North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club

June 2019

Private lake for NPAFFC members.

  Have you ever experienced complete solitude on the water? No one breathing down your neck waiting to take your spot, being able to move freely on the river and not being stuck to one hole all day, and not having to wake up at 3:30 in the morning just to get a spot in the parking lot. How about fishing techniques? Do you dream of throwing articulated streamers on 0x tippet and size #16-#8 nymphs on 3x tippet? What about watching a rising fish destroy a size #8 hopper on 3x tippet? There are very few places in Colorado where you can make these dreams a reality, however by joining the North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club all of these dreams and more can be your reality. 

NPAFFC member with a brown most can only dream of.

The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club is an exclusive fly fishing club located in North Park, Colorado. When joining the club, members get access to over 75 miles of private streams and 7 private lakes. Membership is currently capped at 65 members, which allows ample rest for the waters and for members to be able to spread out across the properties. The NPAFFC provides exclusive access on stretches of the North Platte, Roaring Fork, North Fork, Illinois, Michigan, Canadian, Big Creek, Hell Creek and more.

Lunchtime on a float trip offered exclusively to NPAFFC members.

In addition to exclusive access on private waters, members also get exclusive discounted pricing on guide trips, lodging, and purchases made in the shop. Members also get access to specific guide trips not available to the public. Discounted lodging is available at Sportsman’s Retreat, Headwaters Cabin, and stays at the Buffalo Creek Ranch, as well as free lodging nights at our rustic stream-side cabins. All purchases made in shop get an exclusive club member discount applied to it, whether it’s flies or a new fly rod.

The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Club is a fly fisher’s paradise and dream made a reality. Enjoy complete solitude, exclusive access, top-notch service and complete tranquility by becoming a member. Membership availability is limited, so don’t wait. If you are interested in becoming a member, please visit our NPAFFC website at http://www.coloradoflyfishingclub.com/ , call the shop at 970-723-4215, or email info@northparkanglers.com with questions or for more information. Your fly fishing dream awaits.   

The Headwaters Cabin; one of the lodging options available to club members at a discounted rate.

What the Heck Does CFS Mean?

June 2019

CFS stands for Cubic Feet per Second, and is the main unit used to measure the volume of water passing a given point in a river in once second. The same CFS measurement can look different on different rivers. For example, 400 CFS on the North Platte through North Gate Canyon looks much different than 400 CFS on the Michigan River through the town of Walden. 400 CFS through North Gate Canyon means good wade fishing levels and you will likely be able to completely cross the river at multiple points safely, however it is too skinny to take a raft down without having to jump out and drag it across flatter parts of the river. 400 CFS on the Michigan River through town is raging and likely out of its banks and means you will not be able to safely cross the river at any point. 

Michigan River through town around 400 CFS. Out of its banks, blown, uncrossable.

Understanding CFS also helps to understand where fish will be at in the river at any given time. When there is extremely low flow/CFS, fish will likely be stacked up in a few holes just trying to survive. When you have moderate/average flow fish will be dispersed throughout the river whether thats in the riffles, seams, or under cut banks. When there is extremely high CFS, fish will likely be stacked up on the banks trying to escape the harsh and fast current. 

You can look at up-to-date water flows and CFS levels online to try and get a better gauge on what certain flows look like on different rivers. The best way to really learn and understand CFS and what they look like on different rivers is just to get out on the water. Check the flows before you go out and make mental notes of what the rivers look like. 

Rod Fees – Why Do We Charge Them?

June 2019

One of our many private leased waters.

At North Park Anglers we offer two different styles of walk/wade trips for the public. One is on public water ($450 for two anglers) and the other is on private water ($700 for two anglers). We often get asked why we charge a $125 rod fee per angler when you select the private water option. Some may assume that it is direct profit for the company, or that we do it just to be greedy. Today we are here to explain why we charge the rod fee and where that money actually goes. 

When you go on a private water trip with us, you are getting guided access to well-managed water that we lease from different ranchers in the valley. That extra $125 rod fee per angler goes directly to the rancher from which we are leasing the water that you fish on. The rod fee directly correlates to the conservation and management of the water that you fish on. By leasing water from local ranchers, we are able to help them further understand the amazing resource they have, which encourages additional efforts to protect and conserve that water. We take great precautions to make sure we give ample rest to the private waters we fish to ensure that they are not over pressured or overused. By working in unison with the ranchers we lease water from and ensuring to pay them a fair usage fee, the entire valley is able to better protect, conserve, and manage such a valuable resource that is enjoyed for both sport and livelihood. 

