outdoors

Mastering Fly Fishing In Colorado: A Seasonal Bug Guide

| Glenn Smith

take the time

If you’ve ever stood knee-deep in a Colorado river, rod in hand, and thought, “What the hell are these trout eating?” — welcome to the eternal question. I’ve been guiding these waters for over three decades, and when I’m not tying on leaders or #22 midge patterns, I’m reaching down in the river flipping rocks like a mad scientist. The trout don’t give up their secrets easily, but the bugs will if you know how to ask.

As a guide, this isn’t just fly fishing, It’s entomology in waders. The best anglers I know read rivers the way a chef reads produce at the market — they can smell what’s fresh, what’s in season, and what’s about to come on strong.

Let’s walk the Colorado calendar, month by month, bug by bug.

🔍 First, a Quick River Trick

Forget Latin names for a moment. You don’t need a PhD to tell what’s going on — just curiosity.

  • Turn over a rock in a riffle. If you see a little flat pancake bug with three tails, that’s a mayfly nymph. If you see a worm in a stick coffin, that’s a caddis.
  • Dip a net. Shuffle your boots and let the current wash the bugs in. You’ll see the season’s truth in mesh.
  • Watch the wings. Mayflies hold them like tiny sailboats, caddis fold them like pup tents, stoneflies lay ‘em flat like a paperback novel.

It’s river code. Break it, and suddenly your fly box starts to look like a menu instead of a mystery.

🌦️ Colorado’s Bug Calendar

January – February

The rivers are cold, the trout are sluggish, but the midges never quit. Tiny black, olive, or red specks. If you’re not fishing flies smaller than your fingernail, you’re just decorating hooks.

March

Here come the first Baetis — Blue-Winged Olives. Cloudy afternoons, the river suddenly wakes up. Trout start rising like champagne bubbles. Tie on a size 20 parachute and you’re in business.

April

Stoneflies start creeping along the banks. Still some Baetis. This is the season of patience — trout are looking but not gorging yet. Small stones fished tight to structure can turn heads.

May

The famous Mother’s Day Caddis — thousands in the air, a snowstorm of wings. You’ll either have the best evening of your life or watch trout eat everything except what’s tied on your tippet.

June

Runoff. Chocolate milk flows. But don’t panic — bugs don’t stop because the river swells. Golden stones, a few drakes higher up. Fish edges, back eddies, and bigger, juicier patterns.

July

The big show: Green Drakes. Evening magic, trout boiling in shallow riffles. PMDs and Sallies mix in like side dishes. This is Colorado’s fireworks.

August

Tiny Tricos in the morning — clouds of black and white mayflies spinning like smoke. Midday turns to hoppers, beetles, and ants. Fish get picky, so you either go microscopic or foam-bodied.

September

Fall Baetis arrive, olives against gold cottonwoods. Low water, spooky trout. Long leaders, soft casts, and faith in flies you can barely see.

October

Blue-Winged Olives again, joined by the occasional pumpkin-sized October Caddis. If you’re tired of tying tiny dries, throw a size 12 orange Stimulator or Hopper and watch a brown trout rocket from the depths.

November – December

We’re back to midges, small, steady, reliable. Winter trout are honest — they won’t chase, but they’ll sip if you give them something believable.

🧾 Closing Thoughts from the River

Every river has a rhythm, and every bug has a season. Learn that, and you’ll stop guessing what to tie on — you’ll know.

I’ve guided long enough to see anglers frustrated, overthinking fly boxes, swapping patterns every five minutes. My advice? Slow down. Pick up a rock, kneel by the bank, let the bugs tell you the story. The trout are just following the script.

Also watch for birds. They can tell us so much about timing but I’ll save that for another time.

Remember, once you learn to read the river’s menu, you’ll never fish the same way again.

Casting for the Future: Conservation, Habitat, and the Ethics of the Catch

| Glenn Smith

Fly fishing, at its core, is a celebration of nature — a quiet, deliberate communion between angler, river, and fish. But as the sport grows in popularity, so too does the pressure on the very ecosystems that make it possible. For those who stand in cold water, reading riffles and stalking trout, conservation must become more than a cause — it must be a responsibility.

