As the summer months quickly approach, the question often heard in the shop is: “So, where are you guys fishing?” Even in the height of spring runoff, we still have plenty of options. Looking ahead, these options are only going to get better as we head into the summer months. Looks like we are going to have a really good water year, and you don’t want to miss it.
Now is the time to make plans and get on the books for any of the following guide trip options. Shoot us a call at 970-385-4081 and don’t wait until the last minute. Our calendar can fill up!
San Juan River – If you have not heard by now, the flows are being increased and the plan is to ramp up to 5000 cfs by the 25th of May and hold that flow until mid-June, and then begin decreasing flows. Though, this is all subject to change.
Float fishing on the San Juan at 5000 is the best way to fish at this flow, and the fishing can actually be pretty good. Don’t miss this opportunity to fish the Quality Waters at flows not seen throughout the rest of the year.
Colorado Float Trips – As we said, this is a good water year. We have lots of snow in the high country and a somewhat mild beginning to the summer. What that means is a very long float season here on our rivers in Colorado. Expect our float season to get good mid to late June and hold through mid to late July. Should our monsoon season pick up in mid-July, floating could carry on well into August. A lot of our float windows in Colorado have been short the last few years, this year looks good for a longer one. Who doesn’t like streamers and dry flies from a boat?
High Country Creeks and Lakes – Much like our Colorado float trips, we are expecting a solid season of high-country fishing with all the snow we have received. Typically our high country is fully fishing about the 4th of July, and thanks to all the snow it should last well through September.
Lakes and Stillwaters – This is a really good year to be a stillwater fisherman. As you read this, pike and trout fishing has been outstanding. Capt. Mark Engler has been seeing the pike fishing really get good lately on our local reservoirs with lots of fish willing to eat a fly. With a late ice-off, trout have also been really eager to eat a well-presented fly. As temps warm, the smallmouth and carp fishing will really get going heading into June.
Private Waters – We are fortunate to be able to guide on a few private sections on the Animas, Pine, and Florida Rivers The Pine and Florida are tailwaters that garner a little relief from spring runoff. Though they are running higher than typical summer flows, fishing has been good on both of these private sections lately and offers an escape from our spring runoff.
Once flows begin to drop in June, the section of private we guide on the Animas will fish fantastic.
