Fly Fishing Colorado

7/10

There is a persistent myth that using a big fly will help catch a big trout.  That fellow fly fishers is just not true. While it is true that larger trout tend to seek out larger prey, it is not always true.

Trout survive by one major rule.  Energy received from the prey must be greater than the energy expended to catch the prey.  This rule would make a fisherman think that using a big fly or lure is the key to catching large trout.

One main key to catching large trout is understanding the stream you’re fishing.  The main biomass of the stream will determine what type of insects live there and what type of flies to use.  For example if the main biomass is midges and sowbugs in the stream, throwing a #4 streamer all day will probably result in a sore arm and few fish.

The San Juan River in northern New Mexico below Navajo Dam is a prime example of a large river with a small insect population.  Size 18 to 26 flies are common there.  The South Platte River near Deckers, Colorado is another river where small flies in the same size range are normally used.  Midges are a staple food source for trout during the winter months in Colorado.  Without them, trout would have a hard time surviving.  Midges hatch all year round here and exist by the millions.  Because there are so many of these insects, trout can receive more energy intake than energy out to get them.

Remember a main key to success is understanding the water you are fishing.  A stream will change from spot to spot and season to season. Each stream or lake is a unique ecological entity. When arriving at stream side, take time to observe the water for insect and fish activity before rushing out to fish.  Shake the streamside bushes to see what kind of insects fly out.  If a lot of caddis fly out, a caddis nymph or a caddis dry would be a prime choice to start your fishing. Examine the shore side rocks for stone fly cases. 

Wade carefully into the stream and seine several areas offshore to see what type of insects live there.  If there is a lot of moss or underwater vegetation, sowbugs are a pretty good bet for part of your rig. If you see hundreds of very small midges hatching, include a midge dropper in a dry dropper combination (#18 CDC or Parachute Adams and a #22 Griffith Gnat). 

Try to get your midge just under the surface film and use a skittering Leisenring Lift technique at the end of the drift.  You may be suprised at the size of the fish that will take when a skittering motion about 6 inches back and forth is used.  If the midges are being taken at the surface, add some Loon fly floatant to keep your midge fly in or on the surface film. Some of the strikes at these small flies can be strong take and run or a quiet sip so watch your rig carefully during the drift.

Switch your thinking to being a trout hunter, understand your prey’s home water, food sources, cast and drift properly and that trophy will be yours one day.

Tight Lines and Good Fishing,
Marshall, Editor
www.fly-fishing-colorado.com
www.110flyfishingtips.com
www.troutadventures.com
Alaska Trout Fishing Information

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