River Fly

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January 30th, 2002

River Fly

2 CRYSTAL RIVER CAHILL FLY FISHING REEL #3,4,5 NIP

$24.99

Crystal River Live Release Wood Trout Fly Fishing Net

$9.95

Mountain Adventure in Steamboat CO – Part 2: Rivers

Why do we take family vacations? Because it provides an escape from the everyday and some quality time to bond with one another, right? Does lounging next to a pool really accomplish that? How about getting the gang involved in something challenging? This year’s vacation could be an adventure. Somewhere in between lying on a beach and climbing Everest, lies a great mountain getaway where luxury meets outdoor recreation. Steamboat Springs, Colorado is that somewhere.

Steamboat is home to many small companies offering all types of outdoor activities. Each of the activities are unique yet all offer their participants exposure to the magic of the Rocky Mountain wilderness. Options range from the mild and scenic to adrenaline stirring adventures. Its not tough to find an activity for a group of mixed ages to enjoy.

Steamboat Springs is blessed with four great rivers weaving through the area, making whitewater sports highly accessible to locals and visitors alike. River sports such as rafting and kayaking can be practiced privately or commercially. Commercial outfitters must carry special permits for each river that they run. The best months of the year for whitewater are May, June, July and August. There are a handful of tour companies in and around Steamboat that provide a variety of guided river rafting trips for mild to wild adventure.

The Upper Colorado River is perfect for a first time family rafting experience. Its safe for younger children, with mostly flat water and a few nice waves and small rapids. Another great choice for beginners and youngsters is one of Steamboat’s treasures; the Yampa River town stretch. Featuring class II rapids on a scale of I-V and close proximity to town, this trip is ideal!

For older children and adults, the Eagle and Elk Rivers offer moderate whitewater runs. The rapids range from class II-IV on these runs and require a higher degree of navigation and teamwork from the guide and the paddlers. Class III and IV rapids are comprised of larger waves, more rocks and quicker moving water. Prior to the trip, guides instruct their crew on several paddle commands and explain safety information in great detail. The team then works together to manage the rapids, with breaks of milder water in between to admire the views and learn a bit about the area.

There isn’t alot of time for conversation on the class IV/V rafting trip. Cross Mountain Canyon on the Yampa River is the ultimate in intense whitewater and requires past paddling experience and good physical condition. Steamboat Springs is an epicenter for river adventure. Pick a mild trip, pick a wild trip, but be sure to make the rivers of northwest Colorado part of your vacation.

Another way to incorporate the river into your vacation is a fly fishing excursion. Steamboat Springs is home to some of Colorado’s best Gold Medal fishing waters. Lake and stream (river) fly fishing trips are very popular all year round, with the peak season being May through September. Large Rainbow, Brook Trout and Cutthroat are plentiful and the guides know where just where to cast a line. Professional fly fishing guides offer you the use of quality equipment and a diverse selection of public and private water. Beginners and experienced anglers will have a memorable experience.

For fun on dry-land in Steamboat, select from horseback rides, cattle drives, ATV tours, hot air balloon rides, biking, rock climbing, hiking and a heavy equipment play area where guests operate bulldozers and excavators! Watch for part 2 of the Summer in Steamboat article series for more details on these fabulous outdoor activities.

About the Author

Steamboat Activities is a local company that specializes in connecting travelers with outdoor activities and tours in Steamboat Springs. The owner, Claire Chappell, spent years as a professional guide in adventure sports and is happy to share her knowledge to help visitors plan a sensational trip to the mountains. http://www.steamboatactivities.com

Fly Fishing for Steelhead

Fly fishing for steelhead fish can be a challenging and rewarding experience. These amazing fish share their heritage with the Atlantic and Pacific salmon. Although they are native to the West Coast of the United States as well as in Russia, they can also be found in the tributaries of the Great Lakes. This is because they were planted in the lakes many times in the 1800’s.

There are numerous places you can go when fly fishing for steelhead. As we’ve already said, they are most plentiful in the Western United States. You can find plenty of steelhead in the rivers of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington state.

Steelhead are cousins of the Rainbow Trout and have a decidedly chrome-like coloring. They are amazingly acrobatic and can provide any fly fisherman with a fulfilling challenge when trying to catch them.

Most of the fly fishing techniques used to catch steelhead are based on those historically developed to catch Atlantic salmon. Flies are cast downstream from the angler on a floating or sinking line. The take, which can sometimes be quite violent, usually occurs towards the end of the swing. You can also use nymphing methods usually used by trout anglers.

Winter steelheads are often considered the “hard core” of fly fishers, sometimes enduring hours of repeated casting in cold water and freezing conditions for that one tug that can occur when you least expect it. Many fly fishers will spend a lot of time trying to land that prized steelhead only to be frustrated near the end.

The main thing to keep in mind when fishing for steelhead is to practice a lot of patience. For people who fly fish for steelhead regularly, the success of a day consists of one good hook. You will not see big numbers of catches like you will on trout rivers. Keep a positive attitude and watch what the fish are doing.

Most steelhead pockets are found downstream, but other anglers know this as well. Steelhead are most plentiful in the cold, winter months, but you can often find several other fly fishers trying to fish the same spot in hopes of landing their fish. As you can imagine, this is not especially good for the fish or the fisherman. Practice appropriate etiquette when on the river fly fishing for steelhead.

You will probably need a 9 foot single hand rod or a 12-15 foot double handed rod for best results. Line weights should range from 7 to 9. The best flies to use when trying to land a steelhead include the Wooly Bugger, the Conehead Zuddler, and the Black Bear Green Butt.

Fly fishing for steelhead can be an amazingly gratifying experience when you are patient and wise when it comes to the natural patterns of these fish. When you are able to land one, you will be surprised at how much fun it is to reel it in!

About the Author

Steve has been fishing for many years. There is nothing he likes better than spending a few hours on the side of a river or lake trying to catch the ultimate fish. He has travelled extensively throughout the world and never lets an opportunity go by to try out the local fishing. He has written a book on the subject of Fly Fishing which can be purchased at http://fishing.articleland.co.uk . He can also be reached for further information at his website http://www.articleland.co.uk