Colorado Fishing Tips

A Free Fishing Tip for Colorado

Colorado is a fly anglers dream. Although Colorado has over 6000 miles of streams and 2000 lakes, with over 35 species of freshwater fish, the Centennial State is best known for it's native rainbow trout fisheries. People come from all over the world to fly fish in Colorado's pristine environments. And the places you'll be fishing in are some of the most scenic in the U.S. The states unique ecosystems are such that to be really successful, you'll need to learn a few Colorado fishing tips:

• Colorado Rainbow trout are native trout, so if you are used to catching stockers back east, you're in for a surprise. These are much more finicky, and spooky. A good fly technique in Colorado is a Dry Dropper Rig. Tie on a weighted nymph (the Hare's Ear and Pheasant Tail Nymph patterns work like magic at times), then make a dropper loop 18” above that. To the loop, add a dry fly ( the Wulf series patterns are great for this). Now, fish it normally, using the dry fly as a strike indicator. Don't be surprised if you hook two at once with this rig. The dry fly doesn't spook the fish like a normal strike indicator would.
• Below tail-waters are always good bets for large trout in Colorado. One of the best fly patterns all year long for tail-waters is a Mysis shrimp pattern. Fish them small, and at different depths for the best results.
• Another effective method below tail-races is drift-fishing. Drift-Fishing in Colorado means something different than in the rest of the country. In Colorado Drift-Fishing, the boat is stationary. It is the bait that drifts. To make a drift-rig, just attach several split shots to the bottom of your line, and make a dropper loop 12-18 inches above that, than attach a bait hook. Bait the hook with a night-crawler and cast it upstream. let the current carry it downstream, keeping your line tight enough to just feel the split shots bouncing along the bottom. If your line stops drifting, or moves funny, set the hook. If you get hung, just pull on the line and the hung split-shot will come off, leaving the rest so you can finish the drift.
• Colorado has some great back-country fishing spots. Rocky Mountain State park, and State Forest Park are good choices, especially in the summer. Both offer large populations of brown, rainbow, brook and cutthroat trout, and it is not uncommon to catch & release 50 fish a day there.

Colorado has breathtaking scenery, and great fishing. It can be even better if you remember these Colorado fishing tips.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips 

Colorado Fishing Tips

Fall Fishing Tips

Fishing Tips

Fall can be some of the best fishing of the year. As the temperatures cool down to a more comfortable level, most gamefish move back into the shallows and begin to gorge in order to "stoke-up" for the long winter period of inactivity. The baitfish and shad have all spawned, producing schools of millions of young baitfish, which the gamefish gorge on. If you know a few good fall fishing tips, you can have some very memorable autumn outings.

• A lot of aquatic vegetation, especially the grasses, begin to die-off in fall. These hold huge quantities of minnows, because the decaying vegetation attracts tons of plankton, which the minnows feed on. Larger gamefish feed on the minnows, so if you find large areas of scummy-looking dead grass, there will most likely be gamefish nearby.
• Another way to look for fish in the fall is to watch for wheeling and diving flocks of birds, such as gulls. They are probably targeting a large school of minnows or shad near the surface. There will be gamefish underneath, savagely attacking the school from below. Many times, you can actually see the water boiling as if a school of piranhas were feeding. Cast right into the melee, and hang on. When the school disperses, look for another one. This is called Jump-Fishing.
• In fall, wind becomes a more important factor in locating fish. It is because the baitfish will congregate on the downwind side of a body of water, so if there is a south wind, the bait fish will stack-up on the north side, and vice-verse. The gamefish will follow the baitfish.
• In fall, fish feed at different times, and not all fish will be feeding at the same time, so the fishing may be in stages. Also, cold snaps will run fish back out to deeper water, so on especially cool days, look for fish in deeper water, near cover.
• Here is a fall fishing tip that is often overlooked. Fly anglers use a technique called "Matching the Hatch", meaning they try to approximate the colors, shape and size of whatever bug is currently on the water. You can do the same thing with lures, by selecting ones that are similar to the local baitfish as far as size, color and action. This will increase your odds greatly, because the gamefish are used to these.

