Big Thompson, North Fork at Drake A-16 : Log Book Entries


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21 entries found

Name: Steve Fitzgerald Date Submitted: 5/20/2013
Email:
Date's Fished: May 19, 2013

Commments:
11-5 pm, 50s/60s, overcast. Pond asleep on arrival, so I fished the creek first. Water clear but running quite high and hard. Fish hiding, but could be coaxed to take a bhpt or prince nymph if dropped where they were podding up for protection (behind rocks and slow water pockets).

Fished pond from 2-5, landed a dozen or so, about half on a midge on the surface, the others on a dropper (I found anything green would work, the fuzzier the better).

Not bad for runoff season and close to home.....



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/11/2012
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: 10 October 2012

Commments:
I fished A-16 from 1030 - 1400 hours on 10 October. The weather in Drake was great, calm waters, cloud cover in the morning, followed by sun in the afternoon, calm winds. Air temps were 50-60 degrees. I concentrated my efforts to fishing the pond. The CFS on the North Fork was around 11. Only a few fish working the surface (midges) during the period. I used midges predominately in size 16 (TMC 2457). Landed 14 fish for the period to include several on a #18 Green CJ and a #18 Purple Psycho Prince nymph. Hooked a few more fish during the day. An enjoyable day to be out and about...



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 6/1/2012
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: 31 May 2012

Commments:
I fished A-16 today from 1100-1500 hours. A great day to be out on the water. Air temps hovered around 70 degrees, winds at 5-10 mph. The flow on the North Fork was much improved at around 20 CFS and clear. I spend most of the period on the pond. When I arrived, I observed several fish rising to midges. This activity continued throughout the day. Landed 12 fish for the period. mostly Rainbows (9-14 inches) w/a few small Browns. I used two (2) midge pupa patterns, The Shop Vac and Mini Madison Midge in size 18. These patterns can be reviewed from the Blue Ribbon Fly Shop web-site (West Yellowstone, MT), www.blueribbonflies.com. I fished the stream, upstream from the parking area and landed 6 Browns on a #14 Olive Amy's Ant. Had several more rises to this pattern. The cattle present in the meadow gave me encouragement! A decent day on A-16 ...



Name: Mountain Moose Date Submitted: 5/28/2012
Email: jpmousseau@msn.com
Date's Fished: May 27, 2012

Commments:
Fished A-16 with a friend on a glorious albeit somewhat windy day. Temp's were in the 60's all day with mostly sunny skies. Flow was perfect and all the fish were where you expected them to be in the current and faster moving holes. Dry / dropper combo - green Humpy chasing a BH Pheasant Tail proved consistent all day. Combined take of around 60 fish including a few healthy 13" browns. As others have mentioned the colors on both the browns and rainbows were spectacular. They looked like spawning markings. Best fishing by far was upstream from the parking lot. Down stream access was not great and where there was sufficient access the stream seemed narrow and tough to get a fly into on the proper drift. Spent 45 minutes at the pond with a hopper / dropper combo and caught one 12" rainbow & lost about a 4 lb. river monster. Pond could be big fun on the right day.



Name: John Monnett Date Submitted: 5/16/2012
Email: Jmonnett@aol.com
Date's Fished: May 16, 2012

Commments:
Murdered 'em in the Pond. Fished from about 10:00 until 3:00 and caught 20-25 (lost count) fish, app Rainbows. A majority went 14-18 inches. About five were 18 inches. They were taking a Sparkle Pupae, 16-20 all day. Color did not matter much. Fished this pattern about one inch under the surface as an emerger which the rise rings indicated although no caddis were actually hatching that I could see. The stream was crystal clear, low but fishable. I went to the stream about 3:00 but a storm came up with strong wind so I didn't fish it. But a very good day on the pond, especially the east end around the little dock.



