On the Fly: Keep your head on a swivel

There is something surreal about spending time on the river during the winter months. Solitude and eager fish are just a part of the experience; it is extremely pleasing visually as well. The steam rolling off the river in the mornings looks like a primordial soup and is a sight to behold. 

You have to choose your battles and keep an eye on the forecast this time of year; those who live here full-time have the luxury of being choosy. Speaking of the forecast: Once we see a warm-up, we will be experiencing more ice jam releases — especially on the freestone rivers and, this year, the lower reaches of the Fryingpan. 

As most of you have noticed, ice is building significantly on the edges of local rivers as well as on the bottom, known as anchor ice. Once ice begins to let go during a warm spell, it can build significantly as it rolls downstream and fill the river from bank to bank with chunks big and small.

We have seen a few ice jams already, and after this bitter cold snap, we will most certainly see more. When the possibility exists for ice events, it is imperative to keep your head on a swivel and have an eye upstream at all times. These releases are swift and, for the most part, mostly silent until they are right on top of you. Fishing with a friend is a very good idea after a week of sub-zero temperatures like we’re seeing right now.

The silver lining here is that the fishing gets downright ridiculous the day after an ice event; the river gets churned up significantly, and the smorgasbord spurs the trout into a feeding frenzy. Flies like small stones, worms, and streamers are what the fish will be looking for, and you can leave the light tippets at home.

There is a mixture of beauty (and danger for the unaware and uninitiated) this time of year, so grab the opportunities as they arise, don’t have your back turned to what may be coming from upstream, and exercise caution while soaking in your surroundings out there!

This report is provided every week by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374 or TaylorCreek.com.