Another October I-70 corridor trip is in the books. This is our fellowship’s sixth or seventh October trip to Colorado. Each trip has something special about it but as always, we bring the freezing weather in. One trip we had record snows (11 inches) and record temperatures (9 degrees). This trip was no different as the cold and snow came in again – even though it was the second week of October. I (Kenny) must bring in the cold fronts. I am not sure why but we still fish and catch fish. It was a great trip!
When Glenn Haake, Jim Craig and I arrived in Denver by airline we were greeted by Charlie Trankler who met us since he drove up from Texas. Heading to our lodge in Avon, Colorado we were greeted by snowstorms at the Vail pass and a cold forecast for the week. We then were met by Greg Krochta at the lodge. The planning started and the trip began.
Our first day we headed to the Arkansas river (Brown’s Canyon) and met up with our last fly fisher, Tim Graham. The day was sunny which made the trout go a little deeper and un-interested in our flies. Only three of the six netted a fish. We vowed to do better the next day.
Day two the group split locations. Greg and Tim decided to try the Yampa River south of Steamboat Springs, while Charlie, Jim, Glenn, and Kenny set off for the Frying Pan River near Basalt, Colorado. The Frying Pan boys had an impressive day with many beautiful browns caught. The BWO hatch caused many browns to rise and the tiny size 20 Barr’s Emergers and soft hackles did the best. The smaller the better. Charlie did well throwing a small sparkle green wooly bugger too. It was a formidable day for the four. Tim and Greg had a tougher day with fewer fish, but they did hit on a couple big trout. With a few in the 16” – 18” range. On the ride to and from the Frying Pan we were able to access the damage caused by the two avalanches on I-70 in the Glenwood canyon. These avalanches wiped out both the west bound and east bound roads. Check the photos for the damage that they are STILL working on. It literally dammed up the Colorado river.
Day three the weather was predicted to turn cold and snowy, so we stayed close to Avon, and all headed to the Eagle River at the Gypsum ponds. Greg fished “Greg’s Spot” most of the day as the others spread out throughout the river. Many nice fish were caught with a few in the 16” – 18” category – both browns and rainbows. We made it off the river around 3pm when a huge wind and snowstorm hit us. It is funny how a great meal can warm up a frigid day. This night we ate at Bob’s Place, in the bar area, as Greg and Kenny taught the guys the international game of Canadian Crud. Halfway through the game we got kicked out. I guess we old men were too rowdy for them!
Day four we stayed on the Eagle River but in the Wolcott area. The BWO hatch happened, and we caught some nice trout in 1-2 feet of water using small flies. Again, it turned cold, but we were prepared for it. This night we decided to splurge and had a great ribeye dinner. Wine, martinis, and bourbon were the order of the evening. Great night of fellowship.
Day Five we fished the Colorado river near the “pump house” campground. This day several of us vowed to throw only streamers. Some nice trout were caught but the Colorado (in this location) always kicks our butt. But we did fool some nice trout. The weather going up to the Colorado was snowing and cold but by the end of the day the sun came out and it warmed up – just a little. We were greeted by tickets on our cars because we parked in an unauthorized area – come on, we were the only ones on the river!
Day six we decided to stay close to Avon again and fished the Eagle River (at the Edwards Preserve) later in the morning when it warmed up. Fish were caught here – most were small, but a couple nice brown trout were netted. After about two hours at the preserve, we decided to head to a new spot that we never tried before. Same river – the Eagle – but near the “filtration plant” is where we fished. At first, we looked at the location and ALMOST decided to leave but a BWO hatch started. Trout were rising all over and we “ran” to put our gear on. Small flies were the order of the day. Again, Barr’s Emergers and small soft hackles worked very well. And Kenny FINALLY learned (sort of) how to take a selfie of his catch. I think we will have a special class for the FATC on how to fish small flies – I think it will help a lot of guys do better when the BWO hatch is on.
On day seven we packed up and headed to the Denver airport. Tim and Greg went home here in Colorado. Boy, they are lucky to live in trout heaven. Glenn and Kenny flew home. Charlie drove home. And Jim met his wife for a few more days visiting their daughter and the sites of Colorado. It was an awesome trip of fellowship and fishing. The pictures tell the story.
Another one of our fellowship trips was going on at the same time as four of our guys were fishing south of our location on the South Platte River area. We should hear from them in a week. Sneak preview – they caught some unbelievable trout with the outstanding guide, Landon Mayer!
