Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - may2008 - Index

62
distance above and below the primitive campground until it ends at
the Uncompahgre Wilderness boundary, but to get to the creek and
fish it requires walking—a few hundred yards to several miles. Just be
aware that the elevation here is about 9,500 feet, so take your physical
condition into account before you decide to head for Big Blue.
Lake Fork of the Gunnison
The waters of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison, between Lake
City and Blue Mesa Reservoir, are not currently designated as Gold
Medal waters—Colorado’s way of saying that the place is chock full
of big trout. According to recent Colorado Department of Wildlife
estimates, however, Lake Fork contains more than twice the number of
trout over 14 inches long than are required for Gold Medal status. This
is a great fishery, with wonderful trout habitat and incredible scenery.
If you want to catch a big rainbow or brown, try the Lake Fork.
The golden stonefly hatch in late June and early July is the biggest
hatch of the year on the Lake Fork, but the river is still high at that
time, making the fishing pretty tough. Nymphs are the answer at that
time of the season. Try a Bitch Creek in sizes 8 or 10, or a golden
stonefly of the same size.
By mid July the flow has usually lessened, and the dry-fly fishing
picks up. Mid July through mid August is the best time for dry flies.
A size-10 caddis imitation or an orange stimulator will generally work
well, as will a Royal Wulff. The Flyfisher’s Guide to Colorado says, “Bugs
on the Lake Fork include abundant species of caddis, green and gray
drakes, and fairly consistent hatches of BWOs and PMDs.”
As summarized below, special regulations apply to the Lake Fork, but
they can and do change, so be sure to check on current regulations.
On the upper reaches of Henson Creek,
terrestrials and small hoppers can be very
effective on a late summer afternoon. This is
a stream that is best later in the summer,
with August and early September being peak.
• Headwaters downstream to waterfall at Sherman—Artificial flies
and lures only; all cutthroats must be released.
• From inlet at Lake San Cristobal upstream to first bridge crossing—Artificial
flies only.
• From High Bridge Gulch downstream to BLM boundary below
Gate CG, and from Cherry Creek to upper Red Bridge CG boundary—Artificial
flies only, bag and possession limit for browns is two
fish, minimum 16 inches; all rainbows must be released.
• From BLM boundary below Gate CG to Cherry Creek—Bag and
possession limit for trout is two fish.
Henson Creek
Rising near the summit of Engineer’s Pass, Henson Creek is a cold,
clear, rollicking stream that always seems in a hurry to get somewhere.
Henson Creek merges with the Lake Fork in downtown Lake City, and
holds some big cutthroats and rainbows. Fishing in this stream is better
after midday, as it usually takes that long for the water to warm up
enough to be productive. On the upper reaches of Henson, terrestrials
and small hoppers can be very effective on a late summer afternoon.
This is a stream that is best later in the summer, with August and early
September being its peak season. Try PMDs in sizes 14 and 16.
Except for Big Blue Creek, which is a wonderful stream for ultralight
equipment, and certain brushy sections of Cebolla Creek that call
for short rods of 4- or 5-weight, the best choice in tackle is probably
the standard 5- or 6-weight rod, eight to nine feet in length.
Lake Fork and Cebolla Creek are the most difficult and technical
streams to fish and offer the greatest chances of hooking larger fish,
while Big Blue and Henson Creeks are great places to start a beginner.