[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”146″ gal_title=”Nov.7 2017 back to blogging”]
Hey Fishing Friends!
After working the last 6 months like a dog! I’m back to fishing and writing daily! Not only that, we’re under some really exciting changes here at www.livedeckerscolorado.com. With our “New look” and brand new template, you’re sure to get all the information you’ll need to have a great time here in Decker’s. On to the fishing, shall we? Starting out with the canyon, flows have been under 100 for the last two weeks, with a current flow of 105(cfs). Prior to my season ending as a private Chef, I had been fishing the canyon pretty much daily for the last 6 moths. If you’ve been following along with me since the beginning of my blog, the majority of my fishing and reporting have been around Trumbull and Decker’s. All in all, I would have to say that the two areas pretty much fish the same, with the canyon demanding a stealthier approach and typically lighter tippet, but most of the same bugs got the job done! Most of my fishing took place on the lower end of the canyon, by the club, as this offered me several chances throughout my workday to get out and cast a fly. Current set up of choice in the canyon has been the nymph rig, consisting of Pat’s Rubber Legs, followed with an egg, and trailing a variety of emergers, such as the barr’s emerger, size 20 and 22, grey RS-2, size 22 and 24. I’ve also had success with the black and brown styles of the RS-2. Mid morning, as the sun makes it’s way above the canyon wall, I’ve been seeing and catching quite a few fish that are just sipping the dead trico spinners that are just below the surface. I’ve been throwing a Cinnamon colored bug, trailing a number of other emergers just about 18 inches behind that spinner. Mid-afternoon, I’m back to nymphing the riffles and faster moving water, picking up several fish on a 3 bug pattern, consisting of a yellow egg, size 20,/barr’s emerger, size 22, and then trailing the grey RS-2, size 22 or even a 24. I picked up several nice size browns on this same set-up, yesterday, in Trumbull. For the last three days I’ve been fishing some familiar waters in Trumbull, at hole in the wall, and upriver toward the second bridge that’s just down river from the Decker’s Resort. Pressure has been pretty consistent, as the weather has been pretty solid and not too cold. I got out yesterday and had to work for every fish I caught! Fishing the drop-offs into the hole was pretty productive this morning, as we seemed to catch a little sunshine and warmth, between the two storm systems moving through. Early on I had pretty good success up top, with a dry rod I has set up with a small parachute adams, size 22, trailing a Rainbow Warrior, size 22. I caught several nice fish that were feeding just below the surface, along a bubble line and seem. Almost tossing these bugs like a dry rig, upstream and slightly across the riffle, I caught 3 or 4 fish back to back on that trailing bug, the warrior. Well, that’s it for now my friends! Next week I’ll be heading to Cotter, Arkansas, to fish for trophy Browns, on the famous White River! Hope to see you out on the river soon!
Chris
December 17, 2017 Decker’s/Cheesman Canyon Fishing Report
Fishing Conditions, fishing reportGood Evening Folks!
