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by Curt Kuester
Blanca wildlife area open for fly fishing
The Fourth of July weekend signals more than the birth of our country. As of July 1, the fishing opened up at the Blanca State Wildlife Area. If you are looking for a rather unique fishing experience, this could be the place for you.
The Blanca State Wildlife Area is an eclectic collection of spring fed ponds located east of Alamosa. These ponds were rehabilitated a few years back by Colorado Game and Fish and the Bureau of Land Management.
Up until that point, most of the water seeped out of the shallow ponds, and dispersed itself somewhere in the valley. The ponds were deepened, and a wide variety of fish was stocked. Now what remains is a high quality fishery for several species.
Being spring-fed, these ponds run the gamut from cold water impoundments that harbor some fair-sized rainbow trout, to warm water ponds that hold large-mouth bass, northern pike, and bluegill.
The tough part lies in determining which lake holds the fish that you are in search of. I was told at one point, lthat there exists a map of the ponds, and just what fish that they hold, but I have yet to find one.
The total collection of ponds is a dream come true for those of us who pursue fish with a fly rod. Imagine working from pond to pond, catching whatever kind of game fish you desire.
The problem lies in the fly selection. With the different types of fish, you also can become loaded down with the vast array of patterns that can be used for them.
While you can get along with the flies that already reside in the old fly vest, you will add certain patterns as time goes on. Standard nymphs and drys will catch the rainbows that live here, but will not get a look from the pike and bass.
The pike and bass flies need to imitate a large meal to be effective. Clouser's minnows, boufaces, and poppers will be the ticket when working the ponds that these fish live in.
The bluegills will take just about anything fished in front of them. Woolly buggers, and bitch creek nymphs will take their share of these little panfish.
Seeing that summer is now in full swing, this also means that the mosquitoes and biting flies will be out in swarms. The pond that you will fish will be no different than anywhere else this time of the year.
Make sure that you carry plenty of insect repellent, and wear long-sleeved shirts when possible. These precautions can make the fishing trip bearable. When it comes to these insects, there are no clear-cut answers, or solutions to avoid them.
With the daytime heat and the bugs, fishing early in the morning and then again in the evening will bring the angler the greatest chance for success. Bass, pike, and the big rainbows will go on the prowl for their meals at these times. Fishing the shallow weed edges first thing in the morning is a great way to hook into one of the bass.
Being situated in the San Luis Valley, the main function of these ponds is duckling production. This fact alone is the reason for the July 1 opening. While you are fishing here, always keep an eye out, as this is a great time of the year to take in some wildlife watching.
While it can be somewhat of a drive to reach, the ponds of the Blanca State Wildlife Area are every bit worth the effort. Just be prepared for anything when you get there.
