Understanding Conditions

We are just beginning to warm up here in Colorado. Streams are starting to flow and the ice is beginning to disappear. Some would assume that trout fishing is slow due to the inactivity on the surface and the frigid temperatures of the water. However, understanding presentation and adapting to the conditions can prove to be successful.

First, dry fly fishing is limited to the later afternoon hours, but can show promise if you keep a watchful eye on the small hatches in your area. Nymph fishing would provide better results, but in some areas, streams are covered in algae deposits and fallen brush making this technique frustrating as it will force you to clean your flies every few casts. I find that using a dry-dropper configuration works best during this period. Match the hatch and use a sub-surface fly that mimics the juvenile of your dry. I was on the Big Thompson this weekend and fished areas from the Alluvial Fan to about 5 miles south of Lake Estes. This technique worked well.

Click Here for a drawing of the "dry-dropper" configuration