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It’s official. Run-off has taken this year off. With relatively few exceptions, the high country continues to offer some fantastic and stable conditions. Sure there has been and may still be, the short inconvenience on a particular river of an off color flow moving through but, that has been very rare. All in all, this has been as solid of a Spring fishing season that we have seen in at least a decade.
On a typical Memorial Day Weekend, we are working hard to find a handful of places to direct anglers to for some early season action amidst the peak of run-off. Not so this year. It is pretty safe to say that just about everywhere in the state of Colorado is a viable option for chasing fish. That includes our abundant high mountain lakes. Early this week, our newest member of The Colorado Angler staff, Colin, hiked up to a remote Gore Range lake at 11,000 ft! Not only was the trail clear but, when he got to the lake, there was open water and hungry Brookies.
As for those of you chasing the Salmonfly hatch. The emergence of new adults on the stretch below Kremmling is definitely slowing and close to done. There are still some adults in the bushes and trees along the corridor but, that number is dwindling fast. Fish do continue to feed on well presented adult and nymph imitations but, we have also seen a move to other food sources available in the system.
Your better bet for trying to capitalize on the last bit of energy out of this hatch is to look up river in the Parshall/Beyer’s Canyon area. There are still a larger number of emerging insects combined with mature adults than in the Gore Canyon. With a pretty decent weekend forecast, we think this could be the last hurray for this fabulous hatch.
Detailed reports on the right side of this page will give more specific information on a particular stretch of river. Make sure to check those out for your river of interest, as they will be able to answer questions pertaining to hatches and flies.
Please feel free to call us at The Colorado Angler, at any time to discuss any questions and concerns you may have about the current conditions. There is a lot of information here on this page as well as on our main page at www.TheColoradoAngler.com but, space is limited and we may not have answered all of your questions. We want to make sure you get the information you are looking for. Toll Free 855-CO TROUT (268-7688) or stop by and see us in the Summit Place shopping center in Silverthorne, next to Blue Moon Bakery, Exit 205 on I-70, then south 1 block. Spring Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday 8 am – 5 pm
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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
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| Flow: 53 cfs. |
Conditions: We realize that it seems as if the report for the Blue in town hasn’t changed in weeks and that’s because it has been so consistent. Although, red does seem to be a hot color right now in Midge Larvae and Pupa as well as other subsurface offerings. Flows continue to remain low and steady. We do expect these low flows to continue for some time as snow-pack is lower than average. Action through town has been fairly solid. There has been a good mix of resident fish being caught in amongst the new additions that Parks and Wildlife introduced to the river a few weeks back. Reports have also included fish taking dries at times in town, the result of a steady Midge hatch most afternoons. As far as flies, the fish have been focusing their attention on a variety of options, again this can partially be attributed to the mix of resident and introduced fish. So, definitely start with imitative patterns of the present food options of the Tailwater, ie. Midge and Mysis variations. And as a bonus, now you can go ahead and work in some general searching patterns, in sizes that may not require magnification to tie on. Such as Hare’s Ear and Tungteaser in #16-18 sizes. Crowds continue to be brisk, as is expected this time of year combined with the productive conditions. Town Flies: RS-2, Black or Chocolate UV Emerger, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Black Pheasant Tail, Flashback Pheasant, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Winter Baetis, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, BTS Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, Candy Cane, Tungteaser, Hare’s Ear, Red or Copper Copper John, Flossy Worm
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Blue River Below Green Mountain
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| Flow: 73 cfs. |
Conditions: Access Restriction: Due to road work being done on the road across the Dam and it’s approach, the Dam itself is closed to all traffic. For access during construction, anglers will have to take the road around the west side of the reservoir, from the south, in order to get to the access below the Dam. Fishing access will remain open. Fishing Conditions: Again, another location that is holding steady, both in water conditions and fishing action. These low flows will continue for some time yet, as the reservoir is not gaining much elevation due to low snow melt. We actually don’t expect any change here before July at the earliest. The Silver lining to all of this is it does make for great access for wade fishermen, although the fish will be a little more sensitive with the reduction in cover. There is a good mix of patterns working right now from larger Stonefly patterns down to Midge and Baetis imitations. Best bet would be a double nymph rig anchored with a larger offering trailing something smaller, to get an idea on the flavor of the day. With the persistent heat and sun, water temps are warming as the day goes on and there have been some Caddis at times. Definitely use caution on getting down to and back up from the river. The hill is steep and doesn’t provide a lot of footholds. Flies: Larger size Bead Head Nymphs: #10-12 Hare’s ear, Prince, Tungteaser, Tungsten Rubber Leg Yellow Sally, Stubby Stone, San Juan Flash Worm and Red Hot Worm, Big Bear Baetis, Juju Baetis – standard and purple, Barr’s Emerger, Split Case BWO, Jujubee, Poison Tung, UV Emerger. Floaters should note: The take out that has been used for years is no longer available, that property is now private. For boat take out you now need to continue on down the Blue to the access ramp for the Gore Canyon put-in. this is approximately another mile. Please respect private property rights along the river.
