Animas Lunch Report – 5/25/15 – Memorial Day
Memorial Day: free parking, banks are closed, and most likely you are not working. We are working, but most likely you aren’t. I am not complaining either, working at a fly shop is pretty great; even on a national holiday like this one.
Memorial Day basically marks the beginning of summer for us in Durango. Even though June isn’t for another week, summer is here because the tourism is here. Our shop has been slammed all morning and it does not look like it is letting up. Even though the weather feels like Seattle, summer has made it to our corner of Colorado.
Summer IS fly fishing, no matter where you live. Ahead of us we have floats and hatches, high country and lots of trout awaiting us. For the next few months, anyone coming to Durango looking for trout has come to the right place. Durango is great like that, more fishing than anyone could have in a lifetime.
It seems fitting that Memorial Day kicks off the summer. With all the activities, trips, and fishing we all have planned this summer; it is perhaps good to reflect for a moment on what that all means in light of Memorial Day. Some people seek to thank a Veteran for their service today. While I think that is very appropriate (if you are a Veteran, thank you for your service no matter what the day), Memorial day is about something more. Something, not really tangible by someone like who lives untouched by death in combat.
Memorial Day is truly about remembering and honoring those who paid the ultimate price in the defense of the nation. Memorial Day is a day for veterans and non-veterans alike to unite in the commonality we all share: to honor the fallen. However you choose to honor the ones who did not come home, do it with humbleness and thankfulness. Remember that you are free to go fly fishing, road tripping, or backyard BBQing because of their sacrifice. Remember that you are free because a select few said “I will go”.
We have a great place to work such as Duranglers and so much public water to fish that is protected by those who serve. For this, we are extremely thankful.
If you are a family to one of those killed in the service of this country; words fail me and all I have is a humble and grateful “thank you”.
If you are one who strives to do more than a simple thank you, please consider donating to one of many organizations that strive to support the families and children of those who have been killed in the defense of this country. There are also many veterans organizations that are out there the you can contribute to or donate your time to say thanks. One of our favorites is Project Healing Waters.
This was not to shame anyone into feeling remorseful, but to remind us to honor those who have died by living the best life we can.
Animas Lunch Report
Andy – We are seeing the Animas flows leveling out at around 1810 cfs right now. We had a snowy/rainy weekend and it is still coming down. Our high country is absolutely packed with snow right now. If you are going to hit the Animas, fish big dark bugs right off the banks. You don’t even need to wade, the fish will be sitting in the slower water on edges. Big stones, cranefly larva, SJ Worms, and dark streamers on heavy tippet should be your go-to.
