Salida, Colorado--After skiers lay their last tracks at Monarch Mountain, and before whitewater enthusiasts ply their paddles in Browns Canyon, there is a quiet period of time in the upper Arkansas River valley defined by an aquatic insect emergence and the brown trout that rise to meet it. Anglers from around the country gather on the river's banks near Salida and Buena Vista, Colorado to test their skills and toast the spring as the brachycentrus caddis flies emerge in biblical proportions. A small, moth-like bug, the spring caddis represent a protein bonanza for brown trout that have wintered in a state of near hibernation and awaken with a ravenous appetite. For anglers, the hatch brings some of the first dry fly fishing of the year, when small imitations of the caddis can be drifted on the surface of the river, inducing aggressive strikes and long runs in the river's swift current.? ?Stimulated by rising water temperatures, the hatch begins in the Canon City area around April 15th and is found further upstream each day as the light grows longer and the river warmer. Typically erupting in Salida around the end of April and in Buena Vista by May 10th, the magnitude of the emergence brings out non-fishing spectators as well to watch the clouds of bugs come off the water and the behavior of the feeding fish. For dedicated anglers, a pilgrimage to the Arkansas River each spring kicks off the fishing season in high style. At a time when lodging occupancy is low and restaurants are moving few plates, the crowd of piscatorial persuasion following the hatch brings in a much appreciated revenue influx between tourism seasons. Affordable lodging, no waiting at restaurants, and a welcoming atmosphere at local watering holes make the après fish scene a key part of the experience. For several weeks each spring, fly-fishing takes over as the driving force of tourism in these communities.? ?
New to the sport? Intrigued by the thought of tying on a fly and tying into a trout? Several local outfitters offer individualized instruction on private water and introductory level equipment can be rented for the day. Hobnob with local anglers at the Trout Unlimited annual chapter banquet on the first Saturday of May. Or visit local fly shops in Salida or Buena Vista where information is their stock and trade. For updated conditions, visit www.arkanglers.com.
ABOUT CHAFFEE COUNTY: Chaffee County is located in Central Colorado, the Heart of the Colorado Rockies. As Colorado's Headwaters of Adventure - it stars the small towns of Buena Vista, Salida, Poncha Springs as well as Monarch Ski & Snowboard Area. Folks drawn here enjoy the welcome contrasts to the state's more glamorous destination resorts. You don't need the trendiest clothes or newest equipment to fit in with the locals. However, if you do have a thirst for adventure we have more than 100 miles of Arkansas River to raft, fish, float or kayak in. Fifteen of the states 53 14,000 ft peaks touch the sky here in the Sawatch Range. ? ?In spring, summer and fall Chaffee County is a mecca for the outdoor enthusiast. Visitors can choose from recreational activities such as hiking, biking, ATVing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, flyfishing, camping, horseback riding, swimming, tennis and golfing. Winter sports fans can enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Monarch Mountain, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing. Year-around visitors in the "banana belt" can enjoy distinctive restaurants, unique shops, incredible art galleries and a large selection of antique shops in the historic towns of Salida and Buena Vista. Lodging options range from motels to rustic inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, beautiful campsites to guest ranches.? ?For more information and a complimentary brochure, visit www.NowThisIsColorado.com ??
About the Chaffee County Visitors Bureau
The Chaffee County Visitor's Bureau was approved by voters in 1990. It is funded by a 1.9 percent countywide lodging tax. The CCVB is charged with advertising and promoting the county's tourism resources.
EDITORIAL CONTACT:
April Prout, 970.692.9453
CCVB Marketing & PR Consultant
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Copyright 2005 Arkansas Valley Publishing. No reproduction without permission.
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