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June 28, 2026
THE PIKES PEAK FLYFISHERS
http://www.pikespeakflyfishers.com
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President's Hatch The Honored Tradition of Trout Fishing
Few pursuits connect us to our heritage quite like trout fishing. Long before graphite rods and breathable waders, anglers sought clear, cold streams not simply to catch fish, but to find solitude, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. Every cast links us to generations of fly fishers who understood that success is measured not only by the trout we land, but by the memories we create, the friendships we build, and the wild places we leave behind.
Much of Colorado is again facing drought conditions, with lower flows and rising water temperatures stressing our fisheries. We can all make a difference: carry a stream thermometer, avoid fishing when water tops 68°F, land fish quickly, keep them in the water during release, and consider resting your favorite waters during the hottest parts of the day. Sometimes the greatest act of conservation is choosing not to fish a stressed stream.
The good news: long-range forecasts suggest a stronger snowpack this coming winter, which could give our mountains, rivers, and reservoirs the recharge they need. As anglers, we remain optimistic that each season brings renewed hope.
In the meantime, enjoy the waters that remain healthy, introduce new anglers to our sport, volunteer when you can, and support the conservation efforts that protect our fisheries. Every willow planted, every stream restoration project completed, and every fish carefully released helps ensure that future generations experience the same joy that first brought us to the water.
Thank you for everything you do for the Pikes Peak Fly Fishers. I look forward to seeing you on our upcoming outings.
Club Trips Continue Through the Summer
Our club outings remain one of the greatest benefits of membership. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, these trips offer a chance to learn new techniques, discover productive waters, and enjoy the fellowship that defines the Pikes Peak Fly Fishers. Fishing alongside experienced members is one of the best ways to improve your skills while making lasting friendships. Watch your email and monthly meeting announcements for upcoming trip details.
Landon Mayers 11th Annual Clean the Dream
One of the most meaningful events on our calendar is returning this summer. Landon Mayers' 11th Annual Clean the Dream is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the fisheries we love and help keep our waters in the best possible condition for fish and anglers alike. Put it on your calendar now: Saturday, August 15th at 8:00 AM, meeting at the Charlie Meyers State Wildlife Area main parking lot. This event embodies everything we stand for as conservation-minded fly fishers — come out, roll up your sleeves, and help make a difference. We hope to see a strong turnout from the club.
2027 Annual Banquet Planning Has Begun
Mark your calendars: our Annual Banquet is set for Monday, February 1, 2027. The banquet committee is already working to make it another memorable evening of great food, fellowship, awards, raffles, auctions, and special guests. This event is always a highlight of the club year — a chance to celebrate our accomplishments and recognize the volunteers who make our organization thrive.
Visit the New Peak Fly Shop
If you haven't stopped by The Peak Fly Shop since their move, you're in for a pleasant surprise. Their new location at 4416 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs offers significantly more space and an expanded inventory. Brad and Sherry's goal is to build the largest selection of fly-tying materials in Colorado Springs, alongside an impressive lineup of rods and reels from leading manufacturers — making it easy to compare gear and find the right setup for your fishing style. Stop in and support them as they continue investing in our local fly-fishing community.
Support Responsible Fly Tying
The Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission is considering regulations that could affect the sale of natural furs and feathers used in fly tying — materials long used responsibly by tiers, conservation organizations, educators, and retailers throughout Colorado.
If you feel strongly about this issue, I encourage you to share your thoughts respectfully and factually with the Commission. Your voice as a Colorado angler matters.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission:
dnr_cpwcommission@state.co.us
May your casts be true, your drifts be drag-free, and your memories be greater than your catch. Kevin Thomason
President |
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Programs
July 6 – Michele White – Michele will talk about her new book, The Bucket List, about fly fishing top private waters in the area.
Michele White is a prominent figure in the Colorado fly fishing scene, known for her expertise as a certified professional fly fishing guide, author, and outfitter of Tumbling Trout Fly Shop in Lake George, Colorado. She is also actively involved in conservation as the VP of Financial Development for the Pikes Peak Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Michele has a diverse background - she initially pursued a symphonic career (bassoon) in New York City but ultimately shifted her path to geology. She holds a master's degree in Geochemistry of Hydrothermal Ore Deposits with a minor in Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Michele discovered her passion for fly fishing after moving back to Colorado from New York City through the tutelage of her future husband, Doug White. Together, they’ve been fly fishing and rowing their dory on the Great Rivers of the West for over 20 years. They are both certified boat handlers.
Fly fishing specialties - South Park. Michele specializes in guiding and exploring tributaries of the South Platte River in South Park, Colorado, including Tarryall River and the high alpine headwaters in the Mosquito Range. South Park is a high alpine (9,000 ft elevation) basin between mountain ranges of up to 12,000 ft.
