 Book Your Guide Trip NowConditions across the high country continue to offer some out of the ordinary options for this time of year. As has been well documented, winter seems to be late to arrive. With that, comes above average temperatures and a noticeable lack of snow anywhere outside the range of the resort snow making systems. It actually feels like Mid-October and not early December.
Anglers taking advantage of this abnormal weather have been pleasantly surprised in the wealth of choices when venturing out onto local rivers. Aside from the traditional winter locations consisting mainly of Tailwaters, there are a good number of freestone rivers still producing quality results. Reports of success continue to come in from the Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Eagle and Colorado just to name a few. Not to mention some still water options for those willing to think outside the box.
Along with that depth in fishing destinations comes some unique diversity in species that is available this time of year. In the past week, Nick, from our shop, has had the opportunity to land Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout, as well as Kokanee Salmon and Lake Trout. Not too bad for a time of year that often has us bemoaning the lack of choices for fish and fishing spots.
When venturing out there with this agreeable daytime weather, keep in mind that it is still winter. Overnight lows and the limited amount of daylight hours will affect the fishing and when you want to focus your efforts. Particularly the freestones, may take some time to “heat up” and when they do, the time window may be short.
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
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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
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| Flow: 53 cfs. |
Conditions: Town continues to provide some of the more consistent action throughout the Blue River valley. With steady flows and water temperatures comes reliable food sources for hungry fish. Action has returned to a more seasonable level as we move into late fall but, results are still positive. Expect to have to put in a little more effort for fish with the changing of the season. Mornings continue to provide an opportunity for dry dry fishing, albeit scattered and lacking in a regimented daily occurrence, keep an eye out for fish to be sipping emerging and adult Midges mid to late morning. The most productive method throughout the day is nymphing with a mix of Midge and Baetis patterns and throwing in a few Shrimp and egg patterns for good measure. With the low flow we find that the Mysis imitations constitute a smaller percentage of the daily diet than those patterns representing aquatic insects. Certainly fish with your favorite Mysis pattern while working the water in town, just don’t be too focused on forcing that to work when Trout are steadily chowing on drifting Midges. Once the flow climbs back above 100 cfs, then there is a more even distribution of feeding on Shrimp and insects. Town Flies: RS-2 #22-24, STD Baetis #20, Black or Chocolate UV Emerger #22-24, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook #20-22, Pure Midge Larva #20-24, Black Beauty #20-24, Split case BWO #20, Winter Baetis #20-22, Desert Storm #20-24, Rainbow Warrior #20, BTS Mysis #16-20, Stalcup’s Mysis #16-18, #22 BWO Adult, Adult Midge Dark, Brook’s Sprout Midge #22-24, Parachute Adams #24-26 .
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Blue River Below Green Mountain
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| Flow: 127 cfs. |
Conditions: Winter flow levels have settled in over the past couple of weeks now. This stretch remains a solid option for wade anglers looking to keep their season going. Access is very comfortable for steady waders and consistent flows mean stable fish. Still seeing good amounts of Baetis on some days and building Midge activity that will continue over the winter months. Most action will be on subsurface patterns but, for the opportunistic dry fly fan, there are chances for intermittent surface feeding. As always down here, don’t overlook the larger nymphs in the system, as we find fish throughout the year will still capitalize on a hearty offering when presented well. Try running a double nymph rig with a larger bead head for the Green Drakes or Stoneflies that are well established in the Canyon, followed up with either a Baetis or Midge pattern for a more timely offering. Flies: Big bead heads: Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Rubberlegs, Psycho prince. Smaller Hatches: Juju Baetis (Standard and Purple), Barr’s Emerger BWO, Redemption BWO, Split Case BWO, Tung Psycho May BWO, Baetis Big Bear, Zebra Midge, Rojo Midge, Pure Midge Larva, Jujubee, Biot Midge, UV Emerger Floaters should note: Floating is done for the season, river levels are much too low. The river volume on this stretch of water can change on an infrequent schedule and often. It is important to know the flow before you launch and make an honest assessment of your ability and watercraft capability. Please respect private property rights along the river.
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Colorado River Above Kremmling
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| Flow: 140+/- cfs. |
Conditions: Fishing remains good around Parshall area. Flow above Williams Fork has dropped to about 100 cfs, while below there has slightly more volume. Although this is always a popular area, crowds should thin as the days shorten. This stretch is never a bad option as it always holds potential for great fishing, especially when the Blue Wings pop in the fall. Flies: Sparkle wing RS2, big bear baetis, two bit hooker, black pheasant tail, mercury black beauty, biot midge. Sparkle Dun BWO, winger parachute BWO, Adams.
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 267 cfs. |
Conditions: Water levels have dropped to winter flows and should settle in at or slightly below this level for the duration of the season. There is still some decent fishing to be had before the ice comes. With the overnight lows into the 20s and the days getting shorter there is no need to rush out at first light. Best results are coming from mid to late afternoon as the day warms to a more civilized temperature. Definitely stay in the sun, as it will benefit the fishing and comfort the angler. Look for the last few Baetis to be hanging in there and for Midges to be the greatest percentage of insect activity. At this level wade fishing is very good with excellent accessibility for crossing the river. Float fishing is still possible although, rafts are probably a much better method. If you do take a dory, expect to bump and grind a fair bit. Flies: Large stones, Tungteaser, Rubberleg, Sexstones, Beaded Pheasant Tails, Beaded Hares Ears, RS2’s, Split Case BWO, Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, Blue Ribbon Emerger. Gulper Special, BWO Sparkle Wulff, Winger Parachute, CDC Baetis Dun
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
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| Flow 1180 cfs. |
Conditions: A good option for the late fall as the lower altitude and warmer climate is a couple of weeks behind the river in the upper basin. Look for a variety of nymph patterns under indicators to be producing good results as well as some remaining streamer fishing for fall Browns. As is the case with most freestone fisheries in the state right now, action is best mid day to late afternoon. After a tough summer with plenty of rain, high water temps, and clarity issues, this water has begun to normalize as we move into fall. Having this area back in play is welcome news since it can offer some great fishing for both float fishing and wading. Flies: Autumn Splendor, White Zonker, Slump-buster, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Twenty Incher, Hunchback Green Drake nymph, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Bead Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, Rojo Midge, Poison Tung, Juju Baetis, STD Baetis, Various Egg imitations.
