Return to the Big Thompson

The section of the Big Thompson I usually fish basically runs from Estes Park, Colorado to Loveland.

I wrote another post a few years ago when we fished just downstream from Estes Park, and you can check that one out s well.

Chad Pettrone and Jason Lawley

I returned recently, but this time we fished further down the river, just outside the Sylvandale Guest Ranch. www.sylvandale.com



The stretch of river we fished is on private land, but is accessible if you go through Kirk's Fly Shop in Estes Park. www.kirksflyshop.com




Not only was the setting gorgeous and different than before, but the purpose was different too. This time, I was shooting an episode for my new TV show - Fly Fishing West.

I interview Jason

We not only "wanted" to catch fish - we "had to". I had a guide, two TV cameras and a producer. It would be a waste of a lot of time and money had we not caught anything.

We also needed a great guide. I needed somebody who could ensure we would catch fish, but also, somebody who is great on camera.  We went with Chad Pettrone, and he was a perfect fit.
www.chadpettrone.com

Michael Filson on Cam 2

We ended up having a great outing, and a great shoot. Even when we lost a really nice trout, it turned out great. We can actually tell the story of the big one that got away, only it's not a far fetched fish tale. We have video proof that it really happened.



The Big One that Got Away: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNOPmwLPwdQ

So, if you are ever in the area, fish the Big Thompson, and go to Kirk's Fly Shop and ask for Chad.