Publications Michele White (nee Murray) was a contributing editor/writer for Mountain Gazette literary journal. Her humorous outdoors and traveling essays have been published in Discover the Outdoors, EQUUS, Fly Fishing World, Native People's Magazine, New Tribal Dawn, and The Aquarian (as Michele Murray). Her fly fishing books (Michele White) include: - "Subaru-able Brookie Venues in South Park, Colorado: Easily Drive, Park, and Fly Fish the High Country", (2021)
- “Joe Schmo Can Catch a Big Fish”, (2020)
- “Between the Rivers”, fly fishing stories with co-authors, Al Marlowe and Karen Christopherson, (2019)
- “Lesser Known Fly Fishing Venues of South Park”, (2017)
- “Eulogies and Dead Horses”, (2016)
Tenkara - Michele is a certified Tenkara guide, (fly fishing without a reel using soft hackle flies), she finds particularly suitable for senior citizens, or people with mobility issues (she enjoys guiding older anglers).
Fly Tying - Michele is an expert fly tyer and has participated in several fly tying clinics as a Featured Tyer, tying her personal patterns, such as the “Cancan Girl”.
In summary - Michele White combines a technical scientific background and passion for the outdoors to share her knowledge and love of fly fishing, especially in the lesser-known waters of South Park, Colorado.
August 3 – Erin Hale, Cord 3 Outfitters – Idaho and Wyoming fly fishing.September – No meeting due to Labor Day holiday.October 5 – (tentative) Cat Toy, Blue Quill Angler – Cat is one of Colorado’s most sought-after guides and innovative fly tiers. She will talk about her favorite patterns and waters.
November 2 – Our own Ed Buck will present The Western Native Trout Challenge: Prospecting for Mountain Jewels Across the American West.
Discover the ultimate angling adventure. Join us in retracing a 2700-mile, multi-state backcountry journey in pursuit of the Western Native Trout.
December 14 – Pete Mott, Trout Trickers
January 4, 2027 – Open
February 1 -- Annual Banquet – Greg Felt, Arkanglers – Greg is General Manager and CEO of the Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District and will talk about the structure, hydrology, and other aspects of this important fishery. Charlie Huff
Program Director |
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Trips
Summer is in full swing, and we have several outstanding fishing adventures planned in the weeks ahead. Our upcoming outings offer a variety of opportunities—from chasing trophy brown trout after sunset on the Dream Stream to exploring productive still waters and cool mountain fisheries. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, discover new waters, or simply enjoy a day on the water with fellow club members, we hope you’ll join us. Be sure to review the trip information below and make reservations early where required, as access is limited at some destinations.
Meet at the main parking lot at 7:00 PM.
** The flows have been dropping, as reached 50 CFS recently but is back at 98 CFS. If flows drop off again we may need to cancel. Watch your emails or contact Kevin Thomason a couple days before the trip if you plan to attend. ***
Bring your mouse patterns, large streamers, and headlamps. We will be targeting the giant brown trout of the Dream Stream during the low-light evening hours when aggressive fish are often on the hunt. This should be an exciting trip for anglers looking for explosive takes and memorable summer fishing.
Meet at the boat ramp parking lot at 9:00 AM.
Shore fishing, boat fishing, and creek fishing opportunities will all be available. Tarryall offers a variety of fishing options, from stillwater trout in the reservoir to smaller stream fishing in the creek, making this an excellent mid-summer destination for anglers of all skill levels.
Reservations are required, so be sure to secure your reservation early.
South Slope provides a unique high-country fishing experience with beautiful scenery, cool summer temperatures, and quality trout fishing opportunities. This continues to be one of the club’s favorite summer destinations.
Meet at Safeway on W. Colorado at 6:00 AM if would like to caravan
Join us for one of the club’s most scenic and unique high-country fishing adventures as we travel into the alpine basins above St. Elmo to fish the pristine waters of Pomeroy and Hancock Lakes.
Trip Details:- Meet at Safeway on West Colorado Avenue at 6:00 AM to caravan.
- We will stop in Buena Vista for breakfast, fuel, and any last-minute supplies.
- A high-clearance four-wheel-drive vehicle is required to reach the lakes. Members with UTVs, ATVs, or dual-sport motorcycles are encouraged to use them, as they are well suited for the rugged mountain road.
- Expect to spend the day fishing at elevations approaching 12,000 feet.
These spectacular alpine lakes provide an opportunity to pursue Colorado River cutthroat trout and Arctic grayling in an unforgettable mountain setting. The scenery alone makes this trip worthwhile, with breathtaking views, wildflowers, historic mining remnants, and abundant wildlife along the route.