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Colorado River Above Kremmling
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| Flow: 200 cfs. |
Conditions: River levels remain low and clear, providing fantastic conditions for anglers during a time of year which usually finds us scrambling for access to good river fishing. Better still, the Salmon Flies are emerging in good numbers and action is great. Early morning to mid day, action is more consistent on nymph patterns, either under an indicator or as part of a dry dropper rig. Then as the day progresses, look for fish to begin to respond to dry fly patterns. Fishing this hatch can still be difficult at times and frustrating in the lack of response to Salmonfly imitations on a steady basis. Anglers should be prepared to also fish other common imitations to the area. There are still Baetis and some midges present as well as the possibility of Caddis. With the excitement that the Salmonflies bring, crowds are a real possibility, so keep your options open with the multiple locations to access the river from Hot Sulphur down to Kremmling. Flies: Kaufman’s Stone Nymph, Rubber Legs, Designated Hitter Salmonfly, Clark’s Salmonfly, Improved Sofa Pillow, Loco Stone, San Juan Worm, Tungstone, Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, RS-2, Pheasant Tail, Split Case BWO, Pure Midge Larve,Rojo Midge, Otter Milking Egg
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 410 cfs. |
Conditions: The Salmonflies are definitely on the decline here as there are now very few emerging bugs leaving the river. However, there are still just enough adults in the bushes and flying about, to keep the trout on the hunt for well presented imitations; both dry and nymph. Remember to keep in mind that there is a bit of strategy to fishing this hatch. You will want to focus your attention on areas closer to the edge of the river versus in the center of the channel for two reasons. First, the nymphs actually migrate (crawl) to the banks to hatch on dry ground. Opportunistic trout position themselves closer to the banks and await the easy meal. Second, the adults hatch and spend a good deal of time clinging to bank-side willows. Being somewhat clumsy insects, they are prone to falling from the willows, particularly when the wind gets up, and often times they end up in the river adjacent to the bank. We are still getting some results on Blue Winged Olive patterns, particularly in the earlier part of the day. There are also some fish looking to Caddis imitations, as well. In the coming days we would expect to see the arrival of the first few PMD’s, yes, that is early but, the trend this year has been for our hatches to show up about 3 weeks early. With this extremely low flow, the wade fishing is a very viable option and there have been quite a few wade anglers enjoying the action. Boaters should take note of the low flows and make an honest assessment of their ability and water craft before descending into Little Gore Canyon. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tails, Juju Baetis, Tungsten Split Case BWO, Barr’s Flashback BWO Emerger, RS-2, Tungsten Hares Ear, Two Bit Hooker, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Kaufman Stone, Jimmy Legs, Psycho Prince, Loco Stone Salmon, Designated Hitter Salmon, Clark’s Stonefly Salmon
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
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| Flow 3290 cfs. |
Conditions: With our inconsistent spring weather conditions here are now day to day. Still seeing some very productive days when clarity allows, but with the warm temperatures all the way up the Colorado and Eagle, that last bit of snow melt is bringing visibility down to near zero on others. That being said, action is starting to really pick up from Glenwood Canyon on down stream, when it is not too dirty for flies to be seen. Best results have been on medium to larger searching and Stonefly nymphs with a well presented mix of searching nymphs and Green Drake and Yellow Sally patterns behind that. Still seeing some Caddis along the lower river, with adult bugs present all day and hatching mid-day to early evening depending on location. Dry flies are certainly a good option, with some stretches producing great action on emerging, crippled and adult Caddis. Green Drakes should be emerging any day now, look for that to be an evening hatch that continues on into the hour or so after sunset. Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Twenty Incher, Hunchback Green Drake nymph, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Foam Caddis, Spotlight Caddis Emerger, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Nitro Caddis, Zebra Midge, Rojo Midge, Poison Tung, Juju Baetis, STD Baetis
