Filed Under: Fishing
Technical fishing at its best, but you better like technical fishing. At first glance you say, "there's no fish in that tiny creek." But all it takes is stealth and one or two very accurate casts to prove yourself wrong. Believe it or not, this creek which is only 2-4 feet wide in many sections, holds quite a few trout. Most of them are brown trout in the 6" - 10" range. However, I have caught a few in the 12" - 14" range. It is a good place to get away from the crowds, but be prepared to crawl under deadfall and sneak through the tall grass. These fish are spooky, and alarming one sends a domino effect upstream.
The meadows right outside the parking area hold many fish but they are spooky. Leave this area for low light and overcast conditions. The other option is to hike up the trail and bushwack your way down to the creek in the forested area. Each small pool will hold a fish or two.
Hatches and Flies
Late July through September are very productive with ant, beetle, and hopper patterns.
Directions
From the Intersections of Hwy 34 & 36 in Estes Park; take Hwy 34 north & west 0.5 miles to MacGregor Avenue. Turn North on MacGregor Avenue (it turns into Devil's Gulch Road). Continue North on Devil's Gulch Road 4.5 miles to McGraw Ranch Road. Take left Fork (McGraw Ranch Road) and continue to Cow Creek Trailhead.
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