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
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| Flow: 78 cfs. @ Granite |
Conditions: With overnight lows in the mid 20s, the upper river is starting to slip into a slow down. Some action is being had mid day as temperatures warm, both air and water. Look for fish to be holding in the tail-outs of pools and runs, moving up towards the head as things warm mid afternoon. Still a few Baetis around but, the majority of activity will be to Midge imitations. Tandem nymph rigs utilizing a Beaded searching pattern such as a Pheasant Tail or Hot Wire Prince, followed up with either a Baetis or Midge trailer have been solid producers. Flies: Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Jujubee, Juju Baetis, Barr’s BWO Emerger, Winter Baetis, Rojo Midge,WD40
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Arkansas River Below Buena Vista
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| Flow: 175+/- cfs. |
Conditions: As you drop lower along the Arkansas river, action does improve with the warmer temps, especially in the Salida and below stretches. Still a few more Baetis in the river along with good amounts of Midge activity. Action has been best on a variety of Beaded searching nymphs combined with some Baetis and Midge trailers. As well, streamer buffs are still reporting enough interest from fall browns to give it a go stripping your favorite bugger or other streamer pattern while prospecting along the river. Flows are low and clear, which can make fish very wary, particularly under mid-day sun. Try to move slow and keep wading to a minimum when possible. 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: 343 cfs. |
Conditions: Wade fishing along the Fork continues to offer good opportunities up and down the valley. And floating is still possible in rafts. Look for Baetis to still be present and late fall Midge activity to be increasing. Action has been solid with nymph rigs throughout the day with a mix of imitations for those Blue Wing and Midge hatches. Keep an eye out for fish to be rising during times when adult insects are present. For the streamer junkies, now is a great time of year to work the river with the lower flows exposing some normally deeper lies and aggressive fish still whacking the well retrieved imitation. With the lower elevation in the Glenwood area up towards Carbondale, day time temps have been down right warm and offer a great late fall destination. Flies: Twenty Incher, Tungteaser, Stubby stones, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Psycho Mayfly, STD’s, Barr’s Emerger, BWO dries, Zebra Midge, UV Emerger,Rainbow Warrrior
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South Platte River, Middle Fork
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| Flow: 15+/- cfs. |
Conditions: Although water level is on the low side, we’ve gotten some solid reports as temps drop and pressure eases. Small hoppers and large attractor dries with smaller droppers below is the preferred rig. Fish all water types to locate fish and don’t be afraid to keep moving to ensure fresh water. Still a few post-spawn Browns lingering about in the river before dropping back down to Spinney Flies: Parachute hopper, Charlie Boy Hopper, Stimulator, Chartreuse Copper John, Rainbow Warrior, Egg Patterns, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Flash Prince
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South Platte, Dream Stream
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| Flow 87 cfs. |
Conditions: Consistent flow and easy wading has anglers liking the conditions on this famed piece of water. The prospect of large lake fish moving into the river as Autumn fades only heightens the excitement for the trophy seeking fishermen. Use stealth and delicate presentation to increase your odds at fighting one of these brutes. Please take care to not wade through spawning beds or disturb fish which may still be spawning. 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, Egg Patterns, Pure Midge Larva, Cap’n Hook
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Williams Fork River Below Dam
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| Flow 22 cfs. |
Conditions: Flow is in the ideal zone for fishing this great tailwater. Both cross-able and still enough volume to offer plenty of holding lies for fish. Be sure to use plenty of weight to quickly sink flies in deeper/faster water, and don’t overlook subtle holding water often passed by. Still seeing some good Baetis activity, with an emerging Midge hatch becoming a big factor. As is typical of this popular fishery, crowds have been stiff at times but, that should be easing now with the days getting shorter. Flies: Pure Midge Larva, Rainbow Warrior, Rojo Midge, Biot mayfly Emerger, #20-22 Green Copper John, Zebra Midge, RS2’s, 5-0 Midge, UV Emerger, BWO dries.
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Antero Reservoir
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Conditions: Just about time to wrap it up for open water fishing here. Although, if you are game and are able to fish with a hand launch boat ie. belly boat or kayak as the ramps are closed, you should enjoy the solitude. No traffic to speak of but, cold in the mornings with reports of some light ice early that usually breaks up as the sun and wind get up. Still a little bit of action but, pretty close to the countdown for ice to form and stick around. 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: Also getting to be late in the year for this popular impoundment. The ramps are closed, but anglers are still able to hand launch until ice on.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, CDC Pheasant Tail, Copper Johns in various colors.
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Delaney Buttes Lakes
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Conditions:Things here are pretty much finishing up for the season as well. Some reports of ice starting to form with overnight lows dropping into the 20s. Still a chance or two but, not for longFlies: Egg Patterns, Bead Pheasant Tail, Bead Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Jumbo Juju, Zebra Midge
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