The spring caddis doesn't have the stage to itself, however. The golden stones also make an appearance at about the same time. Fishing both caddis and No. 8-14 orange or yellow Stimulators dropped with small bead-head nymphs will breed success on these hungry fish. The real bonanza, though, lies in the lower Gunnison.

Angling access to the lower Gunnison requires some effort, but the rewards can be spectacular. Big fish splashing after hatching caddis in and below the Gunnison Gorge is the ultimate experience in late April into May. After a short, rough 4-wheel-drive approach -- don't attempt if road is wet -- a one-mile hike down the Chukar Trail opens about a mile of the Gunnison, depending on river flow. Cast No. 14-16 olive Elk-Hair Caddis dropped with Sparkle Caddis Pupa during the day.

Don't quit too early. Skittered caddis patterns in the late evening can attract explosive strikes as egg-layers return to the water. Don't forget to take in the remarkably scenic terrain here. But keep watch for poison ivy in abundance. An excellent choice is to reserve a magical three-day float trip downriver from here.

As the spring caddis hatch winds down, the world-renowned salmonfly hatch begins moving upriver into the Gorge, transforming big trout into gorging fools. Float No. 2-6 dries to huge trout slashing at these mini-helicopters. It can reduce flyfishermen to shaking masses of jelly.

There will also be golden stones as well as other smaller stoneflies coming out at this time. The trout hold close to the canyon walls or tall grassy banks, seeking cover and access to these big, clumsy stoneflies. Cast flies against the canyon wall or weedy banks in shady areas until the sun is well up, and then rest as the stones are done for the day. However, the caddis return in the evening en masse. Drop a No. 14 Sparkle Caddis pupa behind a No. 14-16 dry caddis for great evening action.

Rio Grande
Rio Grande headwaters burst out of the high San Juan Range between Silverton and Creede. They plummet down into the plush San Luis valley. On the way, it nourishes some fat rainbows averaging about 12 inches as well as larger trout up to 18 inches. The river is better known for its really large brown trout, some of which exceed 5 pounds.

A major caddis hatch usually erupts in late May, and moves from the valley to the Rio Grande Reservoir.

Mike McCormick, owner of Wolf Creek Anglers in South Fork, said the caddis hatch has rivaled the Arkansas hatch as runoff subsides, then continues throughout the summer into fall. McCormick suggests a Puterbaugh Black Foam Caddis matching the size of caddis on the water. Tan or green Elk-Hair Caddis from No. 10-16 also work well.

Rio Grande caddis will mix in with other big hatches and can run the gamut of sizes from No. 10-22. The Rio Grande salmonfly hatch occurs around mid-June into July. That hatch often mingles with the spring caddis. A caddis pattern dropped from No. 4-8 Sofa Pillows or dark Stimulators is an attractive combination. Floated along the edge, this combination can bring jolting strikes.

Although there is a lot of private land below the reservoir, there is also adequate public access within the national forest and in state-leased areas. Road access follows much of the river. But it becomes rougher and turns into four-wheel-drive access somewhere above the reservoir.

The water above the reservoir is less fished and offers more isolation. Just below the reservoir, a very difficult gorge to access offers the bold angler some superb and isolated fishing. For the average fisherman, perhaps the best segment is from around Creede downstream.