July 2010 Newsletter
They say there is no word in English that rhymes with orange. There is no word that rhymes with July, either. What's the significance of that? Nothing, other than to commemorate the fact that the first month in the second half of the year has rolled around again. Most rivers are still too high and cold to have significant hatches (so, what's new?), and wading is still tricky in most places. Have faith, though-- flows are dropping and we'll soon be fishing dry flies. Green Drakes have already started hatching near Glenwood Springs and will soon be working their way up the Roaring Fork Valley and the Frying Pan. Caddis will be everywhere, and PMDs, Red Quills and Yellow Sallies will fill the air. Don't forget the lakes. Most high country lakes are open. We've heard great reports from Delaney, Hahnholtz and some of the Laramie Plains lakes. Warmwater fishing on Front Range lakes and ponds has been hot.
See that flashing Fly Fishing 100 Top Sites! thingy up there on the left? If you click on it, it will take you to a site with some interesting fishing links. It also increases our rating in the Top 100. Give it a try and you'll help us improve our rating, too.
Summer Fishing Sunburn- Wear a broad brimmed hat to protect your ears from burning. Apply sunscreen of at least SPF 30 several times a day to protect exposed body parts, like hands, arms, legs, back of the neck, etc. We sell the Sol brand at the Laughing Grizzly. It's virtually water- and sweatproof. Insect bites- Wear long sleeves and apply an insect repellent like Ultrathon. There is a lot of standing water from high river levels and rain, so that means mosquitos. There has already been at least one case of West Nile disease reported. Be careful when using repellents that contain DEET- it attacks fly line coatings and most other plastics. We have Ultrathon available with a sponge applicator so you won't get it on your hands. Altitude sickness- Luckily, this doesn't affect most of us who live here full time; it's mostly visitors who suffer. Nonetheless, it can happen to anyone. Symptoms can include headache, hyperventilation, shortness of breath, nausea, lightheadedness and loss of appetite. It is exacerbated by insufficient hydration, so drink plenty of fluids. The only effective treatment is to descend to a lower altitiude as quickly and as safely as possible. Lightning- Nearly 60 people are killed each year by lightning. Colorado is among the states with the highest number of lightning strikes. There is NO safe place outside in a thunderstorm. Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects, ridgelines and peaks. If you are in the open, squat down on your haunches to lower your profile. Do not lie on the ground. If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees. Stay away from water, wet items (such as ropes) and metal objects such as fences and poles. Put down your graphite rod. If you are caught in a thunderstorm on a small boat, drop anchor and get as low as possible. In the Shop Nymph Heads- tungsten beads with little eye bumps on the side. These beads will add realistic eyes to your bead head nymphs. $5.99/pkg UV Polar Chenille- this is a chenille made with an ice dub type material for tying buggers and other streamers. Guaranteed to get a fish's attention. Fur- Real fur patches for dubbing, tailing, etc. Choose from silver fox, gray fox, opossum, woodchuck and beaver. $1.99-3.99 Dyed Arctic Fox- a very nice fine fur useful for dubbing or streamer wings, available in 19 colors at $3.99 Finn Racoon- much like arctic fox, 12 colors $3.99 Craft Fur- a super material for streamers and bigger flies in 24 colors, $2.50. Larva Lace- this material is similar to micro-tubing, but about 1/16" in diameter. It is very stretchy, so it makes beautiful tapered nymph and chironomid bodies. Available in 16 colors, $1.80. Larva Lace Foam Strips- 2mm foam pre-slit into 1/8" and 1/4" widths, ideal for dry fly and nymph bodies. 8 colors, $2.99 Titan Rod Vault- The best solution available in the market for car-top rod transport for rods up to 9'. Includes mounting hardware for all standard original equipment or aftermarket racks. $399 Redington Eco-Grip Boots- Redington's answer to the non-felt revolution uses the same rubber used in US Navy SEAL team boots. Very Grippy rubber wit an easy-to-clean lug pattern. $129.99 Fisknat Landing Nets- these beautifully hand-crafted nets start at $88 and incorporate a very nice hex pattern black rubber net bag. Simms Aluminum Water Bottles- cool fishskin patterns with a carabiner attachment. $24.95
Summer brings with it some hazards: sunburn, insect bites, altitude sickness and lightning among them. Here are some tips to keep you safe.
Guided Trips
Don't miss out- get your trip booked early. Whether you're interested in local waters or something further afield like the San Juan, the Reef or the Big Horn, we can help you plan the trip you'd like to take. With our extended network of contacts, we can put you in touch with guides around the world. A guided trip makes a great Mother's day, Father's Day or Graduation gift. The Laughing Grizzly will also continue to put together trips to destinations like Patagonia and Alaska. Stay tuned for more information.
Fish Skulls- use instead of cones or beads on your larger streamers. Available in copper, chartreuse, gold, silver. blue, pink/purple and dark gray. Stick on eyes are included for a realistic baitfish imitation. $5.99/pkg.
The Laughing Grizzly Staff