Realtor | Corey Dwan

Hi Everyone,

As the 2011 fishing season approaches, knowing when, where and how to effectively fish Gunnison Country will dramatically improve your catch and enjoyment of the sport. In this and subsequent issues, I will try to inform you of local river conditions, insect activity, current hot flies and effective methods. Please visit our web site www.cbmactrout.com for up to date weather, water levels and fishing reports. The web site has many helpful links and info for fishing Gunnison Country. I also hope to earn your respect for our motto and book a trip for yourself or your friends:

Come Fish With Us
It's Catching

Pre Run Off

Where & When to Fish Run Off

The colder temperatures, cloud cover and snow/rain has delayed the run off levels and color. Free flowing streams are running at 40-60% of normal CFS. Most dam controlled streams and rivers are flowing above normal levels in order to make room in the reservoirs for the expected run off. As a result, some streams are low, clear and cold. As of May 25, 2011: the Cochetopa, Saguache, Spring Creek, Brush Creek, Slate River and the upper East River are possible good fisheries.The Taylor, Gunnison, both above and below Blue Mesa Reservoir, are relatively clear, but flowing at a CFS that is too large to be effectively fished. Any time of day should be productive, as the catch is not necessarily hatch dependent. Click on water levels page of our web site, cbmactrout.com/water levels to get current levels of most rivers in our area.

How to Fish Run Off

The active insect at this time of year is usually the stone fly. Stripping a #8-12 bead head Wooly Bugger should work for most waters. The water temperatures are also very low and cold and hatch activity should be limited to a few BWO's and Midges. Nymphing is a productive method using the two fly method of a #16 Pheasant Tail and a #18 BWO Barr's Emerger, weighted to the rivers depth. Dry/dropper will work for smaller streams, but don't expect too many fish to rise to the dry. An orange Stimulator on top, with a #16 bead head Hare's Ear trailing a Barr's Emerger or Pheasant Tail should bring a trout or two to the net.

Private Waters

Fly fishing is not meant to be a contact sport, but, with the crowded conditions that can exist at some of the more easily accessed fishing venues, a Smith and Wesson 357 Magnum may seem more helpful than a wading staff in securing a valuable fishing position. When you see more rods rising around you than trout, it may be time to consider that extra expense to have the water to yourself.
Private water provides an angler the solitude, privacy and unrushed experience that should accompany all fishing trips. Fishing pressure is regulated on most private water and most private water is stocked. Private water is managed by fishing clubs or guide services/fly shops. Membership in most clubs is by invitation, but you can access that water as a guest of the members. Fly fishing guide services have private water as an amenity for their clients on a fee/use basis. CB MacTrout has access to two club waters, FlyCasters Limited on Brush Creek and, statewide, Rocky Mountain Anglers. These two clubs are available to C B MacTrout clients by reservation only for a limited number of anglers. Reserve NOW for the summer/fall months.

About Us

Show a dry fly to a high mountain Colorado Cutthroat or Brookie in a remote mountain stream, go for a 16-20" Rainbow or Cuttbow on private water, stalk a 26" trophy Brown, float fish the Gunnison, fish a honey hole of Kokanee Salmon or go for that elusive fly fishing "Grand Slam". Whatever your fly fishing desires and dreams, Gunnison Country has the water to satisfy and C B MacTrout has the guides to help get you there. We can teach beginners how to enjoy a new sport, guide an intermediate angler to the next level or help point an expert to the next goal. James Taylor sang " The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time". Fly fishing should be part of that passage. Our goal is to see you relax and just try to catch that next fish. We'll take care of everything else.

Contact Us
E-Mail: c.b.mactrout.llc@gmail.com
Phone: (970) 901-7975