April 12, 13, 14 Colorado Trout Hunters Fly Fishing Trip Report

Date: April 12,13,14, 2011

Location: Tarryall Creek and South Platte River Private Water Call 303-325-5515 for trip bookings

Number of Anglers: 1

Weather: NICE. Temps 40’s to 60’s all three days.Mostly sunny, some afternoon clouds.

River Condition: Day 1 and 2: low water Day 3: high off-color water in morning clearing in afternoon.

Report:
3 great days on the water!

Day 1: Fly fishing on Tarryall Creek. The day began clear and cool. We initially fished beaver ponds and quickly hooked and landed the first fish of the day–a 28-inch trout hungry pike! This was Chris’s first experience with a pike and an exciting way to start 3 days of fishing. The rest of the day was spent chasing trout in the deep pools of Tarryall Creek. Some beautiful rainbows and a brown rounded out the day.

Day 2: Early morning fly fishing on the South Platte could not have been more ideal. When we first walked up to the river we immediately
spotted a monster trout in a pod with several more respectable fish. We decided that was the fish we wanted! As we were targeting the big guy, 2 other nice trout were landed before Mr. Big ate a #18 pheasant tail. The fight ended with some photos (see picture) and a quick clean release. The rest of the day was action packed with hungry trout in most every spot we tried.

Day 3: Fishing on a private fly fishing club. We were some of the first anglers of the year on the water, making Day 3 a blast. The water was high and off-color in the morning, creating some concern. The concern was unfounded as we soon started hooking fish on large stoneflies. As the water cleared, the fishing improved and by the time we left it was RED HOT! Dozens of fish were landed from 12-22 inches. What a great way to end the trip.

In trout news:
The fishing has been exceptional! Water flows are starting to fluctuate on the South Platte. We have had some great trips on the public water, and South Park is ice-free and fishing well.