The Catch Fishing Report

Greetings, 

It's clouds and sun with light winds for this Sunday morning.  I fished just south of Crested Butte yesterday.  It's amazing how 10 miles south of town compares with 10 miles north.  Head south and you're fishing, head north and you're skiing.  This spring contrast is recreationally liberating, as new options appear out from under the snow seemingly every day. 

I fished Cement Creek, along the road of the same name, deep in a spruce grove along the creek's mini-oxbow's, micro pools, and rock features.   This was a fairly tight place, but it provided a reprieve from the gusty afternoon winds.

The water in the creek ran fast and clear, a nice change from the run-off affected "big muddies" in the main valley.  I worked on presentation and after the first hour, was getting pretty good at giving the fish an option of actually hitting what appeared to be a yummy fly, not darting away from what was obviously fishing line, leader, and hook with string wrapped around it, as was the case with most of my early casts.

I'm quite proficient at catching salmon in the north Pacific and bringing in fish on spin-casting gear, but fly fishing is another story all together.   I did however, see a trout flash on my fly once.  A small victory on a small spring steam.

Check the lower Taylor River today for clear, fish-able water.  Don't wait to book your custom fishing trip with us, as summer is already filling up.  Thanks for checking in! 

-Mark

Visit FishCrestedButte.com:  http://www.FishCrestedButte.com

We're In the Water for you everyday.

Posted by mark at 08:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Good morning,

The sun is already high above the mountains and a mild morning is underway.  I would fish early, as the current trend is for windy fishing conditions mid-day.  We even had flurries yesterday afternoon in Crested Butte-spring in the upper watershed!

Check out the lower Taylor River or the famous "hog trough" just below the Taylor Rive Dam further upstream.  All the area guides are fishing this weekend.  Contact us today to set you up with a custom fishing trip for one day or weeks on end.

Thanks for checking in!

-Mark

FishCrestedButte home: http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com

We're In the Water for You Every Day!

Posted by mark at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Greetings,

I actually got to fish a little yesterday, breaking out the fly rod on the Gunnison River just up stream from the Lake City bridge.  There are plenty of camping areas and turn-offs along this stretch and I picked the one closest to the reservoir.  The dog joined me for a nice nap while I fished the mild spring weather.  The wind was a factor when we started around 4:30pm, however by about 5:00pm it was almost calm.  I was out for an hour and was admittedly rusty, with no fish.  That's why it's called "fishing" and not "catching" though.  This weekend I'll probably follow Dom's advice at Troutfitter Sports and fish the lower Taylor near Spring Creek.

The weather is mild this morning with clouds already building at 9:00am.  Keep watch on the skies and winds today.

Thanks for checking in!

-Mark

home: http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com

We're in the Water for you Every Day!

Posted by mark at 08:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Good Morning,

Wind was not as big a factor as expected in the upper basin yesterday.  Look for mild fishing conditions to persist today.  Check out the lower Taylor of or Lake Fork of the Gunnison.

Thanks,

Mark

Posted by mark at 06:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Enjoy the sunshine this morning and light winds.  Look for breezy fishing conditions later in the day.

Thanks for checking in! 

-Mark

Posted by mark at 05:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Good Morning, 

Troutfitter Sports owner/guide Dominique Eymere reports that river flows are up on the Taylor river and fishing is turning on.  Although the Gunnison River is currently "blown-out", the lower Taylor and Spring Creek are good options.  Dom says to look for blue wing olives, caddis olive/dark, and gnats(midges) when you're on the water.  His flys of choice today are Black Streamers, Caddis, B.W.O, and the hot #10 Mud Bugger.  Dom reports that the Lake Fork of the Gunnsion should also be a good bet today.

Thanks to Troutfitter Sports for today's report.

We'll see you out there!

Mark

We're in the Water for You Everyday...

