High Country Report

October 3, 2008

WATER CONDITIONS:

September is the month to get out and do some exploring up above Ruedi Reservoir or up near Aspen and Snowmass. This past weekend we've seen our first high country snow. Expect it to melt out with warmer weather following this week's showers. Go early and watch the weather as thunderstorms this month can sneak up on you quickly. September yields some superb fishing as well, but keep in mind that the weather is little bit more dicey with the mornings being chilly and temps warmning up into the upper 60's and mid 70's by late afternoon. Hunting season is quickly approaching (in fact, archery and upland are open) so be sure to get out there before too many guns are in the field. Dressing is bright colors is a safe bet and is highly encouraged. Most recently explored Yule Lakes above Marble and found some cutthroat 10"-14." Look to BWO's, general attractor patterns, and small streamers to produce fish. Ruedi Reservoir has been fishing nicely with tons of rising fish around the inlet during afternoons and eveings. A few big fish have been showing up in nets including 20 inch bows and 24 inch lake trout! The inlet was recently stocked about two weeks ago. Great spot for kids! Maroon Lake in the Maroon Bells near Snowmass, for Cuthroat, and Maroon Creek, using a dry dropper rig or nymphing, have also been producing fish. If you can get some overcast or wind, all the better, as these wily, native cutts are not pushovers in the gin clear water. Lake Christine, near the rifle and skeet range in Basalt is loaded with nice rainbows including a few in the 20-24" inch range is also fishing well. Early mornings and evenings are best. Small streamers and dry/dropper rigs also fish equally well. The lake was recently reopened after several restoration projects and was stocked with brood rainbows in the 18-24" inch range, as well as a ton of smaller stocker rainbow. Chapman Lake and Elk Wallow, located above Ruedi Reservoir in the high country are fun options also. Elk Wallow is loaded with Brook trout and fishing consists of beaver ponds. Rocky Fork Creek near Ruedi is filled with beautiful Colorado River Cutthroats and average 4-10" inches. The scenery can't be beat up Rocky Fork! The lower meadow has been decent, while the upper two meadows contain slower moving waters. There is still quite a bit of water up here, though the flows are dropping daily.

Other valley fishing options include: Bar ZX Ranch, Rifle Creek, Harvey Gap and Rifle Gap. The fishing has been sensational at Bar ZX Ranch the past two weeksl, and no one else knows the Ranch as well as our guide staff. If you would like more info on the Ranch don't hesistate to give us a call. Keep in mind that Bar ZX fills quickly, thus book your trip and guides as soon as possible.