Paradise Valley….Colorado Style

By Paul Prentiss

Colorado Trout Unlimited decided upon Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch to host its first Member Appreciation Day on Earth Day, April 22, 2007.  Sylvan Dale is a well known and highly regarded facility located in the foothills near Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park along the banks of the Big Thompson River.  The purpose was to provide a special program at a substantially reduced cost to individuals who have contributed time and energy to CTU projects and activities.

CTU was given the exclusive use of all stream and pond fishing on the 3200 acre ranch.  Moreover, the Sylvan Dale fishing guides plus several TU professional guides were on hand to assist the participants.

In addition to a broad assortment of activities, Sylvan Dale offers tremendous trout fishing on its trophy ponds and the 2 miles of the Big Thompson River.  If that’s not enough, there are areas set aside for largemouth bass and kids fishing.

The Jessop family has owned and operated Sylvan Dale for over 50 years.  David Jessop, a long time fried of CTU and various youth organizations, is very particular when it comes to protecting the fishing resources.   That means fly fishing only, catch and release tactics, and barbless hooks.

Chris Mizner lands a rainbow at Mother Lake.

Things got underway after Greg Sheets, Fishing Manager, explained the options available and the fishing rules.

The next step proved very difficult - deciding where to fish.  The siren call of the trophy ponds was overwhelming and a caravan of cars set off in that direction.

The Big Thompson was in prime condition and the fish were aggressive after a long winter and virtually no fishing pressure. The anglers who decided to focus on the river were amply rewarded.  As a matter of fact, most of the folks who opted for the Big T never left.  Most of the anglers I talked with had caught fish in the double digits.

At noon Sylvan Dale served a BBQ luncheon that was on the river.  Since we had worked hard all morning the BBQ ribs, chicken, various salads, and assorted dishes along with dessert was desperately needed by the famished anglers.

During the afternoon the wind kicked up in the big valley where the trophy ponds are located so most anglers switched to the river or the lower ponds.  Beadhead nymph patterns were producing on the Big-T while midges continued to be popular on the ponds

At 6:00 we pulled the plug.  It was a highly successful outing which was largely due to the hospitality of the Sylvan Dale staff.  Another one of these outing is being planned so if you have an interest please contact Dave Nickum dnickum@tu.org or 303-440-2937