Ask Professor Higbee

Well hello there! Professor Higbee here, ready to talk all things fishing!

That's an interesting question about maps and framing, but I must admit, my expertise lies more in the depths of lakes and rivers than in the art of cartography or display!

However, if you're thinking about maps for fishing, now that's something I can dive into! Are you looking at a nautical chart to find those prime fishing spots, a topographical map to locate hidden streams, or maybe a bathymetric map to understand the underwater structure of a new lake? Knowing where the drop-offs, weed lines, and submerged timber are can make all the difference in catching that trophy fish!

So, what kind of fishing adventures are on your mind today? Let's talk fish!

Ah, that sounds like a tricky situation with those creases! Framing maps can definitely be an art form in itself, especially when dealing with folds and laminates.

But speaking of maps, that instantly gets me thinking about nautical charts and bathymetric maps! Now those are maps we fishermen really need to pay attention to.

Are you looking at a map of a specific lake or coastal area for fishing? Because knowing the contours and depths (the bathymetry) is absolutely crucial for locating fish.

For example, if you're targeting bass, you want to find those sharp drop-offs, underwater humps, or old creek beds shown on the map. The fish will often stage right on the edge of those features.

Instead of worrying about framing the map, let's talk about how to use it to catch fish!

What body of water are you interested in exploring, and what species are you hoping to catch? We can dive into how to read those contours like a pro!

Ah, what a fantastic question! You've picked one of the best states in the entire country for trout fishing. Colorado is truly a trout angler's paradise, boasting thousands of miles of pristine streams and high-alpine lakes.

As Professor Higbee, I can tell you that "good" depends on what kind of experience you're looking for—fly fishing, spin casting, high-mountain solitude, or easy access. Here are a few renowned areas and specific rivers that consistently produce excellent trout fishing, covering different types of water and species:

1. The Gold Medal Waters

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) designates certain stretches of rivers as "Gold Medal Waters." These areas are managed to produce and hold large numbers of trophy-sized trout (fish over 14 inches). If you want quality and size, these are your starting points:

A. The South Platte River (Deckers and Cheesman Canyon)

• Location: Southwest of Denver.
• Why it's Great: This is perhaps the most famous tailwater fishery in Colorado. The cold, consistent water released from Cheesman Dam provides perfect conditions year-round.
• Target Species: Massive Rainbows and Browns.
• Technique Tip: This is primarily a technical fly-fishing spot. You'll need to master nymphing techniques (especially small midges and blue-winged olives) as the fish here are highly educated.

B. The Fryingpan River (Basalt)

• Location: Near Aspen and Basalt.
• Why it's Great: Another world-class tailwater below Ruedi Reservoir. It's famous for the "Toilet Bowl" area, where large trout congregate.
• Target Species: Huge Rainbows, Browns, and Cutthroats.
• Technique Tip: The fishing here can be spectacular, especially during the midge hatches. Be prepared for very clear water, meaning long leaders and careful wading are essential.

2. Classic Freestone Rivers

If you prefer the challenge and beauty of natural, flowing rivers, these are excellent choices:

C. The Arkansas River

• Location: Runs through Buena Vista and Salida.
• Why it's Great: This river is massive and diverse. It offers excellent fishing during the famous Mother's Day Caddis Hatch and is fantastic for float fishing (rafting/drift boats) in the spring and early summer.
• Target Species: Healthy Brown Trout and Rainbows.
• Technique Tip: Focus on the pocket water and seams near structure. When the caddis hatch is on, dry fly fishing can be explosive!

D. The Colorado River

• Location: Near Kremmling and through the Gore Canyon area.
• Why it's Great: The upper stretches offer beautiful, accessible fishing, often mixed with spectacular scenery. It’s a great river for both wading and floating.
• Target Species: Browns and Rainbows.

3. High-Altitude and Remote Fishing

For the angler seeking solitude and native fish, look toward the high country:

E. Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)

• Location: Estes Park area.
• Why it's Great: Hundreds of miles of small streams and alpine lakes are filled with trout, including the native Greenback Cutthroat Trout (check regulations carefully, as some areas are protected).
• Target Species: Brook Trout, Cutthroat Trout, and smaller Rainbows.
• Technique Tip: These waters require hiking, but the fish are often less pressured and more willing to take a dry fly. Small, bushy attractor patterns work wonders here.

F. The Gunnison River (Black Canyon)

• Location: Near Gunnison and Montrose.
• Why it's Great: The Gunnison is known for its massive, wild trout. The stretch below the dam (the Gunnison Gorge) is a multi-day hike-in experience, offering some of the most remote and rewarding fishing in the state.
• Target Species: Trophy Browns and Rainbows.

Professor Higbee’s Pro Tip for Colorado

Colorado fishing is heavily dependent on water flow and temperature. Always check the USGS stream flow data and the CPW fishing reports before heading out.

• Spring (Runoff): High water makes fishing tough on freestone rivers; focus on tailwaters (like the Fryingpan or South Platte).
• Summer: Excellent dry fly fishing in the mornings and evenings, especially on high-altitude streams.
• Fall: The Brown Trout spawn is active, making this a prime time for streamer fishing and targeting large fish.

