Post By: trout365 Posted: 1/13/2008 10:37:12 PM Points: 23
Well, today was a great day up at the 'Tooth. I was there for approximately 2.5 hours in the cool evening breeze, and came away with a gem.
She was a beautiful Ranbow, and measured 25 inches in length and 7 pounds. It was over 18" in girth around the belly. She was in the open water in Inlet Bay, and bit on a silver & gold spoon lure. It was quite fun bringing her in on my medium weight pole and 8 lb. test line. I also had several hits on different colored Power Baits, but no luck in landing anything off of those.
Reply by: Flyrodn Posted: 1/14/2008 6:41:11 AM Points: 47240
Great fish and, now I'm feeling even worse. I stayed in yesterday with a cold and off Horsetooth, as it was my plan to fish it. Lots of open water beside the inlet. When I drove by on Saturday, the North end, Santaka cove and the boat ramp appeared to be completely ice free. I suspect we'll be hear lots from this fishery soon.
Rainbow's can have orange under the jaw as well. I've seen numerous rainbows in the better fisheries that have the bright orange under the jaws. It has to do with their food source. This was defintiely a rainbow. It had a bright pink stripe down both sides, dis-similar to a cutthroat or cutbow. I've caught a few cutbows in the past, and they did not look like this one.
with respect, there are traits of both parent species that occur in the so called "cutt-bow" trout. these may be reflected in a wide range of ways, depending on the percentage of each species that the offspring get, as well as the SUB species that are crossed. the only way to tell for sure is to do an analisis for genetic markers...
there are often distinctive "cutts" on otherwise normally marked rainbows, and this has NOTHING to do with diet. diet will most certianly intensify markings that may otherwise be rather faint, but it does not change a fish's markings from what they would otherwise be.
protiens and enzymes found in high fat diets (mysis, scuds, sowbugs, krill, eggs, flesh...)may have the effect of enhancing a fish's natural coloration, but these foods can not change a fish's patterns in any way. a flamingo is a white bird, untill it eats brine shrimp, high in iodine, as well as fatty acids and complex aminos. only then does it turn pink. this diet onlt brings more intensity to the plumage to be sure, but it does not alter any pattern to be found on a flamingo that is fed on other sources.
i thought that fish had a BIT of cutt in it, but not a lot. it did seem to favor the expression of the 'bow, bt we are often at a loss as to the true genetic makeup of our quarry.
Reply by: Fishful Thinker Posted: 1/16/2008 11:16:29 AM Points: 4176
That's a beautiful catch and believe me, there's more where that one came from. From now until April or so there should be a bunch of 'bows up shallow in the 'Tooth. Spoons, Rat-L-Traps, and Gulp! grubs or minnows will get bit. Focus on the bad weather days for the most consistent bite. CL
Reply by: fatpig Posted: 1/29/2008 8:56:59 AM Points: 12
OK - I can't stand it any longer.... Promoting this spot to be some kind of big fish glory hole every spring is beginning to fire me up. I cannot understand what motivation you have FT except to try and get people to fish the tooth more so ultimately they book trips with you....
As for the original poster, why would you post a big rainbow you took within 5 miles of a major metropolis? Were you just lonely? Would you prefer to have fifty people down in that little spot the next time you go?
These rainbows are running a false spawn and are vulnerable. There is a reason they close the inlet later to protect the wally's. It is cool to fish it if you respect it, but telling the world about it is not respect..... essentially, you are kissing it goodbye.
Boards like this are a wonderful resource for general conditions and overall fishing advice. I love what the internet has done for fishing but there is a fine line. Hot-spotting vulnerable places like this is just crazy. Remember we are fisherman and we are supposed to know when to keep our mouths shut.
Reply by: fishnfool Posted: 1/29/2008 9:11:56 AM Points: 72
Fatpig, You must remember that the trout in the tooth were stocked as catch and take fish. They (The DOW) are not trying to have a reproducing stock of fish here. I see nothing wrong with posting pics of these fish. If a person wants to tell his "secrets" to the world, that is his/her proagative. This is what these sites are for to promote fishing.
Reply by: Fishful Thinker Posted: 1/29/2008 9:23:04 AM Points: 4176
fatpig; I'm sorry that you feel that way - please let me clarify my position. The reason I post info on this spot is precisely because it is accessible to a lot of anglers and promoting fishing in general is my passion. Most folks have the opportunity to catch the biggest trout of their lives fishing there and that will encourage angler participation and ultimately growth of an otherwise declining sport. I don't generally guide for trout and don't begin guiding until April (when the big trout are mostly gone back to the depths) so it is definatley not self serving. Besides, I live within site of the area and would love a private honey hole - but that would be self serving. The DOW puts 10's of thousands of trout per year into Horsetooth and relatively few are harvested. They grow fast and the mature fish are only really accessible in spring so they have a life of relative luxury compared to say, Antero. The inlet has been known for many years and the fishing in my experience, both for crowded conditions or quality, has not changed. The area is closed for walleye spawning because those fish are not stocked and are far more vulnerable than the trout while they are spawning. My only regret about disclosing this hole is that too many folks litter terribly while they'er visiting. Again, I respect your position and hope you understand mine. CL
Reply by: fatpig Posted: 1/29/2008 9:38:23 AM Points: 12
i apprecate the level headed reply - allow me to clarify. i actually dont have a problem with a few folks killing fish here. it is a put and take fishery and i am aware they are really not getting much of a natural spawn.
i disagree with you on the quality aspect. i have been fishing this for 20 years and the past couple have been awful. tons of people, tons of trash (as you mentioned) and not nearly as many fish.
my bottom line here is that there are spots that can take a ton of pressure and should be open for full discussion and there are other times we may just want to use a bit of discretion. i just want to stress again there is a time and a place to just keep quiet.
