High Country Report

September 1, 2010

WATER CONDITIONS:

Fall is right around the corner and with that brings the end of many of the high country fisheries. The next few weeks are not to be missed as the color of the foliage will be breathtaking. Many of these areas are special to our hearts, thus we always encourage you to poke your head into the shop and ask us about the Valley's many high country options.

Upper Frying Pan River- The North and South Forks of the Frying Pan River above Ruedi Reservoir are fishing quite well. Flows are down to fishable levels now. This is great water to dry/dropper fish. There is an abundance of pocket water and plunge pools. Caddis are the main hatch occuring along with lighter numbers of PMD's.

Upper Roaring Fork River- The Upper Fork near Independance Pass has been fishing quite well. Expect good dry fly fishing midday into the evening hours. Caddis and small Stimi's have been hot. These fish are spooky and long drifts will be required to be successful. Skating these flies often entices the fish. Small beadhead nymph and streamers fished in the deep pools are also productive. A mixed bag of rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout reside up here. Above and below the Grottos/Punch Bowl has been steady.

Ruedi Reservoir - The best fishing easily occurs near the inlet. Streamers and two fly nymph rigs are best midday. Evenings are yielding decent numbers of risers being poked on Hoppers, Ants, Beetles, and Callibaetis. PMD's and Rusty Spinners are present also especially closer to the river. A few larger fish in the 16-20inch range are being stuck, though in general the lake is mostly small 8-12" inch fish. Small Wooly Buggers, Damsel Nymphs, Hares Ears, Princes, Mosquito's and Para. Adams are all that's needed.

Lincoln Creek- This fun tributary of the Upper Fork is a gem. The fish are skittish in the long slicks with pocket water offering up the best fishing ops. Dry/Dropper rigs consisting of Stimi's and PT's or Pearl and Elk Caddis with a Prince dropper. You'll want to make sure that you cover plenty of water. PMD's are being seen in good numbers midday from 1pm to 3pm.

Cunningham Creek- Same as Lincoln Creek in the way of flies and hatches.

Rocky Fork Creek- This tributary is often overlooked because of it's proximity to the Frying Pan below the dam. Filled with beautiful and native Colorado River Cutthroat, this creek is also a fairly easy hike. Terrestrial patterns dominate on this fishery. Small Hoppers and ants are particularly effective. Several beaver ponds and meadows make stealthly presentations a must.

Avalanche Creek- A tributary of the Crystal River, Avalanche Creek is perhaps the most consistant and fishy creek in the Roaring Fork Valley. Larger than average fish call Avalanche home. Some easy fishing (hiking) can be found near the campground. The higher you go, the greater the rewards. This is a great creek to expore for a long weekend. Again, small attractor dries and nymphs will fit the bill. Good presentations are of much greater importance than having the "right" fly.

Diemer, Sellar, Lyle, Mormon, Savage and Cathredrel Lakes- All are open and fishing quite well. Many of the fish in these lakes are in spawn mode so we encourage you to not disturb these actively spawning fish. Small streamers, scuds, damsels, midges, and Callibaetis are all effective patterns. Some very large cutts have been landed out of Cathredrel and Seller lakes as of late. Put on your hiking boots, enjoy the solitude, and whack some natives in pristine settings.

This is but a very small handful of the high country fishing opportunities available here in the Valley. Please inquire within our stores for more info.