Book Your Guide Trip Now
Overall fishing here at higher elevations has been very good. Yes, there are some problem spots to be aware of but, there are more than enough options available for anglers to find healthy fish.
There are two things to pay attention to before heading out onto your favorite piece of water. The most serious is the adverse effect that the low water and hot air temperatures are having on water temperatures. We are seeing some rivers get to dangerously warm temps, even over 70 degrees in some locations. We would encourage all anglers to carry with them the most important accessory for trout this year, a thermometer, and check water temps throughout the day. As the reading climbs over 65-67 degrees, think about shutting it down for the day, or at least heading up river where things may be at healthier temperatures.
The second issue to make yourself aware of prior to departing for the river has to do with the steady Monsoonal rain pattern we have been in for the past couple of weeks. The overall effect on our fisheries is positive, bringing in more water and cooler temperatures but, the temporary impact can be horrible for your fishing. With some localized heavy downpours quickly saturating the ground, runoff can carry a fair bit of sediment with it, quickly dropping visibility to zero on some rivers. This has happened three times to the upper Colorado in the past 10 days alone. Again, it can be short lived in most areas and there should be other options for that day. Don’t hesitate to call us for current conditions, we’ll do our best to try and interpret changing stream flow readings with you. Or follow us on Twitter @coloradoangler, where we try to post changing conditions as we learn about them.
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
|
Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
|
 |
| Flow: 53 cfs. |
Conditions: The Blue in town, has been a model of consistency all season long. Definitely the most productive stretch of river between Dillon and Green Mtn Reservoirs. As is typical for this tailwater, nymphs continue to produce steady results all day long on a good mix of Midge and Baetis offerings as well as less consistently on Mysis and San Juan Patterns. Both Midge pupa and larva imitations in Red or Black have been very productive, while the Baetis have been best in darker variations, Black in particular. Also worth noting, over the past few weeks, the dry fly fishing has been rather solid as well. With the monsoonal weather pattern, afternoon cloud cover has created favorable conditions for daily periods of fish rising to naturals on the surface. Both adult Midge and Baetis imitations are working with a well presented cast, mostly in size 20 – 22, but we have also had aggressive rises to larger dries fished as the lead fly in front of those miniscule imitations. Town Flies: Black Pheasant Tail, RS-2, STD Baetis, Black or Chocolate UV Emerger, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Pure Midge Larva, Flashback Pheasant, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Winter Baetis, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, BTS Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, #22 BWO Adult, Adult Midge Dark, Palms Special Emerger, CDC Hanging Midge, Morgan’s Para Midge
|
Blue River Below Green Mountain
|
 |
| Flow: 469 cfs. |
Conditions: For the most part, water levels here will continue to flow at volumes above 450, even 500, as water from other sources for downstream needs continue to decline. This is great news not only for the Blue, but the Colorado from Gore Canyon down. At this level, wade fishing will be limited to the west side of the river, if accessing from the dam area, as crossing becomes to dangerous. Expect to see good amounts of Caddis adults in the canyon, but don’t overlook the Drakes, PMDs and Stonefly nymph imitations, as action has been great on some of these less visible insects. 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. If you are going to float: Please honestly assess your rowing ability and water craft performance before deciding to float this stretch. Trespass violations can reflect poorly on all boaters and it could stress landowner relations at a time when they have been improving. 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. The road around the north side of the reservoir and across the Dam has reopened so, it is no longer necessary to detour through Heeney. Flies: Larger size Bead Head Nymphs: #10-12 Hare’s ear, Prince, Tungteaser, Tungsten Rubber Leg Yellow Sally, Stubby Stone, Green Drake Nymphs, 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.
