Fishing this time of year is filled with great rewards. The water has cooled, and the trout are feeding actively. I have watched the squirrels and chipmunks staying busy collecting nuts, a reminder of the winter to come. The aspen and cottonwood trees turned orange quickly and have now dropped a carpet of leaves. Few other fly fishers have been out these days, although fishing is still really excellent. The weather has been an obstacle, especially the windy and rainy days.
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| Wild cut throat trout |
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| Ready to feed... |
What are the trout eating has changed up a bit, but on cloudy days, the Blue Winged Olive has been an excellent choice. I have caught some big trout with those little flies. Sunny days I turn to attractors like a large Adams or a Royal Wolff. In between those options, have been the streamers and emerger droppers. The cut throat trout are looking beautiful with their copper colors and the browns are getting more prevalent, getting ready to spawn. The males are aggressive, and it is no surprise to hook up with a fighter.
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| This brown trout went for a parachute hair's ear dry fly |
It has been a season for bears around my neighborhood. I always carry bear spray when I leave my truck and head to the river. One afternoon I was a long ways from the road, tying on a fresh fly and I heard a splashing noise just down the river. First thought was of ducks taking flight. I looked up, my hands full and watched a large black bear cross the river never giving me a glance. The animal was 100' away, but was never a threat. I think it's a better chance to get injured in a car accident, than to be hurt by a bear, but it does happen. Every year some bear incidents occur where people are hurt or killed. It does happen, but more often I read about car accidents than bear attacks.
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| A lighter colored cut throat. The bronze face plate is gorgeous. |
I am an older fly fisher, I still wear a vest. It's easy to misplace my memory, so I keep everything in certain defined pockets.
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| A quiet stretch, a place that always provides action. I will see the dimple on the surface from a distance. |
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| Cut throats are all catch and release here. |
Being in harmony with nature is important for me and other like thinking people. I know people that interact with nature with care and respect. Others drop their trash in the woods or along the river do nothing but harm. I constantly pick up other peoples stuff left carelessly along the river. Having respect for nature is a sign of good character.
Winter is knocking on the door, the first snowflakes have fallen, and soon my fishing will slow down as I enjoy a much needed rest.
Thank you for your time.
Jim
