Reply by: Flyrodn      Posted: 5/6/2012 9:01:33 AM     Points: 48461    

Good titles and specific questions tend to get much better answers. I'm answering only because we try not to leave any post unanswered.

Plus it would be good to get a conditions report for Mt. Elbert Forebay.

 Reply by: royzim      Posted: 5/7/2012 9:56:41 PM     Points: 112    

I fished the Forebay for about 7 hours from my belly boat on Wednesday, May 2nd. It was overcast and windy most of the day -- perfect for browns, but only caught a couple. Here's a pix of a 15" rainbow I caught. Very dark coloration for a 'bow -- and fought more like a brown no leaps or long runs. Maybe he was lethargic due to the cold water or had the post-spawn blues.

I also caught a half-dozen lakers, most on a burnt-orange seal bugger, a Denny Rickards wooly bugger variant. Nothing huge, up to about 20" -- but lots of fun on a 5-weight. Most were caught at the inlet although there wasn't much water flowing in at the time.

I didn't see many fish on my finder, so it hadn't been stocked yet. I expect they'll get around to it within the next couple of weeks if they haven't already.

I only saw a couple of shore fishermen but it's early season and mid-week. I couldn't tell whether they were doing any good.

The water is cold so if you're tubing it, wear lots of layers under your waders.

All fish caught were released, so they're still there. Go get 'um.

 Reply by: northernpike      Posted: 6/8/2012 12:17:51 PM     Points: 20    

What are the best kinds of gloves, etc. for handling and releasing trout? I want the fish in best health when he goes back in the water.

 Reply by: malty falcon      Posted: 6/9/2012 12:52:13 AM     Points: 1165    

A buddy of mine has had good luck there recently using small midges and copper johns from two to 6 feet under the surface, mostly by the pump station dam. Good luck!

 Reply by: Big Bass      Posted: 7/5/2012 11:50:37 PM     Points: 5    

My recommendation wwoeld be a soft medium sized kitchen towel. That's what we use and have had the most successful vs. A glove(s)

 Reply by: Mr.Pink      Posted: 7/6/2012 12:00:07 AM     Points: 132    

Don't use gloves. Put your hands in the water before you handle a trout, and don't squeeze it. Just support the body. It will be less likely to thrash about, and you'll be less likely to damage it.

No gloves. They don't bite, and they are very fragile.

 Reply by: rebelsportsmanl      Posted: 7/12/2012 2:16:07 PM     Points: 510    

we fished forebay this morning and i caught none. my partner caught 3. there were not many people fishing there. i only saw 2 guy in boats on the lake and did not see them catch any. i heard a couple of people catch fish using powerbait. you can hear people talk from across that lake real good.