When you book a private water guide trip with us, you can feel good about where that extra rod fee is going and have your own hand in the conservation of The North Platte Valley. 

The Sportsman’s Retreat

Are you and your fishing buddies coming up to fish for a few days, but don’t want to be cramped together in a tent, camper, or hotel room? Or maybe your family is taking a road trip to North Park and you’re looking for more than one bathroom to share between everyone?  You may want to consider the Sportsman’s Retreat.

The Sportsman’s Retreat is a three bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home that comfortably sleeps six people. Located right in the heart of town, you will be within walking distance of all of the local shops and restaurants that Walden has to offer. The Retreat has a complete kitchen that is fully stocked with pots, pans, and dishes if you prefer to do your own cooking. It also has a shaded back porch with a propane grill so you can enjoy the warm summer evenings and beautiful mountain sunsets.  Unwind after a long day of fishing in one or both of the sitting areas, play card games or enjoy a family meal at the dining table, watch your favorite show on the satellite tv, or surf the internet using the complimentary high-speed WiFi.  

The Sportsman’s Retreat offers all of the space and amenities of home, all within the heart of this small ranching community that we call home. Come on up, plan your trip, and enjoy your stay at the Sportsman’s Retreat. We look forward to hosting you. 

To book, call: 970-723-4215

Reasons to Take a Guided Fishing Trip

June 6, 2019

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, going on a professionsal guided fly fishing trip can be extrmemly benficial.  Below are some differnet scenerios where you may want to hire a guide to take you out, regardless of your skill level. 

1.) You are a beginner.

Whether you’ve never touched a fish in your life, have spent your entire life conventional fishing and are looking to try something new, or have only gone out a few times by yourself with little to no luck, hiring a guide is for you. Hiring a guide, especially on your home waters can help your learning curve grow exponentially. A guide can teach you more in one day than you would be able to learn on your own in an entire year. Worried about not being good enough or making your guide frustrated? Fly fishing guides are trained to teach beginners how to fish. In fact, the majority of our clients have never fly fished before, so we are prepared and excited to get a fly rod in your hand and show you the ropes.

2.) You’re traveling or fishing new waters.

Whether you’re traveling between states or between countries, hiring a guide can again make your learning curve grow exponentially. If you are only going to have the opportunity to fish in a new area for a short amount of time, it makes more sense to hire a guide for the time you are there (even if it’s just the first day), instead of spending your entire time in the area just trying to figure out access points and which techniques work best. This can apply too if you are moving. If you are moving to an area with waters you are unfamiliar with, you might want to hire a guide to show you around  a bit and show you the best methods of fishing to use. That way you will be able to go out on your own and have a more enjoyable time on your new home waters.

3.) You want to gain access.

Have you fished all of the private access points of your home waters a million times, but have never been able to get on to the private water just over the fence that looks pristine and untouched? Chances are, your local guide service has access to that water, but will only allow you to fish it with one of their guides. Hiring a guide to gain access to some private water will fulfill your wishes to fish that prisitine water, and chances are you will probably learn a thing or two from your guide, even if you are an experienced angler.

4.) Equipment access.

Have you ever wanted to float down one of your local rivers or fish from the middle of a lake, but dont know how to row or have a boat to do so? Hiring a guide to row you down a river or around a lake gives you all of the fun and access of fishing from a boat without all of the hassle and work that goes into it. Your guide will take care of the put-in and take-out, will do all of the rowing/motoring to allow you to do all the fishing, and wash/clean/store the boat at the end of the day so you don’t have to. Not to mention, professional guides are highly trained and certified in the safety of rowing a boat, so you can feel comfortable and confident that you will get down the river/in and out of the lake safely. 

Hiring a professional guide is not just for beginners. Don’t let your pride get in the way of not taking a guided fishing trip; hire a guide, have some fun, learn some things, make a friend, and spend your money on an enjoyable experience.

Wtitten by: Taylor Martin

Headwaters Cabin

Headwaters Cabin in the fall

Are you looking to spend a few days in North Park with the quiet and tranquil outdoors, but don’t want to pitch a tent with the mosquitoes? Look no further than the Headwaters Cabin provided by North Park Anglers. The Headwaters Cabin is located on a private ranch, nestled right next to a small creek with a cascading waterfall just a few hundred feet upstream. With breathtaking views of the Continental Divide and all the amenities of home, the Headwaters cabin is the perfect escape for anglers and vacationers in North Park. After spending a long day exploring everything that North Park has to offer, unwind on a covered porch with views of the nearby stream or next to a warm wood burning stove in a comfortable living space. 

