Unexpected Fish on the Big T

This time of year the flows on the Big T drop to extremely low counts.  Normally we see summer flows at around 125-215.  Yesterday I was up in Estes Park and had the opportunity to fish below the dam (which I seldom do because of great pressure).  The river was trickling at 21 cfs, clear, with spooky resident fish.  Although I caught some nice fish, the big suprise was a 23" rainbow that I netted about 1/4 mile down from the dam.  I've never scene a fish this size in the Big T.  He resembled a Blue, or Cheesman type Rainbow.
The girth on this fish was amazing for this type of river.  For those who haven't fish waters like the Blue or the South Platte, you must understand that the winter food source is much greater than the Thompson.  Both the Blue and Platte run their flows bigger, so the fish have a better chance of getting consistent food on a daily basis.  They also see a good number of Mysis Shrimp, and some bigger scuds.
This rainbow that was netted was an older fish and he looks quite sickly.  I'm sure he's been handled poorly (guys don't like to wet their hands in the winter), and it appeared that he had been foul hooked in the eye and belly.  It amazed me that these guys can get this big below the dam, but hey its great to see a nice big fish on the home waters!

Merry Christmas Folks,

AJ

Welcome from A.J.

Welcome to a new blog that will get you excited about getting on the river.  We have been busy here in Colorado.  The guide season is over, but I've been fishing our tailwaters often with some great success.  The holiday season is upon us, so my posts will be rather short, but I anticipate a great spring.  Get out and fish friends!