Fishing on the ranch consists of 26 ponds scattered throughout
640 acres of some of the most beautiful property anywhere. With fish starting
at 3-5 lbs and a good population of 8-10 pound bruisers, it is truly an
exciting place to fish.
Dry flies are most commonly used in addition to a dropper
added to the fly. Terrestrial patterns
from tiny flying ants, beetles and hoppers are used to fool these fish on the
surface. And yes, the big ones do eat on
the surface; I have seen 8-10 pound fish crush a hopper without hesitation. The
blue damsels, which naturally hatch from the ponds and mate over the water, can
send the fish into a feeding frenzy where they will launch themselves to eat a
damsel in mid-air. This usually occurs at the end of June and catching and
seeing fish feed in this manner is unforgettable. I also use mouse and frog
patterns, which are flies that most fishermen do not use everyday for trout. They
work well throughout the summer, but the best time for the frog can be in the
fall. Some of the biggest fish I have seen there seem to always be on a
streamer or wooly bugger fished deep. The largest fish last summer was a 34.5
inch brown trout that ate a wooly bugger! If you are a little experienced in,
and love fishing streamers, then this place is for you.
I do want you to know that these fish are smart and this is
not like “shooting fish in a barrel”. Once these fish get spooked they are done
eating. Stealth is the key and a sneaky approach to the water is a must. The
ability to cast some distance creates the opportunity to reach fish that may
not be aware of your presence. This aspect to the fishing makes the day much
more challenging and each fish more of a prize. In our local rivers we do not
cast long distances; fishing these ponds gives you an opportunity to do so. I have had many clients improve their casting
greatly throughout day and return home full of big fish stories and improved
casting skills.
The ranch’s location offers incredible scenic views and wild
beauty. Sighting elk, deer and the occasional bear are common and traveling
from pond to pond through the ranch’s natural setting has the feeling of
adventure. Each pond fishes a little differently and each seems to show its own
personality stemming from the vast variety of trout. Cutthroat, browns, brook
trout, tiger trout and several varieties of rainbows give fishermen
opportunities to catch types of trout they may have not yet experienced.
Due to winter conditions, the ranch opens for guided trips
usually around mid-May with the season ending around mid-October. In the spring,
when our local rivers are high with runoff or flowing dirty do to consistent
rains, Bar ZX Ranch remains unaffected and always maintains clear fishable
waters. A stormy day will not ruin the fishing.
As a matter of fact, rain and cloud cover can create some of the best
conditions in the mid-summer months.
The ranch can be booked through Taylor Creek and
necessitates an additional rod fee of $125.00 to access the property. Staying
the night at the hunting lodge is an additional $75.00 and includes breakfast
and dinner. Because all the water is on private land, a fishing license is not needed.
We do not wade in the ponds so there is no need for waders, but a rain coat is
always a smart idea and please do not forget the camera! The ranch is not exclusive to just Taylor
Creek Fly Shop and does limit the number of rods per day so booking ahead of
time is highly recommended.
Whether it is big fish, numbers of fish, or different
varieties of fish, Bar ZX Ranch has a lot to offer. It is truly a unique place that
promises challenges, rewards and sometimes even big fish heartache. If this
sounds like a day for you, please give it a try. I can guarantee a day of fun
and fly fishing you will never forget!
Words by Taylor Creek guide, Thomas Clennon
Photographs courtesy of Taylor Logsdon, Scott Spooner
Reprinted from Taylor Creek's annual publication, Fly On The Wall
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