Autumn can be a very productive time of year to fish, and even more so if you learn just a few basic fall fishing tips.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips 

Fall Fishing Tips

Fishing Boat Tips

Tips For Using A Fishing Boat

Fishing from a boat is a very different activity than the slow, deliberate techniques used in shore fishing. From a boat, an angler can cover miles of water in a short amount of time, and search for fish in offshore structures, and the depths that are inaccessible from shore. Trolling, and Jump-Fishing are impossible without a boat. Of course, when you start to operate a boat, there is a learning curve, but you can reduce this greatly by learning just a few fishing boat tips:

• If you do nothing else, learn to be a safe and considerate boater. You owe it to yourself, and to your passengers to give them a nice, safe, enjoyable ride. Motor slowly and deliberately, and always give other boats a wide berth. Be especially careful in No-Wake areas, and in areas where others are fishing.
• Store all tackle, clothing, and gear below decks before getting underway. Lower all pedestal seats to keep the center of gravity low when underway. Make sure everyone on-board wears a PFD, at least when underway. Be sure there is a Coast Guard Approved PFD for every person on-board.
• Try not to spook the fish. When approaching your fishing area, shut the main motors off well before you get there, and use an electric trolling motor to get you the rest of the way in. Trolling motors are much quieter. The clearer the water, the farther away you need to be from the fish. In very clear water, be prepared to make long casts.
• Dropping anchor can scare fish. Avoid using an anchor except when in rough water or heavy current. Use a drift-anchor instead. In fast water, use a bow, and stern anchor, and cast upstream. If you are fishing next to a non-submerged object, tie on to it, and fish straight down. If fishing submerged cover, stay back from it and cast into the structure. If casting towards a shoreline, stay as far back as you can cast.
• For hard-core stealth fishing for very spooky fish, nothing beats a kayak. They are swift, silent, and non-polluting. When set-up properly, with a reasonably skilled paddler, they are as unsinkable as any boat can get. They are inexpensive for what they do, and much lighter than canoes. They even come in inflatable models to use when space is at a premium.

More fish are probably caught from a boat than by any other method. You can tip the odds more in your favor by using a few good fishing boat tips the next time you go out.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips 

Fishing Boat Tips

Gulf of Mexico Fishing Tips

Fishing Tips For The Gulf of Mexico

300 million years ago, a shift in the tectonic plates caused a huge basin to form off the coasts of what would become Mexico, and the southwest United States. The dry land there became an inland gulf when the basin filled with water from the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. You might not catch a dinosaur there today, but the Gulf of Mexico is still a good place to catch some monstrous fish.

The Gulf of Mexico, as the name suggests, lies off of the coasts of eastern Mexico, and the U.S. states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. It is bounded on the southern end by the island of Cuba. There are two outlets, the Florida Straits between Florida and Cuba, and the Yucatan Channel between Mexico and Cuba. Since it is somewhat sheltered from the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf has mild tides, but does get an occasional hurricane, some quite severe.

The Gulf of Mexico is situated along prime migratory routes for many game-fish, and is one of the worlds premier deep sea fisheries. The deepest part of the Gulf is 14, 383 feet at the Sigsby Deep, approximately 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, Tx. From most of the Gulf Coast, world class Blue-Water fishing is only a few hours away. In some places, it is possible to catch marlin and tuna, and still be able to see land. The Gulf abounds with good populations of Blue, and White Marlin, sailfish, albacore, tuna, and dorado. Inshore fisherman will discover that the Gulf has a huge population of redfish, speckled trout, various sea basses and groupers, bluefish, mackerel, bonefish and pompano. And most of these are not too hard to catch if you know a few Gulf of Mexico fishing tips.

