Wildfire that broke out last Sunday near Rainbow Falls Forced us to Evacuate During Fishing School.
Wildfire that broke out last Sunday near Rainbow Falls Forced us to Evacuate During Fishing School.
What an interesting start to summer to say the least. Last Sunday, we were forced to evacuate Rainbow Falls during our fishing school because a new fire (not the Waldo Canyon Fire) broke out just 500 yards from where we were fishing. This fire was quickly contained, but it certainly set the tone for what this week would entail.
First, let’s start with the hot questions coming over the phone and in the shop this week.
Is 11 Mile Canyon Reopened Yet?
Yes. As of the 24th this fire was 100% contained and the closures in the canyon were lifted as of June 26th. Forest Service Info
How do I get to 11 Mile Canyon and the Dream Stream since 24 is closed?
You have two options. The first is to to take 285 to Fairplay. From Fairplay take highway 9 south to 24. This section of 24 is not closed. The other option is to take 67 through Deckers and catch 24 just west of Woodland Park.
South Platte Fishing Report for Deckers & Cheesman Area
Flows have been low and clear all summer. The Canyon is definitely fishing better than the Deckers section. That should all change in the coming weeks. Denver Water will be testing the improvements they made on the dam over the last couple years and gradually stepping the flow up to 900 if all goes as planned. This is a good thing! High water in Deckers means easy fishing! The water gets off color and the fish pile in the slackwater and get dumb. This means big offerings of worms, rubberlegs, possie buggers, and other big nymphs. If you plan to head to Deckers for high water, make sure you give it a day to settle. We had a trip out on Wednesday when they began increasing the flow and they had to battle the “white snot” floating down the river. This usually passes within a day of increased flows. Looking at the Cheesman water flow graph today, I’m not sure if they had a glitch in the plan because the flow was suddenly dropped. We will keep you posted.
Flies: Get Down Worm, #16 Guides Choice Hare’s Ear, #8 Coffee/Black Rubberlegs, Hoppers Working Well at the lower flows & in the Canyon-Be sure to give Trina’s Carnage Hopper a shot!
11 Mile Canyon Fishing Report
Definitely not a lot of crowds reported this week for obvious reasons. It takes a little longer to get to the Canyon since 24 is closed but it’s worth the extra drive since the Canyon hasn’t really been fished hard this month. No adverse effects to report from the Springer fire and flows remain low and clear at 77 CFS. Reports are excellent and fish are willing to come up for a variety of different offerings. Caddis, hoppers and yellow sallies seam to be the name of the game. PMD’s are around and Tricos are also starting to show up and should continue to get thicker as we get into July.
Flies: Carnage Hoppers (yellow & Tan) , #14 Yellow Foam Sally, 16-18 Black Foam Caddis, #16-18 Peacock Caddis, 20-22 foam post trico spinner, #18 Hackle Stacker PMD, #18 CDC Rusty Spinner, 22-24 Parachute Adams, #22 black Rs2, #20-24 barr’s trico emerger, #20-22 Purple Tungsten Jujubaetis
Dream Stream Fishing Report
Flows remain steady at 101 CFS and the place is empty! PMD’s have been pretty thick and tricos are starting to get going. Hoppers, Caddis, and small yellow sallies are all picking up their share of fish as well. Fishing remains steady from first light until about noon. Mid day fishing has been average at best. Once 1pm comes around I would suggest hitting the the lake, 11 Mile Canyon or checking out Tomahawk on your way home. If you’re willing to stick it out through the hot part of the day, the evening fishing has been pretty awesome on caddis and PMD spinners.
Flies: Carnage Hopper, #16 Outrigger Yellow Sally, #16-18 Black Puterbaugh Caddis, #16-18 Foam post Trico Spinner, #18 Hackle Stacker PMD, #20-24 Parachute Adams, #20 Tungsten Rojo Midge, 20-22 Green Jujubee, #18 Juju PMD