The River Gives — and Needs Our Help in Return

Healthy waterways are not accidental. They are the result of tireless work: habitat restoration, water quality monitoring, erosion control, and public education. When we neglect these systems — when roads cut off spawning beds, when cattle trample riverbanks, or when temperature spikes go unchecked — fisheries falter, and fish populations suffer.

Trout, for instance, are remarkably sensitive to water temperature and oxygen levels. Remove the riparian shade of willows and cottonwoods, and the water warms. Let sediment from development run unchecked, and the gravel beds needed for spawning clog and smother eggs. It’s a chain reaction that takes years to repair and only days to damage.

The Ethics of the Catch: Proper Fish Handling Matters

Catch-and-release, when done correctly, gives fish a fighting chance. But mishandling a fish — squeezing it, keeping it out of water too long, or fishing in water that’s too warm — can turn a release into a slow death sentence.

Here are five non-negotiables for ethical fish handling:

  1. Wet Your Hands before touching any fish to avoid removing its protective slime coat.
  2. Minimize Air Exposure — aim for no more than 10 seconds out of water.
  3. Use Barbless Hooks to reduce injury and handling time.
  4. Avoid Fishing Warm Waters (especially above 68°F/20°C), when trout are highly stressed.
  5. Don’t do “That Pose” for your pic — don’t “hero shot” it, it’s dumb.

Damage Done When We Don’t Act

Neglect isn’t always malicious — sometimes it’s ignorance. But the result is the same: fewer wild fish, degraded rivers, reduced access, and a loss of future generations who may never experience what fly fishing once was. Left unchecked, poor practices lead to fish kills, disease outbreaks, invasive species dominance, and irreversible habitat loss.

I witnessed the whirling disease outbreak first hand in my part of the world, not good.

Where You Can Make a Difference

Individually:

  • Pack out trash — yours and others’.
  • Take a moment and educate new anglers on proper handling and etiquette.
  • Join local river cleanups or streambank restoration days.

Nonprofits to Support:

For-Profit Organizations with Conservation Ethics:

  • Patagonia: Long-time advocate for wild rivers and public lands.
  • Fishpond USA: Uses recycled materials and partners with conservation groups.
  • Orvis: Offers grants and contributes heavily to watershed health projects.
  • Your local fly shop: Become involved in the community

Fly Fishing Is a Contract

It’s a contract with the river, with the fish, and with the future. Each cast is a chance not just to catch, but to care. If we want our beautiful wild places to remain wild — if we want to pass our passion down to others — we must be more than be anglers. We must be stewards.

And stewardship isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a privilege.

Casting Through Time: The Enduring Spirit of Fly Fishing

| Glenn Smith

In the quiet moments on a brisk Colorado morning, ready to place my wading boot in the Frying Pan River, I often reflect on the profound legacy of fly fishing. This isn’t just a sport; it’s a timeless pursuit that connects us to nature, history, and a community of like-minded souls seeking solace and sustainability.

Ancient Origins: Threads from the Past

Fly fishing’s roots trace back to ancient civilizations. Roman author Claudius Aelianus, in the 2nd century, described Macedonian anglers using artificial flies to catch fish on the Astraeus River.  Meanwhile, in 12th-century Japan, the method of Tenkara emerged, where fishermen used long rods and simple flies to harvest trout and char in mountain streams.

These early techniques laid the groundwork for modern fly fishing, emphasizing skill, observation, and a deep connection to the aquatic environment.

Evolution of Technique and Technology

Over the centuries, fly fishing evolved significantly. The publication of “The Compleat Angler” by Izaak Walton in 1653 marked a pivotal moment, offering insights into the art and philosophy of angling. Advancements continued with the development of specialized rods, reels, and lines, enhancing the angler’s ability to present flies with precision.

Despite technological progress, the essence of fly fishing remains unchanged: a harmonious dance between angler and fish, guided by patience and respect.

