Big Rains Bring Big Fish To The Blue River
We prayed for rain and it came, hard and often. We’re accustomed to the southwest monsoon season bringing precipitation on a daily basis to our area, but not to this degree. Some rivers became unfishable. Most rivers in sections were turbid. Luckily for us, those conditions lasted less than a week. In some places, over 8 inches of rain fell in a two week period!
Precipitation brought the Middle Fork’s flows to run off levels. The Blue, Colorado, Arkansas, and numerous smaller streams were also affected in sections by the heavy rains. Flash flood warnings were issued six straight days in our area valleys. And then we dried out. River flows dropped. Along the Middle Fork, fishing was incredible. Large fish were showing themselves everywhere.
The rain lowered river water temps, bringing much needed cooler water into the drainages. It revitalized the streams with most rivers seeing a rebound of some hatches, especially the fabled Green Drake hatch. Fish responded in kind by eating a little more freely, losing a bit of their weariness.
In the end, the rain came exactly when we needed it, filling local reservoirs to capacity, allowing rivers to run at above average flows for this time of year. It ended wildfire warnings so we can enjoy campfires at our favorite camping spots. The extra water is good for the insects, and great for the trout. Expect major rivers to see better than average spawning runs of brown trout, especially on the Williams Fork, Middle Fork and South Forks’ of the South Platte, Muddy Creek and Ten Mile Creeks. There is no better time than now get out and enjoy fishing.
Book a fly fishing trip with our friends at Mountain Angler. Call 800.453.4669 or 970.435.HOOK. Visit their website at www.mountainangler.com.
Precipitation brought the Middle Fork’s flows to run off levels. The Blue, Colorado, Arkansas, and numerous smaller streams were also affected in sections by the heavy rains. Flash flood warnings were issued six straight days in our area valleys. And then we dried out. River flows dropped. Along the Middle Fork, fishing was incredible. Large fish were showing themselves everywhere.
The rain lowered river water temps, bringing much needed cooler water into the drainages. It revitalized the streams with most rivers seeing a rebound of some hatches, especially the fabled Green Drake hatch. Fish responded in kind by eating a little more freely, losing a bit of their weariness.
In the end, the rain came exactly when we needed it, filling local reservoirs to capacity, allowing rivers to run at above average flows for this time of year. It ended wildfire warnings so we can enjoy campfires at our favorite camping spots. The extra water is good for the insects, and great for the trout. Expect major rivers to see better than average spawning runs of brown trout, especially on the Williams Fork, Middle Fork and South Forks’ of the South Platte, Muddy Creek and Ten Mile Creeks. There is no better time than now get out and enjoy fishing.
Book a fly fishing trip with our friends at Mountain Angler. Call 800.453.4669 or 970.435.HOOK. Visit their website at www.mountainangler.com.
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