The time of the year is upon us yet again. While Colorado is known for its famous tailwaters the real reason for its popularity might well be the spawning conditions that these tailwaters provide. With fish running out of reservoirs and into a dead end full of fishermen it is a rare chance for most people to bag a trophy trout.
Spring and fall provide everyone with a chance to catch that “fish” that they have always wanted. While I will be the first to admit that I engage in this behavior I will also say that it is a little funny to think about what you are doing, it is quite literally shooting fish in a barrel. March is the initial start of the party and as usual I try to show up before all the cool kids arrive.
Indeed being one of the first to the party gives you some special privileges. VIP parking, preferred seating, and a quiet ambiance are all part of the special treatment for the early birds. This past week we saw lots of fish, I didn’t catch many, but my other cohorts did catch their fair share (cough, I hate you Spooner). We saw and caught several Snake River Cutthroats and while not native they might be my favorite hatchery product of the great state of Colorado. They look close enough to Greenback Cutts that they make me smile every once in awhile. I think maybe the fish are enjoying this warm weather as they were out in numbers and while there might not be mutant 15lb rainbows right now, it is still worth a trip, and heck, who can say no to all of those early bird perks?