Early springtime fishing can feel a bit like whitewater rafting. We fishermen need to hang on for the ride, not knowing what rapids lie around the bend. Weather fronts and warming trends become our rapids. Success could depend on the tips and techniques we will talk about today.
How can you capture the glorious moments of winter-to-spring fishing? One may imagine casting off the deck of a warm mountain home at his Colorado river ranch. Another might gear up before the next snowstorm hits. Let’s see how we might help anglers determined to find success between now and June, when run-off conditions usually subside.
Moments when Weather, Fish, and Bugs Converge
Avid anglers in the early spring need to be ready to capture the moment. Variables such as 40-degree temperature fluctuations, snowmelt, awakening fish, and active swarms of bugs will keep us on our toes. That acute awareness and good timing help us ride the wave of hungry fish and busy bugs.
All comes to life during early spring. And the converging elements continually change. Like another water sport, surfing, spring fishing season demands we get the timing down.
Tips to Improve Early Springtime Fishing
During warming times at the end of February or snow melting down the mountains in March or April, useful tips can help us relax and enjoy. We don’t need frustrating fishing expeditions. Tips from the experts could keep us on the right track, pointers like these:
- Be flexible.
- Head out fishing before any predicted storm arrives in your area.
- Look for the tantalizing movement of stoneflies, caddis, and mayflies over the waters.
- Use enough leader, tippet, and reel-drag to capture bigger fish.
- Start with the warming streams at lower altitudes.
- Beware of fast-moving waters in the mountain rivers during snowmelt.
- As the snow melts, fish individual drainages where water may be shallower.
- Float if you want trophy trout.
Where Will You Fish?
Along the Rockies, we discover a plethora of the finest fishing in the world. Guides from Montana to Wyoming, Colorado to New Mexico witness to the tremendous fishing trips available. Streams, rivers, lakes, and reservoirs expand our horizons.
Before the runoff, you’ll find guides out on fishing ranches as far north as Montana. Think about Yellowstone Park and favorite guest ranches. Montana ranches feature great hatches and consistent dry fly fishing and nice bigger fish. On a side channel of the Madison River, you can reel in a 25” Brown.
Wyoming features 27,000 miles of wild fishable rivers, including the Snake River, North Platte River, and Green River. Gorgeous ecosystems in Grand Teton National Park, Wind River Range, and Bighorn Mountains offer fine early spring fishing.
Here in Colorado, we stock the streams, rivers, and lakes. Fishers get to know slower waters along the South Platte and its North and Middle Forks. They learn how to avoid raging waters on the Arkansas River as the snowmelt reaches the area. The Arkansas River extends 148 miles and houses an average of 2000 fish per mile. So, anglers can experiment and choose the best moments to fish.
For anglers, the sounds and scenery make the moment. Breathtaking views of 14,000-foot peaks from the grasslands and boulder-filled gorges of gold medal streams help capture the moment. It’s a quiet and exhilarating experience.
Looking for Early Spring Fishing in New Mexico
Choice recreational ranches in Northern New Mexico and Southern Colorado welcome anglers to all four seasons of fishing. Dramatic elevation and landscapes enhance the fishing experience. Head south to the tail of the Rocky Mountains where spring’s awakening reveals splendid green surroundings juxtaposed the sage on the high mesas. Look past the deep rocky canyons to alpine meadows.
The snowmelt drains into reservoirs and dams regulate the flow. Unver the falls, the tailwaters feature great spring fishing. New Mexico ranches along the Chama River and San Juan River have it exceptionally good.
New Mexico recreational ranches features a plethora of these diverse geographical ecosystems. The plants, insects, fish, and anglers alike go through a sort of resurrection. Winter turns to spring and the air and water temperatures go up. Insects wake up from dormancy. Fish appear from deep holes and hang around warmer, shallower waters. Time to grab your gear and get in good trout fishing. Lakes and ponds, too, will be plump full of fish. Fish the warmer areas and move on to higher elevations later.
Be Prepared to Fish Anywhere
Know the river conditions but always be ready for change. If you’re driving, check the road conditions. They can also change quickly and catch you unawares. If you’re off-roading through the forests and trails, bring extra fuel to get you through the unexpected.
You’ll need to bring winter gear, rain gear, and warm drinks. Layers work better than a big fat jacket in case the sun warms your spot into the 60s. Fishers also need good footwear and socks. Even if it warms up, comfortable dry feet help to keep you in a pleasant moment. And remember the sunscreen.
Ranch Brokers – Recreational Ranches for Sale
To ask about recreational ranches in the Rocky Mountains, call Harrigan Land Company at 303-908-1101.
Lifelong hunters and fishers, Dave Harrigan and son Hunter Harrigan know a bit about the lay of the land. Harrigan Land serves Buyers and Sellers in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, Utah, and Montana.