|
Colorado River Above Kremmling
|
|
| Flow: 369 cfs. |
Conditions: Water releases out of the Williams Fork are making a positive impact here on the fishing conditions, both in water volume and temperatures. Even with a bump in river levels, this should 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. Although, keep in mind that if you access the river above Parshall, stream flows will be less than half of those below Parshall. As well, water temperatures can have a measurable difference, leading to entirely different bugs at different times of the day, in only a distance of a mile or so on the river. While the emergence has been happening for a couple of weeks now, there are still Yellow Sallies, PMDs and Red Quills hatching daily starting from mid to late morning. With this season’s trend of everything be ahead of schedule, combined with their appearance below Kremmling already (for the last couple of weeks), it won’t be long before the Tricos are an integral part of the menu on the Breeze unit. This part of the state really seems to be a favorite of many anglers and 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: Burk’s Silhouette Dun, AK’s Melon Quill, Lawson’s PMD, Garcia’s Mini Hot, Stimulator, Henry’s Fork Yellow Sally, Para Red Quill,Thorax PMD, BH Pheasant Tail, Mercer’s Poxybiot Nymph, Tungstone, Iron Sally,Graphic Caddis, Buckskin, San Juan Worm, Barr’s Emerger PMD and BWO, Juju Baetis, RS-2, Split Case BWO, Pure Midge Larva, Rojo Midge
|
Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
|
 |
| Flow: 1040 cfs. |
Conditions: Another boost in flows here is giving this stretch a shot in the arm. Water temps are leveling off, maybe even coming down, and holding in a very good range and some of the moss that had exploded with the warmer clear water is being flushed through although, not all of that is gone so, expect to do some maintenance on your nymph rigs. The Yellow Sally Stoneflies and PMDs are pretty much done although, a few are still in the mix. The major hatch at the moment is the Trico mayfly. With a very early emergence in the morning, many anglers may not witness the hatch, but will witness the return of the spinners later in the morning. Even if you miss the hatch make sure to throw some Trico patterns into your rotation of flies in the mornings. As is to be expected with high sun, fish are inconsistent in their enthusiasm for dries and best results have been nymphing. Typically this is a very popular location with anglers, as it offers plenty of public access. With this spring’s low flow, the wade fishing has been a very viable option and there have been quite a few wade anglers enjoying the action. For anglers that don’t mind a physical hike and want to separate themselves from the crowds, a little bit of sweat equity can pay off big dividends by hiking up into the depths of Gore Canyon. With low flows on many other popular rivers, the Colorado is one of the few with good levels for boating. And accordingly, the river is absorbing the traffic of some other rivers with less than adequate flows. Expect above average traffic from the “splash and giggle” set, particularly from Pumphouse to Radium. That being said you may want to look at one of the many sections below Radium. Flies: Barr’s Drowned Trico, Zebra Midge, Bead Pheasant Tail, 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, Tungstone
|
Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
|
 |
| Flow 1960 cfs. |
Conditions: River conditions have taken a hit not only with the run off from heavy monsoonal rains upstream, but also with the rise in water temperatures as we move into the heat of summer. When the clarity does improve, please pay close attention to water temps so as to not have a detrimental effect on the resource for future fishing. Best results have been on medium to larger searching and Stonefly nymphs with a well presented mix of searching nymphs and Yellow Sally or PMD patterns behind that. 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
|
Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
|
|
| Flow: 246 cfs. Granite82 cfs. Hayden Meadows |
Conditions: The upper river is really providing some fantastic wade fishing at the moment. Good hatches of Yellow Sallies, PMDs, Caddis and scattered locations of Green Drakes offer great diversity for anglers from Buena Vista all the way up to Leadville. With stable river levels and clear water, conditions are producing some great action at a time when some lower elevation rivers are starting to experience higher than desired water temps. 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. By mid to late morning there are decent amounts of insects emerging and fish are definitely looking to the surface for a meal. The rise may slow for a time in the afternoon, but then by early evening we have been seeing another flurry of dry fly action. While some days are seeing heavy traffic at certain access points, the Ark offers plenty of public access to spread out on. If you notice a couple of other cars at your favorite spot, take a chance and check out a new point along this great river. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tail, Hot Wire Prince, Copper John, Iron Sally, Burk’s Silhouette Sulphur, Melon Quill, Neely’s Green Drake, Hairwing Green Drake, Potter’s Pearl and Elk, Garcia’s Mini Hot, Hippie Stomper, Stimulator, Parachute Adams, Winger Parachute, Para Extended Body BWO
