Royal Gorge Anglers' Newsletter

Hello Everyone,

This is that magic time in the Southern Rockies from New Mexico to Alberta.  The Aspen groves in Colorado have peaked or will peak this next week in most areas.  If we don't have big wind storms, they could hang on well into October.  If you live on the Front Range or in a state near here,  don't miss this color.  Also, don't miss the fishing that goes along with it.  Because of the big water summer, early fall hatches are hanging on and look to do so into the month of October.  I truly believe that we will have excellent fishing conditions well into November this year.  On the Arkansas we have been experiencing a smorgasbord of bugs from morning till night.  Mornings have fish eating small emergers and attractor nymphs in riffles.  A Hopper/dropper rig with a medium size Stimulator in a 12 or 14 dragging a Red Quill nymph or BWO bead head can be very good.  From mid day till about 4 or 5 PM add a #20/22 Barr's Emerger.  Don't let the three fly rig spook you from using it.  It's not that difficult to control and it is devastating.  During the early to late evening hours, go to the dry fly only.  Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulff, Humpies, Renegades, and Coachmen rule the water till dark.  Fish will move to deeper water as the sun gets high, so move with them around noon and then back to edge water as evening approaches.  One of the key ingredients to success with gin clear water (or vodka if you prefer) is to always position yourself with the sun in your face if possible.  Look in the water!  If you are casting a shadow, so is your rod, fly line and fly.  These fish are pre spawn and beginning to be a little spooky anyway, so don't add to it.  In all honesty, or at least as honest as a fisherman can possibly be, the Arkansas is fishing better this fall than any one I can remember in years.  And believe me, at my age, I have a few falls under my belt.  Come fish and book a trip on our private water with one of our excellent guides.



 

The South Platte is also about to become a destination not to be missed.  As soon as the big Browns start to move into the water above Eleven Mile, mayhem will occur.  We'll be sight fishing these beasts soon, so stay tuned to our reports on line and get a sight fishing trip with Taylor or Clint booked if you want to do this.  Many of their days are already crossed out.  These can be a photo op fish of a lifetime, don't miss it.

Bottom line, October and early November will be excellent fishing.  The Broncos will suck as long as the Orton Man is QB, so don't spend your Sunday afternoons waiting to be frustrated, get out and drown a fly.  The Buffs are trying hard, but they are a couple of years away from predictable success due to too much Hawk love.  My Horns are looking good, but with the Longhorn Network, I can see replays at night.  Since no other teams (sorry if this offends you, but a fan is a fan) matter much to me, I plan on fishing a lot.  Join me on the river and we'll watch a Royal Wulff disappear into the gaping mouth of a Brown Trout.


Capire et Relinquere,
Bill