Tight lines, and enjoy the Rockies! You won't be disappointed.

Ah, that is a fantastic question! Colorado is a trout angler's paradise, and targeting Rainbows in those beautiful freestone rivers is an absolute treat. I'm Professor Higbee, and I'd be delighted to point you toward some of the most productive spots.

Rainbow trout thrive in cold, clean, highly oxygenated water, and Colorado has designated several stretches as "Gold Medal Waters," meaning they consistently produce large trout (over 14 inches) at a rate of at least 60 pounds per acre.

Here are some of the absolute best rivers and specific areas to focus on for Rainbows:

1. The Fryingpan River (Basalt)

Why it's great: This is arguably the most famous tailwater fishery in the state. The water released from Ruedi Reservoir is cold and nutrient-rich year-round, leading to massive insect hatches and very healthy trout.

• Best Spots: The lower mile of the river, often called the "Toilet Bowl," where the river meets the Roaring Fork. While crowded, the density of fish here is incredible. Look for the slower, deeper pools just below the riffles.
• Technique Tip: Rainbows here are notoriously selective due to the constant fishing pressure. You'll need to match the hatch precisely, often using tiny flies (midge patterns, size 20-24) fished with very light tippet (6x or 7x).

2. The Arkansas River (Near Buena Vista and Salida)

Why it's great: The "Ark" is a classic freestone river, offering miles of public access and excellent populations of wild Rainbows and Browns. The stretch below Pueblo Reservoir is also fantastic, but the upper river offers more scenic pocket water.

• Best Spots: Focus on the Bighorn Sheep Canyon section between Salida and Texas Creek. This area features excellent runs, deep pockets, and large boulders where Rainbows like to hold out of the main current.
• Technique Tip: During the spring and early summer, look for the famous Mother's Day Caddis Hatch. Rainbows will aggressively hit large dry flies, making for thrilling surface action.

3. The South Platte River (The Dream Stream & Eleven Mile Canyon)

Why it's great: The South Platte is famous for its large, migrating trout, especially in the sections between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs (known as the "Dream Stream").

• Best Spots:
  • The Dream Stream: This meadow section is slower and requires long casts, but the Rainbows that move up from the reservoirs are truly massive. Fish the deeper bends and cut banks.
  • Eleven Mile Canyon: Below the dam, the canyon offers classic pocket water and deep runs. This area fishes well year-round.
• Technique Tip: When the fish are spawning (spring and fall), they stack up. Use egg patterns or small, weighted nymphs (like a Pat's Rubber Legs or a Prince Nymph) drifted deep under an indicator.

4. The Colorado River (Near Kremmling and Parshall)

Why it's great: This is a huge river that offers diverse fishing opportunities. The upper sections hold excellent populations of wild Rainbows.

• Best Spots: The stretch between the confluence of the Blue River and the town of Kremmling. This area has excellent public access and the fish are less pressured than on some of the smaller tailwaters. Look for slower, deep seams near the banks.
• Technique Tip: Because the river is large, streamers (like a Woolly Bugger or a Sculpin pattern) can be highly effective here, especially if you want to target the larger, more aggressive Rainbows.

Professor Higbee's General Rainbow Trout Advice

No matter which river you choose, remember these key principles for catching Colorado Rainbows:

1. Look for Structure: Rainbows love to sit just out of the main current, conserving energy while waiting for food. Target the seams between fast and slow water, behind large rocks, and under submerged logs or undercut banks.
2. Check the CDOW Hatch Chart: Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) provides excellent resources. Knowing what insects are hatching (midges, blue-winged olives, caddis) is crucial for success, especially on tailwaters.
3. Presentation is Everything: Colorado trout are smart. A perfect, drag-free drift is often more important than the specific fly pattern. Practice mending your line to ensure your fly moves at the exact speed of the current.

Good luck out there! Let me know if you have any questions about specific gear or fly patterns for these rivers!

Ah, that is an excellent question! Welcome to the world of small stream trout fishing—it's one of my absolute favorite ways to spend a morning. There's nothing quite like stalking wary brook trout in tight quarters.

For small streams, the key is finesse, light line, and manageability in brushy areas. You aren't making 60-foot casts; you're making short, precise presentations.

The Ideal Small Stream Rod

The best weight fly rod for typical small stream trout fishing is overwhelmingly the 3-weight or the 4-weight.

1. The 3-Weight Rod (The Finesse Choice)

• Why it works: A 3-weight is the quintessential small stream rod. It handles smaller flies (like size 16 to 22 dry flies and nymphs) beautifully, offers incredible sensitivity for detecting subtle strikes, and protects the light tippets you often need to use in clear, small water.
• Best for: Streams where the trout average under 12 inches, high-pressure areas requiring absolute delicacy, and dry fly fishing.

2. The 4-Weight Rod (The Versatile Workhorse)

• Why it works: If you want a rod that can handle the small stream but still has enough backbone to throw a slightly heavier nymph rig, a small streamer, or fight an unexpected 16-inch brown trout, the 4-weight is your winner. It's the most versatile light rod.
• Best for: Streams with mixed sizes of trout, when you might encounter wind, or if you plan on throwing slightly bulkier flies (like small Woolly Buggers or hopper patterns).

