As it normally happens, I woke this morning and stumbled to the coffee maker then out back to the porch to start the morning. While watching the dogs run up and down the fence barking at their friends next door, I looked up and noticed a small sparrow sitting under the awning with a small twig in her mouth. She sat there for a few minutes, making sure the coast was clear, then shot into the bird house not two feet away from her. Seconds later her little head poked out and she flew away from the house. This brings a big fat smile to my face every year.

You may be asking yourself, “So what?”. Well, this is my yearly sign that spring fishing is upon us, and yes, it only get’s better from here. Bugs are on the move as the water starts to warm, and the trout will move from their deep, slow holes into faster moving water – increasing their feeding activity. In between our spring snow storms, watch for warming temperatures. Yes, this also means ice may be breaking away, so please be very careful out there. Fishing the rivers and canyons of Colorado can be a little dangerous if you’re not prepared. Just read more about Tucker Ladd’s experience here: “Fly Fishing, maybe not the safest sport on the planet…”

So folks – put away all that weight and your small nymphs (well, not really), and start rigging your dry-droppers. BWOs should start popping on the Arkansas River soon, as I’ve already heard of good reports on the Blue, Taylor, and Pan.

See you out there! Tight Lines!