Posted by mark at 07:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Howdy,

We skied more than we fished on Sunday, making it all the way up the Slate River valley to the Pittsburg town site.  In the summer, this area offers secluded fishing and camping on public lands along the river.  This time of year though it's still winter, with four foot snow drifts on the valley floor and deeper snow pack higher up on the Paradise Divide.  Although snow was prevalent, mild temperatures and sunshine reminded us that spring has arrived to the Gunnison watershed.  The Slate was noticeably up, but not flooding yet.  From the looks of things, we'll enjoy good water flows throughout the summer season.

Fishing has been active at lower elevations for a month.  With a now ice-free Blue Mesa, you can travel west of Gunnison on HWY 50 for @10 miles to the reservoir.  Rainbows and browns are hitting near shore near the mouth of the river.

Book your summer trip with us today.  It's easy.  Choose from one of our custom fishing travel packages at: http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com/custom_trip_planning.html

Fish-on!

Mark

Visit Fish Crested Butte.com home: http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com

We're In the Water for you Everyday!

Posted by mark at 08:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Greetings,

Gunnison Fish and Raft reports active fishing this weekend at Blue Mesa reservoir, west of Gunnison.  The lake a valuable resource for all anglers when the rivers get a bit "blown out".  

Owner/Guide Albert Mismash spent Saturday in a favorite cove and landed and released some nice Browns and Rainbows on spin-tackle. He also experimented with newer "surf-casting" gear for Mackinaw Lake Trout.  Although he had a few "runs" on sucker-meat(bait), the "Mac"
won out on Saturday!

With the endless shoreline options at Blue Mesa,
the beach-combing spin-fishing experience is entirely different from
float-fishing the river!  Please visit the Gunnison Fish and Raft webpage at: http://www.floatfish.com
to learn more about this well-established guide service.

Enjoy the fishing today!

Mark

FishCrestedButte.com home: http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com

We're in the water for you everyday!

  

Posted by mark at 09:28 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

At 2:00 PM we observe increasing winds and clouds developing from the west.  Conditions are currently overcast.  Fishing weather and water conditions rest of today will likely differ from AM conditions.  Thank you-Mark

Visit Home:  http://www.fishcrestedbutte.com

We're in the Water for you Everyday.

Posted by mark at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Howdy,

If you're fishing the Gunnison Valley this weekend, please bring sunscreen.  Mild, sunny weather is widespread with light AM winds and moderate to gusty winds in the afternoon.  Come on up here and experience outstanding high-country spring fishing in Colorado!

Many established local outfitters are running float trips this weekend.  We'd be happy to plan your custom spring fishing trip.  Contact us today at (970) 349-7047 or just send a quick email to: admin@fishcrestedbutte.com to get started.  Our custom trip planning services provide you less planning and more fishing!

Thanks for checking today's fishing report for Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado.

-Mark 

Posted by mark at 09:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

1:00PM NEWSFLASH:

Dragonfly Anglers, located on Elk Avenue, is reporting active float-fishing below Almont.  The pro guides at Dragonfly have been consistently bringing fish into the boat over the last 10 days.  Contact them today to set up a float fishing trip this weekend. 

Visit them online at: http://www.dragonflyanglers.com

or contact them directly at (970) 340-1228.

Fish-on!

Mark

Posted by mark at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Greetings, 

Another blue-bird day is underway here in Crested Butte.  Looks like high pressure will continue to influence fishing weather through the weekend.  I think I'm actually going to get to fish!  We'll probably try our luck near the Lake City bridge on HWY 50 west of Gunnison.

Reports are that Blue Mesa is completely ice free.  "Let's fire up the boat!" you might be thinking. But before you charge out there, just remember that water temperatures are maxing-out in the mid-thirties at best.  That's some seriously cold water on the Mesa.

Look for browns and rainbows to be active in the Gunnison River above Blue Mesa Reservoir today and over the weekend.  The larger lake trout usually remain dormant until water temperatures warm considerably.  Check back for those big fish a little later...