Because of the elevation, members should come prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather. Last year we had high winds. Dress in layers, bring rain gear, sunscreen, plenty of water, snacks, and be prepared for a short hike between fishing locations. A good fly rod, floating line, and a selection of small dry flies, nymphs, and terrestrials should provide excellent opportunities throughout the day.
Our summer South Slope trips continue as we target beautiful Colorado River cutthroat trout in one of the state’s premier high-country fisheries.
Reservations are required, so be sure to secure your reservation early. We will continue to monitor lake temperatures throughout the day to ensure responsible fish handling. If water temperatures rise to levels that could stress the trout, we will plan to end fishing by noon.
Bring your favorite dry flies, nymphs, and float tube or watercraft if desired, and enjoy another outstanding day of fishing with fellow club members.
Meet at Safeway on W. Colorado at 6:00 AM if would like to caravan
Thursday, August 20 – South Slope Recreation AreaThis could be our final South Slope outing of the summer and another opportunity to enjoy excellent cutthroat trout fishing before the season begins to change.Kevin Thomason
President |
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Fly Tying
In early June, Jim White and I had the opportunity to fish Pueblo Reservoir with a good friend of Jim’s for walleye. We were using live leeches and night crawlers on jig hooks and slip bobbers from Jim’s friend’s pontoon/party boat. I caught four that were too small, and Jim did catch one that was 18 inches. Jim’s friend also caught a keeper and a couple of days later brought the fillets to Jim’s house for a tasty dinner.
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 | The Party Barge |
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Now, you may be asking why I’m talking about live bait and spinning rods? It got me thinking, would leech patterns on a fly rod work just as well at Pueblo Reservoir, especially since walleye is one of my favorite fish to eat? So, of course, my first thought was Landon Mayer’s Mini Leech pattern fished with either a sinking line, sinking tip line, or even a slip bobber rig (like Jim and I do when fishing on Spinney with chironomids). So, let’s tie up some Mini Leeches! |
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 | Landon Mayer's Mini Leach |
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Landon’s Mini Leech is a favorite for either still water or river fishing. They can be tied in multiple colors and are relatively easy to tie.
The recipe:- Size 12-18 TMC2488H hook (straight eye, 3x wide gap, 2x short curved shank).
- Black 8/0 thread.
- Black/red Krystal Flash body.
- Black/brown/olive micro pine squirrel wing.
- Black/brown/olive ostrich herl thorax.
To tie this fly:- Start the thread right behind the eye of the hook and wrap back to the hook bend.
- Take one strand of Krystal Flash and fold it over the thread and tie it down.
- Wrap the thread to the halfway point of the shank and then wrap the flash forward and secure it with a couple of wraps. Cut the tag ends of the flash.
- Wrap the thread forward and back to be level with the Krystal Flash body. End the wraps at the end of the flash.
- Prepare the pine squirrel by cutting a length that is twice the length of the hook shank. Strip the end fur off the squirrel the length of the thread base you just created.
- Tie in the stripped end of the pine squirrel from the end of the flash to just behind the hook eye and back to the tie-in spot. The fur should be pointing up from the hook shank.
- Prepare an ostrich herl of the same color as the pine squirrel. Strip off a small amount of herl to allow it to be tied in.
- Tie in the shaft of the herl at a 45° angle to the hook shank and wrap the thread forward to just behind the hook eye.
- Wrap the herl forward to your thread and secure it with thread wraps.
- Cut the herl tag end and whip finish the head. Add a bit of superglue (or other head cement) to the finished whip finish and the flash body, for added durability.
You can substitute a jig hook with an added bead head of the same color as your pine squirrel. Here is Tim Flagler showing you how to tie it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUjcqflmYQ
In Conclusion
Walleye in Pueblo Reservoir are active in early spring through July before tailing off and picking back up in September. So, if you love eating walleye as much as I do, tie yourself some Mayer’s Mini Leeches and head down to Pueblo Reservoir. This Sport Fish Colorado page has all the details of the size and bag limits. Don’t forget to bring your hemostats, because they do have teeth! In fact, in Wisconsin, some of us call them wally-gators!
Happy tying!
Greg Walters |
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 | Kevin Thomason is the winner for the most colorful cutthroat on our South Slope trip |
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 | Dave Hoover with a chunky cutthroat |
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 | Tom Burdette with a beautiful cutthroat |
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 | A happy Jim Davis with a nice cutthroat |
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 | Dave Hoover with a quality cutthroat |
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 | Bob Chastain with a salmon caught on a Nak Nek trip purchased at our auction |
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Support our Sponsers!!Special Shout Out to our most excellent sponsor The Peak Fly Shop 4416 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 260-1415 |
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