I don't want this to blow up into some pissin' contest.....but come on man....I applaud the young man for sharing information.....that is the entire idea of this site.....I see people on the river from time to time that act like they are operating for the CIA....when you ask what flies are working they look at you like you've asked out their mother....sheeeeesh....frankly I think it's comical.....I try to always help other folks out especially with flies....and if I have any extra, in most cases I will give them to the folks asking....If sharing information is that bothersome....maybe this site isn't a good idea for you podna......
Reply by: Ryan Posted: 1/29/2008 3:28:58 PM Points: 527
A general question for fatpig. You made the statement:
"and there are other times we may just want to use a bit of discretion. i just want to stress again there is a time and a place to just keep quiet"
I am curious who you would advocate to make the decision of when it is time to share the info or to be quiet about it? If a fisherman is willing to share their personal success, there is a chance that we will get more people involved in this great sport. I think that is a good thing.
Nice Fish 365! Thanks for sharing your success with the site! Bottom line is that the DOW is charged with looking after fish populations. If they feel that a certain resource is being exploited or depleted they will change regulations to address it. Until then, we should share information and strive to bring more people into the sport.
Reply by: fatpig Posted: 1/30/2008 10:41:57 AM Points: 12
Bronni – you may very well be correct, this site may not be for me, but I think there are a ton of really great things on here (general conditions, non-trout stocking info, water temps, levels…etc). this is what I think is great about the internet.
Ryan – I respectfully disagree. Hot-spotting does not promote fishing in general. For the most part folks who are on this site already fish and are generally not new entries. To answer your question, allow me to use an example:
“Horsetooth is fishing great, here are photos, caught on clousers, in 10 feet of water…..”
OK so far, here is where I think the line gets drawn….
“…..I was fishing one specific spot (insert spot here) where fish consistently can be found every year and these will generally be the biggest fish of the year”
How about this for contrast: FishfullThinker, would you mind posting the GPS coordinates for each of your favorites spots on the tooth, including the best time of year for each and the best methods for each? Actually – please don’t. you have earned those spots by spending time on the water, likely including plenty of great days and probably a few lousy ones.
I guess I am just surprised that no one believes in the tradition of not giving up every little detail and allowing folks to earn their own info. I don’t think you should be a jerk about it or refuse to be helpful, but a good fisherman always keeps a bit to themselves.
One last point – I think folks post pictures of themselves on bulletin boards because they are proud of a catch and want to brag a little. This is also a fisherman thing – and probably OK, I just want folks to at least think if they really want to give up their favorite spots while doing so….
Reply by: fatpig Posted: 1/30/2008 10:43:47 AM Points: 12
I m sorry to double post, but i forgot Ptarmigan's post. If we waited for the DOW to protect our fish, there would be no fish. under-staffed, under-funded and unfortunately, often mis-guided.
Thank you Trout365, what a beauty of a fish! I was up to Horsetooth this past weekend and spotted not one person fishing Inlet Bay. I get so much good and generous information on this sight as a guide line. We each have our own beliefs and that is the wonderful thing, we can agree to disagree without malice while continuing to respect and honor all the species we fish for in our own way.
I would be scared if Horsetooth was the only lake with fish pics and info coming from it, and the fact that this sight covers many lakes all over the state and members on this sight are located all over the state, as well as some surrounding states, lets me sleep easy. If anything this sight is inspiring people to fish new waters and spread their wings and the pressure out a little. Knowing where all the surrounding fishable waters are and hearing good stories and info from as many lakes as possible will hopefully spread us all out a little as apposed to starting a fishing frenzy in one location. I know after starting to use this sight last year I fished several lakes that were new to me. Now all that being said we can all look to Antero and see that sometimes good press can be a overall bad thing as that lake has been plundered and pillaged since it’s re opening. Trash every where and people fishing on top of each other not to mention dead fish floating to shore is something that should cause us all to think a little so I guess I see both sides of the issue. The Tooth does have an overall healthy population of trout as well as other fish and I doubt the news of one nice fish being caught will have much of an effect on that. To think that trout moving up into the moving water as spring approaches is some sort of secret to be protected I think is a little silly. As well as the thought that many large rainbows will be plundered from that lake as a result of a pic is also a little unlikely. I would wager that more people go a way smelling of skunk from fishing up there then go home with a trophy fish. Not to say that they aren’t in there, but that lake is so large and so much of it is not shore fishing friendly that Chad is right when he said that those trout are relatively un pressured. For many months of the year they are hiding pretty deep trying to avoid all the party boats and jet skies and beer can as apposed to dodging doe balls so I’ll sleep ok. Most people you talk to in Fort Collins are astonished when they hear we hammer fish regularly up at the Tooth. I guess it’s an interesting topic when you look at it from both sides.
