SALMON FLIES ARE HERE!!!

So the title was a lie, but I got your attention right!?!

The season has started with a bang and the fishing has been great.  With the low-snowpack year, we are looking at low runoff levels and more than likely, bugs hatching earlier than usual.  Do not be worried about runoff levels heavily influencing your early summer plans as the fish have been feasting and enjoying the lower than normal flows.  Now for some news over the last month.

2012 Superfly:  The tourney came and went and many Conejos fish found their ways into anxious nets.  With the warm weather leading up to the weekend, the flows were high for Friday fisherman, but stair-stepped down as the weekend cold front moved in.  Saturday's fisherman dealt with high winds, snow and lower flows.  For Sunday, the flows dropped even more and the water cleared up a bit.  Fisherman got used to clearing their guides from ice in the morning and wind in the afternoon.  Numerous 20+ inch fish were caught, proving yet again the Conejos is a great springtime destination.  Thanks again to all participants and sponsors for another successful event!

2012 Summer Reservations:  It seems like the warm weather has more than the fish fired up as our reservations are filling in quickly for both guide trips and cabins.  If you are thinking of reserving any spots, please call sooner rather than later to ensure you get in on the action this summer.

New Gear:  We have numerous new bugs that the trout are loving, as well as many new items from all of your favorite brands:  Sage, Simms, Patagonia, Redington, Ross, Lamson, Umpua, Solitude and more.  Stop in the shop to check it out as well as getting dialed in on the current conditions.

And finally, FISHING!!!

Meadow: Right now the fishing has been great as over the last week the water levels has somewhat steadied throughout the Conejos.  Fishing below the dam has provided many excellent days recently for guides using various annelid patterns trailed by baetis and mayfly emergers and nymphs as well as midge larva.  For nymphing, make sure you have 5X Flouro to both flies as well as a small strike indicator.  Strong, precise casts boost the numbers of fish to the net, so make sure you are STEALTHY!  Splashing up the middle of the river won't cut it.  Your plan of attack with vary greatly with the flows, so stop in and talk to Jon or I to get filled in or better yet, go out with one of us guides to beat the learning curve.

Main River:  The main river has been fishing well, particularly in the late mornings, into the afternoons.  Using large stonefly imitations in both dark and light colors has been deadly when trailed by smaller flies.  I have been using the stone as my staple for a lead nymph, and changing my trailer fly depending on the flows and color of water (attractors vs. naturals).  When the flows have been higher than 500 (which has been the last few weeks), make sure you are adding enough splitshot to get your flies in front of the fish!  If you are not hitting the bottom here and there, you are not in front of the fish.

Tributaries and Small Streams:  Many of our favorite back-country places are shaping up nicely and the fishing has been incredibly fun.  Pack a lunch and water bottle and head out to check out some of the smaller streams.  Lately they are still more prone to take the nymphs than dries, but the fish are actively feeding.  Make sure you pack a rain jacket and an extra layer as afternoon thunderstorms have been the norm.

I look forward to meeting you all this season and helping to get you set up and on some fish.  Stop by the shop and grab some coffee, some flies and gear as you head up to the river.

-Joe