Spent the second day crossing the Continental Divide at Cottonwood Pass and headed to fish below Taylor Reservoir on the Taylor River. Again, fishing was a little tough but a lot of fun and productive. We met very very nice Soldiers that had just started fly fishing. Spent the day on and off chatting with them and exploring water. Almost drove all the way to Gunnison in our exploration.
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flyfishtn, on Flickr
View from the top of the pass (this never gets old).
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flyfishtn, on Flickr
It was a long drive out from the river and a slow go back over the pass. And to top that off, we had some asshat pass someone and almost hit us head on as we were going back to the the top of Cottonwood Pass.
The third day we decided to drive around and explore various spots to see given that the runoff was still making the Arkansas run fast and high. We found some great water above Clear Creek Reservoir. When we got out of the vehicle we were swarmed with mosquitos. This is a great motivator to get ready fast. Once on the water and fishing we immediately noticed and nicer difference in flows and were into fish in no time with dries. We were leapfrogging our way up the river when I stepped out to get a little ahead so I wasn't just ahead of CP. When I did, I noticed some weather between Quail Mt. and Mt. Belford. I called CP over and we assessed the situation. Then we saw the lightning and heard the thunder. We both looked at each other and knew we had to roll as our walk back to the car through the campground we were fishing next to was about 1.5 miles. We quickly broke down our rods and headed to the car. With every step, it was becoming steadily apparent that we were not going to make it back. We heard a truck rolling up and hit them up for a ride. Thank goodness for nice people.
If you have spent any time in the higher mountains, you know that every afternoon storms brew and the wind blows until the sun goes down. Sometimes the result is this kind of beauty, a double.
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flyfishtn, on Flickr
That night we drove into B.V. (as the locals, known as Bewnie's, call Buena Vista) and wandered around this great Mt. town. Down by the Ark, there was a stage set up and watched this really cool band called the Nervous Jingles. They really rocked, performing covers and there own tunes. It was a great experience with an awesome backdrop to enjoy a cool band. Imagine melding Phish, WSP, The Dead and My Morning Jacket, saaaaweeet!
The last day in the mountains we decided we wanted to fish we valley water. We our handy gazetteer we focused in on the Middle Fork of the South Platte. This is one awesome river in a beautiful valley. The fish were cooperative and the views spectacular. One thing about this river is you better have your aim game lined up and lined up well. A well placed cast on the bank to catch the flows will invite the browns out from the cut to attack your fly. I will be back to the South Platte to explore more. She is a beautiful river, but what river wouldn't be beautiful in a valley surrounded by giants.
Funny story of the day. We got to the parking area, rigged up, boots and socks on and headed towards the water. On the way down, CP says, what is that ahead. I didn't immediately see it, then, I saw it. A mother f'n badger!!! You gotta be kidding me, those guys are mean as hell. As we kept walking, CP says, what do we do if he charges us, I said, kick him and run like hell. We took about 3 more steps and that little bastige presses on us with about a 3 step charge before retreating and diving back in his hole. That will make you pucker a little.
After we were done fishing we start heading back to Denver. We get caught in the return to Denver traffic and in one of the last passes, we hammered in a storm. And then the hail starts. Side of the road looked like it had snowed.
Apologies for the crappy photo.
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flyfishtn, on Flickr
Last bit of excitement. We are boarded and ready to get in the air, they pulled us off the plane as there was a tornado on airport property. This caused almost an hour and half delay, but worth it for sure to be safe for the ride home.
Thanks CP for the great friendship and awesome time in an awe inspiring area. We will go back again!
Topic: Colorado Fishing (Read 2134 times)