4th of July - Rio Grande Style

Not one wanting to pass up great hatches, we figured we should not let a good thing pass, and make another trip to the Rio Grande for the long weekend, as the previous weekend proved terrific, the water should only clear and drop more, at least that was our thought process.

Our mindset was right, the water would drop all last week to perfect levels, bug activity would stay the same or increase, as you can see with the crazy blizzard hatches of caddis, PMD, yellow sallies, grey drakes and several other bugs. We found the fish feeding squarely on caddis, flies of choice for the days were Blooms Caddis and the Purple Delectable Caddis,  you could throw in a small yellow PMX for fun if wanted.

 The fish on the Rio are hearty, stuffed fat and full of bugs and extremely beautiful. Every size range 

present indicating a very healthy river.

 Several toasts were had along with cigars to enjoy the river and fantastic fishing. 

July and South Fork are hand and hand with afternoon rain showers, but it usually brings on some fantastic hatches following. It did not let us down.

Tails N Heads

Tails N Heads

by 

kuchynkaPHOTO

Timing

So timing is everything when it comes to fly fishing , or at least it can be very important when scheduling some of your trips. Tide schedules for when salt water fishing. weather when flying float planes in and around Alaska, and just about anything else that can ruin a well deserved vacation.

After following the flow charts for the past 2-3 weeks and figuring out which river will drop first  to clear and floatable flows, we guessed and watched right. This past weekend we would hope to float and fish the Rio Grande River, and maybe stumble across giant stones and other critters.

 Arriving at 2300 CFS in South Fork, we were alerted that the giant stones were in the area,

but further up the canyon. However, the river corridor was also alive coming alive with caddis, grey drakes, yellow sallies,  and golden stones. It would be unlike any other float that we have witnessed in the past 15 years, because for 20 miles and 7 hours there were blizzard hatches all the down the river or all bugs mentioned.

 Catching and fishing is a blast, but you must stop along the way to have a beer and enjoy the scenery and have a few laughs.

 Many beautiful browns were released through out  the trip, that were absolutely plump and stuffed 

full off bugs.

As always , in the South Fork Valley you must be prepared for  a little afternoon shower,

but that did not stour us from throwing  a few streamers to eager fish.

Rivers coming down, time to get out and fish now.....

Post Runoff Conditions - Right Here

Our floatable waters are starting to drop into really nice shape. Although the clarity river-wide may not be perfect, the edges are clearing nicely and eager fish are ready to eat. Early reports are starting to surface, the usual bugs are hatching and some nice fish bing caught. 

Caution, waters are still high and can be dangerous, so take precautions. But get out there .

Colorado River below Kremmling

Rio Grande River at Del Norte