Glacier Creek, CO Trout Grand Slam

Date: August 24, 2010
"Grand Slam" is four trout species in one day. Today I caught cutthrout, rainbows, browns and brook trout plus one cut-bow and all from one creek. A great day fishing.
Glacier creek is in Rocky Mountain National Park. My guide for the day was Frank Drummond, out of Estes Park Anglers. Frank also hand-crafts bamboo rods, local unique flies and can be reached by email at frank@brushcreekcane.com and phone at 303-810-4538. Also visit Frank at his web site www.brushcreekcane.com.
Method and flies: Several Dry flies including Royal Trude #14, Parachute Adams #16, PMD #16 worked well. A couple fish were taken on a dropper described as a "Frank's Special" #16.
Comments: We fished the creek about two miles up from Glacier Basin Campground. The creek is small and mostly pocket water fishing. I used a 3 wt 8.5' rod, but should have used a 7'. The creek required near surgical casting techniques to very difficult locations of very small holding areas. Without Frank pointing out these little holding areas I would have passed them by. I learned several new techniques that will aid this seasoned fisherman. Everyday fishing is a good day, but four species and one sub-species in one day from one creek is indeed special. Thank you Frank!

Big Thompson River, CO Fly Fishing Report

Date: August 21, 2010, Saturday, from 7:30 to 12 noon.
Fished the Big Thompson about a mile below Estes Lake. From the Lake down stream to Drake is catch and release only. As the morning wore on the river got crowded with weekend visitors, which made finding "fresh water" difficult and about noon the down canyon winds made casting difficult.
Method: dry-dropper with #14 yellow stimulator and #18 PMD and two fly nymph with #14 Pheasant Tail and #18 PMD emerger, using 6x tippet. The PMD worked in both methods.
Results: 4 browns up to 12" and one rainbow of 13" and of course the usual few hooked, played and lost fish.
Comments: We are staying in Spruce Lake RV and campground which is family friendly. There are many family activities in Estes Park. Within walking distance is Scot's Sporting Goods store. I found everyone at Scot's very friendly, especially Bob Traver who gave specific recommendations on fly selections that actually worked. The store web-site is www.scotssportinggoods.com and the phone number is 970-586-2877.


Dan Wallentine