Catch and Release: A Conservation Ethic

The practice of catch and release, now integral to fly fishing, has its origins in 19th-century Britain, aimed at preserving fish populations.  In North America, conservationist Lee Wulff championed this ethic, famously stating, “A gamefish is too valuable to be caught only once.”

Today, catch and release is more than a technique; it’s a commitment to sustaining healthy fisheries for future generations.

Seeking Solitude and Connection

Beyond the mechanics, fly fishing offers a sanctuary from the noise of modern life. Standing in a river, surrounded by nature’s chorus, one finds a meditative rhythm in casting and retrieving. It’s in these moments that anglers connect deeply with the environment, finding peace and clarity.

A Legacy of Stewardship

Fly fishing’s history is rich with individuals dedicated to conservation. In 1939, Roderick Haig-Brown penned the first code of fly-fishing ethics, emphasizing the angler’s role in protecting aquatic ecosystems.  Organizations like Fly Fishers International continue this legacy, promoting sustainable practices and environmental education.

Conclusion: Embracing the Timeless Journey

Fly fishing is more than a pastime; it’s a journey through history, nature, and personal growth. As we cast our lines, we join a lineage of anglers who value not just the catch, but the experience, the environment, and the enduring lessons the river imparts.

Until next time, may your casts be true and your reflections deep.

⸻

If you’re interested in exploring specific fly fishing techniques, gear recommendations, or conservation initiatives, feel free to ask!

Guide Glenn Smith

Local Fly Shops: Your Guide to Quality Fly Fishing Equipment

| Glenn Smith

When it comes to investing in  and committing to fly fishing gear, the options can feel overwhelming. From rods and reels to lines and leaders, the choices are vast, and making the right decisions can be daunting. That’s why relying on reputable fly shops, professional guides, and trusted industry leaders is essential for selecting gear that will last and suit your long-term needs.

Expertise Matters

Local fly shops and seasoned guides offer more than just a point-of-sale. These professionals bring years of experience and knowledge, and they understand that the right gear is critical for both performance and enjoyment on the water. Their recommendations are based on factors like local water conditions, target species, and your specific skill level, ensuring you get gear that will work for you—not just for today, but for years down the road.

Getting You Geared Up

A reputable fly shop doesn’t just push the most expensive rod or reel; they tailor their advice to match your needs and goals. Whether you’re a beginner looking for durable, versatile gear or a seasoned angler ready to upgrade, these experts help you find the right balance between quality and cost. Professional guides can also offer insights from the water, sharing what gear holds up in real-world fishing conditions.

Tried-and-True Brands 

Leaders in the fly fishing industry—those brands and manufacturers with long-standing reputations for excellence—should be your go-to for high-quality gear. Trusted names like Orvis, Sage, and Simms have spent decades refining their products. Fly shops often carry these top-tier brands, knowing they stand the test of time in durability, performance, and innovation. There are also boutique brands that are fantastic but come at a premium, are they worth it? Yes they can be, it’s up to you and you budget. Think of it this way,  A Timex and a Rolex are both watches but….

Think of it as Long-Term Investment

Fly fishing is a sport where investing in quality gear pays off in the long run. Reputable fly shops and guides emphasize this point, recommending equipment that won’t need replacing after a season or two. Rods, reels, and lines crafted from premium materials will last, saving you from constantly upgrading and allowing you to focus on what matters: enjoying your time on the water.

Customization and Fine-Tuning

Another advantage of working with experts is the ability to fine-tune your setup. Guides and shop staff can help you choose the right line weight, reel size, and leader length to ensure your gear performs optimally for the type of fishing you plan to do. This attention to detail is something big-box stores or online retailers can’t match, as they often lack the specialized knowledge needed to provide custom advice.

Supporting the Local Fly Fishing Community

When you purchase gear from a local fly shop, you’re not just outfitting yourself; you’re supporting the fly fishing community. These shops often serve as the heart of local fishing scenes, offering educational resources, conservation efforts, and a place for anglers to connect and share experiences. By supporting them, you’re investing in the longevity of the sport itself. Plus, how would a shop in Houston EXACTLY know what hatch is happening in Bozeman?

Is That it?