Welcome back and let’s get right into it, shall we? With unseasonable flows almost reaching 200 (cfs) in the Canyon, Decker’s, and Trumbull areas of the South Platte, we’ve seen a drop this evening that has brought us back down to 139 in the canyon, with 135-130 through Decker’s and Trumbull. Last year at this time, we were seeing flows range from the upper 70’s to the 115/120 range. What does all this flow change mean you ask? Well, a number of things. Let’s start with what this means as far as the tippet size you should be using. Typically this time of year, with the lower flows and gin clear water, it’s pretty important to stick with the 5x and 6x Tippet, along with keeping your bugs in the #22-#24 range. With excellent clarity and lazy fish, due to the colder temperatures and shaded areas of the river that don’t see much sun this time of year, a good presentation and a meal that “belongs’ there, is going to be the key to your success, both in the Canyon and below the Wigwam Club. If it looks like a duck? Well, you get it! With the flows reaching the upper 130’s/14o’s ranges in the last few days, and more than likely we’ll continue to see some substantial fluctuation, you certainly have the chance to get out that 4x and take advantage of the higher flows. Thus, resulting in far more opportunities to net that 22” Rainbow that’s sure to push that 5x and 6x tippet to its’ limit. With these increased flows, it’s also a wise decision to stick to the deeper runs and riffles that are providing increased oxygen and a greater supply of food. The amount of dissolved oxygen in the water is directly related to the water temperature. In case you don’t know, cold water holds oxygen much better than warm water. The effects of water temperature on the amount of dissolved oxygen doesn’t change at a constant rate. It changes at an accelerated rate. In general, for most species of trout, the fish are most active when the water ranges from about 50 to 65 degrees. The cold-blooded trout feed at the maximum rates due to their metabolism level in this range. From 65 to 70, this accelerated rate I referred to begins to take place. In simple terms, at 65 there is no problem and the trout feed aggressively. At seventy degrees, there can be a problem depending on the type of water. The dissolved oxygen content can be low. Still water is one thing and fast, turbulent water is another. The amount of dissolved oxygen will vary greatly. That is why you hear to “fish the oxygenated water” all the time. When the trout start hurting for oxygen, they will begin to cease their feeding activity. It is not a great deal different from the way they react in very cold water, just due to a different reason. When the water reaches about seventy-four degrees, the trout just about have to have highly oxygenated water to survive. Again, keep in mind that these temperatures are guide lines. Also, the particular species of trout and its location and more specifically the type of water it is in will vary this somewhat – not greatly, but a little. So, with all of this being said, let’s not forget about the food source of the trout, and how it is affected by higher flows. Higher flows generally result in a larger area of the stream bed that becomes wet, ultimately promoting the growth of vertebrates and invertebrates alike. When the river drops to levels that ultimately increase the water temperature, thus reducing the oxygen levels, we have the potential to see a decrease in the activity of the fish, along with a substantial chance for “fish kill.” Alright folks, that’s enough Biology for one day! Stick to the midges and beatis patterns, but don’t pass up the chance to take advantage of the occasional BWO hatch, as we’ve regularly seen temps reach the upper 50’s and 60’s this time of year. Until next time, have a great time out there and I hope to see you on the river soon!
Chris
Share this:
December 9, 2017 Fishing update for Decker’s/Cheesman Canyon
Fishing Conditions, fishing reportHappy Holidays my Friends!
Without wasting anytime on the water, let’s get this thing going! We’ve seen two bumps in the flow in the last week, up from the 150’s (cfs) to a current flow through Decker’s at 230 (cfs). Last year at this time, we were in the 70-100 (cfs) range for a few weeks,but being at the mercy of the Denver Water Board, it’s any ones guess daily! As I’m currently visiting family on the east coast, I’m relying on my friends in the Decker’s area to help me get you the information your counting on! With that being said, I’ve also taken a look back at last year’s blogs, which you can read for yourself, by simply clicking on pages 8 and 9 at the bottom of the blog page. You will be able to see what the flows were, clarity, weather, and the specific bugs that we had success with this same period last year. Keeping it current, the fish are active and most of the success will be had fishing the runs and riffles. We’ve got a current flow below Cheesman Dam at 234, dropping just a bit through Decker’s at 230(cfs) or so, and even a bit slower through Trumbull, at about 223 (cfs). This time of year, it’s crucial that you’ve got a good presentation and light tippet, 5x and 6x is choice. The fish are trying to conserve energy, so getting that bug directly in front of the fish is what your look for! Midges and Beatis patterns are going to be the go to bugs for now, but don’t be afraid to throw that Wooley Bugger, or even the BWO, as we really saw the hatches continue far into the fall season! Red and black zebras, purple and flashback juju midges, Olive on the Wooley Bugger streamer, and don’t forget the go- to bug of Decker’s, the Grey RS-2. Other emerging bugs, such as the Barr’s Emerger, Chocolate Thunder, and one of my favorites, the Cheesman Emerger, will all usually get the job done when the fish are hitting the emergers. As far as the size on these bugs go, stick to the #20-#22 range, and #12-#14 on the streamers. No precipitation is in the forecast, with sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 50’s, with the chance of reaching 63 on Tuesday. I’ll be back in the Decker’s area, fishing on Saturday, then heading to the Roaring Fork Valley, to fish the Taylor, Crystal, and Frying Pan rivers! That’s all I’ve got for now folks. Hope to see you out there on the river soon!
