Fly fishing can be overwhelming with all the gear and accessories. This video below goes over what you really need and what you don’t. So don’t overdo it and only buy what you need at first.

As we get into the heat of the summer please remember to carry a thermometer with you. Water over 65 degrees can kill trout and it is recommended not fish when the water is that warm. Here is a great article from CPW going over fish handling when temperatures are higher than normal.

https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/News-Release-Details.aspx?NewsID=7525

Colorado is excited to announce that the 42nd State Park has been approved. Located new Trinidad Colorado this new park will 30 square miles. For more information on this exciting news click here.

It is the end of June and that means that it is time for the MileHigh25 again. This is an amazing event that Anglers All puts on. Sign up and see how many species you can catch this weekend!

As the snow melts and the high mountain lakes began to ice off is the time to start chasing those high mountain trout. Spend some time researching google maps and the internet, then choose a lake to go explore. Colorado has some amazing high mountain lakes that offer a variety of different trout species. Escape the heat and do some exploring this summer.

I am heading down to Florida at the end of the month to do some tarpon fishing. I recently purchased a new nautilus CCF-X2 Silver King and some new Scientific Anglers Amplitude Tarpon fly line. So I had the fly shop throw some backing on my reel because I wanted to tie my own backing to fly line connection. There are plenty of knot connections to attach the fly line to the backing but the one the comes to mine that is the go-to for saltwater fishing. I thought I would share this video that helped me tie a bimini twist. Next time try to tie some new knots and don’t have the fly shop to do it for you.

This upcoming weekend Colorado is hosting a free fishing weekend. This means you can fish all weekend anywhere in Colorado for free and do not need a valid Colorado fishing license. This is a great opportunity to take out a friend that is thinking about getting into the sport and has not wanted to purchase a license. For more information on the free fishing weekend check out the CPW page here.

So you buy a new fly reel? What’s next? The guys over at Mad River Outfitters have put together a great little video going over setting up a new reel with backing and fly line.

Please be safe out there and keep your distance so we can keep enjoying the outdoors this summer.

As restrictions are lifted and things start to open up around the state, we are excited to see campgrounds open. The state officials have been working hard and have now released a schedule of campgrounds opening. So dust off those tents and campers and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Please be safe and practice social distancing when you camp.

Tuesday, May 12

• Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (Fremont County campgrounds only)
• Chatfield State Park
• Cherry Creek State Park
• Eleven Mile State Park
• Elkhead Reservoir State Park
• Highline State Park
• Jackson Lake State Park
• James M. Robb CO River State Park Island Acres 
• James M. Robb CO River State Park Fruita
• Mancos State Park
• Mueller State Park
• North Sterling State Park
• Rifle Falls State Park
• Rifle Gap State Park
• Staunton State Park
• Vega State Park

Wednesday, May 13

• Cheyenne Mountain State Park*
• Crawford State Park

Thursday, May 14

• Boyd Lake State Park
• St. Vrain State Park
• John Martin Reservoir State Park

Friday, May 15

• Golden Gate Canyon State Park*
• Lake Pueblo State Park
• Lory State Park
• Navajo State Park
• Ridgway State Park