4 Great Trips for '06

The White Mountains
by Chip Chipman

What makes trout fishing unique in the White Mountains is that it is the only place in the world that is home to the Apache trout (Oncorhynchus apache). In the past, because of habitat degradation and the introduction of non-native trout, it became nearly extinct. The Apache trout was added to the endangered species list in 1973.

Now, after many years of cooperative protection and recovery efforts including development of a hatchery program, construction of fish barriers, stream renovations, Apache trout reintroduction, and continuous management and research, Apache trout may soon be one of the few species to be removed from the endangered species list.

From May through September, Apaches are stocked weekly in the East and West Forks of the Black River and in the Little Colorado at Greer and Sheeps Crossing. These streams are easily accessible and, in most areas, normal bag limits apply-six, with no size limit. An exception is the catch-and-release area in the upper part of the West Fork of the Black. This area extends from Hayground Creek to the border of the White Mountain Apache Reservation.

The streams range in elevation from 7,500 ft. to 9,000 ft. They also hold stream-bred browns. The best fishing is from May to October. The roads are open and the water temperatures are in the favorable range for trout activity.

In these high freestone streams the fish are not very selective. If it looks like food, they will take it. Because of the altitude, only a few species of aquatic insects are in any abundance. Among them are Little Blue-Winged Olives, Tricos, Blue Quills, Pale Morning Duns, Pale Evening Duns, Western Green Drakes, Quill Gordons, and Tan Caddis.

The towns of Alpine (8050ft.), Springerville/Eagar (7000ft.), and Greer (8500ft.) are good access points to all fishing opportunities in the White Mountains. The area is a five-hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson and four from Albuquerque.

When the fishing slows in the high-elevation streams, focus shifts to Silver Creek near Show Low (6,000ft.) Silver Creek is a spring creek that flows nearly two miles through an 840-acre wildlife area managed by Arizona Game and Fish. Throughout the winter, the water temperature remains around fifty-eight degrees.

From October 1st to April 1st, the entire stream is open to catch and release. Only flies or lures may be used. From April to October, the upper section of Silver Creek—about a mile from the parking area—is closed to all fishing. The remainder of the stream is open to all types of fishing with normal bag limits.

In the fall the entire stream is stocked heavily with Rainbows or Apaches. Included are “incentive” fish, stocked all along the two-mile section. This year, forty-four rainbows averaging over six pounds were added to the mix. Many of the incentive fish that have been added in past stockings remain and have grown to “monster” size. Some exceed thirty inches in length.

On a weekday during the catch-and-release season, it is not unusual to find yourself alone on the stream. Having a chance at a trophy-size fish in solitude is a rare opportunity.

About the Author
Chip Chipman is a fishing guide and lives in Nutrioso, Arizona. Visit his website @www.azmtflyfishing.com.

The Yampa
by Paul Russell

T ucked away in the northwest corner of Colorado is the majestic Yampa River. The headwaters of the Yampa begin in the Flattop Mountains. The river then flows north until it hits the town of Steamboat Springs, where it turns west and eventually merges with the Green River on the Colorado side of the Utah border. Trout abound in nearly 50 miles of the river.

The headwaters of the Yampa (the Bear River) consist of small stream fishing for all four species of trout and mountain whitefish. Downstream, is Stagecoach State Park. The reservoir grows rainbow trout large and fast and northern pike, some to 50 inches. Below the dam is a picturesque 0.6-mile public access catch-and-release, fly and lure only, angling opportunity. Since this piece went catch and release in 1999, trout populations have exploded and now holds 2000 to 3000 trout per mile, and the river is only 20 to 30 feet wide. Rainbow trout averaging 16 to 20 inches can be sight fished with tiny midge patterns (miracle nymph,WD-50, or black beauty) by patient anglers. Downstream is Lake Catamount, a private reservoir, but the combination of these two tailwaters helps the trout fishing as you follow the river to Steamboat Springs. The Yampa River has gained some size as you approach the downtown corridor. It is now 40-50 feet wide and offers all types of water from slow, deep pools to classic riffles to tumbling pocket water. All four species of trout reside in this stretch, as well as northern pike. There are five miles of fly and lure catch and release trout water here that is mainly public access. A paved bike path follows the river for easy access. The Yampa Valley Fly Fishermen have been improving this stretch of river for over twenty years and their efforts have resulted in fantastic trout habitat and populations of over 1,000 trout per mile.

The Yampa River is a very nutrient rich system, and that effect can be seen all the way up the food chain. Healthy trout thrive on everything from aquatic invertebrates to crayfish to small baitfish. Average trout run about 14 inches, but the chance at hooking a trophy fish exists on any given cast. Another added bonus is the river is fishable all four seasons. Thanks to the tailwater of Stagecoach Reservoir, winter fishing is available to the hearty angler. Technical nymph fishing with tiny midges is the ticket during the colder months. In Steamboat Springs, just as the name suggests, hot springs keep several pools open even in the dead of winter. By the end of February, the air, and in turn the water temperature, begin to rise and the rest of the river awakens. Nymphing is the preferred method with medium sized attractors (san juan worm, hare’s ear, or copper john) and bright midge patterns (mercury midge, befus midge, or zebra midge). Dead drifted streamers (especially sculpin patterns) can also produce on warmer days. From April to June, the river is often unfishable but countless high lakes are open to keep anglers occupied.

