies off the tailwater to the HARP river walk flowing at two cfs. Ten carp and three rainbows later I have to say he called it right. I joined the troupe around 2:00 after a Project Healing Waters orientation at Peterson AFB. I gave a hand and after the trip was done I waded in and pulled out a carp, smallmouth and bluegill. After my rainbow from just out of the Nature Center deck I only needed one more species for a grand slam but I hung it up as dusk brought a cold breeze. Fish your confidence patterns all day like it was your first cast.

Maybe I’m jaded by the “luck” we’ve had but I’m astonished by the negative blogs by some southern Colorado guides complaining about the crowds, improper handling of trout, fist fights slashed tires (looks like force majeure to me) and arguments on the river. Rather than give people a sour look all day we will continue to be cordial but diligent in educating those new to the sport where and where not to fish.

Book your adventure now before the river blows out. The river at spring flows has a lot to offer.

Tight lines,

Ben

March 1, 2015

Flow: 174

Water Temp: 34-39

Q: Can an angler catch carp on an early march on a twenty degree day?

A: Apparently it is. The Higher flows certainly are making trout explore and the fight and colors are great. San Juans and grey RS2’s are working well. But carp were calling so I made my way to meet Lou at one of the local guides’ spots for golden bones. The flow there is almost nonexistent. The few trout in the riverwalk probably won’t survive the drop. The same holds true for the urban section of river and the reconstruction of the levy. This is one of those fights we wouldn’t be able to win. Without the work downtown Pueblo could be in jeopardy and businesses would be subjugated to flood insurance. We have assurances that the structure downtown will be put back as it was found and, in the end, the lower tailwater will bounce back. Everything in my back yard however is fishing great. As the weather warms up the fishing will continue to be fantastic.

Tight lines,

Ben