Frigid Fingers

After a day like today it's hard to believe that I really got back into fly fishing five years back wading chest-deep in frigid waters until the glowing white ice shelves were the only reason you knew you weren't casting onto shore.  I don't remember the cold, only the flashes of white and pink underbellies twisting away from the sting of a minuscule midge and my adrenaline racing hoping the hair's width tippet would withstand the beasts rapidly shaking head; sitting down recalling today feels like deja vu... except I remember the cold.

But, this isn't about these old bones getting older or being chilled, it's about fish n' things.  Seaman Reservoir continues to release water keeping the immediate tailwater and a good amount of the Cache La Poudre river fishable.  The cold days have definitely increased the span of ice, but there are still great stretches and holes resisting their icy tombs.

A few patterns notably produced fish around the Gateway Park stretch.  Firstly, Craven's Poison Tung inspired beadless brassie in "Tiger" black and copper size 20.

If you haven't had a chance to read through Craven's Charlie's Fly Box, take some of these blustery, guide-frozen days to do so.  The evolution of a pattern like the poison tung is awesome and well described in the book.  The fly above is a far way from the purpose built "weight with a point" pattern originally designed, but effective none the less.

The second star of the day was the Purple Prince. 

I'm not sure who deserves credit for this pattern, but I like to think of it as an homage to the Morris Day battling, Appalonia chasing, artist formerly known as....Prince himself in all of his purple-clad glory. This tungsten beaded pattern has something mysterious going for it, much like its namesake; it's a great searching pattern for pressured fish that's just different enough the fish can't seem to resist a nibble.

Enough talk, time to get back on the vise and try to replicate a few more of these little guys.  Enjoy the water while it lasts!!