The Sportsman Outdoors
& Fly Shop
Lake City, Colorado |
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Early April on the Lake Fork of the Gunnison |
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Greetings!
It's time to hit the waters and enjoy Lake City's streams to catch the big fish. They're awake, and they're hungry! Read about appropriate fly fishing techniques for this time of year to take advantage of our wonderful ice-out.
When you hit the water and find that your vest and waders aren't doing it for you, take advantage of our great discounts! You can save up to 50 percent on vests, waders, and wading boots. Call us at 970-944-2526 or email us at info@lakecitysportsman.com to order any of the items in this newsletter. Remember to send us your questions via email ( info@lakecitysportsman.com) about anything from angling to Alferd Packer, and we'll answer as quick as we can. This month's question might shed some light on some of your angling techniques. | |
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Simms and Patagonia Vests
30 to 50% Off Original Price
G3 Guide Vest
Simm's Most Technical Vest
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22 Pockets including 4 easy-loading, patent pending molded foam pockets
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Shoulder feature stretch panels and polyester mesh for comfort and ventilation
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Breathable padded collar
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Center-front nylon tooth zipper
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Patented built-in retractors with magnetic docking station
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Thermolaminated tippet pockets with zipper closure
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Hook & loop rod holder closure with rod butt loop
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Super durable Nylon woven fabric with DuPont™ Teflon® water repellent finish
Available in Sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL
Regularly $179.95 Now $135
Freestone Vest
Best Functionality For the Price
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11 Pockets: 2 Large bellowed chest pockets with hook & loop closure
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6 Waist pockets: 2 zippered horizontal pockets to hold large fly boxes, 4 medium bellowed pockets with hook & loop closure
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2 Horizontal zippered internal pockets
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1 Horizontal back pocket
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Rib knit collar
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Buckle closure
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Rod loop and hook & loop closure
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D-ring net holder at center-back and 2 accessory d-rings at chest
Available in sizes M and XL
Regularly $79.95 Now $55.95
Patagonia ALL Pack Vest
Fishing Vest and Pack in One
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Polyester mesh vest and nylon pack work together or separately
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Vest: Comes with detachable, adjustable harness for use without pack
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Vertical pocket configuration, front pockets have reach-across, zippered access, separate piggyback tool pocket, drain holes
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Inverted hemostat pocket, accessory D-rings, rod holder, two glasses loops
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Cut short for deep wading
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Pack: 3-D spacer-mesh pads the ergonomic back panel and anatomically curved shoulder strap
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Two main compartments with coated, water-resistant zippers, divided by floating baffle, outside mesh pocket with three grommet drainholes, small top pocket, mesh water bottle pocket; two compression straps, rod-tube holder with Hypalon® strap; patent number 5639005
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Vest: 4.6-oz polyester mesh. Pack: 12-oz 1,680-denier ballistic nylon with a polyurethane coating. Lining: 210-denier nylon pack cloth. Straps/Back panel: polyester 3-D spacer-mesh
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1191 g (2 lbs 10 oz)
One Size Fits All
Regularly $150 Now $75
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April Fly Fishing Techniques
Spring is here, and the fishing opportunities are increasing with every sunny day. The trout have either been dormant beneath the ice or sipping midges. Now they are beginning to move around, and they are looking for some serious calories.
Spring baetis hatches can provide nonstop action subsurface and on dries. The big hatches are more likely to occur on overcast days and in a light snow. If the weather looks questionable, take the chance and you may be rewarded with a major hatch. Spring also means the big stoneflies will become more active. If the fishing is slow, a salmon fly nymph dead drifted through deep tailouts might reward you with a trophy. The salmon fly nymphs will become more effective as temperatures warm and the water levels begin to rise.
Local opportunities on the Lake Fork are getting better daily. The bigger fish are especially active, and they have been feeding on midges and baetis midday. They are also likely to attack dead drifted stoneflies and streamers. Locating trout is not a complicated matter. They are concentrated in the deep tailouts and are easy to spot when actively feeding. The lower you go in elevation, the warmer the water temperatures. On the Gunnison River, many fish are beginning to occupy the secondary lies, and the rainbows are almost finished spawning in the Gunnison Gorge. However Rainbows are spawning in the Lake Fork now. This means egg patterns will be effective for the next month.
