The Heavy Weights
In preparation for this weekends’ epic weather forecast that is sure to bring a bit more water down the canyon, we decided to bring forth some of our absolute favorite bugs that make our high water months so productive. Dirty water makes the fish feed. HARD. Jumps in flows act like a natural flush, much like what we see on the Grey Reef, causing all bugs in the water to lose their grips and become a continuous stream of protein and calories for fish that have been snacking on size 24 midges for months. Below are some of the true super stars of the high water season. The MVP’s, the standby’s, the work horses. We call them, the Heavy Weights.
The Double Bead Peacock Stone
This fly is your new best friend until well after peak run-off. We stock them in small sizes, perfect for current water conditions, to massive size 6's that sink fast and lay down a profile that no can resist even when the river turns to Nesquick. This thing delivers the groceries year after year.
Jigged Green Drake
Now if this fly gets eaten as a Green Drake is always up for discussion, but our guess is probably not. It's just simply how it fishes. This fly is made with big, heavy tungsten, which is absolutely critical as the water rises. It's tied in a simple, jiggy Euro style with a slim, non-water resistant profile that slices through the water column FAST. This bug and others designed like it, are the ultimate dropper off of a dry fly and put a lot of fish in the net for us during this "pre" runoff phase.
Craven's Two Bit Stone
The theme continues with this awesome new creation from Charlie Craven. There are a total of three beads incorporated into this bug so it gets down and stays down fast. The Poudre has an extremely healthy population of Golden stones and Yellow Sallies, many of which are beginning to get itchy and are finding themselves swirling through the river right now as they lose their grip on the river bottom. Fish see these regularly here and this fly is always a great option for high water conditions anywhere in Colorado.
Smethursts Stonebomb
This fly is an absolute beast. Much like the DB Stone, this thing has multiple beads that punch through heavy current and get the fly to where the fish are. Legs like a girdle bug make this puppy breathe and fish absolutely crush this thing. Great dropper or point fly in a double nymph setup. If you haven't fished this fly, this is the year. We promise it will change your life forever.