I would like to say I too can see both sides of the story, and to give people a little update on how well the inlet has been fishing I have fished there at least 15 times in the last month and a half, I have caught three fish(2 browns and a rainbow) non of them were over 18 inches, and I have been there 3 times in the last week without a bite. So I hope the fishing picks up there soon, and if you are lucky enough to catch one of the pigs and you are not going to mount it(freezer mounting doesn't count) let it go so someone else can have a good story to tell.
Reply by: Fishinbud Posted: 1/31/2008 7:26:12 AM Points: 0
Personally, I am very impressed with the great bunch of guys (and gals) that run this site, as well as others, whom participate in it. CL and DC showed their true colors and professionalism in their postings and blogs (respectively), with their well chosen and heart felt words (even when they perhaps were not shown the same courtesy). Hey, I understand someone thinking, "doh, some damn fool let the cat out of the bag!". When one really takes the time to think about it, that sort of attitude is self serving and doesn't promote the sport that we all love. Today, I am the sort of fisherman who wants others to succeed as well. There are plenty of fish to be had by all. CL talking about the inlet at Horsetooth is no different than someone telling others about how good the eye fishing can be at Chatfield in March-May at the inlet and spillway. Yes, letting others know about such places will lead to more people getting out there (isn't that the point, getting more folks interested in fishing?). That leads to more $$$ for the DOW, allowing for them to do their job even better. I know, people take pot shots at them (perhaps myself as well at times) but overall, they do a very good job. Again, I understand how one may think, "But you don't understand, this is a vulnerable area that can be depleted or fished out". I do understand and that is why selective harvest should be emphasized, so that people keep some here and there and allow others (usually the trophy fish) to be released to spawn and produce offspring that can reach the same size (in waters where a natural spawn can occur and even when it doensn't, so that fish can grow to larger than stocker size). Now, I'm not bashing anyowne who decides to keep a bigun', at all. I'm just saying, don't keep every one that you catch. Even if people know of a given potential hot spot for whoppers, they still have to know where the fish hold in those locations and the techniques to employ while fishing there. If they happen to see me doing well, don't be afraid to stop by and ask what's working and we'll both have a succeful day catching, photographing and releasing (most of the big ones) and perhaps taking a few home for the family to enjoy as well. As with everything, moderation is the key, so here's to everyone using some common sense and courtesy whether dealing with their catches or fellow fishermen(women) alike. That said, nice initial post and pictures trout365 (well done!) and koodos to all who are willing to pay it forward, relative to their reports, experiences, fishing saavy and knowledge, it is appreciated by all. Take care and best of luck!
Reply by: MsColoMouse Posted: 1/31/2008 11:03:03 AM Points: 16
I'm new to fishing, and appreciate this thread. I'm learning from an experienced angler the ethics of fishing, but telling others about a hot spot never crossed my mind. 365, I'm thrilled to see photos of this whopper, and hope I can be so lucky someday!
I'm new to the sport, female, and excited to share my experiences. Had my mentor not known about hot spots, I never would have been encouraged to continue fishing. Sure, I've gotten skunked once this winter, but if it were every time, I would give up. Using a forum such as this gets me excited for the weekend and keeps me informed about fishing.
A few weeks ago we went to Lon Hagler and fished the north side. Skunked. Then we went again two weeks ago and tried the south side. I came home and posted about the day - it was great! I loved every second and look forward to going back. I'm excited to share what I'm learning. That's why it's learning. We can fiigure it out on our own, or, if we're lucky, someone will teach us.
I'm a big fan of this site, and appreciate all my new teachers who gift their knowledge here. I know I have a lot to learn, and these threads can only help me become an ambassador of the sport.
I know we each have our own thoughts on this, I am new to this site and VERY, VERY thankful for the editors and fellow fisherman who give advice and pointers and many of times even locations. With that said I also can see the persons point of view, who only wants to tell a select few about the honey hole and gets flustered when he shows up at "HIS SPOT", and there are lots of people there. Which is the right answer? Myself I think if a fella or gal gives me some info on the good spots and then asks me not to share that info, then I will not. But when i am fishing out fishing and happen to do good (rarely, but it happens), I want to brag a little and then I want to repay the site for the help it hqas given me and I loet my cat out of the bag. With that said I think we need to keep some and throw some back, and its up to each of us to pick up after ourselves. Thanks, JED
Congrats bub, keep people fishing that inlet becasue if they knew where i get my fish there might be a problem. I fished the inlet a few days ago ALL day and had one hit, but whatever. congrats on getting more people away from my spot where i got a 28 inch walleye and my 25 inch SM. Hey, by the way do you see pictures of them???
