10/19/2013

Flow 203

Water Temp 59 Degrees

What a perfect day for a trip, clear skies, no wind and 70 degrees. I met my guest at the Nature Center parking lot, did the inevitable paper work and headed to the fast water between the rock piles and the 1^st up stream “J” Hook.  The water is so murky wading in deep water is dangerous at best.  We fished the fast water, which has been a producer of quality fish for weeks.  At the risk of using the same cliché, meat and potatoes works.  The first two fish to the net took a Pink Egg, then a Red San Juan Worm.  After numerous fish all day and an incredible lunch at the Coyote Grill, we ended the day with a fat brown that took a size 16 Bead Head Pheasant Tail.  God, I love my river!

It is fall in the Rockies, that means spawning browns on the Pueblo tailwater.  Pre spawn fishing for big bull browns will be the best ever.  Book your trip asap, pre-spawn  can be short, 2 weeks max.  Once that is done please stay off the redds. 

Tight Lines

Lou

October 14, 2013

Flow: 230

Water Temp: 56-62

Water temperatures have been out of the red zone for a week now and the trout are loving it. Trout from 13” to 20” are lively and releasing easily. Flow fluctuations should be much lower as we near November 15 when it will go to constant rate. The only disadvantage is the clarity. 18” to 2 feet and it’s been slow to clear. Streamers, san juans, eggs and BH 20” foot the bill for numbers with bwo nymphs attracting the larger, smarter ‘bows.

Join us this Saturday as we and the Nature and Raptor Center host an outdoor showing of Where the Yellowstone Goes as it follows a 30-day drift boat journey down the longest undammed river in the lower 48. Intimate portraits of locals in both booming cities and dusty, dwindling towns along the Yellowstone River, illustrate the history and controversies surrounding this enigmatic watershed leading to questions about its future. Connect with colorful characters, get lost in the hypnotic cast of a fly rod, and experience silhouetted moments of fireside stories on this heartfelt river adventure.

Bring a lawn chair and jacket as we enjoy the film on the deck of the Nature Center at 7:30 on a beautiful fall evening. $5.00 per person.

Tight lines,

Ben

October 6, 2013

Flow: 252

Water Temp: 65 at the Dam – 57-63 downtown

Visibility: 24”

With a blown transmission, blown water heater (literally) and another guide trip to Rainbow Falls with a spectacular father- son pair of guests I haven’t had a good eye on our home water. This morning I was motivated to change that.

Water clarity is poor with a good flow. The lake for the first time in a generation does not have a thermocline. With that information it’s hard to speculate when the water will clear. That being said the water temperatures are out of the danger zone and it won’t be long before our browns start to get amorous. Protein patterns are producing well in the 18” to 19” class and the Arkansas River Tailwaters’ trophy trout will be waking up soon. Trout are everywhere but the easiest fishing is nymphing in mid-fast seams where trout have to make a snap decision and even with the diminished visibility trout are easily spooked. Cover lots of water and never give up. The same seam you just landed a 15” holdover stocker may hold a 22”+. Big flies, big files, big flies. Size 14 BH prince nymphs or iridescent glass bead annelids are producing well.

Join us on Saturday the 19^th at 7:30 PM on the deck of the Nature and Raptor Canter as we host Where the Yellowstone Goes. Bring your own lawn chair. Just $5.00 a person with half going to the Nature Center.

Tight lines,

Ben

9/27//2013
Trout Creek

Flow:  8 CFS

Temperature:  66-68 Degrees

Arkansas River

Flow 680 CFS

Temperature:  69 Degrees

 Rainbow Falls Mountain Trout, what an incredible fishery.  The lakes have cooled and the stream has almost perfect flow for the large rainbows and Cutts that lurk there. Our guest was from Lubbock TX and is an outfitter providing hunting and bass fishing services.  He is a very good fly fisher as well. 

 We arrived at about 7:30AM and headed for the stream.   Since it was early and the sun had not hit the water, a Cone Head Olive Bugger size 6 was dynamite!  Later in the day, the ubiquitous Red San Juan Worm and Cream Midge were the ticket.  Wouldn’t you know the last fish of the day would make his trip.  The 24” brown in the picture took a Red San Juan Worm not a foot from the edge in the small pond.  After 1 ½ trips around the pond and a lot of patience, he came to net.  Why so long you ask, T.J. was using his 2wt Loomis!

