August, 2011 Colorado Trout Hunters Colorado Fly Fishing Lesson

Date: August, 2011

Location: South Platte River public water Call 303-325-5515 for guide trip bookings

Number of Anglers: 1

Weather: Very nice.

River Condition: Moderate flows

Report:
Today was a great instructional fly fishing trip. Kylie had not previously caught a trout with a fly rod, so we took the morning to teach her how to fly fish. We started out the day with some brief instruction. Wham! On drift #3, a fish was on and just as quickly off the hook. But a couple casts later the first fish of the day was in the net! Kylie did a great job picking up the essential fly fishing techniques and after several hours on the river, she was making drifts as well as seasoned fly fishers.

Through the day we worked on casting, reading water, identifying insects, positioning of the body, and most importantly, we practiced
how to get a good dead drift with the flies. In almost every spot we tried we found fish, and typically the first cast was the best chance at
catching them in any given spot.

Through the morning most fish were caught on the deeper seams and in the bigger pools. Basic nymph patterns were very effective, including prince nymphs and small soft hackles.

Introducing kids to the outdoors through fly fishing is a great way to spend time with your children and give them an experience they will
never forget. It may also give them a lifelong hobby. Proper instruction from the beginning can greatly help the learning curve. It is usually easier to form good habits than to break the bad ones!

In Trout News:
Fishing has improved in the last couple weeks. Flows have come down, and although there is some fluctuation most of our waters are fishing well. It is starting to get cool at night in the high country, but warm during the days (bring sun screen!). Hard afternoon storms in July have kept water levels optimal, and stream temps are great for August! Expect a lot of good late summer and fall fishing. The fish in many areas did not see the July angling pressure of some years due to high stream flows, and fish generally look very healthy this season.