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 4/8/2012
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: 7 April 2012

Commments:
I fished A-16 today for a 1/2 day from 1030-1430 hours. Weather was again excellent with mostly sunny skies, wind SSE at 10, air temp at 62 degrees. Fishing was a bit slower today than in the past. No surface activity until around noon, when ostensibly the water temperature increased. Landed 11 fish (6 RB and 5 Browns during the period. Used mostly #16/18 BH Pheasants Tail nymphs and would occassionally hook fish on other patterns (e.g. midges, beetles etc). Of the various patterns used, not one was consistent today. Note that the flow in the creek was at 8 CFS. Nevertheless, a geat day to be out on the pond...



Name: John Chandler Date Submitted: 4/2/2012
Email:
Date's Fished: March 31, 2012

Commments:
First time on this new property. Very pretty spot at the pond and the stream though small was very pleasant. Started at the pond and picked up about a dozen fish, mainly rainbows, using streamers. Went to the stream and it was a bit low, around 9cfs, but picked up numerous fish in every likely spot that had at least 12 inches of water. Used 16 Adams dry as top fly with a 18 FBPT on a short 10 inch dropper. Caught both browns and a few rainbows in the 6 to 12 inch size. After about an hour went back to pond with same basic rig, but longer dropper, and the larger fish seemed to key in on this setup. Largest was a 20" rainbow. Overall a great day at a very nice spot.



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 3/26/2012
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: 25 March 2012

Commments:
I fished A-16 for a 1/2 day from 1000-1400 hours. Since I experienced such great fishing and "catching" this past week here, I wanted to give it another try. The weather again was exceptional, clear skies, light winds, air temps around 75 degrees. The water on the pond was flat. I noticed sproradic feeding during the period, probably for midges. Less "spawning" activity was observed. I started with two (2) #18 BH Nymphs, an Olive Pheasant Tail and Peacock Pupa. Landed several fish using these flies. Switched around noon to (2) #18 Mini Madison Midges (Black Fur Body, silver wire rib, 1.5mm gold bead w/white zelon wing, TMC hook #2457). The fish readily took this fly. Landed 1 double on Browns on this pattern. Fishing was not as fast as my trip last week but consistent. I landed 38 fish for the period (26 RB, 12 Browns). Another excellent day on A-16!...



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 3/23/2012
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: 22 M arch 2012

Commments:
I took the opportunity to recon and fish A-16 today for a 1/2 day. Weather was great with mostly sunny skies, light winds and air temp of 65 degrees. Some of the RMAC staff expressed concern that A-16 would not be fishable due to ice. I arrived around 1015 hours and surveyed the creek. The water was extremely low and clear. I found it to be unfishable. The mild winter in Colorado may have contributed to the water level. Recommend that interested angler's wait until the CFS increases. I fished the pond from 1030 to 1430 hours. I had a super day on the pond. The water temp was around 48 degrees and the "larger" rainbows were exihibiting their normal spawning behavior. I started with two Beadhead nymphs, an #18 Peacock Pupa and a #18 Green Copper John (floating line, 5x tippet. Both patterns fished quite well. Landed 35 fish (28 RB and 7 Browns) during the period. Most of the Rainbows were smaller (10"-12") with a few larger fish to the hand. The Browns ranged from 10"-16" and were particularly aggressive. A good number of larger RB trout were observed "trying" to spawn during the day. Some of the fish observed were in the 3-5 lb range! An excellent day at A-16. A quick note on the flies used. I typically use a TMC 200R hook for most of my beadhead flies. I use a 1.5mm bright gold bead. I have noticed that many commercially tied BH flies use a larger bead (2mm) for the same size hook I find that the smaller bead work fine. For those members that have an affinity for stillwater fishing, this would be a great place to visit soon. I'll be back...



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/30/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: Oct 29, 2011

Commments:
Fished A-16 today from 1000-1330 hours. Weather was brisk with partly sunny skies, wind NNW at 15-25 mph, air temp was 45 degrees. I noticed driving through Big Thompson canynon, that the water level of the Big Thompson was notably higher due to recent snowfall. Angler's contemplating fishing A-19 should take note. I stoped by the creek initially, CFS was 33, water clear. I didn't fish the creek but concentrated my efforts on the pond. No risers noted in the "chop". The water level was good, water temp was 47 degrees. I tried a few different patterns but settled on a #18 Blood Worm pupa. Landed 3 rainbows and 2 brown trout for the period. Had a few more strikes, but the wind at times was problematic. I again used a light split shot between the 2 flies. I have throughly enjoyed fishing this "new" property this season. I will return early next year!



