Fishing Above It All

by Janice O'Shea

If you haven’t already, make it a point to enjoy this fall in the high country. The fishing is exceptional not to mention the scenery. Cutthroats, browns, rainbows and of course brook trout are eager to take your fly, and almost any imitation will work. One of my favorite spots at this time of year is Rocky Mountain National Park. Attractor patterns such as the humpy, royal wulff, parachute adams and even parachute hoppers will catch trout. No need to bring the entire vest full of flies, just your favorites.

Which brings to mind a trip I took last year with some friends. Late August of last year, three of us loaded our canoe with 3 backpacks supplied with our needs for three days along with fly rods and an outdoor loving dog, for a trip in the wilderness of the White River National Forest. To my relief, we pushed the canoe off still afloat on Homestake Reservoir. We grabbed the paddles and began our adventure to fish some high alpine lakes called Paradise Lakes. As we tried to coordinate our paddling strokes and keep from going sideways, I frequently glanced at the steep terrain encircling the reservoir, (which may have been the reason my paddling was not in sync). The only sign of human existence was smoke bellowing from a campfire behind a tent perched about fifty yards above the reservoir. It seemed as though we were early explorers moving through unsettled territory.

After about an hour, we reached the other side of the reservoir and ditched our canoe below huge pine trees. A quick look at the terrain and a recheck of the topo map revealed no trails.

Signs of sweat began to show on my face and the faces of my friends, not just from the canoeing. Ok, we had to bushwhack. Now I know what Zebulon Montgomery Pike must have felt. We were at 10,450 feet and bushwhacked our way up to our final destination of 11,400 feet. It was an hour uphill but well worth it. Halfway up, the reservoir looked like a small lake and getting smaller. Reaching the top, the climb leveled out into a beautiful meadow with every wildflower imaginable. Aptly named paradise, a stream flowed among the wildflowers from a high alpine lake. Twelve inch brightly colored brook trout hid in various spots on the stream.

We continued hiking up higher and set-up camp in record time next to two alpine lakes.
Equipped with 3 and 4 weight rods, we set out to fish the stream and lakes. The cutthroats and brook trout were willing to take our attractor dry flies. Although a little skittish, the trout took a well presented pattern of parachute adams, ants, and royal wulffs along with a bumblebee pattern. Olive streamers were also taken with a vengeance. We were like kids exploring the tundra and fishing the stream and lakes.

During the evenings, we talked about our fishing successes, each time our description and size of the fish we caught grew a little larger. All of us were astounded at the brilliant colors of the trout we had caught and how feisty they were. The fins of the brookies resembled a bright red sunset.

On the last day we awoke to partial sunshine with rain starting to develop over the higher peaks. We regretfully packed our supplies and headed back to the reservoir and our canoe. What a great trip and one that I will always remember and take again.

Plan ahead for your trips to the high country. Remember this is hunting season, which is why I like to stay in the wilderness areas such as Rocky Mountain National Park where no hunting is allowed. Anytime you hike, be prepared to spend 2-3 nights in the mountains in case something happens. Hike with a buddy. And last but not least, let someone know where you are going. Enjoy this fall and the fabulous fishing.

About The Author

Janice O’Shea is a native of Colorado and has fished since she was eight years old. She has fly fished more than 20 years. Janice is a veteran teacher with degrees in elementary  and secondary education. She has turned her passion  and commitment for the outdoors to guiding and teaching Fly Fishing in Colorado. Janice established her company, Trout Trips, LLC, 8 years ago,  and is currently the guide service for Flat Iron Fishing Company in  the Village at Flatirons. She is anxious to sare her knowledge and provide a memorable flyfishing experience for you. You can contact Janice at 303-584-0465, or www.trouttrips.com.