Newsletter 5/2/07 - Cutthroat Anglers

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Cutthroat Newsletter - 5/2/07

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There is so much going on on the river and in the shop that I don't even know where to begin.

At the shop, our first two guide schools have just wrapped up and were a huge success. See the article below for details. As you may already know, we have added about 300 new fly patterns to our selection and completely reorganized our fly bins. Many of the new flies are already in stock, so get 'em while they're hot!. All of our flies are now organized by species and life cycle, which has proven to be a very user-friendly system. If you haven't seen the new website, be sure to check it out. It is so full of information and video that you could literally spend an evening looking through it!

The Blue in Silverthorne is now holding steady at 550 CFS. This is a great flow for fishing. Mysis Shrimp are pouring through the system and we have heard many reports of big fish being hooked. We have also heard rave reviews from the Lower Blue just below Green Mountain Reservoir. We don't guide this stretch of water, so we often overlook it. With all of the hype we've been hearing, I've got to hit it soon. The Williams Fork is ranking high on the guides' choice list boasting good action on midge and BWO dries and nymphs. Topping the Billboard Hatch charts this month, however, is the Arkansas. Put a card in the mail, send some flowers, and go fishing. The Mother's Day Caddis Hatch is on!!! Sorry Mom. The Ark is on fire with Caddis hatching above Salida already.

There are a few spots that have blown out due to the warm weather lately. I would recommend staying away from the Colorado below Gore Canyon, The Lower Roaring Fork, and the Blue just above Green mountain Reservoir for now. Of course, things change often this time of year, so give us a call for the latest conditions.

Runoff Myths Dispelled

Each spring at the shop, we are often asked the question "Is it runoff yet?" The answer usually entails a long, drawn out dissertation explaining a myriad of variables for each local drainage. The bottom line is that runoff happens at different places at different times under different sets of conditions.

The good news is that here in Summit County, we are blessed with access to hundreds of miles of freestone rivers, tailwaters, and fertile lakes within a couple hours of driving. This means that even though runoff may be in full swing with chocolate brown water on one river, another may not even begin runoff for weeks or even months.

Through learning and understanding local runoff patterns, one should be able to fish through the spring with virtually no down time due to dirty, blown out water.

Our guides have an in-depth understanding of these patterns and are always happy to guide a spring fishing adventure. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, here are a few tips from the pros for finding great water conditions in the spring.

Check the Flows. Our fishing reports provides direct links to USGS streamflow graphs. Steady graphs often indicate clear water. Be cautious of large spikes or climbs.
Call First. Call your local fly shop before heading out for up to date information. Know specifically where you are planning to fish and ask for a forecast.
Be Flexible. Often times, we have our hearts set on fishing our favorite stretch of river on our valuable time off. In the spring, however, you may have to seek out alternative destinations. Guides and other fly shop staff are usually more than happy to point you to the best stretch of river. Who knows . . . . you may discover your new favorite stretch of river!
Fly Fish a Lake??? I know it doesn't sound as appealing as casting dry flies to rising wild trout on a freestone river. We find, however, that once someone hooks their first six pound rainbow at Spinney or has a forty fish day on Delaney Buttes Lakes, that there are few complaints.
Book a Guide. Guides make their livings finding the best fishing available on a given day. If you're having a tough time finding good spring fishing, book a guide. You'll likely get into plenty of fish and learn the in's and out's of spring fishing.

There is good and often great fishing to be found in our area virtually every day of the year, so don't be so intimidated by the idea that you can't fish during "mud season". Give it a try and you May find yourself blown away. Yes, that was a bad pun.

Guide School A Huge Success

Our first ever Cutthroat Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School has commenced with a bang. Students and instructors alike had an unbelievably good time with each of our to week long guide schools last month. This comprehensive week long class is perfect for the aspiring guide as well as for new boat owners or those just looking to polish their skills and learn inside tips from the pros. Our students varied greatly in age and came from all over the state to take the class. At the end of each day, our students came back to the shop with sore hands, ear to ear smiles, and plenty of positive feedback.

Due to popular demand, we have decided to offer another guide school this fall and again next spring. Check out our Guide School page or call the shop for more information.

Where's Shooter?

We are sorry to say that Shooter Smith has taken a leave of absence from the shop. Shooter has filled the niche of "the voice of reason" in the shop for many years, and is responsible for many of the new and exciting changes that are underway at the shop including the newsletter. We have always known it was inevitable, but Shooter has finally moved on to bigger and better things, and is now developing the Residences at Beach Bay, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands. Although he spends most of his time on the island now, Shooter (I hope you're reading this) will try to help out as much as he can and will always be part of the crew.

We're hoping he can retire in 2008 and come back to the fly shop full time. The staff has some big shoes to fill in Shooter's absence, but we hope to provide the same high quality information and customer service that he did. I'm starting to tear up.......we'll miss you man!

Tight Lines,
Chris Hall and Trapper Rudd
Cutthroat Anglers