Fly fishing is a gear-intensive activity, kind of, but by relying on the knowledge and experience of reputable fly shops, professional guides, and industry leaders, you can make informed decisions that will serve you for the long term. These experts not only help you choose the best gear but ensure that your investments are built to last, allowing you to enjoy the sport for years to come. Once you’re set up you’re good to go; but like any interest, your always adding, changing, upgrading, fishing for different species, start fishing elsewhere, or what I like to say, “buying jewelry” because you want to…Trust me 

The Ethics of Fly Fishing: Pain, Emotion, and Responsibility

| Glenn Smith

As fly fishermen, we are intimately connected with nature in ways that few other activities offer. Standing knee-deep in a stream, casting delicate lines, and coaxing a trout from its hiding spot can feel like poetry in motion. However, with this connection to nature comes the responsibility of considering the impact our actions have on the fish, the ecosystem, and our own emotional and ethical well-being. One of the most debated topics in this arena is whether or not hooking trout causes harm—physically, emotionally, and environmentally—and how we should respond to this question as anglers.

Physical Pain: Do Fish Feel It?

The question of whether fish feel pain has been the subject of scientific study and ethical debate for years. Trout, like other fish, possess nociceptors, which are sensory receptors that detect potentially harmful stimuli. Some studies suggest that fish may experience pain in a way that is different from humans, while others argue that the pain is not as complex or conscious as ours. While they may react to injury, it’s unclear whether fish process pain in the emotional or suffering-driven way mammals do.

Regardless, as anglers, we should assume that our actions have the potential to cause physical stress to the fish. Whether trout experience pain as we know it, they do undergo stress when hooked and reeled in. Proper handling and release techniques are crucial to minimizing this harm.

Emotional Harm: The Human Perspective

For many anglers, fly fishing is about more than just catching fish. It’s an emotional and spiritual experience, a way to connect with nature, relieve stress, and be part of a longstanding tradition. But this emotional connection can also lead to a moral dilemma: Is it right to derive pleasure from an activity that might cause harm to another creature?

This internal conflict is common among conscientious anglers. Catch-and-release fishing often helps alleviate some of this tension, as it allows us to enjoy the sport without necessarily killing the fish. However, we should recognize that even catch-and-release fishing can cause stress to the fish, and handling them improperly could be fatal.

As stewards of the environment and participants in a natural cycle, we should foster a deep respect for the fish and the ecosystems in which they live. This attitude should guide not only how we fish but how we feel about our role as anglers.

Environmental Impact: The Bigger Picture

Beyond the individual fish, we must consider the broader environmental impact of fly fishing. While the act itself is relatively low-impact compared to other outdoor activities, certain factors can contribute to environmental degradation if not handled responsibly.

Overfishing, pollution from fishing gear, and habitat disruption can all harm aquatic ecosystems. Using barbless hooks, practicing catch-and-release, and adhering to local fishing regulations can help mitigate these effects. Additionally, being mindful of the surrounding environment—avoiding trampling delicate streamside vegetation or disturbing spawning grounds—ensures that fly fishing remains sustainable for future generations.

The Right Attitude: Responsibility and Respect

So, what attitude should we, as fly fishermen, take toward these issues?

1. Respect for the Fish: Whether or not fish feel pain as we do, we should treat them with respect. Use proper techniques to minimize harm, such as barbless hooks, gentle handling, and quick release if you’re practicing catch-and-release.

2. Stewardship of the Environment: Fly fishing connects us to nature, and we must take on the role of stewards for the ecosystems we engage with. Be mindful of your impact on the environment, clean up after yourself, and follow local regulations to help protect aquatic habitats.

3. Emotional Awareness: Acknowledge any internal conflicts you may have about the sport. Fly fishing can be both a joy and a responsibility. Balancing the emotional and ethical sides of the activity can help you grow not only as an angler but also as a person.

4. Continuous Learning: Stay informed about the latest science on fish welfare, and continue to evolve your practices. As we learn more about fish biology and ecology, we can adopt better methods to minimize harm and maximize the enjoyment of the sport.

