SPRING FISHING REPORT

This past weekend I took my own advice and snuck out for a few days. Crowds were low, the temps were cold, and the fishing was good. Exactly what you'd hope for.

We're in that window right now — pre-runoff — and it's one of the best times of year to be on a Colorado trout stream. The snowpack (what little there is) is still holding up in the high country, but it hasn't let go yet. Rivers are running clear and fishable. The summer crowds haven't shown up. Out here in April, it's the dedicated: sub-freezing temps in the morning, puffy jackets on, and fish to be had.

The fish are shaking off the winter. Metabolism is picking back up, feeding windows are getting longer, and some of the best dry fly days of the year happen right now, before the runoff muddies everything up.

The bug to know: Blue-Winged Olives. BWOs are small mayflies that thrive in exactly the conditions we've got — slightly warmer water temps, cool air, overcast skies. When they hatch, they ride the surface film before taking flight, and trout will rise to eat them. Watch for noses breaking the surface on the warmer, cloudier afternoons. If you see them feeding, you're in business. Look for the slower-moving water — slack water, as they say in the biz.

Fish the midday-to-afternoon window. Water temps are still cold enough in the mornings that fish are slow and deep. By noon, things come alive. Nymph through the slow runs early, and keep an eye out for a hatch as the afternoon wears on.

Get out there before runoff hits. In a few weeks, flows will bump up and stay that way until the summer crowds show up. Right now, the rivers are all yours.

THE BRIEFING

SUNRISE 6:13 AM
SUNSET 7:45 PM

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Stage 1 until further notice

PROPERTY: When it’s tagged “Venetian Plaster” you know this home will be expensive

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TUESDAY

New Terrain Brewing, Golden- Cat Takeover, 5-8pm. Meow

Colorado Tap House, Arvada- Nomadic Fire Mobile Sauna, 5-9pm. Sauna Sesh

Mt Falcon, Morrison- JeffCo Mountain Bike Club Weekly Ride, 5:30pm. Big climb

Green Mountain Brewery, Lakewood- Weekly Run Club, 6pm. Run, then beers

Buffalo Rose, Golden- Golden Beer Talks: Arapaho History & Culture, 6pm. Learn more

Holidaily Brewing, Golden- Paint & Pints: Paint Your Pet, 6pm. Sketch it

Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Cribbage Game Night, 6-7pm. Buy in

WEDNESDAY

Miners Saloon, Golden- Live music Wednesdays, 6-9pm.

THURSDAY

Runner’s Roost, Golden- Weekly Run Club, meet at 6pm

BP Run Co, Wheat Ridge- Weekly run club, starting at 6pm. Lace ‘em up

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Thank you Thursday. Locals get 10% off all day while the kitchen is open, and a great warm up for Open Mic Night 👇️ 

Cactus Jack’s Saloon, Evergreen- Almost Famous Open Mic Night, starting at 7pm

Bivy Beer Bar, Golden- Campfire Stories: Climbing Aconcagua, 6-7pm. Explore

New Terrain Brewing, Golden- Music by the Mesa: Brandywine & The Mighty Fines, 6-9pm. Americana

The Woodcellar, Evergreen- Great American Nowhere in concert, 7pm. Emerging Band

FRIDAY

Cheese Ranch Artisan Deli, Golden- Fondue Friday, 5pm. Yummy

Little Bear Saloon, Evergreen- Dr. Poz & Friends, 7:30pm. Evergreen Favorite

SATURDAY

Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Golden- Cactus & Succulent Show, 9am-5pm. No water

Amano Coffee & Plants, Kittredge- Charm Necklace Pop Up, 9am-3pm. Get yours

Center for the Arts, Evergreen- Free Community Workshop: Postcard Creations, 10am-2pm. Learn more

Snowpack Taproom, Conifer- Saturday Morning Yoga, 10-11am. Flow State

New Terrain Brewing, Golden- Spring Market, 11am-5pm. Local Vendors

Sundance Gardens, Evergreen- Container Gardening, 11am-12pm. Grow that garden

LUKI Brewery, Arvada- Goat Yoga & Brews, 12-1pm. Spring Staple

State 38 Distilling, Golden- Cocktail Class: State 38 Margarita, 4pm. Tickets

Little Bear Saloon, Evergreen- Boogie at the Bear: Benefiting Wild Aware, 6-10pm. Grab your spot

Goosetown Station, Golden- Ms. W’s Flower Hour, 6:30pm. Artisian Bluegrass

SUNDAY

Deep Roots Winery, Golden- Kintsugi Pottery Class, 12:15-1:45pm. Repairs

Aspen Peak Cellars, Bailey- Jolene’s Hat Bar party, 1pm. Make your own

St. Laurence Episcopal Church, Conifer- Evergreen Chamber Recital Series Finale, 3-5pm. Tix

Buffalo Rose, Golden- 3rd Annual Battle of the Bands, 4pm. Tickets here

Mountain Toad Brewing, Golden- Board Game Night, 5pm-close. Have fun

MONDAY

Golden Game Guild, Golden- Teach Me to Play Mondays, 6-9pm. Learn new games

New Terrain Brewing Co, Golden- Yoga on Tap 🧘 Yoga from 6-7pm, beers anytime. Get your ticket

Abejas, Golden- Spring Lamb Wine Dinner, 6-9pm. Seasonal Tradition

Hwy 285 heading west, 1920

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See you around the next bend!