 The fall fishing at Rainbow Falls will only get better!  Book your trip now, and be prepared for a trip of a lifetime!

 Tight Lines

 Lou

September 21, 2013
Flow: 374
Water Temp: 65-73
Last Saturday we witnessed the flow in the Arkansas River tail water go from 60 to 2800 cfs almost instantly. Pueblo’s a unique place having an incredible fishery and 4G coverage. Lou called me as the claxons rang at the dam. They can be heard for about 500 yards at the beginning of our nine mile river. I was at the Nature Center and decided to experience the rising water. We’ve seen it before but rarely on this magnitude.

 I set markers at the water line and kept fishing the fast water. As far downstream as the Nature Center is the increase in flow is subtle. Fishing a run for a while an angler could find themselves stuck where they stand. It is, in my opinion, a big safety concern.

I thought about making a few courtesy calls to our local overseers of water and their partners but this is going to require a change in policy from the top. If I have my way, with the support of our friends, should this situation occur again a park ranger will travel the length of the river and warn anglers to watch the water and get to the same bank their vehicle is.

We at Steel City Anglers strive to provide the best information in a timely manner. For those that don’t know I am also president of Pueblo’s chapter of Trout Unlimited and emcee for the Frostbite Fish-Off (Colorado’s only open fly fishing tournament). I sincerely apologize for the late report. I will be willing to put up a fight in the in the interest of public safety. If you’re willing to join in and sign a petition requiring a warning system for flow fluctuations that go over 500 cfs email me at ben@steelcityanglers.com.

What about the fishing you ask? The water is muddy with about 12” of visibility so big bright and fuzzy is the key. The good news is the water and lake are cooling and we’ve survived another summer in this drought. Watch your step wading and cover lots of water. Trout are all over and in unusual spots with the protection of the murky water. This could be a great time to hone your Czech Nymphing skills as you can get right on top of the seams and high stick.

The pictures are from Sunday as we toured North Lake and Wahatoya.

Tight lines,

Ben

September 8, 2013

Flow: 129
Water Temp: 67-74
Guides day off!

With a little more water and cooling temps we can let out a sigh of relief. A few more weeks and the lake itself will start cooling.  This drought has taught us how tough the Arkansas tail water’s trout are. Most data we mine off the internet and our colleagues suggest 65 degrees is dangerous for most salmoniformes. We hit 80 for a week! Our trout are lively and healthy. They still exhibit the shoulders we saw develop five years ago. Their girth is good and if played with care and efficiency are easy to revive. This years’ caddis hatch was minimal but bwos and tricos provided plenty of sustenance. This week’s trico hatches have been incredible.

Currently the water is off color but if you take a little time watching the slack water pools behind structure you’ll find nice trout moving to feed. Two minutes scanning the water to make a single cast may not sound like fun but the satisfaction when you set in the meat is exceptional.

 In the meantime today was much like the rest. Fishing for big trout followed by gourmet burgers at the Coyote Grill. The only difference is that whilst not on the clock the food can be paired with fat tire. San juans above olive cdc rs2’s. were the key.

October and November are going to be great months and we are ready in Pueblo to go above and beyond to make your day with us an adventure you’ll never forget. We tell our salty yarns but it your stories that give us the most pride. Book your trip now.

