I’m excited to announce that I have some new flies that recently became available through Umpqua Feather Merchants. One of those new patterns is Pat’s Midge. See the caption below for some interesting history on what led to the development of this fly. Adult midges emerge by pulling themselves out of their pupal shuck and breaking through the surface film. As they emerge, the adult midge appears to be twice as long as the pupa because the trailing shuck is attached to the adult’s body. Close observation of emergence leads me to believe that as the adult struggles to free themselves from the p ..read more

There’s a fine line between too much snow and not enough. After two years of severe drought…I can honestly say I’m okay with above average snowpack years! The high water season can be challenging for many anglers, especially when river levels are above their normal historic levels, but low water or drought has it fair share of challenges as well. For the first time in my 30-year guiding career, releases below Cheesman Reservoir have been 42 cfs most of the fall, winter, and spring months in an effort to fill the 80,000 acre foot stillwater impoundment. The good news is that the snowpack in the ..read more

Pat Dorsey’s Fly Club™ is dedicated to bringing members a great selection of seasonably proven trout flies that consistently fool selective fish under a wide range of conditions. From technical nymphing to dry fly or streamer fishing under the most challening conditions, our patterns are designed for success! Pat Dorsey’s Fly Club™ is the perfect way to amass a thorough fly selection without overthinking things. Pat Dorsey’s Fly Club™ is a great way to accumulate a thorough selection of flies. Each month you’ll receive proven favorites to add to your fly box that will help you match the h ..read more

Over the years, I’ve been blessed to have a great working relationship with Denver Water and the City of Aurora. They’ve always willing to share valuable information that makes my job easier as a professional guide. Having insight on flow projections, maintenance, as well as their day-to-day operations, helps me develop a game plan to increase my odds of selective catching trout. It’s been an interesting water-year to say the least.  Outflow below Cheesman Dam has been running at a mere 75 cfs for a large part of the summer in an effort to fill Cheesman Reservoir.  In my 30 years of ..read more

Many anglers are wondering why the South Platte below Cheesman Reservoir is so low this year? The general consensus is we had an above average snowpack so this leaves many anglers shaking their heads,  wondering what happened to all the white stuff?  I am hopeful that these words will help clarify things. For the past 30 years, I have been blessed to have a great relationship with Denver Water and the City of Aurora. They have always been so helpful and willing to assist in providing valuable information.  The Roberts Tunnel was shut off this past winter (a decision that is mad ..read more

The Blue Quill Angler and Nomadic Waters have teamed up for a trip of a lifetime to the Brazilian Amazon. A Nomadic Waters Expedition to the Rio Negro River is one of the most unique adventures in the world. This world-class experience includes living aboard one of the finest motherships in the Amazon, eating delicious Brazilian food, and being guided by a top notch group of Nomadic Waters professional guides. A trip to the Amazon is a life-changing experience! The accommodations are aboard the incredible yacht Eyruna. There are three guest levels, 40’ wide and 108’ long, she holds everything ..read more

Odd as it might sound—winter is one of my favorite times of the year to fly fish.  Anglers willing to endure the elements can  find a little solitude and a few feeding fish on almost any winter outing.  Winter fishing is oftentimes the most technical fishing of the year.  Fly-fishers need to bring their A game as low, clear flows, ice-cold water, sporadic hatches, and lethargic trout all add to the challenge and complexity of the winter season. Add extreme air temperatures and nasty weather to the equation and things get real interesting! Here’s 5 tips to increase your pro ..read more

No one is complaining about the high water, especially after last years drought! I think most would agree–I’d rather have too much water, than not enough! Last year’s drought, combined with a flash flood that dropped four inches of rain in one afternoon, caused severe damage in many locations.  Several washouts containing decomposed granite and other debris, filled in popular holes like Hell’s Half Acre, Rainbow Pool, Blitz Riffle and Pool, Super Pool, and Cattle Crossing, and clogged the substrate in other areas with insect choking sediments. Denver Water came to the rescue, with a ..read more

Cheesman Reservoir reached full pool and began spilling late Friday night. This is great news for South Platte enthusiasts, as last year’s drought is now a recent memory with a well-above average snow pack. According to Dave Bennett at Denver Water, “Cheesman will be spilling for a while and our folks will blending spill water with the bottom release to hit optimum temps for fish. Fishing should be great!” Cheesman Dam is currently spilling. Denver Water is releasing 700 cfs off the bottom, which is mixing with water flowing over the spillway. As I write, there is approximately 100 cfs coming ..read more

Spring run-off is prevailing in most locations in Colorado, but don’t let that fool you; anglers are still catching some nice fish if they target the right locations and use the correct strategies during the high-water season. There is no doubt the state’s freestones are blown out from a record setting snow pack, but there a few tailwater fisheries that are providing die hard fly-fishers a small window of opportunity to capitalize on some good fishing! Jake Perkins fooled this nice rainbow on the South Platte near Deckers. Flows remain low until Cheesman Reservoir fills. Currently the reservo ..read more