Spring in the Bighorns

Clark Smyth | Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 | No Comments »

Spring has sprung in the Rocky Mountains and it’s the time of year that we all start thinking about fishing. The fish don’t seem to remember last season and they don’t seem to mind that the weather isn’t quite perfect… yet. Spring fishing can offer some of the best angling opportunities of the season. This is the time of year that Rock Creek Angler’s guides start honing their skills and getting ready for the summer season. It’s the time of year when the red wing blackbirds start making their nests on the riverbanks while they chat at one another with the all so familiar sound, a sound that is reminiscent of fishing. It’s also the time of year when both rainbow and cutthroat trout are building their nests (also called redds). Recognizing where trout spawn and ensuring those fish are unmolested and their redds are left alone is crucial to the sustainability of these fish.

A Rock Creek Redd

This photo illustrates what a redd may look like. Note the oval shaped lighter gravel on the river bottom. This area is where a female (or hen) trout meticulously kicked away a layer of gravel and laid her eggs to be fertilized. She then re-covered the area with a light layer of small gravel to protect her brood. Obviously small rocks cannot harm trout eggs, but be assured an angler tromping around a stream can be devastating. Always be aware of your surroundings when fishing, particularly in the Spring when one could unknowingly disturb and subsequently destroy future generations of trout.

It’s never too early to book a trip with a Rock Creek Angler’s guide. The summer season is filling up quickly and we are expecting another banner year. Last season’s ‘hopper hatch’ was spectacular and we’re anticipating more of the same in 2010. Rock Creek Anglers has access to dozens of miles of rivers and streams that are not very well known – and we like it that way. Many of these hidden treasures are managed so that they receive very little pressure and therefore, offer fantastic fishing. You can be sure to get away from the crowds and cast to a multitude of native trout while experiencing breathtaking  scenery and abundant wildlife. Many of our private water destinations regularly produce trout in the 20 inch plus category. Wyoming ranks tenth in total area in the U.S. with 97,818 square miles, it ranks fiftieth in population with 493,782 residents. That is only 5.09 people per square mile of land – which to most Wyoming trout anglers is too crowded, so… We offer ultra-private fishing vacations for all ability levels and will steer you to some of the best trout fishing in the country while ensuring that you won’t encounter another angler unless you want them there.