Not in Cali....Colorado River Cutts (photos)
Posted: Thu May 02, 2013 7:02 pm
Driving home from a week of work in Colorado, I could not pass on the opportunity to fish for Colorado River Cutthroat. The question was “where” could I attempt to catch this beautiful species given the late season snowfall and potential snowpack. My main concern was not encountering snow but dealing with runoff that would muddy the water. Looking over maps, and research data I settled on a watershed in Utah that “might” work. It was not exactly on our (my wife was with me) way back home but the detour would be much closer than a return trip from Southern California. We made our way to the base of the stream and then had to drive about 15 miles on a dirt road that made its way around and up a large mountain. The road was rough but not bad. Certainly there were sections of washboard and a very patches of rough buried rock but nothing that a good set of tires and suspension could not handle. The intended creek was supposed to cross the road where a trailhead to a reservoir (hint on location) began. However, we did not want to push the car too far over rough rocks so we stopped about a mile from from the trailhead and set-out.
After about 10 minutes of walked we came across the stream...or at least one branch of it. Given the runoff there were many fingers to the stream that would meander around and at times all connect. Most importantly, the creek was clear. The trailhead began at the treeline and I fished the meadows below the line and the wooded area just above. Over 2 hours I worked about 500 meters above the tree line to about 1000 meters below it. Given that the water was moving VERY quickly I tied up the trusted hopper and dropper setup using a cricket and and bead-headed prince. The setup worked like a charm. I would toss it above falls and it would churn in the pools below and when the hopper would disappear I would set the hook and viola, a gorgeous and pure Colorado River Cutthroat was my reward...over and over again. I eventually changed out to a parachute adams in the meadow riffles with the same result. The prince was utilized alone in the wooded sections where the pools were deeper and the light significantly less.
Cutthroat Stream by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Stream Entering Woods by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
The fish were simply stunning. These are only a few of the fish I caught. I probably brought 40 to hand. It was a phenomenal adventure and I was blessed to share it with my wife. PM me if you want more information regarding this watershed. It's certainly a MUST. I just don't want to share info directly on the board...
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Belly by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
After about 10 minutes of walked we came across the stream...or at least one branch of it. Given the runoff there were many fingers to the stream that would meander around and at times all connect. Most importantly, the creek was clear. The trailhead began at the treeline and I fished the meadows below the line and the wooded area just above. Over 2 hours I worked about 500 meters above the tree line to about 1000 meters below it. Given that the water was moving VERY quickly I tied up the trusted hopper and dropper setup using a cricket and and bead-headed prince. The setup worked like a charm. I would toss it above falls and it would churn in the pools below and when the hopper would disappear I would set the hook and viola, a gorgeous and pure Colorado River Cutthroat was my reward...over and over again. I eventually changed out to a parachute adams in the meadow riffles with the same result. The prince was utilized alone in the wooded sections where the pools were deeper and the light significantly less.
Cutthroat Stream by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Stream Entering Woods by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
The fish were simply stunning. These are only a few of the fish I caught. I probably brought 40 to hand. It was a phenomenal adventure and I was blessed to share it with my wife. PM me if you want more information regarding this watershed. It's certainly a MUST. I just don't want to share info directly on the board...
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Trout by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr
Colorado River Cutthroat Belly by jimtheflyguy, on Flickr