1/15/14 Big Thompson Tailwaters

Home, home on the river.

It's always good to get that first calendar year trout off the check list so that was the goal today. That and the usual goal of a trip; stand in a river for an elongated period of time while tuning out every thing else. 

I haven't been up to the Thompson yet and was anxious to see the flood damage. The trip up 36 proved to be more than enough for flood damage sight seeing. The north St. Vrain got absolutely ravaged. There are parts where the river bed is 3-4 times wider now. Obviously, the water shed of the St. Vrain does not produce enough water to fill this so it will be interesting to see what happens after run off this season. There are a few sections on the lower north fork where there are permanently destroyed houses in  the middle of the newly developed stream bed. Pretty crazy for sure.

Just one of the 5 or 6 guys that were in a crowded stretch upstream of the bridge all day. 

Upon my arrival to the tailwaters, I could see it was getting heavy pressure. From the bridge on Mall Road up, there was at least 6 anglers. It became evident that finding good water could be a struggle. I was hoping that sitting out the wind and getting my game face on would clear the river a bit.

After about 10 minutes I drove into the lot to use the head and returned to 2 less vehicles already. As I was getting out of my truck I seen a truck driving up with a driver that I didn't recognize giving me a 'what up' salute with 2 fingers. As it drove closer, I figured out it was my buddy from a local fly shop other than Rocky Mountain Anglers. Seeing how I wouldn't be caught dead with a guy from that other shop in Boulder, and I reside in Longmont, you can guess which shop it is.

He pulled up and we caught up for a few; then took a quick spin around town while we 'shot the breeze'. He said the fishing had been good all morning and no sooner than he picked me up, he dropped me off. All revved up to catch a trout, it took me no longer than 10 minutes to throw on all my gear. I noticed that more anglers had left, but there was still a few new ones. Every one took the usual path upstream while I was keying in on the first bend below the bridge.

I set out and started casting 5 minutes after setting up. I started with a purple BH San Juan tied off of a sow bug. Five minutes in I quickly noticed that the trout were steadily feeding off the surface on some smaller mayflies. I re-rigged and threw on a size 18 para-Adams.  I watched my pink post float by several sipping trout and realized that was not the ticket. After just a few minutes, I also noticed that with the sudden reappearance of the wind, they were not eating off the top anymore either. It was very clear that they were only eating off the top when there was absolutely no wind. So I went back to the first rig.

After just a few minutes, I saw my indicator sink real quick. I went to set the hook and for some reason, I almost expected to not make the hook up. Fortunately though, it was just the opposite. I had hooked with a real nice trout. After a couple minute fight and finally just having to put the wood to him, I pulled it in. A real hefty 15"-16" brown, on the worm. Odd, considering that several times on the retrieve, I thought it appeared to be a rainbow and I hardly ever spot my trout wrong on a hook up.Definitely a sign that I have been putting too much time into my non fishing job, right?

I was very satisfied having accomplished my goal; which I realized now actually did have something to do with catching a large trout. I took a five minute victory break along the bank and then moved up stream to just above the bridge. I kept throwing my nymph rig for a few minutes and then noticed a lot of top water action just above. The day had reached what was sure to be the peak temperature, and the wind had suddenly subsided more than it had all day. This time I threw on a tiny BWO and it was hot. So hot, I ended up working just 1 hole for the rest of the afternoon which was a nice luxury considering all the pressure.

All the room I need. 

All in all I ended catching a couple more and missing a few as well. I never did get a brown on the dry, just rainbows. A great afternoon though considering it the middle of January. It was amazing how sensitive those Baetis were to the wind. One slight gust, and they were down.

After a few hours of standing in the river, and getting my fix of tug drug, I felt pretty good. My toes however, did not. They weren't frozen, but definitely chilly being in the 37 degree water and 41 degree air. It was a beautiful day though. I enjoyed my victory beer and set out. A great day on the water had come to an end, but having my fix felt good.

Next week, I hope to be reporting from the tailwaters of Barker Reservoir, in the top mile of Boulder Canyon. I have recently gained access but haven't had the chance to get out. It'll be nice to have something positive to think about while I'm at work this week. In the mean time, I will keep tying all the flies I can as I prepare for the upcoming guide season, which is soon upon us. Can't wait.

Another amazing day in the Estes Park Valley.

Tight Lines-