FLY FISHING "FUN TRIP" - JULY 20TH

COLORADO RIVER HEADWATERS

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

BROOKIES GALORE!

This trip is typically the first of hopefully many FF Fun Trips again this year. RMNP timed gate entry regulations apply again this year beginning in May, so you might want to consider making reservations with plenty of lead time.

The mighty Colorado River's headwaters present an entirely different character at about 8,800 feet before it transitions onto the flat, wide meadows crossing Kawuneeche Valley. Its early headwaters’ gentle reaches ascend through cool shadows cast by towering spruce and pine, and here its headwaters surround you with beautiful and exciting mystique. Each of its endless meanders holds a new challenge as the river gently surrenders elevation after its upper reaches pass through the historic Lulu City mining town’s ghostly remains several miles above, though still well below its 10,184’ LaPoudre Pass origin.

For a short distance, at first…you might encounter a Plein Aire artist in a nearby meadow off to your right capturing in his brush strokes the grandeur of the Grand Canal suspended from the majestic peaks of the Never Summer Range whose spine boasts the Continental Divide immediately to the West. Or a young couple may steal quietly by you with hands clasped eagerly seeking a hidden niche to share private moments...or through the brush you may spy an elderly couple on lawn chairs shaded by a sprawling fir, reading and enjoying warmth radiating from the meadow’s sun line...all of these escaping life’s fast pace.

One can’t wade these reaches without reflecting upon the history that unfolded along these same banks a hundred years ago. And then suddenly behind you, just out of sight there sounds thundering hoof beats that send chills up your back…and you freeze in your tracks and turn your head to see a large moose hurrying off across yet another small meadow into the trees. He probably had been guardedly watching since several earlier turns when you noisily crossed the stream where it had narrowed. What a wonderland where every bend holds a new scene, a new allure, a new mystery that peaks your imagination.

Your rod-in-hand wade along these historic headwaters is so easy, relaxing and never tiring. When afternoon shadows begin to lengthen and you wonder if you should probably turn around, there’s always another, and another, beautiful pool just ahead at the next bend…and the next…and so on. The beauty is magnetic; I always hardly allow myself to turn around…but of course, I must, and I begin the quiet walk back downstream, revisiting and drinking in again the feelings I experience as I revisit so many of the familiar scenes that engulfed me on my first visit here a quarter century ago.

This is my absolutely favorite stretch of pristine, Colorado mountain stream! For me it offers the essence of fly fishing. And you too can experience this almost out-of-body peacefulness. And “Oh, yes”, I almost forgot to mention…you can also easily have a 45-50 fish day, not to mention all the spine-tingling misses that wriggled off your hook. Big fish? Very few; but many high-personality, colorful brookies plus an occasional cutthroat. This is a perfect outing for experienced anglers to unwind and laugh at themselves a lot, and for new anglers to learn a lot of valuable insights about how to read water and ‘fish a river’.

Details: 7:00am carpools depart from the Jax Outdoors/Loveland West store located on the corner of West Eisenhower Blvd. (US 34) at Wilson Avenue. Riders share gas expenses with drivers; lunch is together sharing stories on the river, so bring water and pack snacks. At day's end each car's riders choose whether to grab a bite in Estes Park, or not, and continue homeward. More details are provided in plenty of time for you to prepare. To sign up, or if you’ve any questions, email Trip Coordinator, Dennis Cook at rkymtnangler@gmail.com.