Ice fishing & snowmobiling Durango Colorado

Vallecito lake on a crisp clear morning, the snow glistening, one more pull and the familiar smell of snowmobile exhaust rises. The snow is fresh and light, the kind of snow that makes it tough on smaller, shorter sleds. A powder special is required coupled with an experienced rider to break trail. We load the ice fishing equipment on my daughter's little plastic red sled while Condy takes a test run through the trees to make sure we get our exercise for the day helping him get unstuck!

Today, is an adult fishing day and although the girls love to come, it's a bit cold and we're the only ones crazy enough to get up that early. All guys of course, the girls wouldn't dream of spending their Saturday on a frozen lake! After an hour of riding in the trees and up the Middle Mountain road, we're ready to fish. Today, we're going after big Brown Trout and, hopefully, the odd pike. A few years back the state record Brown was caught at Vallecito...34 pounds I believe. I'm not sure if it still stands but there's bound to be more.

The scene is breathtaking as we prepare the holes, the hut and our equipment. To the north and east are the peaks of the Weminuche Wilderness, rugged and beautiful and looking very intimidating at the moment as whispy clouds hover over the high basins. Nobody else on the lake, wonder what that means? It's late January and the ice is about 16" thick, good thing Steve bought that ice auger. Last year, at a lake above South Fork, CO, the ice was over 3 1/2 ft and our auger wouldnt' go all the way through. It pays to have a bar in your truck just in case.

The day slowly drifts on as we sit huddled like worshipers jigging our spoon with a worm on the hook. Condy is using power bait and has already caught 2 stockers but we're determined to find a lone Brown or Pike. Suddenly, Steve's running across the ice, a dangerous proposition, from his relief stance and dives for his 2 foot pole that looks like it's going in. This is a big one, when all of sudden my pole starts dancing and I too have a big one. So big in fact, neither one of us is making any ground...could we have a pair of 20 pound Browns? Condy never moves out of his chair but makes a snide comment that we have the same fish...could it be? Pow...my line breaks and Steve's heavy load becomes a 2 pound Rainbow, nice...with 2 hooks in his mouth! Plenty of excitement on a day when none is needed!

Ski or fish?

Ah...winter in the Rockies. So many activities and YES, the time to do them (aside from holiday traveling of course). Real estate is generally slower this time of year, although the cunning come and look in the deep winter to see what they're getting into! Nevertheless, there is some time for outdoor recreation. Skiing at Purgatory and Wolf Creek are my preference...both are great and small enough you don't get lost but large enough you get plenty tired! However, I don't generally ski until later in the winter when the holiday crowds subside. Now is the time for fishing and hunting.

If we get a steady period of warm weather in Durango (3 days + at 40 degrees +) the Animas River can be stellar. Fish deeper holes dredging nymphs along the bottom or slowly retrieving leeches from below. Large fish generally appear from the depths this time of year. If it's cold, a trip to the San Juan River is appealing as the crowds are sparse and the side channel fishing can be great. If you can use a drift boat, do so but not for better fishing only comfort. I tend to catch more fish wading. Ice fishing season generally starts about January 15th when the ice becomes reliable, more on this & hunting later...

2009 Oryx hunt

It all started with seeing an Oryx mount hanging on the newly decorated wall of my friend's new home in Durango. I was astonished at the beauty and he urged me to begin applying for the once in a lifetime hunt at White Sands Missle Range in southern New Mexico assuring me that it would take 10 years or so to draw.

Next thing I know, I'm packing up the truck heading to Alamagordo, NM with my buddy, Steve, Oryx tag in hand! It's an expensive tag but as I come to discover, well worth the money. The Oryx was introduced into White Sands in 1969 with several releases through the mid-70's and the habitat and lack of predators (like Lions & Leopards) proved to be a suitable and thriving situation. Thus, the depredation hunt each year that I am now remembering.

The most consistent advice given to me from each person I spoke to that has experience with these animals is to not underestimate their toughness. I soon came to discover that they are also very difficult to spot as they blend in perfectly with the Mesquite and tall Serengetti like grass. I also learned they are very good at keeping just enough distance between you making a stalk near impossible in open country. Therefore, Steve and I implemented our Colorado stalk method and took to the hills. We found a small group bedded from about a mile away and decided on our stalk route...isn't wonderful when a plan comes to fruition? I was fortunate enough to make a shot (actually 3 shots) and obtain one of these fine animals. After giving thanks, we reflected on the hunt and how magnificent it was to see these exotic animals so close to home.

To guide or not to guide.

For many who are contemplating a hunting or fishing trip to a new area, it is advisable to research the many outfitters in the area. For the most part, these outfitters have excellent resources to guide you to the type of adventure you are after. Although a guide is not always necessary, I feel the "local knowledge" is invaluable, especially on your first few trips. In fact, I often hire the services of a guide in areas I am unfamiliar and find that the techniques, equipment and experience of the guide is generally an eye opener for me. For instance, I've implemented many casting techniques learned in Oregon Steelhead fishing in my home waters finding it more effective than the techniques I formerly used. For the "do it yourselfer" make sure you take advantage of the local shops as many locals convene to tell stories in these shops and an incredible amount of valuable information is shared. They also have all the maps and equipment you may need. Keep in mind, however, you will not get the insider information unless you are accompanied by a guide.

Real estate features, an outdoorsman's perspective...

In SW Colorado many of the prospects looking to purchase real estate are looking for specific amenities in a property. Some of these attributes are live water, bordering public land, privacy, scenic property and views. Of these, the two that most drive premium prices are live water and public land. A property that has some of these features and is nicely located is a sound investment. It is also important to research how near electric, phone and a domestic water source is to the propery. Because we are blessed to have an abundant amount of public land in SW Colorado and northern NM, developable land is limited; therefore, properties that attain these wonderful attributes can be a premium. However, I have found that these kind of properties are always in demand and appreciate very well. One note, not only outdoorsmen appreciate these attributes so as Will Rogers said, "Buy land and wait, don't wait to buy land."

The Real Estate Part

One excellent method to take advantage of the wonderful land opportunities in SW Colorado is to form a limited liability company or syndicate of partners that can pool their resources and purchase a property with the intent of a long term investment. The advantage, aside from the purchasing power and limited risk, is the ability to utilize the property unlike a stock portfolio you will never see. I can help you find a property that is strategically located to high quality hunting and fishing! I can also help you form the LLC or syndicate of your choice and I even have a pool of investors that are ready to move on property so all you have to do is say the word!

Fall Fishing in the SW and Real Estate

Early November and the weather is in the 60's each day. Now that hunting season is winding down a bit (although I am headed to New Mexico deer hunting next week and Oryx hunting in mid-December) the fishing bug begins to set in. Late Fall may be one of the best times as there tends to be few people and wonderful water/weather conditions. I received two reports from the San Juan River quality waters that the fishing is incredible with one report from my friend and guide, AC, estimating 40 hookups per day. The San Juan is world class fishing and I'm betting that there are only a handful of fisherman on the river today...not a bad option! Especially considering there is probably a good chance for a late afternoon hatch as we have a low front moving in this weekend.

However, because of time and responsibilities today, I am opting for a few hour frame on the Animas River Gold Medal waters south of Durango. I am going to try terrestrial droppers behind a large Stimulator and see if I can get some of the large Browns that have just finished their Fall dance to take advantage of the last days before winter. I will let you know how the day was and I hope you are doing the same!