Tight lines,
Ben

September 4, 2013
Flow: 93
Water Temp:  71-80
We’ve had a busy week here in Pueblo. Our little city always has something going on. Watching flows and temperatures and kicking off the fourth Frostbite Fish-Off for Trout Unlimited. Then hosting a booth at the fair, helping the Nature and Raptor Center in the Fiesta Day Parade and finally some fishing.
The river dropped a few degrees with slightly cooler days. Moving the output to the north gate of the dam seems to have helped too. We’re not out of danger yet but the trend looks promising. Our local biologists are aware and have walked the river. We appreciate their patience and quick response when we have concerns.
Our limited fishing has been good on attractor/ nymph rigs. Bass are active in the warm water and the tug is the drug. Stand above the deep weirs and strip a bugger upstream. Sunday the Arkansas offered me a great day for browns. A trico hatch and trout feeding sub surface prompted me to put an RS2 and zebra midge below my san juan. All were effective but the browns hit the juan four to one over midges.
As we cool off please continue to fish upstream and early. The river is clear turning green in the pools. Great days are just around the bend.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 31, 2013
Flow: 332
Water Temp: 65– 77
The more things change the more they stay the same. We had a
great time mingling this evening at the Courtyard Marriot’s open house showing  off their new lobby and rooms. Surrounded by the new we saw old friends and caught up on current events. The stewards of this community continue to make a better place just as we strive to improve our river.
Pueblo’s not just a great fly fishing destination it’s a mecca of
art, culture and entertainment. Emily of the Damon Runyon Repertory (theater) is excited about this season as am I. Late this summer they’re presenting “Evil Dead, The Musical”. As a sponsor we have tickets and I’m excited to see it. The Courtyard Marriot’s renovation is immaculate and our guests still get a big discount.
Fishing has been terrific with the trophy class trout being a little more difficult but hookups abound. The water is a little off color and sight fishing is technical but possible. Size 14 BH pheasant tails have been
the pattern. Trout are spread all over and moving daily. Cover lots of water and don’t skip the “J” hooks.
The dog Days of summer are here and temperatures are getting high in the afternoons in Pueblo. We request that unless you’re sight fishing to our huge carp stay upstream of Pueblo Boulevard and fish early. There is plenty of room and lots of water. It’s odd, we’ve been busier than any outfitter ever has
here but the river hasn’t had a lot of traffic.
 Weekend trips are booking fast but we do have some weekday slots open so get your reservation in. Pueblo’s top guides know where to go and as always full day trips include a hot lunch prepared by the chefs at the Coyote Grill.
Tight lines,
The Evil Genius

July 20, 2013
Flow: 368
Water Temp: 65-75
We’re happy to have another innovation in the books for Steel
City Anglers. Our first was Colorado’s smallest fly shop. Our marketing has made us the busiest guides in Pueblo and giving to the river and community has rewarded us in turn tenfold. We were the first to hold a fly fishing film in Pueblo that just broke even. We’ve had great successes and had a few things blow up on us and we keep trucking on with the motto if you have nothing to lose by trying and everything to gain if successful by all means try.
 Today’s innovation is the tournament in a box. Competitors submit photos of their fish on a tape with a random code. The longest carp (or whatever) wins. Easy to promote, organize and run. We were even able to compete in one for once. The mini tourney went great with a small turnout. We decided
  to take a relaxed day of it carp nymphing at the lake. I may have produced better results if I kept the beer hand free. Mike on the right went and worked the downtown sections and took the prize with a 23 inch fatty. On the right side of the check is Jim Little, the new executive director of the Nature and
  Raptor Center. We anticipate some great things from him. A special thanks to Barry Reynolds for the prize package and support. Stay tuned for a trout report.
Tight lines,
Ben

July 11, 2013
Flow: 419
Water temp: 63-74
Now is the time. Right now. Flows are still fluctuating, trout are just off their summer break and I love wet wading. Winter fishing is what makes
Pueblo a rockstar but I enjoy the challenge of keeping up with trout on a daily changing river. It’s an additional puzzle that keeps the tailwater fresh and new. Of course Pueblo’s local guides have a big head start on where the big boys go between 400 and 300 cfs.
I’ve had the opportunity to hit the water early mornings before work this week to outstanding results. Pheasant tails #18 and midges below the
ubiquitous san juan have produced well. Plan on exploring lots of water or of course book a trip. A half day trip can get you keyed in. The photo was a subtle reminder to carry two rods in Pueblo. The deck at the Nature Center is an aquarium of big intelligent trout. I had a short time to fish and was interrupted with the need to find a port-a-john as the café was still closed.
  On the way back I peeked over the deck to find big rainbows competing over food
  on the surface  film. Changing a nymph rig to a dry isn’t too hard but if my gamble didn’t work I’d have been out of time to switch back. Thankfully my bet paid off with an 18 deer hair caddis.
A quick pic and I’m on the six minute drive (love Pueblo) to work. Walk in on time still squishing in my sandals. Next time I’ll remember extra socks.
Deer flies have been brutal this year so bring bug spray or we’ll provide it on your trip. Long sleeve shirts and wading pants keep the bugs away. I don’t wear shorts because it would be a peek through Colonel Sander’s peephole more than anything but I see the benefit.
Keep an eye upstream for changing flows and tubers and start upstream and early. Water temperatures are getting high in the afternoon downtown.
Tight lines,
Ben