Salomone: Two fishy choices

People are searching for activities to enhance their ski vacation. Time on the slopes is precious. But so is all of your vacation time. To maximize enjoyment, here are two fishy choices for mixing in memories that will make your stay the best ever: fly fishing in the winter and ice fishing on a lake.

Winter fly fishing is an activity you’ve maybe never remotely pondered. Fly fishing? Winter? If nothing else, the concept should perk some interest from the inquisitive soul.

Ice fishing is such a foreign concept for most visitors to the Vail area. The surprising pleasantness found in a day’s ice fishing will leave a lasting impression. Winter ice fishing conditions in the Colorado High Country are ideal.

Vail Valley Anglers is your location for providing the most enjoyable winter fishing experience, whether it is wading the open water on the Eagle River or standing on the frozen surface of a lake. A guided fishing experience shuffled into your ski vacation is guaranteed to be a highlight to your time in Vail.

Wade fishing seems like a foolish endeavor during the winter months. In all reality, there’s minimal wading involved. Waterproof waders deliver a reliable degree of comfort when worn over the same type clothing used for skiing. The same principle applies in both activities, too: Layers are key. Insulated layers such as wool or fleece and those with synthetic fillers work well for winter fly fishing outings.

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Feather-filled garments do not perform as designed when damp. Therefore, shy away from down insulation for wade fishing trips since you are dealing with open water. Down garments worn under waders require extra room or material. This makes for a tighter, more snug feel that does not enhance a fly-fishing experience dependent upon mobility. Down insulation is perfectly fine for ice-fishing trips.

Socks are also key to ensuring an enjoyable experience. Ski socks are designed to protect your feet and maintain warmth. There are a variety of gloves designed for winter fly fishing specifically. Seek out a pair that fits your hands and style. I have a pair of Simms mittens, which flip open to expose fingertips for dexterity. I also have a simple pair of wool, half-finger gloves, which I rely on more often.

Boots and waders are the major pieces of gear that Vail Valley Anglers provides for wading trips. Your own ski clothing and snow boots are what you would want to wear for ice-fishing adventures. The guides will provide rods for both fly-fishing or ice-fishing trips.

A few important personal items to bring would be sunglasses — polarized lenses are better — and sunscreen. Sunglasses are good to have on the river or on the ice. Sunscreen is an often forgotten item; plan ahead. Ice fishing under a pure, Colorado blue sky with the warmth of the sun makes for a surreal experience for the uninitiated. Sunburns can suddenly appear from the intense sunshine and reflected light from flat, bright snow.

Cracks and sounds will spike your concern as the ice flexes and speaks to you. For visitors who have never ventured out onto a frozen lake the experience can be exhilarating. Immerse your ice fishing adventure in the Colorado mountains and you will have more to talk about with your friends when you return home than you could imagine. Toss in some of the most beautiful trout to be found such as the prevalent rainbow trout, the colorful, brook trout and the iconic cutthroat trout, and the experience becomes a vacation highlight and a source for trophy pose photos.

The water under the ice possesses a tremendous amount of clarity. The visibility provides a truly unique, Colorado experience that will leave a smile on the faces of your whole family. Vail Valley Anglers provides guided ice-fishing trips in Sylvan Lake State Park; red cliffs push up through the snow amongst dark green pines, creating a postcard-perfect background for the ice-covered lake.

The wade trips for fly fishing are on the wide-open Eagle River. The prevalence of food in the river this winter has trout feeding regularly. Fish need to eat and the winter fly fishing this season has been stellar.

Winter fly fishing in the river or ice fishing on the hard water of a lake — two fishy choices with Vail Valley Anglers.

Michael Salomone has lived in the Eagle River valley since 1992. He started his professional guiding career in 2002 and currently guides for Vail Valley Anglers. He lives on the bank of the Eagle River with his wife, Lori, his youngest daughter, Ella and a yellow Labrador named Poppy. His published writing has appeared in Southwest Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel, Eastern Fly Fishing, On the Fly, FlyLords, the Pointing Dog Journal, Upland Almanac, TROUT, American Fly Fishing, USA Today Hunt & Fish and Fly Fisherman magazines.