The interior of the Headwaters Cabin includes pine paneling, cathedral ceilings, leather furniture, a wood burning stove. The kitchen is fully equipped with appliances and cooking utensils, providing bar-height seating on the island and dining table. The downstairs of the cabin also has one full bathroom with a tub and shower, as well as a bedroom with a queen size bed.  The upstairs loft proves another sitting area, one queen bed and two twin beds. All beds and the bathroom are complete with linens, bedding, towels and soap. The Headwaters Cabin also has an attached heated mud room for safely storing gear out the elements. 

Ariel view of the Headwaters Cabin

The Headwaters Cabin has a maximum occupancy of five people and has a MINIMUM stay of two nights. Pricing is as followed:

1-2 people: $295 per night

Each additional person per night: $50

3 people:$345

4 people: $395

5 people: $445

Covered Porch

Kitchen

Living room

Upstairs loft seating area and beds

Heated mudroom

North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Lodge at Buffalo Creek

Did you know that North Park Anglers offers more than just daily guided fishing trips and friendly advice? We offer multi-day fly fishing packages at a beautiful and exclusive lodge in the heart of the Buffalo Creek Ranch. The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Lodge at Buffalo Creek is a private and beautifully secluded getaway for anglers who are looking to fish pristine private water during the day and unwind with a glass of wine around a campfire and refuel with a delicious professionally prepared, multi-course meal at night. 

The fly fishing lodge at Buffalo Creek is unlike any other lodge you may have heard of before. It is extremely intimate, as the only group staying there at one time is yours. This is not a dude ranch with multiple groups staying at one time and a large dining hall. The lodge is maxed out at eight people, creating an environment that is homey and relaxing.

When you book a stay at the lodge you get full service access to professional fishing guides who are extremely knowledgable about the waters and surrounding area. Along with the five lakes and several miles of stream located on the Buffalo Creek Ranch, you also get access to over 75 more miles of private river and 7 more private lakes located across the surrounding Rand/Walden/Cowdrey area. North Park is home to the headwaters of the famed North Platte River, offering fishing opportunities on not only the North Platte, but also its many tributary streams such as the North Fork, Roaring Fork, Michigan, Illinois, Canadian and more. Fly fishing in North Park is unlike any other place you may have fished in Colorado. Freestone rivers and irrigation from local ranching operations create changing stream conditions that are unique to the time of year, helping maintain a plethora of healthy and wild trout. When you book a stay at the lodge at Buffalo Creek, the only other person you will see on the river is your guide and your favorite fishing buddy. All other outside traffic and anglers will be non-existent. 

In addition to 75+ miles of private river and 12 private lakes, depending on the time of year you book your group, you will also have the opportunity to float through 9 miles of pristine North Platte Wilderness in Wyoming that is designated Blue Ribbon Water and/or 9 miles of the meandering meadow section on the North Platte. 

The North Park Anglers Fly Fishing Lodge at Buffalo Creek is available June 1st to August 31st and offers a variety of packages to perfectly tailor your group’s needs. Listed below are the different packages we offer. If you are looking for more information check out the Buffalo Creek Ranch website here and here or check out the North Park Anglers website here.

Five Night Package

Four Night Package –> MOST POPULAR AND RECOMMENDED 

Three Night Package

Interested in booking a group? Call North Park Anglers at (970)-723-4215.

Choosing the Right Fly Rod

May 29, 2019

Whether you’re new to fly fishing, looking to upgrade rods, or are a seasoned pro, buying a new fly rod can be a tricky task. There are so many different companies, flexes, lengths, weights, and uses that picking the perfect one for you can be overwhelming.  Lucky for you North Park Anglers is here to help. Today we are going to give a brief overview of some of our favorite rods that we sell in the shop and what we use them for. 

Beginner/Entry Level Rods

Orvis Clearwater: The Orvis Clearwater is a great rod for a new angler or for someone looking for a good performing rod with a great 25 year warranty. It has a perfect balance of flex and accuracy which makes it a great all around rod for fishing everything from dry flies to streamers. 

Scott A4: The Scott A4 is also a great option for a new angler looking to get their first rod with good perforamance and warranty or someone who is wanting to experiment with new types of fishing, but doesn’t want to spend a fortune on a new rod.