Chris
Share this:
November 23, 2017 Fishing Decker’s
fishing report[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”148″ gal_title=”November 23, 2017″]
Good Afternoon!
Well, it’s feeling a bit like mid June in Decker’s these days, with a beautiful, unseasonably warm Thanksgiving forecast. Currently, it’s in the mid 60’s, with a clear to partly cloudy outlook for the remainder of the holiday weekend. Flows have been increased twice over the last three days, with a current flow 0f 156 (cfs) in Decker’s/Trumbull, with a flow of 151 (cfs) below Cheesman Dam. Typically, we’ll see the flows remain below 100 (cfs) this time of year, but’s it’ no uncommon to see the occasion bump in flow. With this being said, good opportunities to sight fish can be taken during these low flow periods. Before heading out of town on Friday of last week, I was able to spend a couple of days fishing the canyon, down river to Trumbull. With the increased temperatures and plenty of sunshine, I’ve had some pretty great morning and evening sessions, both nymphing and dry-flying fishing. I’ve had the most success fishing the riffles, runs, and drop offs, as I tend to cover as much water as I can with the great sight fishing opportunities presented with the excellent clarity and low flows. Because of these low flows and clarity, be sure to stick with 5x and 6x tippet for most of your set-ups. On the bug end of things, I’ve continued to do well fishing a variety of midges, nymphs, and dry flies throughout the day. Zebra midges, size #20-#22, both red and black have done well. Purple Juju baetis, and RS-2’S have also been regularly taking fish, along with several egg patterns, both yellow and orange, size #20. Typically using a 3-fly nymph rig set-up and keeping my bugs about 12-14 inches apart, I’ve been catching quite a few fish on emergers such as the Cheesman and Barr’s emergers, and foam back bugs like the Chocolate Thunder, once again keeping them in the smaller #22-#24 range. On the dry-fly end of things, it’s been a bigger challenge for sure! With these low flows and fish that simply know what a fake presentation looks like, you’ve really got to key in on what these fish are really after! You got it! Small here too gets the job done! BWO patterns, olive and grey are pulling the most fish for me, with a small Adams, Trico, and even a small Griffiths gnat has tempted a few trout to consume my offering! All of these bugs and much more can be picked up right here in Decker’s! Be sure to visit the guys at Flies and Lies, or visit their website at http://www.flies-n-lies.com They also offer a great 1/2 or full day guided fishing trips, tackle and gear! The browns have been aggressive during the fall spawn, so be sure to stay away from fish that have paired up and stay clear of the reds, as these become vital “safe houses” for all the new fish. Well, that’s it for now folks! Putting together a little slide show from my visit to Cotter, Arkansas, this past weekend, as I stopped and threw a few flies in, “Trout Capitol USA.” Until next week, Happy Thanksgiving and I hope to see you out on the river soon!
Chris
Share this:
November 14, 2017 Decker’s Fishing Report
Cabin Rentals, camping, Fishing Conditions, fishing report, hiking[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”147″ gal_title=”November 14, 2017 last time to fish hole for year”]
Good Evening!
