Having fished all over the West, dry-dropper rigs are my go-to rigs on smaller waters I don’t fish a whole lot. They allow for quick coverage of skinny water, but also give you the peace of mind that you are still nymphing if the fishery hasn’t woken up just quite yet. You’re fishing high and low covering both banks, pools and riffles and you should leave no stone unturned. As soon as the surface fly starts getting bit more than the nymph, I typically cut the nymph off and throw
dries to these types of fish all day. There might not be anything huge, but dozens of 8- to 13-inch fish will help you forget about that hawg you lost at Deckers in the spring. Okay, bugs…what do you need? I like size 14 to 16 Elk Hair Caddis, Royal Wulffs, Yellow Humpies…anything that rides high or an assortment of attractors. Smaller size 12 to 14 Stimulators, smaller Schroeder’s Hoppers and even a few Drakes will do the trick. Pair these dries with Midges, smaller size 16 to 18 Prince’s or Pheasant Tails, but don’t count out a small Rainbow Warriors or a Hot Spot either. Just pair your bugs so that a small nymph will not sink your dry. Finally, top off your day in the area with a good meal in Lyons or even run up to Estes. Oskar Blues has been a long favorite watering hole up on the St. Vrain. Make a day of it and like they say, shop local! HC
A
bout The Author.
High Country Angler contributor Brian La Rue enjoys giving fly fishers ideas of where to go for an adventure. Feel free to reach out to Brian at Brian@hcamagazine.com if you want your lodge or guide service featured in an upcoming promotional marketing plan.
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High Country Angler • Summer 2017
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