Mid-Level/Intermediate Fly Rods

Orvis Recon: The Orvis Recon is a step up from the Clearwater, offering faster action and higher performace, still within a pretty affordable price range. It is a great rod for someone who is looking for a step up from their orignal fly rod, but doesn’t want to dive too far in to the fast action, extrememly high-performance (and expensive) rods yet. 

Upper Level/Advanced Fly Rods

Orvis Helios 3: The Orvis Helios 3 rods are extremely accurate, fast action, high performing fly rods. If you’re an experienced angler looking for one of the best rods on the market, this rod is for you. One cast on the H3 and it sells itself. The Helios 3 series comes in a D and an F series; D for distance, F for finess. The F has a softer tip so it better for softly delivering dry flies or dry/dropper rigs, where the D is more stiff and is great for delivering large flies, such as streamers, at long distances

Scott Radian: The Radian is Scott’s high-end, fast action fly rod designed for the experienced angler. It is branded to combine “Fast and Feel,” giving the angler a delicate feel with uncompromised speed. The Radian is a great option for loyal Scott customers who are wanting one of the best rods on the market. 

Scott G Series: The Scott G Series is another high-end rod, but one that is medium action. These rods combine  the classic flex of a medium action rod while maintaining stability throughout the middle of the rod to generate higher line speeds. This rod is great for someone looking for a high-end rod, but doesn’t want a super fast rod and wants to kep the more delicate feel of a medium-action rod. 

For most, buying a new fly rod is not something that is taken lightly. Reading and watching online reviews can be very useful, but we highly reccommed getting a few rods in your hands before you fork over a credit card. At North Park Anglers we are more than happy to put a reel on any fly rod we sell that you are looking at buying and letting you cast it. In addition to that, all of our employees are very knowledgebale on all of the rods we sell in the shop, and make an effort to cast each and every one of them so we can understand their feel and purpose to help you feel less overwhelemd and make a more informed purchase.

Now through Father’s Day, if you bring in and donate any old functioning rod we will give you 20% off any fly rod we sell in the shop over $300. Stop in and let us help you find your next perfect rod!

Common Knots and When to Use Them

May 28, 2019

Learning knots for fly fishing can be very intimidating. We often get questions such as:

How many knots are there and how many do I need to know?

How do I know when to use which knot?

I know the basic knots, are there any intermediate/advanced knots I can learn to up my game?

There are really only two knots that a beginner fly fisher needs to know, which are the clinch knot and the double or triple surgeons knot. These two knots will allow you to connect leader and tippet as well as tie on any fly you may have in your box. However, once you have mastered those two knots there are many more knots you can learn to up your fly fishing game.  Today we will explain a little bit about our favorite more advanced, yet still simple knots to use.

Loop Knot: This knot is great for fishing all types of flies, but is especially useful for fishing streamers and big terrestrial dry flies. It allows the fly to have more natural action and move on a wider axis.

Double/Triple Surgeons Knot: This knot it useful when connecting tippet to leader or tippet to tippet. It is an essential knot that every fly fisher should be comfortable knowing.

Orvis Tippet Knot: This knot is awesome to use when fishing nymphs as well as streamers and dries. It is a super simple knots that allows you to run an effieicnet tag system that rarely ever gets tanlged up.

Perfection Loop: This knot useful for when the welded loop on your fly line breaks and you need to replace it. It is also useful if you have a leader without a premanufactured loop in order to make that loop to loop connectiong with your fly line and leader.

Nail Knot: This knot is also mainly used for when your welded loop on your fly line breaks and you need to attach a piece of monoilament to replace it. This knot requires a tool to make it easier, but after a few practice runs is very easy an efficient.

We have posted tutorials on all of these knots on our YouTube page so you can increase your knot quiver and work on advancing your fly fishing knowledge as well as experiment with different techniques. Fish On!

https://www.youtube.com/user/northparkanglers

Picking the Right Pack

May  23, 2019

Memorial Day Weekend is THIS weekend and to celebrate, North Park Anglers is running a 20% off sale on ALL fishing packs and boat bags. Choosing a fishing pack can be both exciting and overwhelming, so today we are here to help compare some different types of packs to help you choose the one that is right for you, or help you choose one as a gift for someone else.

