Fishing at Red Feather Lakes
The fishing at Red Feather Lakes has often been described as out-of-this-world. The fish are plentiful, the scenery is tranquil, and it's easy to lose track of the time. These private waters, available to residents only, are exceptional, and preserved to prevent over-fishing by non-residents. And on a cool, summer evening, the sun setting behind the Ponderosa forests to the west, you can see the trout rise to the surface of the pond for insects.
Fishy business
Fishers who use fly and spin rods will not only catch great, healthy fish, but have a lot of fun doing it. Most lakes are open from the banks, and are easy to access. Fishers should watch the shallows for brown, rainbow, brook and cut-throat trout to spy an easy cast and catch. Fish often cruise the banks and emerge for insects, making the casting simple and the rewards great. It is the perfect way to leave everything behind, and settle into the simplicity of nature.
Choosing your tackle
Artificial bait (anything that wiggles or has chemical fish attractants) will always work, in areas where it is permitted. Please be sure to check the restrictions before choosing a lake for fishing. However, in the Red Feather Lakes, a rod, reel, bubble, some weight and a hook is all you need to grab some real winners.
If you want to do something a bit more active, and you're a spin rodder, tie on any variety of Panther Martin or Mepps Spinner for some solid hits from trout. These options, along with the classic Rapala, will work very well in the Spring and Fall seasons on all the lakes.
If you're a fly rodder, take an assortment of dry flies, wet flies, nymphs and streamers along with you. If you want to really imitate a bug, one of the most prolific trout snacks in the area is the Damsel fly. These nymphs live in the grassy weed beds, and are best imitated by a green or olive wooly bugger. Cast your fly right off of the edge of the grass bed, let it sink and slowly work it back to you - you'll be amazed at the takes - remember, these fish are predators!
I've heard all types of different flies that work well, including the hare's ear nymph and the pheasant tail nymph (in sizes #12-18). Also try the elk hair caddis developed by Al Troth when the fish are eating off the surface, and be sure to stick to a #18. Other good bets are the Royal Wulff, Stimulator, or any other small mayfly imitation that matches the types of aquatic insects you're seeing on the water.
Getting up close
Many folks like to sit in a float tube or pontoon boat, and paddle around the Lakes for fish. This can be very advantageous because you can access areas that are unavailable to the bank fisherman. It's also nice to relax and float out in the Lakes by yourself or with your family and friends.
Got skill?
The Red Feather Lakes offers a variety of fishing situations, for all levels of skill. The only real measure of fishing success at the Lakes is the size of your smile at the end of the day! The Lakes are also a great place to teach youngsters to fish, and get them "hooked" on a rewarding sport that will bring them to the peace of the woods for years to come.