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/23/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: Oct 22, 2011

Commments:
Fished A-16 today from 0945-1400 hours.Weather was again superb, with partly sunny skies, light winds, air temp at 68 degrees. As in the recent past, I dedicated my efforts to the pond with a short trip to the creek. A few scattered rises were noted during the late morning, mostly midge activity. For the most part, I found that Wet Black Ants #16 and #16 Beetles were the most productive. I did land two fish on a #12 "Drowned Hopper". Landed 22 rainbows and 2 brown trout during the three hours on the pond. I fished the creek for about an hour, concentrating my efforts on the lower upper stretch, near the parking area. Landed two small browns and lost a couple of more on the #16 Steeves Firefly. CFS was at 13, clear water. Since the water is now seasonably low, the fish are particularly "spooky". I spooked several fish in the shallows. Another excellent day!



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/23/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: October 14, 2011

Commments:
Fished A-16 today from 1030-1430 hours. Weather was great with mostly sunny skies and light winds, air temp was 70 degrees. I shared the property with Ron, another RMAC member. I only fished the pond today. Landed 11 fish before taking a break for lunch, using mostly a #18 Callibaetis Nymph & dropper with a small shot for weight. The fish were only rising sporadically. Of the 11 rainbows, I did land 3 fish on a #18 Mini Madison Midge in black. After lunch, Ron joined my from the creek and mentioned that the creek fished slow in the morning. He had a highly successful afternoon on the pond. I switched flies after lunch and used a #14 Steeves Firefly. An occassional breeze would aid in fishing this pattern. Landed 12 more fish to the Firefly, while hooking a few more. Most of the fish landed were in the 12-16" range. A good day!



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/9/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: Oct 9, 2011

Commments:
Fished A-16 today from 1000-1400 hours. Weather was great, with partly cloudy skies, S wind at 5 mph, air temp was 50 degrees. My efforts today were directed to the pond only. Noted only sporadic rises during the period. The west bank today fished well (adjacent to the two chairs), wading is required but the rewards are great. Also caught several fish off the north bank. Today, I again used #16 Wet Black Ants with a small shot between the point and dropper. Additionally, I realized excellent results with a #18 Callibaetis Nymph, without added weight. Landed 19 fish for the period, all rainbows. Only 2 small fish at 10". The balance were 14-16", with three fish 2+ lbs. Lost one larger fish estimated at 4+ pounds! Lost another 6-8 fish. Another good day on the ranch. Recommend that serious stillwater anglers take the opportunity to fish this pond before ice sets in.



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 10/6/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: Oct 5, 2011

Commments:
I fished A-16 today from 1100-1500 hours. Weather was great with mostly sunny skies, air temps at 68 degrees, CFS at 13, SW breeze at 5-10 mph. I spent about an hour on the stream, landing 8 fish, two of which were rainbows! I used the #16 Steeves Firefly. Not much in the way of surface activity noted. I rose another 4-6 fish during the period. I fished the pond for the remainder of the day. I took the opportunity to briefly chat with the owner of the Ranch, a pleasant lady. I landed 14 fish, two of which were Brown trout! Size of these fish ranged from 10" to 2 1/2 lbs. Sporadic surface activity noted during the period. I used #16 Wet Black Ants with a small split shot between the dropper and point fly. Brown trout have a particular affinity for ants! As the fall weather approaches, the fishing (catching) in the stream and the pond should provide some great angling opportunities. An excellent day!



Name: Steve Fitzgerald Date Submitted: 9/26/2011
Email:
Date's Fished: 9/23/11

Commments:
Excellent day. low 70s, clear. Water low, at 16 cfs, and nice temp (56 when I started at 10 am). Due to the water level, the fish were aggressive and active, so a dry floated over a pool or through a riffle almost always received a strike. I fished one long pass of the creek, from 10 am to 4 pm, with a stop mid-way for lunch. Caught about 20-25 fish, various types, almost all on a dry (small hopper, yellow sallie, frankly don't think it matters). Many small ones, some as large as 14. Very nice. As the overhang gets tighter near the top of the property, I found larger fish holding in the rocks near the banks. Sneak up on em, short casts.