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
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| Flow: 224 cfs. |
Conditions: Fishing is really starting to take off in the upper stretches of the Ark. With stable river levels and clear water, conditions are producing some great action at a time when typically the river is blown out. There are still a few Caddis to be found as you make your way up from Buena Vista towards the Granite area and Blue Winged Olives continue to produce very well in both nymph and dry fly imitations. Fish have spread out in the river and are available in multiple types of water at different times of the day. Early on in the day focus on the holding water of pools and runs, as well as the adjacent seams. As the days warms, make sure to work into riffles where fish will be looking for drifting nymphs. As the fury of the Caddis hatch has subsided and with the excitement that the Salmonflies bring over on the Colorado, there has not been too much pressure on this part of the river. An ideal place to look for solitude this holiday weekend. Flow is at Granite. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tail, Hot Wire Prince, Rojo Midges, 5-0 Midge, UV Emerger, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, Mercury Midge, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Winger Parachute, Para Extended Body BWO
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Arkansas River Below Buena Vista
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| Flow: 425 cfs. |
Conditions: With the majority of the Caddis excitement over, crowds have diminished greatly over the past week or so, making this a great time to get out and fish the Arkansas. Water levels remain at a very agreeable flow for wade anglers, while still providing an opportunity for the skilled boater on most stretches. Crowds have been much lighter than we saw during the annual Caddis hatch of just a few weeks past and great opportunities can be had throughout the river basin. While the majority of the action has been on subsurface flies, particularly on days with high sun, we continue to bring fish to the surface on a variety of Stonefly and Terrestrial patterns presented as the anchor of a dry dropper rig. With the lower flow, a dry dropper set up allows for productive nymphing, while still presenting the chance at some fantastic surface strikes. Flow reading is at Nathrop. Flies: Bead Head Pheasant Tail # 14-16, Tungstone Golden #12-16, Tungsten Yellow Sally, Iron Sally, Chartreuse Copper John #12-16, Chartreuse Hot Wire Caddis, Hot Wire Prince, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Juju Baetis, Split Case BWO, Zebra Midge, Garcia’s Rojo Midge, RS-2 and Poison Tung
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
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| Flow: 1250 cfs. |
Conditions: Certainly a river to keep an eye on. At times the river has really seen the impact of the heat in the valley. With snow melt up the Crystal, the river has really taken a hit in the clarity department. This will ebb and flow over the course of any particular day and may offer some windows of opportunity, not just from one day versus the next, but also from morning to afternoon. Going forward keep an eye on the flow and look for spikes (particularly from the Crystal) that would indicate a rise in snow melt and reduction in clarity. When the visibility does allow, get out there as action has been solid river wide. Fish have been active for some time now on searching nymphs such as the Prince or Tungteaser and late afternoon, early evening is providing good dry fly action. There are still decent amounts of Caddis around, more so as you move up the river above West Bank, and we expect the Green Drakes to start very soon. If you are in the area and it is dirty, simply move upstream above the cloudy water, hopefully just at Carbondale, or jump onto the Frying Pan at Basalt. Take advantage of these mild conditions and finish up the day with a soak in the hot springs. Flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Potter’s Pearl and Elk, Stimulators, RS-2, STD Baetis, Tungteaser, Twenty Incher, Bead Prince, Copper John#16-18, Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, San Juan Worm patterns, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Winger Parachute.
