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Cutthroat Anglers Owner Trapper Rudd with fish

Cutthroat Newsletter - 05/12/08

First of all, let's take this media hype about the never ending runoff with a grain of salt. Our snowpack, as it pertains to fishing at least, is healthy and nothing to be alarmed about. For the next few weeks, we will have to be flexible in regard to our fishing destinations. Remember that on almost any day of the year in Colorado there is good fishing to be had somewhere, so don't let the fact that the Denver Post or 9 News needs a story keep you from enjoying a day on the water (see the "spring runoff" fish above). If you'd like to know how I really feel about it, feel free to give me a ring at the shop.

Fishing conditions do, however, change rapidly this time of year, so if you need some insight as to where the good fishing is, don't hesitate to ask.

We're finally starting to see the light at the end of the winter. The grass is getting greener every day, and I even saw some daffodils this morning. We've got some exciting new changes in the works here at the shop and are anticipating to yet another great summer. We're looking forward to seeing you!

Fly Fishing Fashion Tips

The colors of fishing--trout fishing in particular, seem to be dominated by boorish, earthen toned colors rather than the vibrant schemes that drive urban fashions of today. For some reason, trout fishermen can't seem to get beyond the drab that reminds me a little too much of bowhunting season. Perhaps every serious trout fisherman harbors some latent desire to be employed in the primatology corner of the Denver Zoo. Who knows.

Seriously though, it's time that we graduated beyond the sophomoric notion that fishing clothing must be of an amorphous color scheme. Saltwater anglers have gotten on the fashion bandwagon, so maybe it's time for trout fishermen to follow suit. It's no crime to look good while fishing. There's no doubt that your photos will come out better if you can actually see the fish and the person independently. Plus, imagine the bonus of looking good enough to do well on the water as well as at the bar.

We don't know the exact origin of the drab palate, but we're fairly certain it correlates to some antiquated notion that you'll spook the fish if you wear bright colors, or maybe trout fisherman are really trying to match their clothing and their fly to the hatch. Honestly, unless you're sporting a blaze orange poncho on a spring creek, we beg to differ. But hey, if you look good in khaki over khaki or moonlight as a zookeeper, more power to you.

Coincidentally, the majority of the camouflaged anglers are of the male variety. Women bring to fishing a certain sense of grace and style that oftentimes is lost on their masculine counterparts, which many times corresponds to the number of fish put in the boat.

The bottom line; sport your colors. Change it up. Maybe a more colorful wardrobe will increase your luck.

--Reed Ryan (the new guy)

New Stuff...

New Guys: Expect to see a couple of new faces in the shop this summer. Reed Ryan and Joe Diaz have recently joined our shop staff. Reed has been fly fishing since he learned to walk and has a list of saltwater destinations a mile long under his belt. Joe is a local trout bum (not to be confused with a regular bum), who has been fishing relentlessly in an effort to learn every quirk and intricacy of our local rivers. These guys came in strong and are well on their way to becoming a couple of young pros who really have their s!#t together!

New Flies: Once again, we have brought in a TON of new fly patterns for 2008. We're on a constant mission to cherry pick the latest and greatest from the country's top manufacturers. Stop in and check them out- we think you'll like our selection.

How To Get the Most out of Your Fly Shop

One of the greatest benefits of frequenting local fly shops is being able to tap into a database of intimate and timely local river information. The staff at most shops are generally willing to share what they know and send you off with a potentially rewarding plan of attack complete with a killer arsenal of flies. Such is the case here at Cutthroat Anglers.

Some folks, however, walk out the door in significantly better shape than others. Although we do our best to fill in the blanks, it is imperative that such a discussion be interactive and concise. If not, we end up caught in a seemingly infinite cycle of circuitous questions that last just long enough to miss the hatch that you never discovered was happening.

Here's an example.

Customer: Hey, what's hittin'?
Shop Guy: Well, where are you fishing?
Customer: Where should I fish?
Shop Guy: How far are you willing to drive?
Customer: How far do I have to drive?
Shop Guy: 30 minutes or so.
Customer: Is there anything closer?
Shop Guy: Yes, but you might want to go further.

--- phone rings ---

Repeat above conversation.

Shop Guy: So where were we?
Customer: Where should I fish?

Repeat conversation.

So, you see, there is a roundabout way to get information and a direct way. We are here to give you the best advice we can. Period. But sometimes it helps us if you ask specific questions after doing a little homework on your own.

For example...

Will there be enough soft water to fish if the Blue is running at 550?
The weather is supposed to be cloudy and 65. Do you think the Baetis will be hatching on the Ark?

In order of importance this should be your line of questioning.

Where should I fish?
When is fishing the best?
How should I fish it?
Which flies are working in that particular place?

AUXILIARY ADVICE
Beer:
This combination of barley and hops is always guaranteed to lubricate the suggestive juices, providing you with more productive results.

Stories:
We've heard'em all guys. We're less than thrilled about being regaled with your story about the 32-incher that got away. Share a funny or embarrassing story- they're much more entertaining!

Playa Blanca Adventure Resort

Join Host, Trapper Rudd for a week of fly fishing for permit at Playa Blanca Adventure Resort on the private island of Punta Pajaros in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Treat yourself to a week serious permit fishing with the finest permit fishing guides in all of the Yucatan. Receive instruction from one of the world's finest permit anglers, Trapper Rudd. Trapper has been very successful fishing Espiritu Santo Bay, in seven hours of fishing Trapper landed and released 6 permit on a fly. He will pass on knowledge he has accumulated over decades of saltwater flats fishing. Join us October 4 thru 11, 2008 for fishing and fun. Learn how to read the water and spot fish. Understand fish behavior and feeding habits. Get advice on the best fly fishing gear to use. Watch the experts tie tasty permit flies that work. Enjoy the rustic luxe seaside accommodations of Playa Blanca. Wander off down the path to explore the local Mayan Ruins. Enjoy traditional Mayan / Yucatan cuisine created by Chef Esteban. All guests will receive a complimentary fishing shirt, hat and assortment of permit flies. All inclusive package rates are based upon Double Occupancy & 2 anglers per Dolphin Super Skiff.

Trapper John Rudd
jrudd2004@comcast.net (in Florida)
trapper@fishcolorado.com (in Colorado)

Our website continues to grow and change. We're always looking for new content and new pictures. If you have a picture you would like to add to our photo gallery, please send us a high-res copy. We can't promise to post everyone's picture(s), but we will do our best!

We also encourage you to give us any feedback you have regarding our newsletter and/or our new website. We want to do the best we can to provide the information you need, so feel free to send your feedback to chris@fishcolorado.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

Tight Lines,
Chris Hall and Trapper Rudd
Cutthroat Anglers

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