Spring 2023 Newsletter
March Madness
It’s hard to believe that it’s already late March. That means some bigger bugs start to emerge, the fish get feistier, and we all get an extra hour in the evening for fishing. The fly shop here in Evergreen is buzzing as we've been getting some new gear in for Spring/Summer and more customers are walking through the door. And, in case you haven’t seen it already, we’ve got a brand-new website launched recently that’s made our e-commerce store and trip bookings integrate a lot more smoothly with the rest of the site. We plan on posting more on this blog and our learning center, so stay tuned!
Help a fellow angler
Tanner Smith (aka San Juan and Eggs) of Trouts Fly Fishing, has been diagnosed with Stage IV gastric cancer. He’s got a long fight ahead so his buddies have put together a GoFundMe to help cover medical costs. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this time. Please consider helping Tanner out.
Upcoming at Blue Quill
We’ve got a whole host of classes and events coming up that should be of interest. Our very first Intro to Fly Fishing Class of the season is this Thurs./Sat., and there are some spots still open for those trying to get into the sport. (More info on our classes here.) Veteran guide Bob Dye is teaching some clinics up on the Colorado River for those looking to learn the ins and outs of that watershed. And in July, we’re hosting a trip to Soaring Eagle Lodge on the San Juan River in New Mexico. We’ll have dates soon for our women’s classes and kid’s classes. Also mark your calendars for May 13, which will be our big extravaganza and the Quill’s 35th Anniversary party!
As for guide trips, Pat Dorsey and John Keefover have been busy with clients almost every day in recent weeks. Check out the tiger trout pictured above, which one of John's clients recently caught.
Our guide staffs' calendars are filling up, so if you’re hoping to fish with a Blue Quill guide this summer, call now to check our availability before it’s too late.
Guide Tips
Snowpack is looking good this year, and flows on the South Platte have remained healthy so far. On a flow bump, it’s hard to beat nymphing an egg pattern or scud followed by a midge and/or baetis. On a typical water day, baetis or midge attractors as a lede fly should do the trick. Don’t hesitate to switch over to dries if you start seeing some consistent rises. Also, please watch your step on the river and be on the lookout as the bows are beginning to spawn.