More One Weight Fun On The Upper Blue ~ Crowded On Possible Finale To Small Waters Week 17Aug24

Small waters fly fishing continued as I headed to N Breckenridge to fish the upper Blue River there. I parked on the N side of the last bridge north of Breck over the Blue and walked to the river. I "tried" to fish hiking up river from the bridge but I encountered two guides with 2 folks each and several other fishermen. Yikes... this small water had been thrashed and it's not that great to begin with. So, pushed on past all the parties into clear water, but also entering the more developed section. I fished all the way to two larger pond areas near the apartments. I caught browns on the chubby and the droppers but the fish were small and none too plentiful. As described after my last outing here, I think the heavy development and stream modifications have taken a toll, for now. I was really surprised at the crowds, but it is the weekend. I tossed my bugs again with my RFSB1, at least that was a hoot. I hooked one "big" fish on the chubby, probably 17", but he broke me off in a seriously undercut bank ~ he knew what he was doing.

After cleaning the Nest, I headed over to the Mtn Music Festival in Keystone. They really lowered expenses on this fest from prior years, no national acts anymore and fewer tasting booths. This also kept down the attendance though. I skipped the first band, The Freddy Jones Band, but was there for Runaway Grooms from the get go. Hailing for Eagle Co, they were very good. They were strong jammers and opened with a "Truckin'-While My Guitar Gently Weeps" medley and then broke in to a funkier original. The lead guitar/vocalist and the keyboardist/vocals were awesome dueling leads. Keyboard guy brought a Rolland ePiano, a Hammond organ (can you say heavy to tote?), and a Moog synth - he was very good. All the musicians were tight to the tune. Fun but hot in the sun... soon enough I was off for the Front Range.