Springs fly fishing shop is closing
We just got word from Gary Almeida at Ghillies Fly Shop that he's closing its doors downtown.
On May 2. That's Wednesday!
His note says:
"After 8 years it's time for me to call it a day and go fishing. My lease is up (the building is up for sale 1.2 million) and with the economy the way it is, I have decided to close.
"I was never good at long goodbyes so Wednesday May 2nd will be our last day at the downtown store location."
The shop will close with a mammoth sale, including trout for $1 and up to 75% off other items.
The shop is at 117 S. Nevada Ave.
Here's Ghillies latest fishing report:
South Platte River, Elevenmile Canyon: Through some minor fluctuations, recent flows have been pretty close to 93 cubic feet per second, about the long-term average for the date. Rainbow trout appear to be finishing up their spawning cycle. Fishing has been good. Blue-wing-olives are the primary attraction, with cloudy days producing especially good dry fly fishing. If surface activity is not evident, nymphs and emergers such as Pheasant Tails and RS-2s have been effective. Though solitude remains elusive, the crowds typical of the canyon in winter and early spring have diminished somewhat.
South Platte River, Dream Stream: Recent flows have been fairly steady around 102 cfs, about average for the date. The main spawning run from Elevenmile Reservoir has about run its course and springtime crowds are down. Blue-wing-olives are likely to come off on most days, though the hatches may be scattered. The section from the barns upstream to the dam tends to be best for resident fish. Pheasant Tails, RS-2s and little midges have been effective.
South Platte River, Deckers area: Recent flows have been steady at bout 100 cfs, which is a close to the long-term average and a very good level for fishing. Both Cheesman Canyon and portions of the lower river have been fishing quite well. Some long-time observers believe the fishing is the best since the fires of a decade ago, Blue-wing-olive hatches remain sporadic, but fish are tuned in to them. Much of the activity occurs in the afternoon, and the section above the Deckers bridge can become a bit crowded then Variations on the Adams pattern have been effective when trout are rising to the mayflies. Otherwise, try a gray or olive RS-2 or a small Flashback Pheasant Tail. A fine leader tippet and drag-free presentation remain ever-important. Midges and assorted nymphs also are on the menu for trout. The fish generally have good color and appear somewhat larger than in the past year or two.
Arkansas River, upper: Wednesday afternoon's flows were 363 cfs below Granite, 308 at Wellsville and 321 cfs at Parkdale. The river has been rising from tributary flows and increased releases from Twin Lakes but remains at a good level for fishing. Though tributaries might add a touch of ice tea to the river, it remains fishably clear. Caddis have appeared upstream as far as Howard, and unless cooler weather and the increased flow slow things down, should be in Salida and above by the end of the week. Fishing the caddis hatch can be good on a given day and blue-wing-olives continue to hatch, offering anglers two very good possibilities. If tout are not rising to either, drifting a nymph can be productive.
Arkansas River, Pueblo: The release from Pueblo Dam was 274 on Wednesday, up from the past few weeks but still considerable below average for the date. Consequently the river remains at a good level for fishing. Blue-wing-olives and midges still are coming off, and streamer flies and nymphs also can be effective. The crowds of the winter months have all but disappeared. Fishing can be good, but anglers are reminded that flows below the dam are subject to some dramatic fluctuations as the irrigation season in the valley below gets under way.
Antero Reservoir: Little has changed. Shoreline and belly-boating fishermen report fair to good action, though most of the trout have been smaller than anglers have come to expect the past few years. Even so, an occasional larger fish has been taken. Woolly Buggers scuds and leeches have worked as well as anything. Fishing usually is best when a moderate chop is on the surface. The lake will open to trailered boats on May 3. The north boat ramp will be open seven days a week, and the south ramp will be open Thursday through Monday. Belly boats, pontoons and similar hand-launched craft may be used at any time. Only small trailered boats, canoes, belly boats and other smaller craft will be able to launch from the south ramp, while any size boat can access the north boat ramp. All boats must be inspected for aquatic nuisance species before entering the water.
Inspection stations are located at each boat ramp. Inspections and trailered boating will end Oct. 31.The reservoir is to remain at last year's drawn-down level throughout 2012.
Spinney Mountain Reservoir: Fishing might have slowed a little but remains quite good. Trout still are cruising along the shoreline looking for feed. Small midges, Woolly Buggers and scuds have been productive. The Chironomidae hatch, the first major hatch of the season, usually begins in late May, but with the unusually warm recent weather it might start earlier. The rainbow-trout spawning season is winding down, but the Homestake ditch and South Platte River inlet areas still are productive locations for fishing. Shoreline fishermen looking for variety also have reported catching some northern pike on streamer flies. The river above the reservoir still is producing good-sized trout and should remain a good location until the flow comes up.
Pikes Peak North Slope: All three reservoirs will open for the season on May 1. Admission, payable at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate, will be $4 per person.
Entry, payable at the Pikes Peak Highway tollgate, costs $4 per person. Children under 16 are admitted free. Season passes also are available.
North Catamount Reservoir is open to fishing with artificial flies and lures only; other methods are OK at Crystal and South Cat. The area-wide limit for lake trout (mackinaw) is two fish. Belly-boats and other hand-carried, non-gasoline-powered craft are permitted. No trailers are allowed.
