Fishing Report 7.30.20 - Written by Patrick Gamble
Fishing has faired well in the Yampa valley this July! Many of our "bobber" or nymph rigs have transferred over to hopper dropper set-up's through the riffles. Fish are looking up for terrestrials to enter the river, and often willing to move up to nymphs suspended mid-water column. A smaller hare's ear or true caddis pupa make a fantastic dropper, behind classic hopper patterns like the Morrish hopper, or a newer favorite, the donkey Kong hopper!
More big bugs are on the menu beside the terrestrial born bugs (hoppers, beetles, ants, crickets, etc.) The steady emergence of big golden stones means the Chernobyl's will coax fish to the surface, and a Pat's rubber leg or other stonefly nymphs will produce eats beneath. Scan the rivers edge to que into the size stone necessary, it's a good idea to have sizes 6-12 at the ready with this hatch!
While we all love to throw big bugs, it is that time of year where the tricos start to show themselves once again! Straightline guide, Ben Rock, did a fantastic report on this hatch last year, and how to fish it. I'd encourage going through the archives for a good read. But, if you're fishing the Yampa this time of year, be sure to have a few different patterns for them, spinners (dry and drowned), parachutes/duns, emergers (rs2) and cluster patterns (Griffiths gnat). This hatch can be one of the most technical and rewarding to fish as fish can get very stubborn and selective... Get out early to watch this hatch unfold, or hire one of our guides to help you advance your skills, and please be mindful of rising water temps in the afternoon.
The forecast for the summer looked great early season, as the snow to water equivalent was above average. While a few gentle rainstorms have recently come through the Yampa river basin, our fish are still stressed from high midday temp's and a severe lack of precipitation. Please be cautious when fishing and pay attention to water temps and how long fish are handled. A catch and release fishery is only successful if we release fish alive!
Do a rain dance on your way down to the shop, and swing by with any questions or gear you need for a great day on the water. If you're interested in getting started into fly-fishing, want to progress your skill set, or simply enjoy a nice day on the river with us come chat about a guided trip!
-Written by Patrick Gamble