Pack Style: Hip/Lumbar

Best Use: Daily fishing, walk/wade

Hip and lumbar pack styles are typically smaller packs that work best for carrying gear for a single angler. The main pockets are typically attached to a belt that sits on your hips, often times with extra small pockets on the sides/front of the belt. The main load is distributed to your hips. Most hip and lumbar packs come with an extra shoulder strap that you can put diagonally across your body for extra stability and easier net storage. They typically have multiple pockets with lots of organizing pockets. Most have room for multiple fly boxes, 1-2 outside water bottle pockets, outside straps for strapping and carrying an extra layer like a rain jacket, as well as extra pockets/space for snacks, sunscreen, tools, split shot and other fishing necessities. We recommend attaching an outside tippet holder that hangs off the pack to save space.

Pack Style: Sling

Best Use: daily fishing, guiding, walk/wade

Sling packs are typically larger packs, best for carrying gear for 1-3 anglers depending on what size you decide on. The main pocket is a larger, backpack-like pocket with minimal organizational storage. However, most sling packs have smaller additional pockets with lots of organization storage on the inside. Sling packs are worn cross-body style, distributing the weight on the shoulder. Most have room for multiple fly boxes, waters, sunscreen, snacks and other fishing gear for more than one person. They work well for one angler, but if you’re a notorious over-packer you may want to choose a smaller sling style or a different pack. These packs are also good for guiding or for taking out a beginner who doesn’t have much of their own gear yet.

Pack Style: Vest

Best Use: daily fishing, walk/wade

Fishing vests have been around since the beginning of fly fishing and were the OG packs for anglers. Most fit like a cropped vest with multiple pockets on both sides of the front, the weight being distributed onto both shoulders. These packs are best for a single angler as they are meant to be more minimalist and carry only the essentials, however more modern vests have the ability to carry lots of gear while still maintaining a minimalist design.

Pack Style: Backpack

Best Use: daily fishing, walk/wade

Fishing backpacks function like a normal backpack, with large pockets and multiple interior organizational pockets. With lots of storage, backpacks are ideal for guiding or carrying gear for multiple anglers. Many fishing companies these day customize their backpacks to carry fishing specific accessories with easy access. Some even have detachable waist belts to carry your fishing gear so you can put other items like jackets, lunch, water, and a camera in the main compartment.

Pack Style: Backpack Vest

Best Use: daily fishing, walk/wade

A backpack vest is exactly what is sounds like, a fishing vest with a backpack. These are great for guiding or carrying gear for multiple anglers as they can hold you fishing gear in the vest portion for easy access and the backpack can be used for extra layers, water, lunch, and a camera. 

Pack Style: Chest

Best Use: Daily fishing, walk/wade, close distance trips

Chest packs fit over the head like, kind of like a closed vest. They typically have a little bit less storage than a hip/lumbar pack, so they are ideal for a single angler who enjoys carrying minimal gear and going on quick outings of short time and distance. They are typically very adjustable to accommodate extra layers, or maybe that extra size of cold pizza you had at lunch.

Pack Style: Boat Bag

Best Use: River floats, lake fishing from a boat, gear storage

Boat bags are great for anyone who is a frequent boat user or is looking for a place to store their extra gear they don’t carry in their pack all the time. They can hold multiple fly boxes and suitcases as well as lots of additional tools and great. These are great for guides who use a boat often to have easy access to all of their needs right at their feet or side. They’re also great for travel and storage to keep all of your gear/extra gear in once organized place.

Now that you know about all the different styles of packs and what their best uses are, there is one last question to ask yourself…waterproof or non-waterproof? The first thing you need to consider with this question is your price point. Waterproof packs often have a heftier price tag attached to them, but there are a lot of benefits to them. If you’re short (and I’m speaking from experience) a waterproof pack might be a great option for you. Often times when wading into lakes or crossing rivers, shorter people’s packs are more prone to getting wet. I have completely dunked my hip pack on multiple occasions in both lakes and rivers and have had to spend hours cleaning out, drying, and reorganizing my pack to see what was salvageable and what was not. Waterproof packs are also great for sticking out rain or snowstorms and keeping all of your interior valuables safe and dry. On the other side, non waterproof packs are often times more economically priced and still perform at a high level. The only minor downsides to going waterproof are there are typically not as many exterior pockets and the waterproof zippers can sometimes be difficult to open and close one handed.

Choosing a pack should be a fun and exciting experience, and the staff at North Park Anglers are here to help. Stop in the shop this Memorial Day weekend and let us help you pick a pack that is right for you, plus receive 20% off and use the extra cash to help you start filling that pack!

Written by: Taylor Martin