07-17-2003, 01:11 PM
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[/center][center][#ff0000][size 1]hottest post ending July 19th 1003[/size][/#ff0000][/center]
Had a great time yesterday (Wednesday, July 16, 2003) just driving Cache La Poudre Canyon, west of Ft. Collins, and stopping to listen to the river flow by. It may have been hot in Denver, 101 degrees, but it was nice in the shaded canyon and along Colorado 14, only the mid-80s. The river was loaded with rafters and kayakers and even a few float fishermen.
The river had a nice flow and was very clear and clean. If only I fly fished. The few fishermen were catching good sized Greenbacks and a few browns, and releasing them. On the upside, there were few, if any, mosquitos flying about (no danger of West Nile disease on that count). Just about everybody I talked to was just enjoying being out in the peace and quite and didn't really care if they caught a fish or not. Those who did, released them back into the cold water (about 40 degrees). On the downside, there were a lot of campers out for the middle of the week. To my way of thinking, a babbling river is better than Prozac but not equal to sex, unless you combine the river and sex.
I know there are Rainbows in the La Poudre because I've caught my share, and released most of them, taking hone only a couple to put on the grill. Yes, I do eat what I catch, and kill. I dare PETA to come up with a meal that bests grilled fresh-caught trout, corn-on-the-cob, garlic bread and fresh salad, all enjoyed along the river bank. And throw in a few ice cold Coronas just for taste.
My next stop may be Lake Sylvan even higher in elevation, about 11,000 ft and about 20 miles south of Eagle in the White Feather National Forest. I've been there several times but not in about a year. This has to be the best, unknown, seldom visited, peaceful and scenic lake in the entire state of Colorado. No motorized boats allowed, muscle-powered only. The lake is small by normal standards but it is deep and cold, being fed by snow melt and another source I haven't found yet. The trout grow into the huge catagory and when they hit, hang on. You will thing you've hooked JAWS, or his cousin.
Now, why am I visiting high elevation lakes and rivers instead of the warm water empoundments? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. High elevation: cooler, quieter, serene, no flying hypodermic needles, the fish are firm and already chilled. Lower level: too many boats, bathers, swimmers, skiers, pocket rockets, warm fish and 30 degrees hotter. Now I ask you, which one would you choose? Silly question, isn't it?
Thanks for allowing me to ramble on about the different spots in Colorado. I hope I haven't bored anyone. johnincolorado.
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[/center][center][#ff0000][size 1]hottest post ending July 19th 1003[/size][/#ff0000][/center] Had a great time yesterday (Wednesday, July 16, 2003) just driving Cache La Poudre Canyon, west of Ft. Collins, and stopping to listen to the river flow by. It may have been hot in Denver, 101 degrees, but it was nice in the shaded canyon and along Colorado 14, only the mid-80s. The river was loaded with rafters and kayakers and even a few float fishermen.
The river had a nice flow and was very clear and clean. If only I fly fished. The few fishermen were catching good sized Greenbacks and a few browns, and releasing them. On the upside, there were few, if any, mosquitos flying about (no danger of West Nile disease on that count). Just about everybody I talked to was just enjoying being out in the peace and quite and didn't really care if they caught a fish or not. Those who did, released them back into the cold water (about 40 degrees). On the downside, there were a lot of campers out for the middle of the week. To my way of thinking, a babbling river is better than Prozac but not equal to sex, unless you combine the river and sex.
I know there are Rainbows in the La Poudre because I've caught my share, and released most of them, taking hone only a couple to put on the grill. Yes, I do eat what I catch, and kill. I dare PETA to come up with a meal that bests grilled fresh-caught trout, corn-on-the-cob, garlic bread and fresh salad, all enjoyed along the river bank. And throw in a few ice cold Coronas just for taste.
My next stop may be Lake Sylvan even higher in elevation, about 11,000 ft and about 20 miles south of Eagle in the White Feather National Forest. I've been there several times but not in about a year. This has to be the best, unknown, seldom visited, peaceful and scenic lake in the entire state of Colorado. No motorized boats allowed, muscle-powered only. The lake is small by normal standards but it is deep and cold, being fed by snow melt and another source I haven't found yet. The trout grow into the huge catagory and when they hit, hang on. You will thing you've hooked JAWS, or his cousin.
Now, why am I visiting high elevation lakes and rivers instead of the warm water empoundments? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out. High elevation: cooler, quieter, serene, no flying hypodermic needles, the fish are firm and already chilled. Lower level: too many boats, bathers, swimmers, skiers, pocket rockets, warm fish and 30 degrees hotter. Now I ask you, which one would you choose? Silly question, isn't it?
Thanks for allowing me to ramble on about the different spots in Colorado. I hope I haven't bored anyone. johnincolorado.
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