Right around this time of the year, it is easy for a fisherman to take one look at the river and think that it is all over till runoff subsides. For those in the know and prepared to do a little driving around however, there is still some great fishing to be had. An understanding of the dynamics of the runoff, low level versus high level melt and a keen eye on the myriad of flow gauges on both the main stem of the Arkansas and its tributaries, can provide clues as to where to go to find some fishable water.
Such has been the case over the last ten days or so. While a quick glance at the river from the F St bridge will seem to imply that it is time to put the rod away and dust off the kayak, upstream in Browns Canyon, for float fishing, and nearer Leadville in the Granite / Hayden Meadows area for wading, the fishing has been varying from average to action packed.
It’s been a couple of weeks since I have floated. Rather, I’ve been fishing in the northern reaches of the river above where Twin Lakes feeds in. A significant portion of the river’s flow has been coming in from the Twin Lakes / Clear Creek / Cottonwood Creek and Chalk Creek drainages, so getting above them automatically increases you chances of clearer, lower flows. And I have to say the fishing hasn’t disappointed me. While the water temperatures this far up the river have still been too cold for any caddis activity, the fish have been eagerly taking stone fly nymphs, either fished deeper with an indicator, or a couple of feet below a large attractor dry like a stimulator.
I enjoy the change of pace from float fishing to wading. Wading gives you the opportunity to really dissect a piece of water, study the structure of the river bed and banks and watch the water for the presence of fish. I also love the change in the feel of the river this far upstream. Here the Arkansas is more like an open meadow stream. Lots of riffles and cut banks, and as the video shows, no shortage of wind either. Wind is a part of fishing, just as are missed hook sets, casting knots and beer. Just remember to take a heavier rod, shorten your leader, lengthen your cast, and lower your expectation of accuracy. Every cast is not going to land within a couple of feet of where you aim it.
A special mention goes out to Baetis Porter, undoubtedly the best fishing dog this side of the black stump. She doesn’t laugh when you miss a hook set, never contradicts your estimate of the size of your catch, and always lets you have first choice of the water.
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