Throughout the basin, run-off is happening.  You're best bet is to hook up with fishing guides such as Willowfly Anglers or Gunnison Fish and Raft who can safely navigate and get you in the fish! 

Willowfly Anglers:  http://www.3riversoutfitting.com

Gunnison Fish and Raft: http://www.floatfish.com

Thanks to Berfields Stage Stop for the Blue Mesa report and thanks for checking today's Crested Butte and Gunnison Fishing Report.  See you on the water!

Mark

Posted by mark at 08:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Skies are clear again this morning as high pressure is set above Colorado.  It's a bit warmer than yesterday, which will contribute to increased run-off while making the fishing a little more comfortable.  Look for wind to increase mid day. 

I was up the Slate River just north of Crested Butte yesterday.  The snow pack is lingering, however there is good access to the water in places, especially side channels and pools out of the main current.  Do use caution however, as water conditions can change rapidly this time of year.  If you are unsure of water safety rules, please consult a guide!

If you are looking for less rocking and rolling waters today, check out the fishing near the Lake City bridge roughly 10 miles west of Gunnison on State HWY 50.  Word is the rainbows and browns are active in the river just above Blue Mesa lake.  Try jigging close to shore.

Thanks to Berfields Stage Stop in Gunnison for the report.  We'll see you out there today!

Mark 

Posted by mark at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's clear this morning in Crested Butte and the upper valley.   Water is cloudy with spring run off, however this does not seem to have affecting fishing yet, with anglers still seeing good activity. 

Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery released Salmon fry on Friday.  Early reports indicate the majority of the released fish have already made the journey downstream to Blue Mesa Resevior, where they will live their four year adult lives. 

As you might expect, the Rainbows and Browns do feed on these small fish, so try to "make like a salmon" with your bait.

Thanks to Berfields Stage Stop, WillowFly Anglers, and Almont Anglers for the reports.

See you out there!

Mark

Posted by mark at 05:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Good Morning!  We woke today to one inch of new snow at the base of Crested Butte Mountain.  At 8:00am the sun has finally made it above the peak.  There is great light this morning, so I would get in the water sooner than later. 

I wouldn't wait to fish the upper basin either. As of last evening at 10:00pm, there is a noticable rise in water run-off with significantly discolored water going along with it.  The lower basin should continue to enjoy good water clarity for the next few days.

If you are on the water today we would like to read your water observations and fishing reports.  Please feel free to post your discussion comments and fishing pictures here anytime, as this is the community fishblog for friends of Crested Butte and Gunnison fishing.  Guides please continue to note your business or outfitter.

Thanks for visiting.  Enjoy the sunshine today!

Mark 

Posted by mark at 07:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We are happy to announce the launch of our new daily fishblog: The Daily Catch Fishing Report for Crested Butte and Gunnison, Colorado!  If you are really into fishing, or just starting out, please send us your fishing observations and pictures.  We'll post them on The Daily Catch for community review and discussion.

Relax, we're in the water for you everyday.

This new fishblog will feature official reports from The Troutfitter, Almont 3 Rivers, Gunnison Fish and Raft, Almont Anglers, and more!  We're also your source for fishing travel information, including special angling packages from our featured lodges.

Thanks for checking in today.  It's currently sunny and becoming windy, but don't fret, Albert Mismash of Gunnison Fish and Raft brought in 11 yesterday in turbid waters.

Fish on!

Mark White

Posted by mark at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The wind is gusting in Crested Butte this afternoon.  However, water clarity remains good with widespread pre run-off conditions.  Try Almont or Gunnison today to get out of the wind if it's possible.  

Albert Mismash of Gunnison Fish and Raft reports active fishing near Gunnison, despite turbid water conditions.

Look for consistent hatches of Stone, Caddis, and Midge. Caddis Emerger, B.H. Stone, Conehead Streamer, and Red Worm should stay productive.

Thanks to Albert Mismash for the report.

-Mark White

Posted by mark at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)