Last Day in Fairplay - On to Salida

Leaving Fairplay today to spend a night in Salida. Had to take time to say good-bye to our friend that we call Snow Ball - she always shows up and hangs around at meal time and is a real sweet dog, but is reluctant to receive a pet on the head, so we have to work up to it.
Had a good day in Salida, visiting the galleries, flyshop, and enjoying lunch at the Boat House on the Arkansas River.
Actually got to fish for a couple of hours on the Arkansas with some success - regret I didn't have more time as it was good fishing in a very nice stretch of water in a red canyon south of Salida.

Fishing Fourmile Creek

Each year I reserve and fish Fourmile Creek - a small meandering meadow stream that holds some surprisingly large fish. Caught several nice fish, but missed on the larger ones. Was constantly keeping an eye on the coyote that showed up on the scene as soon as I got there. Shouting at him only raised his curiosity and he not only did not run away but kept coming closer. I threw a rock in his direction to try to scare him - he pounced on the rock! Eventually he ranged farther, apparently hunting for more prey.  If you click/enlarge the center photo, you can see him.

South Platte River: Dream Stream

I hadn't fished the Dream Stream section of the South Platte in a few years. This designated Gold Medal trout water holds many large trout and this time of year the large brown trout start moving up from Elevenmile Reservoir towards Spinney Reservoir on their pre-spawn runs. Well, I didn't spot any large ones, but I caught a couple of dozen small rainbows - not really a dream. Nonetheless, it was a great day - beginning with our first sighting of a moose since we have been coming here. The bull was casually strolling across Warm Springs ranch - we first spotted him in the middle of the road that leads to the highway - pretty darned exciting.

Elevenmile Canyon: South Platte River

Can't come to Fairplay without a day at Elevenmile Canyon. Another one of those beautiful settings with the river running at the base of the canyon. Even for those that don't fish, this is an incredible place - of course, the fishing is a desirable bonus.

Tarryall Creek at Cline Ranch

This is a new place for us to visit and fish. A consortium of private and public entities have purchased the ranch land and the Department of Wildlife manages this new public fishing area (just opened to the public on Labor Day of this year). Pretty challenging access to the stream through brush and beaver ponds resulted in us getting plenty of exercise (we walked about three miles - a good portion of it on other than flat ground). The stream is divided into 4 sections, and fishing access is designated by parking in one of 4 spots - so if you arrive and claim a parking spot, you are allowed to fish the corresponding section on the stream - a unique, fair, and very workable way to limit/manage access. A huge valley surrounded by mountain ranges in all directions - a fantastic western fishing experience.

Weston Pass

Another of our "mandatory" activities out here is an evening drive up Weston Pass to 11,000+ feet elevation. For the usual reasons: spectacular views, wildlife sightings, not-so-wild life, and the cool fresh air.

Up Buckskin Gulch to Kite Lake

Each time we are out here we "must" make the trip up the rough dirt/rock road to Kite Lake - for the wildflowers, views, crisp and clean air at 11,000+ feet, and to catch the beautiful cutthroat trout in this small alpine lake. While the "bowl" is not carpeted with wildflowers this time of year, as compared to June and July, there are plenty to capture your interest. We picked a perfect day, although a little chilly, we weren't threatened by the usual afternoon thunderstorms.

Though small (avg. 6-8"), these cuttroat trout are true beauties. We were told these are Pikes Peak cutthroat, which are a hybrid of Greenback and Colorado River strains. Size does not always matter!

Mosquito Gulch

Busy day on the 18th: Beginning with trip up Mosquito Gulch, followed by trip up to Kite Lake via Buckskin Gulch, and capped the day with an evening drive up Weston Pass. All these destinations are up Forest Service roads in the Alma/Fairplay area. Much to see around here!

Evening Trip up Four Mile Road

Fourmile Road heads up to Mt. Sherman, just outside of Fairplay and at the upper end is begins the Fourmile Creek, which eventually runs in to the South Platte near Hartsell. I have fished several stretches of this stream as it widens out in the valley. The creek, changed along the way by several miles of beaver ponds, parallels the dirt road in some sections. Of course, I had to try to catch some of the small brook trout that live in the beaver ponds - several strikes, one hooked, but not netted - spent most of the time untangling line and flies from the heavy bushes. Surprisingly, we didn't witness any wildlife on this trip.


One member of the yak herd at the ranch as we enter the highway from the cabin