• For the most part, fishing for almost all species is best during the warm months of the year.
• Yellowfin Tuna make an appearance in early spring, and the marlin, dorado, and bluefin are never far behind.
• Trolling the Gulf with ribbonfish has produced many record marlins.
• The Gulf coasts off of Texas and Florida are famous for calm waters, and numerous reefs, shipwrecks, and ledges. This is where snappers, and other reef-type fish hang out.
• Fishing behind shrimp boats (especially when they are culling their catches) can result in fast and furious fishing for all species. Be sure to stay way back from them to avoid tangling up in any nets they may still have out. Always be a courteous angler.

The Gulf Coast can provide some of the best fishing you may ever have, if you keep in mind these Gulf of Mexico fishing tips.

Free Fishing Tips

Gulf of Mexico Fishing Tips

Mississippi River Fishing Tips

The Mississippi River makes up the largest river system in North America, and is the 4^th longest, and 10^th largest in the world. Contained completely within the U.S., it begins in northern Minnesota, at Lake Itasca, and travels slowly south over 2500 miles to where it dumps into the Gulf of Mexico near Pilottown, La. It flows through 10 states, and with it's tributaries, drains 31 states. It has been, and still is, a vital water-route used by commercial shipping, barges and boats.

The Mississippi is divided into 3 sections: The Upper, Middle and Lower Sections. The Upper Mississippi runs from the origin in Minnesota south to the conflux of the Missouri River, near St. Louis, Mo. The Middle Mississippi runs from the Missouri split to the conflux of the Ohio River, near Cairo, Il. The lower Mississippi runs from there to the Gulf of Mexico at Pilottown, La.

The Mississippi River covers many ecosystems along its route, so it is little wonder that it contains over 119 species of fish, but the most important species to anglers are catfish, bass, walleye, saugers, and panfish. You can catch all the fish you want by using a few Mississippi River fishing tips:

• Walleyes are mostly in the Upper Mississippi, with the best areas between St. Paul, Mn. and St. Louis, Mo. Try to stay within a mile or so of the numerous locks and dams. Walleyes like current, but prefer it a slower, rather than strong, and they like to spawn near the concrete structures and locks.
• The Mississippi is famous for it's catfish. There are two main species in the river, the Channel and Blue. They are similar in appearance with the main different being size. The Blue catfish can get considerably larger, exceeding 100 pounds. A third species is less prevalent, the Flathead, or yellow catfish. They can also top 100 pounds. The best methods for monster catfish is to fish with cut-bait below the numerous tail-races. Catfish are numerous along the entire course of the river.
• Bass are prevalent all along the river. The best places to find them are areas out of the current, with still backwaters being the best. One of the best lures for them is a Texas-Rigged purple-colored plastic worm.
• Saugers are close relatives of walleyes, with similar habits. They also inhabit the Upper Mississippi, but tend to stay in deeper water. The same tactics that work for walleyes also catch saugers.

There are a few other species of interest, such as paddlefish, gar, carp, and even Bull sharks have been spotted as far up river as Illinois. Whatever you decide to fish for, you'll do better if you keep these Mississippi River fishing tips in mind.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips

Mississippi River Fishing Tips

Pacific Ocean Fishing Tips

Offshore fishing in the Pacific ocean for billfish, tuna, mahi-mahi, and other pelagic species offers some of the most spectacular experiences you can have. From the Pacific Coast of South America, Mexico, California, all the way to Alaska, the Pacific Ocean offers many varied habitats for different species of pelagic pugilists. There are so many different types of fishing that you can do in the Pacific that it is hard to generalize, but there are some general Pacific Ocean fishing tips that you may find helpful no matter what you are fishing for.