Last Cast

As fly fishermen, we are part of an ancient tradition that brings us closer to nature. However, this tradition comes with responsibilities. We must consider not only the physical impact on the fish but also the emotional and environmental consequences of our actions. By adopting a respectful, responsible, and reflective attitude toward the sport, we can ensure that fly fishing remains both an enjoyable and ethically sound activity for years to come.

Mastering the Drift: The Key to Successful Trout Fly Fishing

| Glenn Smith

It is a morning like every morning during the end of summer, the beginning of fall. The air is brisk and the temperature is cool, almost cold, but a fine welcome. I meet my clients for the day, eager to get out there and catch a fish… but it is never that easy for the leisure, once a year angler to do. I say right from the get go, “Fly fishing for trout is not an easier way to catch a trout. It’s the most difficult way to catch a trout”.

Why do I say that? It is because those of you out there with years under your belt, know I am right. What we do is a process, not a shortcut. We have to look at everything. We first look at the weather, the outside temperature. Then we look if there is any cloud cover or not. Next we watch for birds, do we see them or not? If they are flying high or low, or on the water. Next, we look closely for the insect life on, in or above the water. We ask ourselves, what kind of hatch is it? Or if there is any hatch at all? All this takes place well before we even cast a line.

With all that said, what is the most important thing above and beyond the aforementioned you must master? Is it the choice of flies? Is it how well you can cast a dry? Roll cast a nymph? Is it recognizing a strike? Is it the drift? Is it how gentle or how hard you set the hook?

These are all valid questions. Every guide has their own opinions about which one is most important. But to me, there is only really one answer, it is always the drift.

Having a proper drift separates the pros from the rookies. I can attest to this. Even the wrong fly drifted properly will interest more fish. Better than the right fly, drifted terribly. This has proved to be true more often than not.

Is the cast and presentation important? Yes and no. A great cast is wasted if the drift is terrible. What is the point of throwing 50 feet of line across the current? It won’t work if you can’t get the fly to drift naturally.

When it comes to recognizing a strike, the drift still matters. A fast moving drift with tons of line in the water is near impossible to set the hook. If you’re “nymphing”, the strike indicator will never give you an honest read, a missed opportunity. If you’re throwing dries, a bad drift never will give your fly a natural, buggy look. You’ll miss another opportunity.

With all this said, how should you move ahead and always achieve a perfect drift? It is simple. Line management. keep these things in mind;

-High stick whenever you can. Alleviate a problem before it becomes a problem.

-Keep the line you’re casting within your comfort zone.

-Fish to the fish in-front of you. Your target isn’t always on the other side of the river.

-Drop the ego casting and get that fly in the water.

-Stop over mending. Do one or two quality big mends and stop messing around.

-Last of all, none of this applies if you’re ripping streamers.

Do me a solid. Please remember that the insects in the river move at the pace of the water they are in or on. Always copy nature.

Tight Lines

Glenn on the Fly

Be Safe Out There! 20 things to Expect and Un-expect while Fly Fishing.

| Glenn Smith

MbJUSTf7RXCFN3KI7onWBwJust reading the title of this article, I know what you’re thinking, nothing will happen to me, It’s Fly fishing! That may be true for most of us to a point, but trust me when i say, some of the wildest things happen in the most unusual situations.

As a Fly Fishing Guide for over 2 decades, I have seen my share of the unexpected.

I thought it would be helpful to share with y’all what you can, or should do if something were to happen to you on your adventure or at least give you some food for thought before you head out into the wild unknown.

Also, as a disclaimer, I am not a medical professional, nor am I an expert in outdoor survival and I claim not to be… But what I can do is give you my “in the field and on the water” experiences that I have learned from and share that with you, So he we go!

