Fall Reflection Kaitlin Boyer, Guest Blogger

Born and raised in Colorado, Kaitlin Boyer is a fly fishing guide for Angler’s Covey, an instructor for Colorado Mountain College’s Fly Fishing Guide Program, and photographer. All photos are credited to Kaitlin Boyer. Follow her on Instagram at PixieK8.

Fall is when we release the energy of summer, honor our harvest, give gratitude for all that we may lack and in which we prosper, make room and space for things to come, and prepare for a winter of dormancy and hibernation. How does this apply to fly fishing?

As the most bustling season of my guiding career finally tapers down, I feel myself exhale, and I know that fly fishing can once again be a personal practice and not a trade. I have a nest egg tucked away for the slow winter months. The Indian summer bestows drought across Colorado, and low water forebodes the spawning brown trout. We will travel north then west to find more higher water, a cozy cabin, and the pleasure of each other’s company, without interruption.

The umber aspens, descending from a fiery orange to crisp yellow, please my eyes in such a way that I feel it in my soul when the shutter on my camera clicks. These colors are the grand finale: be grateful! The river feels different when you’re standing in it, lit with reflections of gold. I open my dry fly box, and it looks like a skeleton. I decide to leave it that way, because I know my fly tying corner awaits me, as does the dark, cold winter. Smartwool and Gortex can only keep you warm for so long, so I’ll dip my toes into a hot spring and feel the coldness burn away.

Finally, the commencement to winter. It’s always met with reluctance, then acceptance. Fall is that bridge across the river, and without it, wading to the new season would be tough. 

We post blogs by guest writers at the end of every month.  If interested, please email vince@anglerscovey.com for more details.