05-31-2012, 03:04 AM
I used to fish big cottonwood creek 2-5 times a week all year round when I lived in the area. Things I learned are:
-Sometimes "matching the hatch" didn't work. Even though there are mayflies, caddis, small stones, or a butt load of midges coming off the water, the smaller fish were the only ones hitting the top. right below the surface film, and even right on the bottom with emergers or nymphs produced better many times I encountered this.
-Pockets, pockets, pockets. That's where those fish like to hold. Not a lot of stretches in those waters that afford long pretty casts. These waters force you to take what you know about casting and adapt to the situations of tight rolls, flipping, and just flat out awkward casts. It will make you better through trial and error!
-Lighter tippet is going to be neccessary if you want to fool the hold over fish in these real clear waters.
-The water runs quick, and fish have a split second to decide whether to take your fly or not. The name of the fly doesnt matter as much as getting close to the size and color of what they are keying on. This is basic for most rivers, but if you know you are drifting past fish and they aren't acting interested or are just flashing your fly, think outside of the box. Sometimes what they need is a larger "attractor" fly followed closely by something smaller. the big one gets their attention, the smaller one gets their bite.
-Lots of flies. Don't be upset about snagging overhead trees and losing flies. It's an expected casualty when fishing these tight waters. Heavier tippet might save some of these flies, but you will miss out on the warier fish.
-Move around. Campgrounds and pull offs get hit pretty hard. Don't be afraid to explore and hop up and down the canyons and walk stretches to get to spots that have less pressure. And don't be afraid to throw in weird spots, fish hide everywhere they can!
A lot of this long reply is basic stuff, but Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood, and some Millcreek is really what gave me the best learning experiences that I carried with me and applied to every other river system I have fished. It's not about the numbers or the size. Those creeks hold some pretty neat fish. I caught one 16" rainbow in the same 40yd stretch of Big Cottonwood three times in a year and a half: winter, following summer, and the next spring. Had very distinct markings and a missing fin, and was in a section very overlooked. Pretty cool to see that fish hold over.
Have fun and push yourself. A couple flies a trip is pretty cheap for treasures so close!
[signature]
-Sometimes "matching the hatch" didn't work. Even though there are mayflies, caddis, small stones, or a butt load of midges coming off the water, the smaller fish were the only ones hitting the top. right below the surface film, and even right on the bottom with emergers or nymphs produced better many times I encountered this.
-Pockets, pockets, pockets. That's where those fish like to hold. Not a lot of stretches in those waters that afford long pretty casts. These waters force you to take what you know about casting and adapt to the situations of tight rolls, flipping, and just flat out awkward casts. It will make you better through trial and error!
-Lighter tippet is going to be neccessary if you want to fool the hold over fish in these real clear waters.
-The water runs quick, and fish have a split second to decide whether to take your fly or not. The name of the fly doesnt matter as much as getting close to the size and color of what they are keying on. This is basic for most rivers, but if you know you are drifting past fish and they aren't acting interested or are just flashing your fly, think outside of the box. Sometimes what they need is a larger "attractor" fly followed closely by something smaller. the big one gets their attention, the smaller one gets their bite.
-Lots of flies. Don't be upset about snagging overhead trees and losing flies. It's an expected casualty when fishing these tight waters. Heavier tippet might save some of these flies, but you will miss out on the warier fish.
-Move around. Campgrounds and pull offs get hit pretty hard. Don't be afraid to explore and hop up and down the canyons and walk stretches to get to spots that have less pressure. And don't be afraid to throw in weird spots, fish hide everywhere they can!
A lot of this long reply is basic stuff, but Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood, and some Millcreek is really what gave me the best learning experiences that I carried with me and applied to every other river system I have fished. It's not about the numbers or the size. Those creeks hold some pretty neat fish. I caught one 16" rainbow in the same 40yd stretch of Big Cottonwood three times in a year and a half: winter, following summer, and the next spring. Had very distinct markings and a missing fin, and was in a section very overlooked. Pretty cool to see that fish hold over.
Have fun and push yourself. A couple flies a trip is pretty cheap for treasures so close!
[signature]