The summer months abound with hatches including several caddis species, green drakes, little yellow stones, pale morning duns, and tricos, just to mention a few. Although nymphing can be productive, these fish are eager to eat dry flies, but good presentation as well as specific patterns (Russell’s cripple, Barr’s visi-dun, or standard parachute) are required. Another overlooked season is fall. Hatches continue including tricos, blue winged olives, mahogany duns, and midges. Fish can be found hungrily feeding on the surface as well as attacking anything swimming they think they can fit in their mouth. Crowds are often more subdued and fishing pressure in turn is less.

About the Author
Paul Russell owns and operates Yampa River Outfitters run out of The Steamboat Flyfisher and Straightline Sports, and has been guiding in the Yampa Valley for ten years. He is a contract fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants, and a SAGE casting instructor.

The Missouri
by Eric Mondragon

T he Missouri river winds through a breathtaking mountain canyon that is surrounded by majestic rocky cliffs, pine forests, and lush valleys as you cast your flies over the blue/green riffled water in long silky glides. The scent of the alfalfa drifts over from the many farms lining the river banks. Although you can wade many areas, the river is known for the floating experiences it offers.

Many fly fishing explorers concentrate on the 30 mile stretch of this tail water below Holter Dam in Wolf Creek to Cascade, in hopes of catching wild rainbows and browns ranging in size from 15 to 24 inches. The river is known for its tail walking rainbows that, on many occasions, will take you into your backing. It’s quite a rush. After flying into Great Falls, you can drive the 40 miles heading south west paralleling the Missouri on Hwy 15. You will want to come for the main fly fishing season from mid April through the end of October.

During March and early April, sporadic hatches of Skuala stones and March Brown May Flies occur. As the season progresses, intense hatches of betas come off during overcast days from mid April through June. Compara duns and Adams extended body parachute flies are a must during these cloudy conditions.

Snow can be expected until early summer, so prepare for dramatic weather changes on the river. You should also try streamers at this time. If you enjoy the warmer fishing weather, June starts off the pale morning dun hatch and it fades during mid to late July. After this, you will encounter some intense trico hatches; watch the back eddies for heads and snouts as well as a good number of pods. In August through late September, you will benefit from throwing big hoppers to the over-grown grassy banks on the lower half of this 30 mile stretch.

A magical time will be from September through November, as the leaves change to gold and snow blankets the surrounding hillside. The October cadis and betas fatten the river’s rainbows and browns in order to survive the long Montana winter. You will want to try out your dry fly skills during these multiple hatches. Winter usually ends the general fishing season, except for those insane diehards who can’t accept the fact that the season ended. If you count yourself as one, on some warmer sunny days, sporadic midge hatches will entice hungry trout to rise and reward your perseverance.

Your must have fly list should include:
1. Red San Juan worms with gold or silver bead
2. Pheasant tails sizes 14-18
3. Prince nymphs sizes 10-16
4. Adams sizes 14-20
5. Cadis Elk hair and CDC sizes 14-18
You should pack rods consisting of moderate to fast action, 4-6 weight, with a soft tip and backbone. Your reels should be large arbor with smooth drags. Leaders should consist of 6-7 1⁄2 footers tapered to 3-4x for streamers and large drys and 7 1⁄2 to 9 footers tapered to 5-6x for general nymphing and smaller drys.

About the Author
Eric Mondragon is a fly fishing guide for the Prewett Creek Inn and Fly shop. For more information visit www.prewettcreekinn.com.

The Miracle Mile
by Deborah Hent

L ocated in central Wyoming is a portion of the North Platte River known as The Miracle Mile. It is 48 miles north of Hanna, 50 miles north of Rawlins, or 60 miles south of Casper. This part of the North Platte River lies between Seminoe and Pathfinder reservoirs, in a very picturesque location. It has mountains, rolling hills, and of course, a blue ribbon river. The abundant wildlife ranges from prairie dogs, beavers, and rabbits, to antelope, deer and elk.
The name Miracle Mile was given to the area for the large number of fish per mile and the many animals that live here year round. “The MILE” as it is called by generations of fishermen, is a fly-fisherman’s dream. With the trophy class brown and rainbow trout waiting to give them a great fight, even if they don’t get landed.

The Mile’s water runs year round. The water flowing out of Kortes Dam has an average temp of 40 degrees, so the water never freezes. Kortes Dam down through the canyon, with its fast running water and deep holes, holds some very large trophy brown and rainbow trout. This part of the river gives challenge to the best of fishermen.

Below that, the river riffs are slower and give the chance to prefect your fly-fishing skills, and enjoy the scenery. You can sit on the bank at the tail waters of Pathfinder, and relax with a good ole night crawler too.

There are three spawns per year, the first starting in late January, and the next in April, and of course, the brown’s run in November. The Miracle Mile is known for its brown, and rainbow trout, but the cut bow, and cutthroats will give you a thrill also.

From the Mile, you can fish gold ribbon waters, or a few miles to the north is Seminoe Reservoir, and to the south is Pathfinder.

For the non-fisherman, there is hiking, walking paths, and many other things to see and do, including ATV and horse back riding, if you are so inclined. The Bureau of Reclamation owns the ground around the river, and horses are welcome.

The Miracle Mile, for years has been a closely kept secret. It was and still is where fathers taught sons and grandsons the art of fishing and having family fun together. Families find the Mile an excellent place to spend time away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
For your next fishing experience give the Miracle Mile a try. You will come back again and again.

About the Author
Richard and Deborah Hent manage the Miracle Mile Ranch. It is located just minutes from anywhere along the river, about two miles of the river runs through the ranch. For information about the cabins and store visit www. miraclemileranch.com or call [307] 325-6710 for reservations or questions.