Fly Fishing offers up many different paths towards the end goal of a personal owned experience on the water from breathtaking destinations to backyard haunts. Some find joy in seeing every take with a dry fly, or chasing numbers with the nymph, while for others it is about the grab on a tight line. There is no wrong way, only the search for increased effectiveness on your path to personal success. On the water education is exactly that, a deeper understanding of the mechanics and the why behind a chosen technique.
EUROPEAN METHODS
Born out of competition and the need for maximum effectiveness in a short stretch of water with set amount of time – these techniques are designed to be deadly. More importantly they are extremely fun, focused, and the opportunity for learning is endless. For those who might have tried it once or twice and want to know the subtleties of presentation and the variety of options available in one leader, or the different leaders for varying techniques, a day on the water is the only way to take it to the next level. Previous experience is required.
My Story – Nine years of competition, seven years on Team USA, and five World Fly Fishing Championships have left me still scratching my head still wondering why trout do what they do and wanting to learn more. There is no other method that will send you down a rabbit hole of learning, humble yourself, and have a blast in the process.
STILLWATER ANGLING
Oftentimes Colorado’s large lakes and reservoirs are overlooked for the sex appeal of the moving waters. For those who know about how un-still a lake is and how complex lake fishing is you see gear exploding out of their bags. Lakes have great hatches, big fish, and variable conditions that require a keen eye to detail. Learn about wind, underwater structure, depth, bugs, lake lines and how to find success in stillwater angling. No float tubes here, either bank fishing or loch style drifting in the wind. A personal favorite of mine in the spring and fall months.
TROUT SPEY
Life has a natural yin and yang to it and trout spey occupies one half of the order on the rivers. While it can be nice to rack up a few numbers on other rods, pulling out the long rod and swinging flies immediately changes the vibe of the day. Quickly it becomes a more relaxed pace to everything – that is until a trout grabs the offering mid swing and jolts the rod from your hand. Regardless if it is a walk wade day or one spent floating down a river, the trout spey rod remains strung up and ready for the right water type. Learn a variety of casts, the flies, the varying presentations, and the proper water type for maximum effectiveness with this technique that is not about numbers, but moments.
PRIVATE WATER
I love fishing public water and believe that we in the state of Colorado simply do not or cannot have enough of it. Going out and having great days with good friends on Colorado’s public gems are some of my personal best memories, but crowds are not as conducive to a great learning experience. With that all trips run on private water to ensure that there is never any angst to have to make a move or disappointment that someone else is in “your” spot while they are out enjoying their day. Once you have more arrows in your angler quiver take them out to your favorite stretch and see how they perform. Always play with respect on the public stretches – we are all one out there.
Tempo Fly Fishing 