General

                      August is the official start of Hopper season!  First of all, when we say hopper, we are talking about all the terrestrial insects that inhabit rivers, creeks and lake banks.  Ant’s, Crickets, Beetles, spiders and other creepy, crawly creatures you can think of. During the dog days of summer when there are less hatches…

As a Guide in the vail valley for nearly 30 years I have spent nearly ¾ of that time guiding from either a raft or a drift boat.  Fly fishing from a boat on a river can be an exciting and productive way to catch fish. Now as a shop owner who administrates guided Fly-fishing,…

The health of our rivers is directly related to the health of our snowpack.  This winter’s snowpack was not only fantastic for the ski resorts, but it was equally fantastic for our rivers and streams.  As we head into the last push of the runoff from a really great winter the anticipation of the first…

We are seeing the signs of Salmon flies on the Colorado river right now! Fishing the salmon fly hatch on the Colorado River can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers. The salmon fly hatch is a highly anticipated event that occurs during late spring or early summer when the large stoneflies, known as…

Just because the rivers/streams are flowing high doesn’t mean the fish aren’t eating. Fly fishing in rivers during high water can present some challenges, but with the right techniques and strategies, you can still have a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Here are some tips to help you fly fish rivers during high water:  Remember…

Spring is a time for rejuvenation. Trees bloom, Snow melts and Trout Spawn. Specifically, Rainbow and Cutthroats. It’s the spawning that gives us the next generation of fish. This spring season is also spawning season for rainbow trout and they frequently occupy gravel areas where they dig beds or redds and reproduce. This process is…

The Mayflies of Spring Spring in the Rocky Mountains is the unofficial start of dryfly fishing season for many anglers.  After spending the winter trying to see a size #24 midge pattern on the water or being frustrated at the lack of commitment on the part of the trout to rise to Midges, spring is…

Essential flies for spring in the Colorado high country  There really is nothing that compares to spring in the heart of ski country. Skiing/riding the mountain in the morning then catching Trout in the afternoons on the many rivers and creeks. As winter gives way to spring the fishing is about as good as any…

It’s no secret that women comprise the fastest growing demographic in the sport of fly fishing. In fact, it’s said by some that it’s only growing demographic in a world of over 6.5 million anglers. Boasting over 31% of the current market, the ‘X’ factor is becoming a force with which to be reckoned on…

Fly fishing is a very popular sport where the goal is to catch fish using an artificial fly. It’s commonly seen as an expensive hobby, with some of the best fly fishing equipment costing thousands of dollars. How do you go about getting into this hobby without breaking the bank? Here are some tips on how…

Throughout winter we get a lot of people asking if Streamers will work? Or that they tried a Streamer without any luck. While a large Trout is more likely to want to consume a meal that contains more calories than what a few Midges would provide, there is some things to understand about a Trout’s…

Time and Place are Everything– When I moved the the vail valley in November of 1992, I had one thing on my mind and that was skiing the Champaign powder of the famed mountain’s back bowls. But the other reason I moved here was also because it was the most central location to the best…