  1. Before you even decide to drive to the river or your favorite run, make sure you have gas in the car, water to drink and let someone know where you’re going. You don’t need to be exact, but at least which river. This is not only for your safety but in case you need to be found for some other reasons.
  2. Be prepared for anything. In Colorado, my home sweet home, you never can underestimate the weather, it can change on a dime, from beautiful bluebird skies in the morning to thunder and lightning or even snow in the afternoon. Take warm clothes and good rain-gear. these things takes up little room and pays for itself the first downpour when the fish start rising.
  3. Make sure you do some research on the water you’re heading to: Such as, Is it a tailwater of freestone river? What’s the water temp? Is the bottom slick or mossy, rocky or silty? What’s the flow? Should I take a staff or have cleats? Do I need waders or can I wet wade? Is it buggy? (not our kind of bugs but the annoying kind)
  4. Bring a snack always! Trust me, you’re not going home sooner that you think especially if the hatch goin off.
  5. Have all your paperwork in order. License is up to date, both of them, fishing and drivers.
  6. Check that you have ALL your gear; waders, boots, vest, bags, nets, boxes, all the things you need or don’t, Just bring it. I have been with clients that refuse to get dressed up at the shop only to find out 10 miles up the river they are missing a boot that fell out in the hotel room when they were bragging about their new “killer pattern”to show their fishing buddies after a couple of beers. It happens. Also alway bring and use your net, period.
  7. When you are heading to your secret spot, don’t become road blind and just focus on the river and ignore others on the road, you would be surprised how may bicyclist, walkers or animals nearly get hit by fishermen NOT paying attention to the road.
  8. When you find your water, don’t get upset if someone else is in it. Don’t get territorial, don’t get all angry. If you are a well seasoned angler, find another spot, truthfully, there are fish everywhere if you know where to look.
  9. When wading through the water, be always cautious and walk flat-footed if possible. The riverbed is inconsistent at best, it can catch your toes of your boots and trip you up, rocks move and slide and are generally unstable. Another thing is branches drift and hit you in the shins, dangerous. You never know, so be respectful of the unknown.
  10. Never put yourself or others in danger because you want to get to “that killer hole over there” that happens to be across fast or uncertain currents. Trust me, IT IS NOT WORTH IT! I know a guy that took a terrifying A River Runs Through It sweep down the river, out of control, near fatal risk just because of a sipping trout out of his reach that wasn’t “all that”.
  11. In that same vein, if you do fall in the river, stay calm and in control, try to work towards the bank at all cost. You may get really wet, lose your stuff, break your rod…so what! Stay alive!
  12. Always keep a pretty good medical/first-aide kit with you. Again, more likely than not, nothing will happen but you do never know. I had a trip with a father and his 11-year-old daughter, it was going really well. We walked to the river through some brush and trees, we waded in the river and dropped a line, perfect, for a while. 20 minutes into our first stop, the young girls hands started to swell up and turn beet red, she was freaking out. I asked the dad if she had any allergies, he didn’t think so but, she obviously did. Luckily we had some Benadryl that the father administered, thank god and the trooper of a girl calmed down, all went beck to normal. It would have been a whole different story otherwise.
  13. This is going to sound harsh, make sure you only bite off what you can chew. What I mean by that is don’t try do more than you are capable or willing to do. If you are out of shape and a scenic overlook is your idea of a good hike, don’t go into the back country that can cause you injury of a heart-attack! Don’t try to be a hero unless you are prepared to do so. It is “just fishing” but it is also “just hiking” says the guy who climbs a 14er for fun.
  14. Put anything valuable in a safe place. Despite all of your high-tech gear is waterproof it is not impervious. Remember, there is one big hole in your waders, it’s at the top, think about it.
  15. Wear sunscreen, hat, sunglasses and always keep your shirt on. Save that for your Bass or cat fishing trip.
  16. If you hook yourself, what should you do. If its barbless, as it should be, pull it out, dress it and get back fishing. If it is in a vital are aka your eye, seek immediate attention and continuously ask yourself why wasn’t I wearing my sunglasses. If you are hooked with a barbed hook, there are tricks to getting it out. Go on YouTube check it out but I recommend getting your butt to a clinic have it removed then drink a beer.
  17. Lightning and adverse weather. Get over it, get out of the water with your 9 foot lightning rod, sit in the car, wait it out or head out. Your vacation is not ruined, drive around look for those spots that were packed with anglers and are now empty because there fair weather warriors are all gone, the river is yours!
  18. Your friend gets hurt: Help them, if they’re fine, suggest they take a break, give them a Snickers bar resume fishing. If they are really hurt, don’t be a dick, get them help and help them create a really good story.
  19. You get into a tiff with another fisherman: So imagine you’re working a run from the bottom and someone steps in right above you and screws up your entire plan and the run, what are you going to do? This happens a lot, knowingly and by accident. Yes it is rude, are you going to get in a fight over it? Have some choice words then flip then off? Just walk away and mutter under you breath? Well that’s up to you I guess but nothing changes the mood of fishing more than anger. So let it go, most the time, people who do that either don’t realize you’re there of they are newbies and need to be educated about river etiquette, so educate them. Other times they’re just A-holes and will never learn. (fact is, those people usually are fishing hacks, so move to the next hole, within the sight, catch fish while they’re not, all is good in the hood.)
  20. The fish aren’t eating and you’re frustrated: Get over it, enjoy being outside then try again another time. I have said to my clients for many, many years, “Remember that there are two living things on each end of the line, only one of them is in control”

