Newsletter
Gunnison River Expeditions Fishing Report:
After many questions about the snow pack and water levels, we still aren’t sure what the levels will be, but fishing can be great at high water. We are only a month away from the hatch, it looks like there will be 3000 cfs going through the Gorge in June and 800 to 1600 for the rest of the summer, they are expecting peak flow on May 22 and you know, it’s like reading the weather.
Some members from Trout’s Unlimited and I suggested a flushing flow prior to June to better protect rainbow trout recruitment and to reduce the chances or magnitude of a June spill which can be detrimental to rainbow trout hatched this year. High water is needed to move sediment from the river and protective flow ramping rates are recommended to reduce stranding of young fish. Along with the high water conditions are the big eddies that are stacked with fish, in addition, nymphing can be generally very productive. The runoff from the North Fork is high and very muddy; this will probably limit the fishing on the Lower stretch for several weeks. We are running some great white-water trips from Paonia to Austin. The Fishing in April was great with the March stone on the move and the black winged olive hatch.
North Rim Hunt Club Upland Bird Report:
The first season for North Rim Hunt Club was very successful at the LeValley Ranch on Scenic Mesa. The LeValley Ranch has been outfitting for over 30 years on Fruitland Mesa and is committed to its long-standing members. There is great cover for the birds and easy terrain to walk over. With all the water we have this year the habitat should be above average. Mark and Hank have started the water and the ranch is getting greener by the day. Still seeing lots of chukars and pheasants, the hens are on the nest and it looks good for the hatch. We are going to start processing the birds into sausage at the end of May.
All of our members seem to enjoy the comfort of the new lodging facilities; it is a residential setting with six bedrooms and four full baths, large kitchen, trophy room, bar, fireplace, outdoor deck.
We are presently finishing the bird pens, and installing a wobble deck shooting facility for ‘warm-ups before the hunt’, to be completed within the next month.
We were so saddened to hear of member Mark Finkle’s passing on April 14, 2008. Mark was very excited about our new venture, and I greatly appreciated his support. He will be sadly missed.
North Rim Trophy Hunts: Big Game Report: The Trophy Elk and the Mule Deer hunts were very successful this pass year with some 400-class bulls harvested and some 190 class mule deer we have fully guided hunts as well as do it yourself hunts. We hunt all private land. We are filling up on the big game hunts for this fall and are booking a lot of 2009 spots. Call if you would like a brochure we would be glad to send you one. Visit the web site for prices and pictures. www.planyourhunt.com 970-874-1141
We look forward to seeing all of you in the months to come Thanks
Spaces are filling up fast! Click here to book.
Call today to reserve 1-970-874-8184.