February 22, 2017 South Platte River, Decker’s Fishing Report
[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”130″ gal_title=”February 22, 2017 Bailey moved to Minnesota”]
Greetings my friends!
Had a breezy day on the river today, but boy was it productive! As usual, the impending front moving in had the fish active and aggressively feeding today, as we did really well with streamers and larger bugs throughout the day! But first, let’s get you up to speed on the current conditions and outlook for the rest of the week. Flows remain unchanged, with 61 (cfs) below Cheesman Dam and about 70, through Decker’s/Trumbull. The clarity is great, with water temperatures around 40 degrees here in Trumbull. For a second day in a row, I got out on the river by about 10:30, this time accompanied by my friend Jerry, who made a special trip up here today to not only fish, but to say goodbye to Bailey, the Golden Retriever that has been part of my life for the last 8 months! Bailey is moving to Minnesota to be with family, as I have been her foster dad since her original owner and friend of mine, suddenly passed away in May. She has been a joy to so many people on the river and I have shared so many wonderful mornings, afternoons, and evenings with this little girl, that we’ve grown to be the best of friends. It’s with a heavy heart that I will not be able to continue to photograph such a beautiful, loving, sweet little doggie and share the joy with you each day. I will, however, be taking on a the challenge of looking after a little RAT TERRIER, named Chloe, after Fox’s television series 24, staring Keifer Sutherland. She will be joining me each morning, as I walk the river and report back to you on the weather and river conditions here in Decker’s and Trumbull each day. Ok, with that being said, let’s continue with the fishing update. The fish today were much more active then they have been the last two days. Not saying that the fishing hasn’t been solid, but today the fish were feeding all over the water column, but we had good success in the shallower, faster moving water today with mostly streamers and spinner baits, as my friend Jerry is a Spin Fisherman! What! you mean that you write about fly-fishing and allow someone to use that horrific device called a “Spinning Rod” to fish at your house? What kind of heathen are you? Ok, relax my friends. I know that there is much to argue when it comes to the topic of spinner bait Anglers vs. the fly-fisherman. The big argument here is that the treble hooks that are used on the spinning lures, tear up and kill lots of fish. Well, that is partially correct, but there is more to the story. After spending several days on the river this past year with Jerry and a few other spin fisherman, it comes down to a pretty simple concept. Crimp the barbs, or cut them off and the fish slide right off the freaking hook! People please! This is something that I find truly bewildering! What’s the problem with a guy that fishes with three hooks vs. one, takes as good or if not better care of the fish then some fly-fisherman I see handling fish, and then he releases every fish he catches? Anyway, just wanted to share that with you, as I don’t see a problem with someone who pays the same fees as you and I do. Therefore, I feel he or she is entitled to fish however he or she feels, as long as it’s within the rules and regulations that we all must follow. Ok, that’s my rant, but honestly folks, the weather changes are when these fish really seem to get busy! That’s all I’ve got for now folks. Today’s picture gallery is sort of a farewell gallery of my little friend Bailey, fish from today, and some of the great shots I’ve taken of her over the last 8 months. Hope to see you on the river soon!
Chris
