South Park 'Steelheading'

Looking through the steady pace of windshield wipers at the grim sky and low lying clouds, it felt as if we were headed out to chase fall steelhead somewhere in the Pacific Northwest. The early portion of July has brought unusual amounts of rain to the South Park area giving the landscape the appearance of springtime. Many of the streams not regulated by a dam reverted to run-off conditions with high flows and low visibility making the fishing more difficult. Two sections of the South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon and Spinney Mountain Ranch continued to fish well through the foul weather. Some of the heavy hatches were dampened but despite the falling rain the trout were still willing to surface for ‘dry’ flies. The disturbance from raindrops helped to hide any micro or macro drag in the presentation. Although presentation seemed easier fly selection was still important. A couple of good searching patterns: the Griffith’s Gnat (Elevenmile Canyon) and an Elk Hair Caddis (Spinney Mountain Ranch) would still bring the occasional fish to the surface between hatches.

Of course, nymphing through all this weather would have probably produced more fish but would not be nearly as interesting. If the fish are willing to brave the surface then you have little choice but to follow their lead. The recent rains have helped to keep the water temperatures down through the middle of the day providing an extended feeding period for this time of year. Many of the trout are fat, healthy and have the fight of mini ‘Chromers’. For more specific information on current conditions around the Rockies please visit http://www.flycurrents.com