Colorado River Monsters (fishing)

I went poking around there today for the first time. Trying to shore fish was challenging with the ice. At some point I'll get waders and boots.

 

Take a bike and get closer to the the dam. Way less ice up higher.

 

I've been thinking about heading up there the last few weeks. How's the ice? Is the river mostly clear?

 

Water is clear and low. Head up at least 3 miles to avoid the ice.

 

I went in 4.5 miles and did not find anything that looked mostly open. There was a bunch of ice. I was already thinking of how I'd bike my way to up higher since walking 9 miles yesterday was more than my body wanted to do. I suspect the big winter boots I was wearing may have contributed to my pain; never had that issue with my normal hiking boots. It left the impression of being picky when I get around to buying wading boots. I either need to get ones which are very comfortable, or carry them along until I'm ready to fish and swap out as I like to hike to fishing spots.

 

I got the Simms G4s earlier this year and they've been great for hiking. I've walked 6-8 miles in a day on numerous occasions and have always had happy feet and ankles at the end. For the ice, get a pair of micro spikes (don't get yaktrax). They fit my G4s as well as any normal hiking shoe. You'll stick to the ice like you're glued to it. I keep them on even when I'm wading in the stream.

 

Probably iced up with the snow this week. I went all the way up to the big dam. It was pretty clear after the last bridge when I was there last. No fun walking up it, I used to do 20 mile runs up the Colorado trail when I was training for ultra running.

 

Anybody try tail waters around Cheesman or the blue? I wonder if that’s good fishing this time of year

 

I hit the upper section of Deckers and had go success. From all the info and research I've done both seem to fish decent. I've been wanting to get up and try the blue but I've been honing in my leader setup before putting in the drive.

 

Right on. A buddy of mine said the fishing down near Pueblo res dam is good. Not good scenery, but good fishing

 

Note: Police are saying to not park at Nature Center to fish below dam, it is a break in/ stolen car hotspot now.

 

Funny you mention that because I just read about that last night. I’ve always been weary of that area anyways, I dont want to fish bad enough to risk my truck down there!

 

Both fish throughout the winter, whether it's "good" or not is relative

Cheeseman--I fished both the lower and upper sections right around Christmas. Both days I got one in the net, and another right up to the net before it popped off. Everyone I talked to said it was tough and one or two fish was a win. General consensus is you have to fish 22-26 size midges to catch anything there. I got mine on 16s and 18s. I personally think the flies matter less than the presentation. The fish in there have a PhD in fishing pressure. Stay low, scout from above, move slowly. Like, real slowly.

The Blue--probably my favorite winter fishery when the temps allow. I can handle ice in the guides for a few hours in the early morning, but I don't bother when it's going to be all day. I only go to the Blue when it's going to break 30 degrees by 9 - 10am. That doesn't happen often until early spring. That said, the fish are plentiful and big and will usually eat if you can get a fly in front of them. Last trip out was about a month ago. I got five on 18 flash PTs, and 24 blood midges.

For both, bring micro spikes. Must have.

 

Welp, going to try and learn to fly fish tomorrow on the S Platte near Deckers

 

You got this.

 

Caught 4 pieces of ice, saw like, 4 fish in 6 hours

 

Invite one of us next time I'm sure anyone would love to get you on some fish.

 

Pueblo was goofy today!
First outing this year and I got skunked. Can only get better, right? I better go again tomorrow!!

 

Yes, meetup!

@bot102 - Don't feel bad. Deckers is a very hard and frustrating river to learn to fly fish on, especially during winter. Those trout know the exact brand of fly you threw. If the presentation isn't perfect, they don't bite. Most seasoned anglers that know Deckers well will only get one or two fish this time of year.

 

I got three in an hour or so. . Let's all go fishing!