Wow! It’s like spring out there! With temperatures reaching almost 70 for the second day in a row, we saw an abundance of bug activity throughout the day and into the evening. First, let’s talk a little about the current river conditions here in Trumbull/Decker’s. Right now, flows through Trumbull and Decker’s are about 75-80 (cfs) keeping in mind that the Brush Creek measuring station in Trumbull, tends to read just a little bit high, usually off about 10 (cfs). With flow running low and sunny skies, we’re seeing an increase in water temperature that has really done some confusing things to both the fish and the bugs! Not being an entomologist nor a botanist, I cannot fully attest to the reasons why it’s causing such havoc with the bugs and the grass growth, but I’ve sure picked up on a few things as it pertains to catching fish! With the decreased flows and gin clear waters, tippet and bug size has been key to both my nymphing and dry fly success over the last week. Tippet of choice has been mostly 5x and 6x, with size 22 and 24 bugs. More on the bugs of choice a little later. The fishing has been really good, especially the dry-fly action in the evenings. Small Adams, size 22 and 24, along with the small BWO’s, were finally getting a few fish in the net last evening, after many attempts with a multitude of bugs! I even took a nice brown on a small, size 24 black Trico spinner, as we saw some hatches of these over the last few days. When I wasn’t throwing a double dry rig, I trailed a size 22, Cheesman emerger, behind the BWO, catching quite a few fish with this method. Underneath, I’ve been having success with a variety of bug combinations. Starting off today with a yellow egg up top, followed with a grey, size 22 RS-2, and trailing a purple juju baetis, I focused on the faster moving water and drop-offs into pools, where I could find them. This seemed to work out pretty well, as I picked up three fish in a relatively short time, on all three of the bugs I was presenting! Other flies I had success were the Chocolate Thunder, size 24, Disco Midge, size 22, and the purple and black Pat’s Rubber Legs, size 10 or 12. Well, that’s it for now on the fishing folks! Until next time, have a great week and I hope to see you out there on the river soon!
Chris
Share this:
November 7, 2017 Cheesman Canyon/Decker’s/Trumbull Fishing!
fishing report[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”146″ gal_title=”Nov.7 2017 back to blogging”]
Hey Fishing Friends!
After working the last 6 months like a dog! I’m back to fishing and writing daily! Not only that, we’re under some really exciting changes here at www.livedeckerscolorado.com. With our “New look” and brand new template, you’re sure to get all the information you’ll need to have a great time here in Decker’s. On to the fishing, shall we? Starting out with the canyon, flows have been under 100 for the last two weeks, with a current flow of 105(cfs). Prior to my season ending as a private Chef, I had been fishing the canyon pretty much daily for the last 6 moths. If you’ve been following along with me since the beginning of my blog, the majority of my fishing and reporting have been around Trumbull and Decker’s. All in all, I would have to say that the two areas pretty much fish the same, with the canyon demanding a stealthier approach and typically lighter tippet, but most of the same bugs got the job done! Most of my fishing took place on the lower end of the canyon, by the club, as this offered me several chances throughout my workday to get out and cast a fly. Current set up of choice in the canyon has been the nymph rig, consisting of Pat’s Rubber Legs, followed with an egg, and trailing a variety of emergers, such as the barr’s emerger, size 20 and 22, grey RS-2, size 22 and 24. I’ve also had success with the black and brown styles of the RS-2. Mid morning, as the sun makes it’s way above the canyon wall, I’ve been seeing and catching quite a few fish that are just sipping the dead trico spinners that are just below the surface. I’ve been throwing a Cinnamon colored bug, trailing a number of other emergers just about 18 inches behind that spinner. Mid-afternoon, I’m back to nymphing the riffles and faster moving water, picking up several fish on a 3 bug pattern, consisting of a yellow egg, size 20,/barr’s emerger, size 22, and then trailing the grey RS-2, size 22 or even a 24. I picked up several nice size browns on this same set-up, yesterday, in Trumbull. For the last three days I’ve been fishing some familiar waters in Trumbull, at hole in the wall, and upriver toward the second bridge that’s just down river from the Decker’s Resort. Pressure has been pretty consistent, as the weather has been pretty solid and not too cold. I got out yesterday and had to work for every fish I caught! Fishing the drop-offs into the hole was pretty productive this morning, as we seemed to catch a little sunshine and warmth, between the two storm systems moving through. Early on I had pretty good success up top, with a dry rod I has set up with a small parachute adams, size 22, trailing a Rainbow Warrior, size 22. I caught several nice fish that were feeding just below the surface, along a bubble line and seem. Almost tossing these bugs like a dry rig, upstream and slightly across the riffle, I caught 3 or 4 fish back to back on that trailing bug, the warrior. Well, that’s it for now my friends! Next week I’ll be heading to Cotter, Arkansas, to fish for trophy Browns, on the famous White River! Hope to see you out on the river soon!
Chris
Share this: