Fish Explorer Logo
Colorado
Colorado Fishing FishExplorer.com
Colorado Fishing  
Login Usr:Psd:
No account? Register now...
 
spacer spacer
spacer

FxR Fishing Articles and Stories

Fishing Vacation, 1930
Break from the farm
My grandfather and grandmother raised seven children through the depression, and they did it on a hardscrabble dirt farm. Grandpa was unusual in that he took his family on a two week vacation every year, a fishing vacation. This is what that vacation looked like…
Bass on the Fly 2014 Lake Fork Tournament
The story of two Fish Explorer editors giving it a go
Llyod picked up the fact that the world fly fishing for bass was being held at Lake Fork, Texas. Hearing he was planning on fishing it I gave him a call and asked if he'd like to fish it as a team. He agreed. We did and here's our story.
Specific Fish Holding Spots and Fish as Economists
Knowing fish are economists allows us to pattern their favorite holding spots
Over many years of fishing my favorite river, I've come to realize fish are economists. Knowing that lets me pattern their favorite haunts.
Mapping the West
Creating your own contour maps
Lake contour maps are often difficult to come by for Western waters and those that exist often have wide contours. Creating your own solves both problems.
Gift of a Lifetime
Time reveals the truth on another's words
Sometimes we receive the gift of a lifetime and don't truly appreciate what we got until a lifetime passes.
Safety on the Ice, Lessons from a Survivor
A story and advice about ice fishing safety
This article is about Fish Explorer member Bud Everson, his fishing partner Howie, and an unforgettable trip to the ice at Chatfield Reservoir.
California Bass Clubs are Different!

I have been a bass club member since the early 1990s and have seen several styles of operation, but none, so far, have been like the California bass clubs near me.
Fishing With Buzzards

Flies, lures, or bait, it really doesn't matter what one uses as long as it catches fish. Some things attract fish better than others and they're worth it no matter the cost.
Granny's Teeth!
Making Grandma Proud
“Grandma needs new teeth.” That’s was all he could think about as he signed up for the bass tournament notice.
The Trip of a Life Time
Fly fishing at Arctic Lodges, Saskatchewan
Over our lives if we're fortunate, we'll fish many places and catch numerous fish. And if we're lucky a few of those adventures will fall into the category of being a trip of a lifetime.
It’s Not How Long Your Rod Is It’s How You Use It!
Reasons for selecting a short rod.
Today, there is a greater selection of rods available to anglers today than ever before. Every company has at least a few dozen, up to dozens of dozens, to choose from. How to pick the right rod for the right applications can be mind boggling. This article discusses the strengths and benefits of short versus long rods.
When a Good Idea Goes Bad
Why you should never take your doll fishing!
Fishing yarns come in all forms, ranging from total truth to not so much. We'll let the reader decide where this delightful tale by Lloyd and Michael falls on the truth scale.
Post Spawn Bass Fishing Techniques That Work
An Interview with Dave Mauldin
Dave Mauldin in his interview with Lloyd Tackitt, reveals some of his winning spring bass tactics. Practical approaches all anglers can use to put fish in the livewell.
The Overlooked Realistic Crawfish
An A-plus lure anywhere there are crawfish
Crawfish are frequently abundant in bass waters across the country. Joshua shares his tactics on using this oft overlooked lure.
An Early Spring Recipe for Walleye Success in and Out of the Kitchen
Part Two: In the Kitchen Walleye Recipe - Tempura Walleye Rolls
Ronny provides a recipe to use a few of the spring walleyes caught using the techniques presented in part one of this two part series, double recipes for success.
Ice Off in the Rockies
A magical time of year!
As spring makes her presence known, the days and weeks at and just after ice-off can be truly magical. Robby shows us how to work the magic.
An Early Spring Recipe for Walleye Success in and Out of the Kitchen
Part one: The Out of the Kitchen Recipe
Walleye fishing picks up quickly once the ice comes off. Ronny provides insights on how to be successful catching spring walleye in part one of this series. Part two addresses ways to prepare them once caught.
Steelhead Can Change a Man
One's journey to catch the fish dreams are made of
Twelve years of chasing the elusive steelhead brought out both the worst and best of this fisherman before the dream of landing one was realized.
Early Ice
Safely approaching early and late season ice
Why miss some great fishing waiting for six inches of ice, when properly approached early and late ice can be fished with minimal risk?
Deep Trolling Options
Techniques for getting crankbaits down deep
Whether it's a chilly wintery day or a blistering hot summer day, there are times when getting deep is critical to success.
Different Casting Strokes
Want to catch more fish? Work on your casting mechanics.
Many put a lot of money and effort into their equipment when working on the mechanics of fishing would pay greater dividends. Chad discusses different casting strokes, their application, and suggests ways we can improve this critical skill.
Clouser Minnow
One pattern that fills many boxes
One approach to fly tying is to tie many patterns in order to "match the hatch." Dave shows us how one pattern can match many hatches and fill many fly boxes along the way.
Rigging Your Boat for Tournaments
Preparation can be the difference between a loss or a win
Winning a tournament is more than just catching fish, it is also requires being prepared to deal with all the issues that pop up while on the water.
Trout Ice Fishing Tips
Techniques from years of successful ice fishing for trout.
Shane shares techniques he's used over the years to successfully catch trout through the ice.
Researching New Waters
Part of the fun of exploring new water is the research before heading out.
Many find fishing new waters to be one of the more exciting aspects of fishing. Taking time to do your homework will go a long ways toward making for a successful trip.
Take a Kid Fishing
Make it fun and you'll have a lifetime fishing partner
Taking kids fishing should be first about having fun. While fishing and catching are always important, they should be secondary to having a fun day with the kids.
First Ice Tactics
Early season ice offers great fishing
One of Bernie's favorite times of the year is first ice, In this article he shares tactics for early season success.
Spin Rippin'
An introduction to the art
Spin Rippin is an approach to catching fish, often big wary fish under less than perfect conditions. Danny shares his insights on how to ripp some lips.
Reflections on the Bighorn
A love affair with my favorite water
Every fisherman has a water that brings forth feelings not unlike those of their first love, Oakley Hole on the Bighorn River is mine.
How-To - Carolina Rigging for Black Bass
The first of Dave's series of How-To fishing articles.
While Dave has won and placed in many tournaments with Carolina rigs. In this article Dave covers the subject A to Z including his 5 rules of rigging.
Anatomy of a Bass Club
Thoughts on the benefits of belonging to a club
Bass fishing is becoming more popular each year and as new people are introduced there are many who would wish to have a teacher, a tutor if you will, to better learn how to bass fish. Bass clubs are one of the fastest ways to learn how to be a successfu
The Cat and Mouse of Bed Fishing
The next time during the spawn you come across largemouth giving you trouble, try this technique
All bass fishermen have come across, at one time or another, a big bass guarding the bed, who just won’t take a bait. Jc explains the why and the how of a great bed fishing technique so you can experience greater success.
The Line on Lines
Line selection for really successful anglers has morphed beyond a mere detail to a fundamental aspect of fishing
Line selection for really successful anglers has morphed beyond a mere detail to a fundamental aspect of fishing. Chad discusses the details of a large assortment of lines in this article, as well as their impact on your fishing presentations.
Evolution Two: Getting off the Bank
Part two of becoming a Bass Pro
In part one of this 3-part series, Chad discussed bank fishing with simple tackle. Moving on up, in part 2 he gets into small boats and more advanced tools and techniques.
Carp on the Fly Part 2
Cloopers, Mudders, and Rooters!
In part two of this fly fishing for carp series, Barry goes into detail discussing some of the easier carp to approach - mudding and rooting fish. Also included: matching the seed hatch for surface cloopers!
Chasing Master Anglers
Digging into Master Angler Data
The CDOW Master Angler program is a neat way to be rewarded for catching big fish. Dave takes it a step further in this article, presenting data from historic Awards to illustrate interesting and helpful tidbits about Colorado's biggest fish catches.
Evolution of a Bass Angler: Getting Started
The essentials for bassin' big-time
Whether or not you aspire to become a bass pro, there is a certain process, or evolution of sorts, that takes place once you take up bass fishing...and Chad walks you through it in this first of a three-part series.
Hiring a Fishing Guide
A good guide can make all the difference on new water.
There are several reasons why hiring a guide can be a good decision for eager anglers. Dan discusses the benefits of doing just that, what to look for, how to tip, and how to make sure you've got everything covered for your guided fishing trip.
Diary of a Professional Walleye Tournament Angler
On the road and water with a Professional Walleye Tournament Angler
In this article, Dan takes you through the ups and downs of fishing a PWT tournament including actual experiences , pertinent thoughts, mistakes, and everything in between from start to finish.
Crankin' Early Springtime Bass
Try throwing that crankbait this spring - you may be the only one doing it
Springtime brings people out of the woodwork to shake off their cabin fever. Troy discusses in this article how to present crankbaits to early season bass for success.
Carp on the Fly
Carp on the fly: presentation, presentation, presentation...
Fly fishing for carp is more than a physical game, it is largely a mind numbing puzzle. Barry Reynolds, one of the leading advocates of this endeavor presents some of the most essential elements of turning your biglip quest into a forearm straining success.
Crankbait Trolling 101
An effective way to catch every species of game fish in Colorado
Trolling is more than just throwing some lines out and putting the boat into gear. Dan steps through the crankbait types, equipment, and methods for successful trolling.
Fly Fishing for Catfish
Understanding our Quarry
A must-read article for all catfish anglers, Dave discusses everything from common catfish misconceptions to the flies he uses to catch them. If you ever fish for cats, or are a fly fisherman looking for a unique new challenge, grab a drink and settle in for a great read...
Spring Walleye
Pre and post-spawn Colorado walleye fishing
When it comes to walleye in the spring, there are three stages pre-spawn, spawn and post-spawn movements. Nate and Stephanie discuss techniques to catch spring walleye in Colorado.
Boyd Reservoir from a Fly Fisher's Perspective
Fly Fishing Boyd Lake
If you plan to ever fish Boyd Lake in Loveland, you will not want to miss Dave's in-depth take the lake. Geared from a fly-fishers perspective, the article details 14 hot spots in writing, pinpointed on the map.
Flashers: Vexilar vs. MarCum
Comparing two flashers in the real world.
Nate and Stephanie discuss Marcum and Vexilar flashers for ice fishing, comparing the two in real-world application. The conclusion of which is more effective does not necessarily come down to features...
Ice Fishing with Floats
You'll Catch More Fish I Guarantee It!
Frustrated with missing light-biting fish through the ice? Nate and Stephanie go into detail about using floats to improve your hook-set success on hard water for a variety of species, and discuss basic slip-bobber choices and application.
Heavy Metal
Late Season Spooning for Big Bass and Walleye
Troy explains why there is no bait that matches the jigging spoon's variety and success, describing various techniques and lures he uses to hook late season walleye and bass. The systems he utilizes will catch almost anything that swims and best of all, it’s cheap.
