FEATHER FLICKIN'-gottrout.com

Monday, March 11, 2013

"Will, how are things looking this season?" Well...

Here is the snow report released March 1st for the southwest. Looks like we are below average, but March and April can be our wettest months. Regardless, we are all looking forward to what has already been a fantastic season!

SAN MIGUEL, DOLORES, ANIMAS, AND SAN JUAN RIVER BASINS as of March 1, 2013 Snow accumulation for the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas, and San Juan basins came in below normal, at just 79 percent of the median, for the month of February. This is somewhat disappointing coming on the heels of above normal accumulation in both December and January. As a result the total snowpack percentage for these basins declined 5 percentage points from last month, with a report of 83 percent of median as of March 1. Even with the decline this remains the highest snowpack percentage reported across the state. Precipitation recorded at the SNOTEL sites in these basins during February was only 67 percent of average. The year to date total decreased slightly from last month to 73 percent of average reported on March 1. The total volume of water stored in the reservoirs in these basins increased slightly from last month's reports. At the end of February the reservoirs were storing 258,000 acre-feet of water which is 67 percent of average storage for this time of year and 64 percent of what was stored last year at this time. This month's below normal precipitation and snow accumulation are directly reflected in this month's forecasts. Forecasts across the basin have declined significantly from those issued last month. April to July streamflow volumes are now expected to range from 58 percent of average for the Inflow to McPhee Reservoir to 73 percent of average for the Inflow to Vallecito Reservoir.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Animas River Fly Fishing - Late Winter

Shhhhhhhhhhh...the Animas River is fishing well. I have had a few days on the water the past couple weeks with a few long time guests of AVA. Fished with Bob and his son Jeff for a couple days as well as Reed Tankerton and his buddy. Between the Animas and San Juan the late winter fishing as been well....again, shhhhhhh.....pretty sweet. Love the cold snowy days; fish are on the bite and you feel like you earned that hot coffee at lunch. This is a sample of shots from the Animas days with the guys. San Juan shots on the way. None of the shots have been tweaked, just strait of the camera.

-Will

photos: all images are copyright protected - Will Blanchard | Animas Valley Anglers

Monday, February 4, 2013

Animas River Fly Fishing Map!

New Google map for the Animas River is now available. It is also on our new site under the info tab. I have marked a few key spots with more on the way. Feel free to send us feed back. Cheers. -Will

View Animas River - Durango Colorado - Animas Valley Anglers in a larger map

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Look Back: Conejos Guides Weekend

Had the pleasure (was it really?) to spend a weekend with a group of fish bums on the Conejos River in southeastern Colorado. It just so happens it was a group of guys I work with and spend time with. We hugged the kids, kissed the wives good bye before speeding off with steaks, booze and gear in tow. It was a blast for sure. Meteor showers, sasquatches, rouge cows, buzzes and plenty of trout were on hand. The cast: Josh Curtis (our default guide), Josh Jarvis, Chris Meyer, Nate Bronson, Tim Hebbard and Will Blanchard Date: Aug 2012

Monday, November 26, 2012

Late fall in the Southwest

A spawned-out Kokanee near Durango Colorado.

Kokanee (land-locked Pacific sockeye salmon) are suited to the large, fluctuating mountain reservoirs of Colorado. These silver fish with black spots on the upper half of their bodies can be found swimming in compact schools feeding on zooplankton, a food source unaffected by the drawing down of reservoirs. They turn reddish in color and males develop a “hook jaw” during the fall spawning season.