Sunday, October 30, 2016

Late Summer Fly Fishing - Gore Creek in Vail, Colorado

Flows were low and clear.  Fishing was tough and the start of the morning seemed to foreshadow an epic skunking.  Typically, Gore Creek which flows through Vail, Colorado is a fun and easy creek to fly fish on for wild brook and cutthroat trout.




This day was not that easy, but after moving upstream, changing flies a few times and finding some deeper, more riffled water, I started to produce a few nicer cutthroats.  This creek definitely has a nice mix of cutthroats and brookies and from what I have seen, brown and rainbow trout as well.  Probably a nice spot to shoot for a Colorado trout grand slam.



The day ended up nice enough to attempt a return a week later. Trying the same flies again without as much luck, I realized that the season was basically running down.  The golden Aspen leaves, although beautiful, signaled fall, and this the last day of Summer told me that I was pushing my luck on the mountain streams.




Sadly, this single small fish was likely my last fish of 2016.  Like most of us, I didn't get out as much as I would have liked, but that makes me appreciate the days I did get out and the memories I was able to make this year so much more.  I am definitely looking forward to next year.  Winter fly tying and maybe the random days out on a tail water will have to suffice until then.  Happy Fall Everyone!