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Fly Fishing During “Water Closures”

There has been an explosion of “Voluntary Water Closures ” this year. What does that mean? Why is this happening? Can you and I fish? What should you do if you see anglers fishing? Will all of the fish die? Let’s discuss!

What is a voluntary water closure?

A volunatry water closure comes from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife ( CPW). It is a request for anglers to stop fishing a certain stretch of water.

What is the REASON for a water closure?

The reason CPW closes a section of water to fishing is to protect the resource ( The Fish!) . When the water temperatures rise, it starts to put stress on the fish by depleting the amount of oxygen available in the water. Catching a fish in hot water is a lot like me asking you to sprint around a track while holding your breath. It leads to high mortality rates and hurts the fishery.

Why does this seem to happen every year?

The bulk of our water comes from snowmelt and rain. Low snow accumulation from the winter and/or a hot spring means that our snowpack melted early, leaving us with lower/warmer water conditions. As we continue into the heat of the summer, the water warms up to a temperature not ideal for cold-water fish like trout. The only things left to cool the rivers is rain and/or colder weather patterns.

What are the magic temperatures?

The rule of thumb is to stop fishing when the water hits 68 degrees. This is debatable by a degree here or there, depending on who is talking. But knowing the WHY helps make informed decisions.

Can I still fish?

YES! The closure are there to help educate and advocate for the fishery. We suggest following the closure rules, but don’t be afraid to fish during open times. We still have plenty of open water. Elevation gains yield cooler temperatures. Use that information to your advantage. Take a thermometer with you and test the water before and during your outing to be sure! See this video below for tips on how to properly handle and release fish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZSXh2gCkUo

What should I do if I see people fishing?

Will anyone currently get arrested or get a ticket for fishing the voluntary closure? No. We can do our part by educating ourselves and to sharing information with one another. Reading up on this topic is a great start and a friendly conversation goes a long way!

Will all of the fish die?

Let’s hope not! We know fish change feeding patterns in hot water and eat less. Algae can bloom. Immune functions can become depressed. These rainy afternoons and cooler evening are certainly making an impact and let’s hope they stay consistent.

Current Information on River Closures :

https://cpw.state.co.us/thingstodo/Pages/StatewideFishingConditions.aspx

https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-enacts-voluntary-fishing-closures-on-the-fraser-river-colorado-river-and-eagle-river-until-further-notice/

Summer Riverscape in Colorado

Spring Fly Fishing

One of the most overlooked times of year to fish that actually crushes… SPRING!

The fish are starting to snap out of their winter hibernation mode and we get some great eats in the spring. Try to get out on the sunny warm days before run off hits. So when there is still snow on the mountain and the skiing is a slushy mess… those are the epic days to get out and fish.

Trout can be found feeding on the midge hatches. ( See photo) and also some nice fat stoneflies. When the fish are eating midges, like they have been recently, you will see them rise with very little splash as they eat the tiny meals just before they break the surface. The bites on your hook can be just as subtle, so set the hook on everything!

Have fun and good luck. If you would like to learn more, book a guided fly fishing trip with Anderson’s Fish Camp. We will customize each outing based on what you want to learn or if you just want to catch a bunch of fish and have fun, it’s all up to you! We still recommend a half-day wade trip, which is 4 hours. You can ski in the morning and fish in the afternoon when it’s warmest. We’d love to get you out on the water.

(970) 376-0002 or AndersonsFishCamp.Com for more information.

Anderson’s Fish Camp COVID-19 Protocols

The rivers are running, the fish are eating, the weather is beautiful, and we have been given the green light to provide guide services! Here are the current changes to our guiding routines. 

Updated on 5/16/2020

  1. We are currently able to provide WADE trips only. Float trips do not meet current distancing protocols. 
  2. We are currently able to guide Eagle County Residents only. This will be for as long as Eagle County is recommending travel stay within county limits.
  3. We will guide in Eagle County only
  4. Gear  (waders, boots, chairs, rods, nets) will be sanitized prior to guest arrival. 
  5. No one shall fish or show up to fish if they, or anyone in their household, are feeling any COVID symptoms. If you cancel your trip due to COVID symptoms, you will be refunded fully. 
  6. We are currently assigning one guide to groups of 3 or less. Each group must be from the same household. 
  7. We are currently recommending all parties wear a face covering when in close proximity to their guide. As the fishing allows, guides may step away and face covering may be lowered. 
  8. Guides will stand 6 feet away as often as possible, and have PPE on in the event of a brief passing. 
  9. Guides will sanitize the rod and net handles with disinfecting wipes after every transfer between client and guide. 
  10. Guides will take photos from their personal phones and AirDrop or text them to their guests. 
  11. Guests will be provided with a walking pole to assist in walking on slippery river areas to minimize contact with their guide. In addition, fishing places will be chosen with distancing in mind. 
  12. Guests are encouraged to bring their own water and snacks from home. 
  13. Guests are encouraged to pay for their trip via Venmo or over the phone with a credit card. 
  14. Guests are encouraged to purchase their mandatory fishing license from CPWshop.com ( Colorado Parks and Wildlife) before their trip. 
  15. A bottle of hand sanitizer will be available at all times on the bank of the river as well in the guides vest/pack. 
  16. When you catch a fish, we won’t high-five you… but we will hoot and holler! 

