Area Waters: With the moderating temperatures and our current snowpack condition, we are seeing wonderful conditions on the Animas for streamer fishing. Numerous big fish are being caught by both wade and float anglers. One of our shop staff was out last evening wade fishing across from the Dog Park with a new pattern he’d tied using the new Sculpin Helmet and caught a nice 20” Brown. The fish was quite deliberate in taking the fly which tells us the Sculpin Helmet contributes to a good imitation. Check in with shop staff for some tying tips using this recent fly tying material innovation.
Look for the Animas to peak (if it hasn’t already) towards May 24/25 then begin to come down until we get our monsoons in July. Once it starts down streamers then dry/droppers with one of our great terrestrial patterns should be the ticket.
The East Fork of Hermosa is fishing quite well right now. Shop staff have been up there several times and report a very healthy population of our native Colorado River Cutthroat in the Catch and Release section above Sigg Creek. A size 16 attractor dry seems to be the ticket. We could well be fishing the other creeks by mid June this year. Stay tuned.
Sage ONE: One of our staff is currently fishing the new Sage ONE in the 8 ½’, 4 wt. size. He has nymphed the “Juan”, thrown buggers and cast hopper/dropper with ease. It seems the new ONE in the 4 weight will do most everything earlier generations of 5 weights will do. In addition, this is the most accurate, easiest casting rod many of us have had in our hands. Without going into a big explanation of the technology, the new ONE from Sage is a significant advancement in fly rods. Durangler’s has a good selection of ONE rods in our demo stock, so why not come in and try (a) ONE out.
San Juan Quality Waters: The Spring flush schedule is finally official. The release will go to about 2000 cfs on May 21, about 3200 cfs on May 22 and 5000cfs on May 23 where it will stay for 7 days. On May 30 it will drop to about 3500 cfs, then to about 2200 cfs on May 31 and finally back to 500 cfs on June 1. While at 5000 cfs we can still get clients on fish out of the boat, so don’t feel like you need to avoid the Juan the week it is at 5000. Falling water can also be a great time to be there so May 31 and June 1 could be really good days to fish. Of course, on the San Juan any day you can get there is usually a good day to fish.
Private Water: Again this year Durangler’s has exclusive access to a ranch on the. For a reasonable rod fee this is a great opportunity to chase big fish in largely untouched water.
Fly fishing Clinics: Again this year Glenn Tinnin, certified FFF casting instructor and former fly shop owner, is offering his 4-5 hour clinics to help folks get started in our wonderful sport. A $100 investment will get the entry level angler started up the learning curve and put the new angler in a great position to see early success. Check in at the shop for scheduled clinics or the possibility of a special scheduled session.
Five Rivers TU: On Friday, June 8, the Five Rivers Trout Unlimited Chapter here in Durango will hold the annual fundraising Banquet. Come out and support our local volunteers in their work to preserve and protect our coldwater fisheries. Last year our volunteers (NO one is paid) logged over 2600 hours in attention to our precious resource. Come join us for a fun evening of good food and good fellowship as well as live and silent auctions. Tickets are available at Duranglers.
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