Summer's in the Rearview Mirror

     It’s hard to believe the kids are back in school and Labor Day is just around the corner.  Summer sure did blow by fast but we always look forward to fall and the excellent fishing opportunities that come with the change of seasons.  The upper Arkansas River has fished great ever since peak flows subsided in early July and fall conditions should be better than average, with flows likely to stay in the 400 – 500 cfs range for the foreseeable future.  Hatches of pale morning duns, red quills and caddis have been sporadic of late but fish are still very willing to come to the surface and the effectiveness of terrestrials this summer has been noteworthy.  The baetis hatches should get popping up river over the next few weeks as water temperature begin to cool. Cody and Travis have kept very busy guiding wade and float trips throughout the upper Ark and are available by request should you be so inclined.

      The Drift has recently acquired access to a prime stretch of private water in the Coaldale area that is home to good numbers of 14 – 18” fish, many of which are rainbows.  The property has a great mix of water and very reasonable rod fees associated with guided wade trips.  Be sure to call or stop by the shop for more details. 

There are also great opportunities remaining for excursions into the numerous alpine lakes of the Sangre de Cristo and Collegiate Peaks mountain ranges.  Most of these lakes require a good deal of hiking and/or 4-wheel driving to access, but the solitude and availability of wild cutthroat make the effort all worthwhile.  The Drift has a limited supply of free pamphlets that include a comprehensive list of alpine lakes and streams in the Arkansas drainage with available species and access information. Stop by the shop and pick one up before they are all gone!

        Finally, the Pueblo Tailwater is starting to come into shape with flows ranging from 420 – 820 cfs over the past ten days.  The water clarity is rather poor but the fish don’t seem to mind.  More importantly, the trout that are being caught appear to be in excellent shape!  Look for good hatches of tricos, pale morning/evening duns, aquatic moths and caddis to keep the fish fat and happy.  If you enjoy throwing streamers, we recommend patterns that are suggestive of crayfish, leeches and juvenile suckers.  Water temperatures are in the mid 60’s from the dam and are climbing into the mid-70s on a daily basis below City Park. Therefore, we recommend fishing the river west of Pueblo Boulevard, especially if fishing in the afternoon and evening hours when water temps are at their highest. 

        The Drift Fly Shop would like to thank you for your continued patronage and we hope your fall fishing adventures are filled with tight lines, bent rods and great memories!