|
Arkansas River Below Buena Vista
|
|
| Flow: 371 cfs. |
Conditions: Water levels remain at a very agreeable flow for wade anglers, while still providing an opportunity for the skilled boater on most stretches. 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
|
Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
|
|
| Flow: 593 cfs. |
Conditions: Water temperature in the lower valley are definitely a concern to fish health and we would like to encourage anglers to do everything possible to minimize impact on the trout population. Either fish very early or move up river for cooler temps. Flows are dropping to mid summer levels which offers some great wade access on a normally larger river. The Drakes have moved up river to the Basalt area, but there are Caddis, Sallies, Golden Stones and PMDs throughout the corridor. Don’t miss out on some great fishing in the public access areas above Basalt and up to Aspen. With below average water levels, float traffic has also been below average and that will make for some good results for wade anglers. Look for mid to late morning surface activity followed again in the late afternoon to evening. Flies: Elk Hair Caddis, Potter’s Pearl and Elk, Stimulators, H & D Para Green Drake, Para Wulff Green Drake, Hairwing Green Drake, Burk’s Para Sulfur, RS-2, STD Baetis, Tungteaser, Twenty Incher, Iron Sally, Tungstone, Hunch Back Green Drake, CDC Green Drake Emerger, Bead Prince, Copper John#12-18, Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, San Juan Worm patterns
|
South Platte River, Middle Fork
|
|
| Flow: 30 cfs. |
Conditions: Summer is here and action is steady, providing some good fishing for wade anglers. Flows are slightly lower than expected for this time of year so, covering some ground will help to keep an angler into active fish. Hopper dropper is the standard rig and will offer plenty of depth with these low flows for nymph presentation. However, Caddis continue to produce solid results and there PMDs in good numbers as well as a few Green Drakes. Take advantage of this window of surface activity and work a variety of Hopper, Ant and other Terrestrials along with the aquatic insects that are present. Flies: Potters Pearl and Elk, Spotlight Caddis, Stream Bank Hopper, Hippie Stomper, Stimulator, Colorado Green Drake, Pink Cahill, Fatboy McKnight, Mercer’s Tungsten Micro Mayfly, Red or Green Copper John,Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Head Hare’s Ear, IED, Hot Wire Prince, STD Baetis, Tungsten Psycho
|
South Platte, Dream Stream
|
|
| Flow 249 cfs. |
Conditions: With high flows some anglers have chosen to look elsewhere for their fix, but we like this river at higher flows for a nice change of pace. Tricos will be the meat of the diet at this time but, look for Caddis nymphs and even a PMD to take a few fish. Flies: Black RS-2, Barr’s Drowned Trico, Black Copper John #22, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Buckskin Caddis, Mercer’s Poxyback PMD, Poxybiot Nymph
|
Williams Fork River Below Dam
|
|
| Flow 270 cfs. |
Conditions: Finally, flows have risen back up to not only a better level for fishing but, also an overall healthier volume for trout. However, that being said, the flows are not totally stable. We have seen some fluctuation in volume from 150 to 270 cfs. These are not daily changes, but we expect this to continue for the near future as water managers continue to shuffle their resources for meeting downstream demands. At any rate, these are great flows for wade fishermen. Look for trout to be spread out in all water types feeding on insects in various stages of life. Typical of this time of year, hatches of Red Quills, PMDs, Sallies and a few Caddis are emerging. Flies: San Juan Worms, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Poxybiot Nymph, Mercers PMD Emerger, Barr’s PMD Emerger, Buckskin, AK’s Para Quill, Melon Quill, Burk’s Silhouette, Garcia’s Mini Hot.
|
Antero Reservoir
|
|
|
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
|
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
|
|
|
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
|
Delaney Buttes Lakes
|
|
|
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
|
|