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South Platte River, Middle Fork
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| Flow: 60+/- cfs. |
Conditions: River is once again opening up with all the warm weather in the high country. Starting to pick up a bit of action as well. Reports coming in indicate decent success for anglers. Best approach would be with a mix of searching nymphs and egg patterns. Flies: Otter Egg, Red Copper John,Tungsten Pheasant Tail, IED, Hot Wire Prince, STD Baetis, Tungsten Psycho
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South Platte, Dream Stream
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| Flow 155 cfs. |
Conditions: Reports coming in from the Platte have been improving. The first signs of some larger fish moving in from Eleven-mile have been producing a few nice. There also seems to be a couple of pockets of “Stocker Madness”, with cookie cutter 10-12 inch fish all over a dead drift nymph rig. And being that it’s the Platte in Spring, there are a lot of anglers out there. So if a little solitude is what your after, you may want to think twice. The best approach right now is a double nymph rig pairing either a Baetis pattern or maybe an egg as your lead fly and trailing that with a Midge pattern. Flies: Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger BWO, Split Case BWO, RS-2, Otter Egg, San Juan Worm, Red Copper John, Jujubee, Barr’s Pure Midge Larva, UV Emerger, Desert Storm
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Williams Fork River Below Dam
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| Flow 18 cfs. |
Conditions: If the current flow is legit and we think it is, please think about looking else where. The stress of extreme low flows on trout is enough with out a bunch of us thrashing the water to a froth. When it does come back up to reasonable flows, we expect solid, low water temperatures. Flies: San Juan Worms, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Miracle Nymph, Otters Egg, Garcia’s Rojo Midge. Baetis nymphs: Juju Baetis, Big Bear Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Split Case BWO, RS-2. Dries: Para Winger, CDC Baetis Dun, Lawson’s No Hackle, Gulpher Special, Brook’s Sprout Midge, Trailing Shuck Midge.
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Antero Reservoir
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Conditions: Providing some good to decent action, depending on the day and the wind. Not seeing the consistent day in, day out, hot action for big fish but, there are some nice fish being caught amongst the 13-15 inchers that seem to be the majority of action. Like just about every fishery in the state, things here are ahead of schedule with regards to insects and temperatures. Look for fish to be feeding on a good mix of Chironomid, Calibaetis and even Damsel fly imitations. Flies: Yankee Buzzer, Jumbo Juju, Tak’s Chironomid, Garcia’s Rojo Grande Midge, Rapunzel Damsel, Poxyback Calibaetis Nymph, Hare’s Ear, Copper John
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir
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| Conditions: Reports have been overall pretty good, particularly near the boat ramp and Dam. As we mentioned above, things everywhere are ahead of schedule. So, look for an assortment of the Chironomid and Calibaetis imitations to be working, as well as some Damsel and Streamer patterns. This lake has been the better quality producer in South Park so far this year and we think that should continue for the season.
Flies: Garcia’s Rojo Grande, Jumbo Juju, Skinny Nelson, Zebra Midge, Hare’s Ear, CDC Calibaetis Nymph, Rapunzel Damsel Nymph, Hale Bopp Leech, Ruby Eye Leech
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Delaney Buttes Lakes
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Conditions: Reports have been pretty solid overall, with all three lakes offering opportunities. The North lake opened first, with some moderate to good results on streamers, Egg patterns and a mix of Midges. The South lake was right behind in thawing and wade anglers are doing well for those bank cruisers. Reports off the East lake have been off the charts for boaters. Flies: Egg Patterns, Bead Pheasant Tail, Bead Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Jumbo Juju, Zebra Midge
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