The pond was also fun. Fished it from 5-6:30, caught another 6 or 7, missed 3 more. 16-20", suprisingly mostly on dries (smaller the better), and I had best luck putting it way out there, then standing behind a tree or bush.

Great day, glad I finally got a chance to check out this property near the Front Range.



Name: Stu Read Date Submitted: 8/16/2011
Email: slrstu@colorado.net
Date's Fished: 08/14/2011

Commments:
Nice property-nice little stream. Cloudy day but productive. Took 7-8 fish in the morning on size 18 Royal Wulff-2nd cast had a fish on. After lunch they enjoyed a size 16 Yellow caddis & also size 20 caddis emerger as a dropper. Around 20 fish for the day between my wife & I- all 8-12 inches with one going around 14". Storm moved in about 3:30 & we moved out! Will be back-very enjoyable.



Name: Tom Farrell Date Submitted: 8/15/2011
Email: tdfarel@aol.com
Date's Fished: August 15, 2011

Commments:
I fished A-16 today from 1100-1500 hours. This was my first trip to this property. Weather was hot and clear (85 degrees) with only an occassional breeze. Initially, I made a few casts in the pond, landed 1 fish and hooked 2 more. Fished the stream with another RMAC member. Water was low and clear. Landed 6 Brown's ( 7-10 ") mostly on the #14 Amy's Ant. Rose another 8-10 fish during the period. Fished the pond again in the afternoon. Landed 4 more fish (12-14"), lost another three. Used a #16 Wet Black Ant with a micro shot. I would suspect that the fishing (catching) in the pond will improve w/cooler weather. Availability of back-casting on the pond is generally restricted to the North bank. The balance of the pond requires a roll cast.



Name: Walt G Date Submitted: 7/3/2011
Email: graulw@frii.com
Date's Fished: July 2, 2011

Commments:
Fished the afternoon. Fish were taking some emerger - could not figure it out. However, wife and I did manage to catch a reasonable number on misc flies - mostly hoppers. Caught a couple 16-18 and one at 20 inches and about 4 pounds. A treat.



Name: B. Helms Date Submitted: 5/26/2011
Email: helmsb@msn.com
Date's Fished: May 8, 2011

Commments:
Fished 1/2 day on Mother's Day in fairly warm weather... partly cloudy skies. Streamflow was still manageable and the fish were hitting dry flies aggressively. Didn't seem to matter which pattern... Adams, Humpys, and Caddis all produced strikes. Caught about a dozen brown trout up to 14 inches in just a couple hours. Also fished the pond for about 1/2 hour... caught 6 (mix of browns rainbows) up to 16 inches on a hopper/dropper rig. Nice property!



Name: Gary Godden Date Submitted: 5/22/2011
Email: gwgodden@comcast.net
Date's Fished: May 21, 2011

Commments:
First time at this property. Bring your short rod as they suggest. Some of the good runs are guarded by overhanging vegetation. Flow was high and tea-stained with some cloudiness, yielding about 2 feet of visibility. Probably due more to recent rains rather than run-off. Decent visibility for nymphing, but challenging for dries. Spent the first couple of hours with various dry / dropper rigs with no results. It became obvious that with the high water the fish weren't looking up. Switched to a nymphing rig with a Psycho Prince & Lightning Bug, bright / flashy patterns for the limited visibility,and finally started hooking mostly rainbows from 8 to 12".Spent a couple of hours in the afternoon fishing the pond. Caught plenty of browns and rainbows 12-14" with a couple of chunky browns pushing 16", using an olive Slumpbuster on an intermediate line.



Name: Don Barz Date Submitted: 5/13/2011
Email: flyfishcolo@comcast.net
Date's Fished: April 29, 2011

Commments:
Water was low and clear but fish were very receptive to S18 Royal Coachman. Size range from 6- to 14-inches. Fish in the pond would eat a beetle, hopper or a streamer. Size range from 12-to 22-inches. A great property.