expert excursion NIGHT FISHING WITH VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS » If you are an expert fly fisherman looking for a new challenge, Mike Whitfield, a guide with Vail Valley Anglers in Edwards, recommends a night float trip on the Colorado River. That’s what long-time local Patrick Perry decided to do, lured by promises of a high density of fish in big water. With few — if any — other people fishing then, there is less pressure on the fish and a completely serene, peaceful setting. Plus, there’s the potential to catch bigger trout, which tend to feed at night. Vail Valley Anglers general manager John Cochran explains that for an expert who is used to being able to see where to cast to and when a fish eats your fly, the element of darkness adds a whole new layer of complication to your goal. Perry, who has 20 years fly-fishing experience, has caught plenty of fish during the day. He was drawn to the challenge of night fishing for bigger fish using mouse patterns and streamers. Trips start around the twilight hours, so guests can enjoy the sunset, fish the "power hour" at dusk and also get a feel for the river before it’s “lights out.” Once night falls, the scenery changes, the wildlife changes and it can become a very mental game as guests learn to use their other senses — like hearing and feeling, instead of sight — to find and land fish. “You have to really tune in to what’s going on out there,” Whitfield says. “Don’t expect to catch anything and then you may be rewarded.” “You’re going on your instincts and how the rod feels and all by touch — so it’s a lot more advanced,” adds Perry. He likes that Whitfield kept it creative, constantly changing flies and actions to try to attract fish in the dark. Perry found the scenic experience of floating the river by moonlight as much fun as the challenge of night fishing. “It just feels like you and the wilderness. It’s a totally different experience, which is awesome for someone who has floated the river his whole life,” Perry says. “To do it at night just takes it to the next level.” While Perry only landed one fish, he had plenty of bites to indicate the abundance of fish, as well as the success of his chosen flies. The challenge of landing them is what has him excited to try it again. After all, as Mike Geisler will attest, “Fly fishing is a lifetime of learning.” 80
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