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3. The Last Gasp of Winter

A couple friends and I headed out to the trusty Rifle River. Given that my fishing buddy is moving across the country in a month and the Rifle has been our spot, we decided to head out even though the weather has been very cold.

We were saddened to see that a trusty access point for catch-and-release anglers has been reclaimed by the landowner because some shady characters were not on board with the catch-and-release requirement. As a result, we tried two other familiar access points.

The water looked good, but we battled low temps all day. We struck out with every trusty nymph before the slump-busting white woolly bugger (#12) saved us from a skunk. Swung through the tail-end of some riffles, the little brown smashed the fly and fought harder than his size indicated. A couple more tiny brown trout were lost at hook-up and one football-shaped steelhead gave us the cold shoulder repeatedly.

Here's to the warmer weather and hatches on their way!

I've never fished the Rifle, made the drive over there a couple times only to find it blown out.

Water level should be good rt now.

Don't know how the east coast tribs have been doing the last few years with Huron struggling but I would think it's perfect time for steelheading.

Getting some breakfast and the I'm headed out to find some today.

We need some rain

Oh yeah, nice piece of water! I know it well. Thanks for posting pics! Yeah, that water looks pretty good for late March. Might have to take a drive over there myself on a warm(er) day.

Jonathon

It was very nice and very wadeable. On a warmer day, I guarantee that they are ready to play.

You might already know which of the spots is more productive, Jonathon. I recommend that spot as it looked very good - even in the cold!

Supposed to hit 46 F on Thursday, and I'm giving an exam so I should be done with class early...see any insect life out there at all? Midges, BWO's...? Then again, I could swing the POG Bugger and KBFs if the water clarity is good. If I do, you'll hear about it! Probably the Selkirk access.

Jonathon

Is the Selkirk access still okay? When we were there, the old parking sign had been taken down and I didn't feel like parking on the shoulder.

There was absolutely nothing happening above or below water. With the warmer weather coming through, I bet it will pick up though.

Let me know how you do!

Thanks for the pics doug, yea this winter just does not want to give it up. But it looks you guys had a good day. Hopefully things will continue to become more normal like and we can get out and enjoy some of our streams here in Michigan.

Mike.