Length is Just as Important

While the weight is crucial, don't overlook the rod length!

• 7' 6" to 8' 0" Length: This is the sweet spot. Shorter rods are much easier to navigate through dense streamside foliage, allow for precise roll casts under low-hanging branches, and are less tiring to cast all day. I rarely recommend anything longer than 8' 6" for true small stream work.

Professor Higbee's Recommendation: If you are buying a dedicated small stream rod, look for a 7' 6" or 8' 0" 3-weight. You will be amazed at the delicate presentation you can achieve!

Happy fishing, and may your casts land softly!

Ah, that is a fantastic question! It delves right into the fascinating, and sometimes terrifying, predatory nature of the Northern Pike! I'm Professor Higbee, and I'd be delighted to shed some light on this.

The short answer is: Yes, they absolutely can, and sometimes do.

Pike are the undisputed apex predators of many freshwater systems. They are pure muscle, equipped with a massive mouth full of razor-sharp, backward-pointing teeth, and they operate on the principle that if it moves and fits in their mouth, it's dinner.

Here’s why this happens and what kind of birds are typically targeted:

1. The Opportunistic Ambush

Pike are not specialized bird hunters, but they are opportunistic. Their diet is incredibly varied and includes everything from smaller fish and crayfish to frogs, snakes, and even small mammals like voles or muskrats that happen to be swimming across the water.

When a low-flying bird—such as a duckling, a young coot, or even a swallow skimming the surface for insects—is paddling or dips down near the water, it presents an easy target. The pike sees the disturbance on the surface, triggers its powerful strike instinct, and explodes upward.

2. The Victims

The most common victims are ducklings and young waterfowl. These birds are slow, inexperienced swimmers and often stay close to the reeds and weed beds where large pike love to hide. A large pike (say, 35 inches or larger) can easily engulf a small duckling in a single strike.

3. The "Surface Strike" Phenomenon

Anglers who fish for large pike and muskellunge often use large topwater lures (like walk-the-dog baits or buzzbaits) specifically because these fish are conditioned to look up. They are masters of the ambush, hiding in the weeds and striking vertically at anything silhouetted against the sky or causing a commotion on the surface.

So, while it’s not their daily meal, if a tasty-looking, low-flying or swimming bird presents itself, that pike is going to take full advantage! It’s a testament to the raw power and aggressive feeding habits of these magnificent predators.

Do you have any waters near you that hold some large pike? They are a truly thrilling fish to hook into!

Ah, that is a fantastic question! You're hitting on the most crucial variable for summer bass fishing—timing. I'm Professor Higbee, and I'd be delighted to walk you through the summer bass schedule.

The short answer is: Dawn and Dusk.

But let's dive into why this is the case, because understanding the bass's behavior will make you a much more successful angler.

The Summer Bass Schedule

Summer is tough because the water temperatures rise dramatically. Bass (especially Largemouth) are cold-blooded, and intense heat makes them sluggish and forces them to seek refuge.

1. The Golden Hour: Pre-Dawn to Mid-Morning (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

This is arguably the absolute best time. Why?

• Oxygen and Temperature: The water has been cooling all night, reaching its lowest temperature just before sunrise. This increased dissolved oxygen and comfortable temperature puts the bass into a feeding frenzy.
• The Hunt: Bass move out of their deep, midday cover and aggressively hunt baitfish near the shallows, along weed lines, and around docks.
• Techniques: This is prime time for topwater lures (frogs, poppers, buzzbaits) because the bass are looking up and feeding actively. As the sun gets higher, switch to spinnerbaits or shallow crankbaits.

2. The Siesta: Midday (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

As the sun climbs high, the bass retreat. They are still catchable, but you must change your approach drastically.

• Where to Find Them: Look for deep cover—thermoclines, submerged timber, bridge pilings, or the thickest, shadiest mats of lily pads you can find. They are trying to stay cool and conserve energy.
• Techniques: Slow, vertical presentations are key. Think heavy jigs, drop shots, or punching heavy tungsten weights through dense mats of vegetation (flipping and pitching). You are essentially knocking on their bedroom door and forcing a reaction strike.

3. The Evening Rush: Late Afternoon to Dusk (5:00 PM – 8:30 PM)

As the sun begins to drop and the shadows lengthen, the water temperature starts to fall again, and the bass become active once more.

• The Move: They migrate back toward the shallows to feed before darkness sets in.
• Techniques: Start with reaction baits (chatterbaits or crankbaits) and transition back to topwater lures right as the sun hits the horizon. A black or dark-colored topwater lure fished just as the light fades can be absolutely deadly!

Professor Higbee's Pro Tip

If you are fishing a lake with a lot of boat traffic during the day, the bass will often become nocturnal. If you have the opportunity, fishing after dark (especially around docks with lights) can provide some of the most consistent and exciting summer bass action!

So, gear up early, focus on those low-light hours, and you'll put more bass in the boat! Good luck out there!