We know these are CRAZY times. Your safety has always been our top concern while we are on the water, and “saftey” has reached a new level these days. We will continue to do our best. If you have questions or would like to book a trip: call or text (970) 376-002. Stay safe! 

Where do fish in Colorado go for the winter?

Contrary to popular thinking, trout (and whitefish, and suckerfish, and sculpin) in the Eagle River do not migrate. They are built to thrive in these freezing temps with a metabolism that slows down to preserve calories. The fish seek deep-water pools for protection from a full freeze and as a place to “hide” from birds of prey while they are in a slower metabolic state. The fish eat daily snacks of aquatic insects, which are largely in the dormant to slow-growth stages under the water’s surface. Insects can be found clinging to rocks and occasionally get swept off by the ebb and flow of the river water, which makes them the perfect easy snack as they float along. As the sunny days start to hit, there can also be some impressive midge (a type of tiny insect) hatches as well.

Winter Fly Fishing Arial View.

Winter fishing provides an experience that takes you off of the busy slopes, gives your legs a chance to rest while still being active, and most importantly connects the angler with one of the most serene winterscapes this valley offers. Fly fishing in the winter is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Moral of the story: catching fish in the wintertime can be both productive and fun! Sure, you may have to deal with some extra layers and some cold hands if you want to hold the fish you catch, but we know if you were afraid of the cold, you wouldn’t visit Colorado!

If you want to book a fishing adventure in the wintertime, please call Anderson’s Fish Camp at (970) 376-0002. They know the places where you can access the river’s best pools safely, what flies trout like to eat this time of year, and ways to deal with the cold temps so that you can have the BEST experience possible! Anderson’s Fish Camp offers competitive winter rates, please see andersonsfishcamp.com for details.

Talkin’ about the Taylor River

Wind, Snow, Cold. OH MY! I don’t know why I love fishing the Taylor until I get home, thoroughly exhausted and have time to reflect. Mainly I look and those giant fish pics and realize that I probably won’t see that many giants such a short stretch until we make our way out there again next year. We caught some nice fish and it was nice to get away and spend time with friends. And hey, the last day was warm, so that has to count for something right?

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Rainbow Spawn – AWESOME!

 

This is one reason out of millions to get outside and explore. It was super cool to see the rainbow trout on the Yampa River protecting their beds. The trout spawn in the spring and will protect their beds/redds while the eggs develop. I didn’t fish for this particular group. They have a delicate process happening, and it’s best to not disturb.

I am sure you want to be careful to never step on the bed either! The beds will be a patch of clean rocks that is a little lighter than the rest of the surrounding river bottom. Just make sure you walk around these sensitive habitats and the fish protecting them.

Blue River Report 4/14/15

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With the ski season winding down in CO.  I had an unexpected day off on Tuesday the 14 and was able to meet my brother Drew in Silverthorn to fish the Blue River.  This spring has been unseasonably warm which is not great for the skiing and snow pack, but the spring fishing has been amazing.

As usual, I rigged the night before with a thingamobobber, then one AB weight, followed by a #16 tungsten flashback pheasant tail, then a #18 mysis shrimp, and finally a #20 tungsten juju beatis.

Fishing was a little slow first thing in the morning, but by midday the air temps heated up and so did the fishing! The fly of choice was defiantly the #20 juju beatis although the mysis put the biggest fish in the net.  It was busy as usual on the Blue but people were giving each other space, and the fish were happy and hungry.

Please be careful this time of year walking in the rivers there are still some beds/reds in the river.  You can tell because the rocks look extra clean and there is a slight depression in the gravel.  It is very important to not stand on or walk on these because this is where the trout release their fragile eggs, and we want the next generation of trout to be strong!

Yampa River Report: 4/13/15

 

I was able to go fish the Yampa tailwater on Monday the 13th.  It was a perfect CO. day with bluebird skies and warm temps.  The flows on the Yampa just recently dropped from 100 cfs to 42 cfs, and this made for some outstanding fishing.  I rigged up the night before with my typical Yampa rig: a #12 hopper to a #16 two bitt hooker, then to a #20 black RS2. I caught fish on all three flies but the RS2 was by far the most productive.  I was lucky enough to get the grand slam: a rainbow, brown , and brook trout all in one day!  With run-off coming early to Colorado this year, the tailwater’s will be busy.  On this day the parking lot filled up and cars were parked on the road.  Remember to give each other space, and that we are all trying to enjoy some quality time on the water.

If you want to book a trip to this amazing stretch of river call the Cooper at 970-376-0002