Blue Quill Angler Fly Fishing Guide Service

The Blue Quill Angler

Cheesman Canyon Update From Pat Dorsey

For the first time since 2013, Cheesman Reservoir is not expected to fill and spill. "We did not fill Cheesman in 2012 and 2013. This summer is looking a lot like 2012" said Dave Bennett from Denver Water. It's gonna be a hot, dry summer, with low flows along the entire South Platte corridor. The good news is that Cheesman Reservoir is currently at 96% capacity, the bad news is that is is dropping due to downstream demand. On the positive side of things, river levels are currently at 205 cfs (outflows), and the water temperature is running between 44 and 48 degrees (in Cheesman Canyon, much warmer downstream near Deckers), which is ideal for thriving populations of trout.

A huge thanks to Denver Water and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, for their impeccable water and temperature management to protect this fragile resource. The angling community commends you for your efforts!

Cheesman Reservoir was named after Walter Scott Cheesman. The reservoir was built in 1905 and was once the tallest stillwater impoundment at 221 feet above the streambed. Cheesman Reservoir was the first dam to be built in the South Platte corridor and has been designated as a National Civic Engineering Landmark.

Some Interesting Facts About Cheesman Reservoir

Reservoir Capacity: 79,064 acre-feet. An acre-foot is 453, 560 cubic feet, or 325, 851 U.S gallons to put things in perspective

Elevation at Spillway in Crest Feet: 6842

Dam Height above Streambed: 221 feet

Release Points: Bottom release, Jet Valve (60 feet below full pool), and the spillway once the reservoir reaches full pool. All the water is now coming off the bottom. Currently, the reservoir is about two feet from the spillway.

https://bluequillangler.com/rivers/

The Blue Quill Angler

The Blue Quill Angler

TAILS FROM ADRIFT

When do the Broncos start playing? How many Sundays to the Supper Bowl? Who’s our quarterback now? Please! Let us pray they make it to the big game...and maybe let’s not get a bye week. That’s like a bajillion Sundays (i.e., WAY MORE FOOTBALL!!)
The three things that challenge us as anglers (in no particular order, well...I suppose it depends on your disposition) are: other anglers on the water, tangling up our line and not catching fish.
Let’s talk about tangling and getting skunked later, however, Sunday’s during football season are great for the avid angler. Thank goodness Denver has such a strong fan base. More angling Bronco fans would rather spend a day watching the game then getting out on the water. For those who are die hard fishing fans, this makes for a great day. Well, maybe not for catching fish and keeping our line untangled. But, have you noticed the water on a Bronco Sunday? Pretty sweet! It, basically, solves the problem of the first challenge mentioned. I haven’t figured out how the Broncos can keep me on fish and untangled yet, so there’s no help from them there. But, there is so much more water available. The rivers get less pressured. Works for me!
So enjoy the game, eat a hearty helping of wings (blue cheese please), paint yourself blue and orange (if you’re into that), I’ll catch a fish for you...and I’ll root for the home team (even though I’m from New England).
(The World Cup has been pretty sweet, too! Thank you obsessive sports fans!! How’s Liechtenstein doing?)

Peter Ryan is a BQA Guide and will be doing this feature on Sundays. We will forgive him for being from NE he’s all Colorado now!
https://bluequillangler.com/guided-fly-fishing-trips/meet-our-guides/peter-ryan/

Don’t forget to follow the The Blue Quill Angler page this page will be closing down soon! Thank you.

STREAMSIDE WITH PAT DORSEY

Drought 2018

In many watersheds, the river levels are unusually low and the water temps are climbing fast. It is important to take the temperature of the water every hour to keep tabs on it. Once the water temps hit 67 degrees, the angling community strongly encourages a “voluntary NO fish” to do your part.

As stewards of the environment, we can make a difference! We are only running half day guided trips at Deckers, with early starts and finishes to protect the resource.

Please make sure you pinch your barbs, wet your hands prior to handling fish, and do not play fish to exhaustion! It's important to keep the fish wet, keep your photo opts to a minimum, and get the fish back into the water immediately! If we all work together, we can overcome this drought and let our fish live to fight another day!

Pat Dorsey’s exclusive feature will run every Monday on our social media platforms. Lots of great content coming from Pat and all our staff at the BQA!
https://bluequillangler.com/guided-fly-fishing-trips/meet-our-guides/pat-dorsey/

PETE’S FISH TALES

We try to keep our guests safe, happy and on fish!! Some days, for this to happen, you just gotta keep it laid back.
In order to keep my anglers chelaxed I tell them to fish how Mickey Mantle played ball...nonchalant. Mickey Mantle was nonchalant. Even if you have a fish on, even if you’re Chalant as heck inside, strike a pose and keep it cool. You can actually crack a smile, land a fish and stay safe!!!

“Yeah, Mickey Mantle was nonchalant.”

Peter Ryan is a BQA Guide and will be doing his feature posts on Sundays. Don’t forget to give us a like and share with your friends! You can learn more about Peter in the link below.
https://bluequillangler.com/guided-fly-fishing-trips/meet-our-guides/peter-ryan/

River Flow Data - The Blue Quill Angler River Conditions & Information for Colorado Waters Guided by The Blue Quill Angler Having good information on the rivers and streams that you’re looking to go fishing on can make a huge difference for how successful your day is. At The Blue Quill Angler, we keep a close eye on the volume of water ...

Check out what going on over The Blue Quill Angler page lost of great posts! This page will be closed down soon. Thanks for checking us out and make sure to tell your friends.

Chris Steinbeck - Professional Fly-Fishing Guide | Evergreen, Colorado Chris Steinbeck started fly-fishing when he was 10, and had his first vice when he was 12. Learn more about him and his career at The Blue Quill Angler.

DRY FLY ARMORY RIGUPS Pre-tie double and triple rigs, spend less time tying, and more time with your flies in the water. It's a game-changer for cold days on the water or night-f...