WP & Fraser Creeks - July 6, 2024

Hadn't fished in a couple weekends - so was itching to get out. I got up at 5am on Saturday and was out the door by 5:30am. Hit Safeway in Fraser for dounts and Gatorade and was at the trailhead at 8am. I was into some greenbacks soon after. The water was better than a couple weeks ago - so less water and same number fo fish equals a better chance of catching a bunch of pretty fish. Today I hiked further than I have ever hiked up the river - all of the holes produced - it was an amazing day. Caught an equal amount on the hopper and the dropper - lost even more. Great time seeing the small fish trying to hit a fly half the size of their body. I finished up around 2:30pm and still had a bunch of time - so decided to hit another drainage.
I stopped quick in Fraser for Wendy's and a 4 pack of beer at Vicious Cycle Brewing. I was at my second spot around 4pm and changed and hiked in. The river was up and moving - about 50% higher than normal. I wasn't sure if the fish would cooperate - especially this late in the afternoon (I have fished it this late before and the mosquitoes are usually up and the fishing is not as good as in the early morning). The high water this spring really changed the first area I hiked into - so I had to move up. But I made a cast into the first slow water and boom! I got my first brookie. The first were all colored up for this time of year - and they were beautiful. I moved quickly as the sun was headed behind the trees and mountains - but every hole held the normal fish. I did hit one hole in particular that I have caught a fish in 4 years in a row. He always sits at the head of the pool - and he was waiting there today. He swiped at the hopper, but I ass hooked him on the perdigon. He was bigger than last year and was beautifully colored up. I caught 3 other beautiful large fish in that hole. Expectations of a "big fish" is relative - for this river a 12-13" fish is a big fish! I made my way back to the truck by about 6:30pm. Saw a big moore with a velvet rack on the road out. Up and over Berthoud Pass and home by 7:45 ish. One thing I was bummed about was seeing a dead moose on Berthoud - he was in a pull out near the top. That really sucked.
I probably have a weekend off - and then am headed up again to the WP/Fraser area with a buddy from Texas to catch a bunch of different species. We are hoping to check out Grand Lake, RMNP, some beautfiful fish and some good beers as well. See you in a week.