Stillwater fishing is always a good option in the spring. As the ice melts off the lake, fish will cruise the shallows in search of food. It is not necessary to get out in the middle and fish the deep water. Concentrate on weed beds, shallow bays, and shelves near the shore. Trout, Pike, and Mackinaw will all be cruising in shallow water. Streamers are a good bet, but scuds and midges can also be productive depending on the fishery.
Take advantage of the spring fishing before the runoff begins. If you have questions, call the shop. We always have a current report. For those who have little experience fishing in spring, hiring a guide would be wise. Conditions change daily, and a guide will know exactly where to go and what to use.
See you on the river!
Zach |
First Soccer Game - Cancelled Due to Snow
Memorial Park, Lake City, April 11
Lake City News
Lake City is abuzz with everyone preparing for spring and summer. The kids are playing soccer. Businesses are going over necessary logistics. More and more second home owners arrive in town every day. The bears are out and about, as are the anglers. Those who are anxious to hit the water stop by the store and get their fishing licenses and gear. Great anticipation is felt by all but, yet, it's still a little too cold for the trees to bud and the flowers to bloom. However, we Lake Citeans are feeling our bones warm and realizing we don't need the layers of clothing that we used to require.
Many are taking a few more snowshoe and ski trips. They're getting their fill of winter fun before it melts. The snow is still out there, and the summer melt hasn't quite started so most hikers need to be prepared for dry, muddy, and snowy trails all in the same outing. It's a great time to be out, so if you are in the neighborhood, stop by the store and we'll get you outfitted or take you on a guided tour.
If you need help or advice about what to do in Lake City for spring and summer, call us at 970-944-2526 or email us at info@lakecitysportsman.com. We'll give you some good ideas and hints about making your Lake City vacation a fun one! |
 Advice from Our Staff
Here's a question that we get a lot.
Question: What are common mistakes you see anglers make?
All anglers have opportunities for improving their technique, but there is one issue that lots of people need help with. Many anglers approach the water too quickly. Approach the water slowly and keep your eyes open to spot the fish. Always try to spot a fish before you ever get in the water and then position yourself to cast to the fish you see. A slow approach also gives you a chance to see if bugs are on the water or if the fish are rising.
A quick approach can spook fish. Sometimes we'll see anglers wade half way across a stream without ever breaking stride. Without a doubt, trout ran for cover before the fisherman made a cast.
Another mistake we see often is how far anglers cast. Most try to cast too far. Our rule is to cast from as far away as possible, providing you can get a good drift. There are a few simple concepts that may help you with your presentation length. First consider making your first cast into the tail of a run. After a few presentations follow by casting two feet further. Continue by either taking a few short steps or adding a short amount of line to fish your way up the stream two feet at a time. Remember to mend the line and take up the slack so that you can set the hook when you get a strike.
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All of our specials include all of the help we can give you to ensure that the gear you purchase works for you or your friends and family. All of the Simms and Patagonia vests listed in this email at the discounted 30 to 50% off list price come with a lifetime warranty backed by Simms or Patagonia.
Don't forget to ask about our other discounted items, including rods, reels, gadgets, and clothing! To order, call us at 970-944-2526 or email us at info@lakecitysportsman.com. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express and ship with UPS. Your shipping charge will be confirmed before any product is charged. Offer is good through April 30, 2009. Sincerely, The Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop 970-944-2526 www.lakecitysportsman.com |
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| Save 25%
on Vests & Waders |
Want a complete wader setup? If you purchase one of the fishing vests in this newsletter, we'll give you a set of waders and wading boots for 25% off of list price. That's right, ANY waders and boots that we have in stock.
To order, just state that you want to use Promo Code TU004. Or, print the coupon and bring it to us at our Lake City location.
This coupon is transferable. Feel free to share the offer with friends and family. Again, call us at 970-944-2526 or email us at info@lakecitysportsman.com and state that you want to buy one of the vests listed in this email with a reel and line, Promo Code TU004.
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| Offer Expires: April 30, 2009 |
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