La Plata River Above Mayday

I'm following the advice of a great old fly fishing legend, and trying to learn every inch of this creek. Brook trout are the only trout I've found in here, and lots of them. Much like Hermosa creek, the best thing you can do is move slowly, hide behind bushes, stay low, and fish quietly. Fly selection isn't as important as keeping the fish relaxed by not showing your ugly mug. The shallows from Mayday up to La Plata City will produce a lot of fish in the 5-8 inch range in just about every pocket that looks like it will hold fish. They don't give you a lot of time to set the hook, so keep a tight line and watchful eye. Thick vegetation along both sides of the creek means you'll be losing some flies.