Fall Wiper (Hybrid Bass) on the Fly
Fly fishing for wiper in cold water
Don't put away the boat, don't put away your gear. Wiper fishing in the fall offers tremendous fights and big fat fish that will warm you on these cool crisp days. In this article Matt describes the techniques and approaches he uses fly fishing for fall wiper.
Things that go Thump in the Night
Fishing shorelines at night for Big Brown Trout
Patience and a headlamp can boost your chances of landing a big brown this fall. Bernie Keefe describes his stealthy, shallow, and patient techniques for fall brown trout fishing at night.
Fall Walleyes: All Your Questions Answered
Building a pattern is critical this time of year.
With an abundance of food available to these predators in the fall, Nate and Stephanie describe the techniques and rigs they use to fool late season walleye. Crawler harnesses, cranks, spoons, and jigging spoons are all on the menu for mid-August through December.
Getting started Fly Fishing Warm Water
Turning your trout outfit towards warm water species
Don't think that fly fishing is reserved for only trout. Dave discusses the basics of warm water fly fishing in this article including why trout fly-fishermen do not have to break the bank to begin a quest for warm water species.
Tactical Topwaters
Catching bass where the water meets the wind
Finally a no-nonsense guide to fishing for bass on the surface spring, summer, and fall. Chad discusses what to consider when choosing a topwater bait, and how and where to fish them.
Full Moon Open 2007
All-night tourney lands dozens of boats, big fish and red eyes
Centennial Bass Club's Full Moon Open held at Horsetooth Reservoir is one of the most anticipated events of the season. Under moonlight, competitors battle the sleepless conditions to bring in the largest 5 bass they can find.
Walleye Techniques
A jig is probably the simplest, deadliest technique in fishing...
Nate and Stephanie discuss specific techniques and equipment to make the most of jigging for summer walleyes.
Moody Muddy Carp
Sight fishing carp gets tougher with poor visibilty and moody fish
Carp are not praised by many. Warmwater flyfishing is difficult. So why not combine the two and see what you get? Often considered easy fish to catch, carp will mostly prove this theory wrong. They are largely more spooky and finicky than trout. But the payoff is in their size and strength.
The Wiper Fly Fishing Experience, Part 2
With some guidance on finding wiper, here's the rest of the story.
Finding Wiper is perhaps the toughest part of fishing for them. Part 2 of this series delves into the gear, the flies, the presentation, the fight, and some places to find these fish in Colorado.
The Wiper Fly Fishing Experience, Part 1
Wiper on the fly in the Rockies, who could ask for more?
Wiper fly fishing can be an exhilarating experience on some days and drive you crazy on others. This article dives into the various dynamics of the fish and aims to provide some building blocks to get you through the tough times.
Tricks of Trolling
Expand your reach and control your presentation
It is critical to be able to present any bait properly in any situation to catch mature fish. Nate and Stephanie Zelinsky discuss some of the trolling tricks up their sleeve to do so.
Ice fishing, friends and sunscreen
As Front Range waters thaw, ice fishing gets hot in the mountains
When the lakes along the Front Range start to open up, people tend to forget about ice fishing. Give this late season bite a shot, but don't forget the sunscreen!
Warmwater Flyfishing at the Core
Core elements of fishing will boost your fly fishing success
Whether you are an experienced fisherman turning to fly, or a fly fisherman new to warmwater, re-visiting the core elements of angling will boost your success.
Angling Knowledge
Knowledge combined with experience helps decipher lakes and the fish in them
Whether you're an old pro or a beginner, knowing which knowledge to soak up and how to apply it will play a large role in your success. The road to enlightenment is paved with common knowledge, navigated with local knowledge, and traveled with application.
The Will to Win
The will to win is not as important as the will to prepare to win.
The beginning of the new year finds many open-water fishermen anxious to get back on the water. What better way to spend that energy on preparing for the season that may come sooner than you expect.
Crappie Fly Fishing with Streamers
In support of the Super Slabs
OK so crappie may not be on your list of gamefish to conquer, but these hardy fish can prove to be a lot of fun, especially on a fly rod. So whistle your favorite family sitcom tune, sling a fly rod over your shoulder, and stroll on down to your waterin' hole for some crappie...
Fall Tiger Hunting in Colorado
Humility may be more important than patience in this sport.
If pounding the water for eleven days with relentless casting only taking breaks to wolf down a PBJ and only to watch your lure come to the boat with nothing behind it nor on it sounds like fun to you, then you are a prime candidate for Colorado muskie hunting...

Other Articles and Stories

Operation Game Thief
Call to report illegal fishing/hunting:
1-877-265-6648
(1-877-COLO-OGT)
or:
Email CPW
 
×

Info