One of the single most yet never thought about attribute that any angler could have when it comes to fishing in Colorado is dealing with adverse conditions. As fisherman our focus is usually on the latest products and the best techniques to use, not thinking about weather patterns, seasonal changes, and water conditions, and how it can have an effect on fish.
With Colorado’s recent torrential downpours and devastating floods in its rivers, creeks, streams and or tributaries, you can almost forget about fishing these waters for a long time. Trying to adapt to these conditions is a waste of time and effort as these waters are not fishable.
Colorado utilizes a series of reservoirs and water impoundments on it river systems to control water. But with the amount of rain that has fallen at an unprecedented rate, some of our rivers could not hold its banks and water had nowhere else to go but out, creating the floods we all see now.
While most of the flooding has occurred on the northern front-range river drainages, such as the St. Vrain, Big Thompson, Boulder Creek and Poudre river, stable conditions can be had on the South Platte river system.
From Eleven Mile, Spinney Mountain to Chatfield reservoir, the fishing is on. Northern pike at Spinney should be hot right about now. Walleyes at Chatfield are ready for the taking this Fall. Kokanee fishing at Eleven Mile will be sought after soon and Brown trout running up the dream stream between Spinney and Eleven mile is sure bet this fall as well.
Some fishing may be out of the way for some folks and anglers may have to travel further to get to some good fishing waters. Adapting to change by fishing around adverse conditions is the key to turning a negative into a positive.
Check with your local Bait and tackle shops for fishing conditions before you plan your next fishing trip.