• Most Pacific Salmon are caught trolling. But the Pacific can be rough at times, so be sure the boat you go out in is at least 20' long, with an offshore hull. One of the best rigs for trolling is using a Limit Out rig with herring, or anchovies. The Limit Out rig is a harness with a spinner on the front that drives salmon bananas. Another good rig is an umbrella, or spider rig.
• Big-Game fishing for species like Blue and Black Marlin are going to involve the use of a charter boat. You want a Captain and crew that are experienced with catching billfish, not tuna. Billfish are somewhat dangerous, and require special handling. Don't be afraid to ask to tour the boat beforehand, and check for proper safety equipment, see if they keep the boat clean, and in good order, etc....It's not a bad idea to ask for references, and contact some of their previous customers before you go out with them.
• For Yellowfin Tuna (Ahi) is a spreader rig that allows you to troll 5 to 7 jigs side-by-side, to imitate a small school of fleeing baitfish. Another good rig is Daisy-Chain, that allows you to run several lures, one behind the other.
• One of the best halibut lures is a new one from Fishcracker Baits called the 'But-Cracker'. It consists of a squid-like jig with two metal heads. You simply drop the rig straight down to the bottom, then reel it up about 2 feet. Now, just jiggle the rod tip every so often. This causes the two metal heads to bang against each other, creating a 'clacking' sound that draws in halibut from great distances.
• When you hook a dorado (Mahi-Mahi), don't be too quick to pull it from the water. It's struggles will draw other dorados to the fight, and you can catch several on other rods. Leave it in the water and let it struggle for a bit.

Pacific Deep-Sea fishing can be the trip of a lifetime, especially if you take the time to learn a few Pacific ocean fishing tips, before you go.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips

Pacific Ocean Fishing Tips

Salmon Fishing Tips

Salmon are one of the most popular fishes world-wide, both for eating, and sport-fishing. While there are many different species in U.S. waters (most of which are in the Pacific Ocean), there are some generalities. With the exception of the few landlocked species (Kokanee, Landlocked Chinook, Landlocked Coho, and Landlocked Atlantic), Salmon are saltwater fish that are born in freshwater, then live out their lives in the ocean. When they are ready to spawn, they return to the exact stream they were born in, spawn, and die. On the Atlantic coast, there is one species, the Atlantic Salmon. On the west coast, there are Chinook (King), Sockeye, Chum, Coho, and Pink Salmon. Sometimes Steelhead are also included in the list, but this is incorrect. A Steelhead, while having a similar lifestyle to salmon, is actually a sub-species of Rainbow trout. Salmon can be fished for in both saltwater, and freshwater.

Freshwater fishing for salmon involves catching them on their spawning runs upriver, and timing is critical. The spawning runs can be as short as a week, so you need to be on the water at the right time. The other way to catch them in freshwater is to fish in a lake that has the landlocked species in it. In saltwater, salmon form large schools, and can be caught by many methods, with trolling being the most popular. Wherever you find them, salmon can be caught relatively easy if you learn a few salmon fishing tips in advance:

• One of the best ways to catch salmon in both fresh and saltwater is trolling with umbrella, or spider rigs, using planers. The planers take your lures out away from the boat's noise and shadow, and results in more strikes.
• A great technique for actively feeding salmon is Mooching. A Mooching rig is a 2-4 oz. banana weight with a leader going to a hook baited with a plug-cut herring or anchovy. With the boat moving or drifting slowly, just drop the bait all the way to the bottom, then slowly reel it up to within a few feet of the surface, drop it back down and repeat the process. This is very good when salmon are deep, around 100-300 feet.
• Casting and drift fishing are good techniques for Coho Salmon. Some of the best lures are the Daredevil in Red & White, and 5 of Diamonds patterns, banana jigs, and larger Mepps spinners.
• To locate schools of actively feeding salmon, look for bait-fish. Bait-fish usually congregate around structures such as narrow cuts, back eddies behind islands, areas of restricted tidal flow, and rock-piles.

By using these salmon fishing tips, you'll be better able to locate, and boat more salmon for your time on the water.

Happy fishing.

Free Fishing Tips

Salmon Fishing Tips