Unfortunately, the Orvis-hatch at the Ford can get unruly like that. I've had lots of bad (AND GOOD) experiences there with other flyfishers. Our sport has it's bad and uncouth apples as does any other (skiing, snowboarding, mountain-biking). I've found it happens most often if I've set myself up to fish a run - starting at the bottom and working upstream at a methodical pace. Problem is that there is so little good water there, that you start looking like you're hogging the water if you don't move through quickly. If other fishers are around I'll move through a run quickly like I'm steelheading, even though I want to hit all the little holding spots hoping for just one more pig. Usually folks who walk up on you as you're fishing the run are pretty accomodating, if you stop and chat. Most of the time, they're watching you anyway to see how and what you're doing. I try to keep my eye open and make room. It's easier if I've already caught a lunker or 2. You may have to share a fly, or even a cigar, but it's usually worth it.
The ones that barge right in, like what appears to have happened in your case, aren't worth negotiating with. A lot of times I think they seem to be locals who figure it's their river, and you're an outsider to be put in his place. It's a beautiful piece of water, but no fish is worth fighting over (as much as you want to give 'em the Moe poke in the eyes!) Sean Gary Meyers wrote: > The last time I was at Rocky Ford was probably six or so years ago, in late > Spring, I believe, when other waters were out of shape from run-off. My > buddy and I found a spot and were working a few (very) large fish. Another > angler walked up and pretty much cast his line right over my partner's. We > took offense; he took offense that we took offense and suggested that his > close-quarter actions were the norm at RF. We split shortly after and never > went back. I'm curious, was our encounter the RF exception or the rule? > Members? > > Gary Meyers > Kirkland > > > The Ford is starting to show its winter popularity. I counted 12 cars in > > the south parking area on Saturday afternoon. However, by 1:00pm on Sunday > > there were only a handful of folks left in the entire area. If crowds > > bother you, fish during the week. If you need to go on weekends, schedule > > the Ford for Sunday. > > > > The weather was good. The air temp was in the low fifties; there was little > > wind with a broken high overcast. > > > > The summer weed growth is staring to die off making spotting fish easier, > > especially in the moving water. > > > > Despite crowded conditions, fishing was very good. Fish came to the usual > > suspects, scuds, pheasant tails and small brassies. > > > > Angler of note - I watched as one fellow pulled off his pack boots and > > proceeded to wade knee deep into the Ford to resuscitate a previously caught > > fish. > > > > Further note - There was some previous discussion on product reviews. > > Opinions not withstanding, here is a site that offers reviews about various > > pieces of fly fishing equipment. > > > > <http://www.outdoorreview.com/jump^page^flycrx.aspx> > > > > Regards > > > > Mike Santangelo > > > > > >
