Ties and socks? How about a day on the river for Christmas?

If you have an outdoors type on your Christmas list, this is the year to be creative.  Avoid the tie, socks or shirt and consider wrapping the gift that is more creative, out of the ordinary and will excite the sportsman. Let me suggest a guided day on the stream, in the goose blind or canoeing one of our scenic rivers.
     The Gunnison River or Taylor River are two of the state’s most productive fly fishing waters. Half- or full-day guided float trips are popular and the best way to reach those big trout secluded along the inaccessible private properties that adjoin much of this popular river. High Mountain Drifters knows these two rivers well. Call Travis at 970-471-5829.
     Closer to home are a variety of smaller trout streams in South Park, brimming with brook trout, rainbow and German brown and a close and colorful 90-minute drive from the north metro area. South Park Fishers will offer a stream of your choosing that will be set aside for you and a fishing partner, avoiding any crowded conditions. Call 719-748-1494.
     If you like the upper Colorado River in Middle Park, consider a day float gift card with Colorado Angler in Silverthorne. Owner Andrew Petersen at 970-389-2726 will assign a guide that knows this beautiful run of river near Gore Canyon. Half- or full-day floats are available. Consider a winter day walking the river. The big browns in this stretch of the Colorado will respond to nymp offerings throughout the winter months.
     Small-game hunting extends well past Christmas into February, making a gift this month timely. Pheasant preserves are excellent locations to hunt this upland bird that is a bit sparse in the natural habitats in Colorado. Nearby Auer Bird Valley, northeast of Brighton, is a good local choice. A call to the Auer family at 303-506-9497 will make a Christmas gift card purchase easy to secure.
      Goose and duck hunters will enjoy a day with guide and decoys along the Front Range, which finds more than 100,000 geese each winter season. Jeff Colwell at Front Range Guide Service out of Windsor (970-219-3913) will offer a gift card and plan a good day in the field.
     For the person who may be looking for a non-hunting and fishing day outdoors, consider a one day or multi-day canoe trip on the Gunnison River near Grand Junction. Whitewater Rafting at 970-945-8477 provides the canoes, food and some camping equipment for individuals, families or groups. The scenery is specular and the fishing very promising throughout the summer.
     A day outdoors can be a special and memorable gift for the sportsmen.

Contact the author at Ron-Hellbusch@comcast.net