 

I know that this blog post may only have scratched the surface of the countless variables that doing an activity like fly fishing that takes place uncontrolled environs, but alway be careful, diligent and aware. It’s very similar to taking a vacation to New York City

Tight Lines as we say,

Guide Glenn Smith

glennonthefly.com

What a crazy summer!

| Glenn Smith

Now that September has come and fall is very much in the air, it is time to catch a breath and reflect on what a crazy summer it has been.

First and foremost, the fishing has been great all summer long. Don’t believe what social media tells you… If you keep up with what’s happening in our little hamlet, the Roaring Fork Valley and the quaint town of Basalt, you may be aware of all the excitment that has happened here; we had the Lake Christine Fire that happened on the 4th of July and thereafter burned for over a month. I provided a link to the stats as well click here and it will direct you to the photosIMG_1308

 

We also had a terrible winter last year which in turn made our water levels in the Roaring Fork critically low which forced the DOW to regulate the times in which we could fish due to the water temperature. At 66 degrees and above, the stress on the trout can kill them (and we don’t want that) so all the valleys guides did their best to “keep’m wet”, honor the request of the experts and take great care. Bravo to all who did their part.

But we persevered!

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From my POV, I had a great summer and a very interesting one to say the least. Due to the challenges the fish was great but different. What I found day in and day out was that it felt that all the hatches were somewhat off. It seemed to be a month ahead of schedule as well as thin. We didn’t get that chocking caddis hatch, nor the full on “steak and potato” Green Drake hatch in August like normal. But you know what? It still all worked out. The PMD’s were strong, the BWO’s were off the hook, Hoppers are falling in the river  like candy and a prince nymph is always money…

Another super cool thing that happened is that I was featured in The Aspen Sojourner Magazine with a sweet photo spread about fly fishing. I will post more about the article but want to share some of the photos they used. Online

 

Now the part some of you have been waiting for, the 2018 season of badass photos of fish and awesome clients, so here we go!

 

And last but not least, as not only a Fly Fishing Guide at Taylor Creek Fly Shop in Basalt I am also a producing artist, which makes this next photo even more amazing. I had the opportunity to fish with some of the top Artist, Curators and critics! Here is me with Heidi Zuckerman, Director of the Aspen Art Museum,  Hans Ulrich Obrist and wonderful fly fisherman and world renowned conceptual artist Joseph Grigely

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Now that it has become a bit more quiet, I am planning on making Guide Tip videos about shortcuts, affective techniques, fly selections, drift tips and much more.

 

So that all I got to say about that!

 

Tight-lines

Glenn

 

 

Pre-Game Pre-Trip Checklist!

| Glenn Smith

Hello Trout Hunters, Anglers, and soon to be Hooked on fly fishing!

This is a great bit of great information about what you NEED to do before you show up for a guided fly fishing trip. We use this at my shop Taylor Creek in Basalt and it makes everyones life a bit easier as well as getting you on the water that much quicker!

Follow this link and Give it a read: Pre Trip Check List!

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Tight Lines!

Guide Glenn Smith