The snow is melting and float season is upon us in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado or as we like to say #troutcountry. Depending on runoff each spring, mid-June marks the beginning of summer float fishing season. A primetime to get on a drift boat or raft to sling […]
At first glance, two-handed rods and spey casting looks like an impossible task. Long awkward-looking rods that require both hands and terms like spey, D Loops, anchor, head types, and line weights are enough to scare anyone away. Why then is this method of fishing growing? Because it is fun! […]
Fly casting is an integral part of fly fishing, it is one of the foundational skills needed to fly fish. Most often than not as a beginner angler you learn the standard overhead forward cast and the roll cast. While these two casts can get the job done in most […]
There is an unwritten code of ethics, a set of rules if you will within our sport that seems to govern how anglers operate on the river. I can’t remember how I first learned of them however, I have practiced them ever since I took up the sport over 25 […]
Check out the feature below from Andrew Braker of Flylords. Andrew interviews Vail Valley Anglers Store Manager, JP Modderno to learn more about how customers and anglers can enhance their fly shop experience. For the full blog check out the link here. 1) Say Hi! Rather than walking around the […]
With below freezing temperatures and short days across Colorado for the next few months, there is no better time to start fly tying than now. Fly tying is the process of creating the flies that we use to catch fish. It complements fly fishing and can be a great hobby […]
Nothing screams “troutbum” like a good old fashion fly fishing road trip. It’s a chance to get away from your local rivers to try your hand at having some success on a new piece of water. One thing is for sure, fishing a new river will most likely humble you, […]
Fly fishing in the Colorado High Country means constantly adjusting to the changing conditions. Maybe it is adjusting the depth of your indicator, adding on some split shot, or changing a fly. The trout always are keeping us on our toes. One simple way to stay ahead of the game […]
Winter fly fishing is not for the faint of heart, but if you choose to brave the elements, the trout will certainly reward you. During the winter trout are forced to adopt a feast-or-famine mentality. When feeding opportunities are there, the trout will eat with reckless abandon, taking advantage of […]
Negotiating the thin line between the worlds of adventure and danger, three anglers embark on a fishing excursion teeming with comedy, mystery, successes and failures. From hidden oyster bars and foul weather to personal best fish and fires on the boat, their journey provides insights, lessons and laughs for anglers […]
Fall in the Colorado High Country might just be the best time of year for trout anglers, lower flows, colder water temps, aggressive trout, and the beautiful fall colors. I’m not talking about the colors of the foliage but the colors of the fish. Every fall the brown trout begin […]
Almost overnight, fly fishing is suddenly the thing to do. Several factors such as social media, population increase, and the cool factor are all contributing to the sport’s popularity. There are more people who fly fishing now than ever. With the participation rate growing every year, the stress level on […]
As guides, we usually have those rare moments where we are able to twist another fellow guide’s arm into going out for an afternoon float after a morning trip. There is always a checklist of must-have items on the boat for a fun float: rods, flies, or beer. What most […]
Late summer fly fishing on Colorado’s Western Slope can mean low water, warm water, and at times, finicky trout don't let that stop you...
In Part I of Techniques to Land More Fish, we discussed proper tips to land fish in relation to reading water, proper hook set, playing, and landing a fish, in Part II the focus will purely be on rigging tips to increase your chances of catching more fish. By properly […]
Updated 1/19/2021 During these uncertain times, we are unsure what the future may hold. We do know the rivers are still there waiting to be explored. Here at Vail Valley Anglers, we are changing the way we operate to best fit your needs during these times. Hours of Operation: Daily […]
Here at Vail Valley Anglers, we know buying gifts for anglers can be easy or nearly as hard as catching that fish you have been eyeing all day. We put together a 2020 Holiday Gift Guide to help you find the right gift for your favorite angler this holiday season. […]
Midges, midges, and more midges. Midges are one of the four main aquatic insects in our western freshwater water systems (stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies make up the other three). They are the most diverse of these four species meaning they have the most sub-species. There are over 1,000 different midge […]
Originally published through Vail Daily on 11/6/2020. The onset of winter in the mountains brings snow and cold temperatures and for many of us the excitement of the start of the skiing or snowboarding season, however it can be a very depressing time for those who love to fish. […]