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1 02, 2023

3 Ways Ice Fishing Helps Fly Fishers Understand Trout Behavior

2023-01-17T20:18:37+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Fishing, Winter|

As we head into the winter season, many anglers are finished fishing until spring. In the meantime, they resort to fly tying, saltwater destinations, and daydreaming about rising trout. But for some anglers, the focus shifts to ice fishing to keep the passion alive during the long winter. Here are a few ways that ice fishing actually helps us as fly fishers for trout, especially as it pertains to understanding trout behavior. 1. Trout are Light-Sensitive We have all heard that trout react differently to varying light conditions. Chasing big browns with streamers at night comes to mind. When ice [...]

17 01, 2023

New for 2023: Guided Ice Fishing

2023-01-17T19:50:34+00:00Cabins, Fishing, Winter|

Willowfly Anglers is now offering guided Ice Fishing trips on Blue Mesa and Taylor Reservoirs! Ice fishing is a great winter adventure for anglers of any skill level. Whether you are an experienced ice fisher or a complete novice, our professional guides can cater to your needs and show you an amazing experience on the ice! What’s Included? Our professional ice fishing guides will provide all the necessary fishing equipment for a safe and productive ice fishing trip. This includes ice augers, ice huts, heaters, fish finders, rods, reels, and all terminal tackle. On full-day trips, guides will provide a [...]

8 01, 2020

Fly Fishing Colorado’s Tailwaters

2020-05-20T17:07:10+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Fishing, Gunnison Activities, Winter|

Many of Colorado’s most famous trout streams have one thing in common: they are all tailwaters. So, what is a tailwater? A tailwater is any section of river immediately downstream of a hydraulic structure, such as a dam. There are several reasons why tailwaters, such as on the Taylor River, make for great trout fisheries.  Consistent conditions, and easy access to big fish are the primary reasons. Understanding a bit more about tailwaters will increase your fishing confidence and help you find more success this season! Year-Round Fishing One of my favorite things about tailwater trout streams is that they [...]

28 01, 2019

Powder Days on the Taylor River

2020-05-20T17:14:29+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Fishing, Winter|

Champagne powder, no lift lines, and epic terrain. These are the reasons skiers and snowboarders come to Crested Butte each winter. For fly anglers, the snowy months are equally as enticing, due to quiet rivers, postcard scenery, and the very real opportunity to catch the trout of a lifetime. Learn about our “secret season” of winter fishing here on the Taylor River, and you could have the best of both skiing and angling all within a half hour from your front door! A Beautiful Taylor Rainbow! Fish the Storm Our best days of winter fly fishing are during [...]

28 11, 2018

It’s a Wonderful Life in Gunnison, Colorado

2020-05-20T17:15:09+00:00Gunnison Activities, Winter|

Small town life conjures up images from a Norman Rockwell painting – family, friends, community gathering in scenic little villages. Everyone knows each other. It’s safe and quaint. In Gunnison, Colorado, we’re lucky to be living this scene and no event exemplifies this better than “The Night of Lights.” In early December (or very late November), the Gunnison Country Chamber of Commerce coordinates this event and it seems the entire town is there. Night of Lights 2018 Main Street closes for street vendors selling foods, displaying lights, or promoting their fundraisers. There are bake sales, hot chocolate, portable [...]

3 01, 2018

Top 5 Flies for Taylor River Winter Fly Fishing

2020-05-20T17:31:00+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Fishing, Winter|

It's ski season, but winter fly fishing in Colorado goes on all year long. On the Taylor River near Almont, Colorado, there will typically be frozen sections but there are pockets of open water here and there. During big snow years, snow shoes may be required to access the river in some areas. The well known "catch and release," or "C&R" section of the river just below the dam, stays open to fishing all year. The five flies listed here are my solid go-to's, for winter fishing. Miller’s D-Midge, sizes 18-20 Miller's D-Midge The D-Midge is a go-to [...]

15 12, 2017

Lake Skating in the Gunnison Country

2020-05-20T17:32:07+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Winter|

So far, it’s shaping up to be one of those years when the snow is “late” to arrive in the Gunnison-Crested Butte area of Colorado. While the skiers and snowboarders are not happy about this delay, the ice skaters start whispering (and Facebook posting) about ice on the lakes. The trade-off for little or no snow is smooth, fast lake skating throughout the Gunnison area. Cold temperatures are never in short supply during December so the local lakes and rivers begin to freeze rapidly, creating glassy skating conditions. As long as the snow stays away, the quality of the ice [...]

30 11, 2017

A Practical Guide to Becoming a Ski Bum

2020-05-20T17:32:34+00:00Crested Butte Skiing, Winter|

Year-round beach lovers and bikini-wearers, who live in places that do not require at least 3 layers of clothing in order to safely step out the front door, may question “why would anyone want to be a ski bum?” Equally curious are those who have pursued careers with regular paychecks allowing them to afford luxuries like, oh, a place to live, a car that runs and food that goes beyond boxed noodles. Ask a ski bum and you will find out that it’s all about the snow. What on earth could possibly be better than careening down a cold, steep, [...]

7 11, 2017

Gunnison & Crested Butte, Colorado: A Living Snow Globe

2020-05-20T17:34:35+00:00Cabins, Crested Butte Activities, Crested Butte Skiing, Winter|

The holiday season always has its own magic but in the towns of Gunnison and Crested Butte, Colorado, the phrase “Winter Wonderland” comes to mind. Blanketed with snow, Elk Avenue in Crested Butte takes on the appearance of a living snow globe. The ice rinks and ponds are filled with skaters. Town families gather around for Christmas tree lightings. It’s a Norman Rockwell painting that has come to life! For a glimpse into this fairy tale life, consider some of the favorite things that local residents love to do during the holiday season. Thanksgiving Day 11/23/17 Opening day for the [...]

27 09, 2017

Winter in Crested Butte: Snow Sports Paradise

2020-05-20T17:35:05+00:00Crested Butte Activities, Crested Butte Skiing, Road Trip with the Kids, Winter|

Can you feel the chill in the air? Winter is coming and if you love snow sports and live in the Crested Butte area, you are getting pretty excited to see the white stuff! Winter in Crested Butte is magical. Crested Butte has been voted “The Last Great Ski Town,” meaning it is still authentic, unspoiled, un-commercial and not too glitzy. On top of that, it is an absolute paradise for winter sports of all kinds. Downhill Skiing/Snowboarding Crested Butte Mountain Resort is the local ski area, known for its fantastic extreme terrain, yet offering plenty of beginner/intermediate trails for [...]

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