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The big news for the weekend is definitely the jump in flows into the Blue River from Dillon Reservoir. Mid-day Thursday, Denver Water raised the release from 75 cfs up to 115 cfs in order to do some routine maintenance on the dam facilities. This will last through the weekend then ramp back down to the 70 cfs range.
Two key take-aways from this news: #1. Hooray Shrimp. With this jump, we anticipate a increase in Mysis Shrimp from the lake into the river. Flows over 100 have the suction to pull enough of these fresh water crustaceans from the depths of Lake Dillon and flush them down the Tailwater stretch through Silverthorne for the trout to focus on. Whereas the last several weeks of fishing have been great on aquatic insect patterns and very little on shrimp, we now hope to see that ratio go up to at least 50-50, shrimp to bugs. If it’s one thing a well educated trout can’t resist, it’s Mysis Shrimp.
#2. Don’t wait. If you want to take advantage of this potential binge feeding, do it now. In our conversation with Denver Water, they indicated that this was only going to last for the weekend and then the flow would once again return to the more conservation minded 70 cfs range. So, beat feet and head to the Blue.
If that’s not your thing or you have a bit of Tailwater fatigue as we near the end of a long winter, then maybe take a look at the Arkansas in the Salida area. With it’s lower elevation and mild climate, we have started to enjoy some good results along the river from Stone Bridge to down past town, even as far as Wellsville. Action has been good on a mix of patterns including Stonefly, Midge and Searching nymphs, with our best results coming between 11:30 am and 2 pm. We are just excited to have a genuine Freestone option available once again.
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: 116 cfs. |
Conditions: Finally a change in flow upward. This should be a positive development for food diversity along the stretch through town. Generally speaking, as flows get up above 100 cfs, there is a much greater chance of shrimp flushing through the dam into the river. That being said, you should definitely work some shrimp patterns back into to your offerings. Prior to this bump, action has been solid on a good mix of Midge Pupa and Larva, darker colored Mayfly nymphs and even some good results on the odd egg pattern so, make sure to continue to fish those type of patterns along with your favorite Mysis. Be patient as crowds have been an issue at times, particularly on weekends with sunshine, although, this weekend looks to have a good bit of snow and clouds in the forecast and that could keep the focus on the ski hill. As they say “make hay while the sun shines” and get on the river soon, as the flow will once again drop back to 70 +/- on Monday. Town Flies: Candy Cane #20, BTS Mysis #16-22, Charlie’s Mysis #18-20, Stalcup’s Mysis #16-18 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, #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: 160-180 cfs. |
Conditions: Always worth a look in the winter. While not as consistent as some other Tailwater options, there are some quality fish to be had in the canyon below Green Mtn and a fraction of the traffic as well. Action is day to day at the moment and should continue as such for a couple of weeks yet. Due to minimal sun and a prominent inversion, daytime temps here are also colder than most locations in the winter. Make sure to exercise caution when making you way down to the river. The hill is very steep and now with snow on it footing can be treacherous. Once you make it to the river, access is very comfortable for steady waders and consistent flows mean stable fish. The majority of current activity will be to Midge and Baetis nymphs, with the strongest possibility of any emergence coming in the form of a Midge hatch but, that shouldn’t be likely for a couple more weeks. 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 (Parshall)
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| Flow: 140+/- cfs. |
Conditions: Stream flows here are definitely low and slow. With not much volume coming from the Williams Fork this winter, the effect will be felt here. Expect the open water in this stretch to be shorter than a typical winter due to the lower flow along with the nightly sub-zero temperatures. Anglers shouldn’t expect to find much consistently open water downstream from the bridge just below the parking lot at the picnic area. But as the days now grow longer and the sun gets higher, we should see that start to break up some. All of that being said, fishing remains good around the Parshall area. Although this is always a popular area, crowds have been hit or miss lately depending on the temperatures. Nymphing has been the strongest return on effort, with midge pupa and larva patterns in Red, Black, Olive and Cream providing steady action. As we move into late winter, things should also start to pick up on Baetis nymphs and emergers. This stretch is never a bad option as it always holds potential for great fishing, especially when the Midges pop in the winter. Flies: WD-40, Pure Midge Larva:Red or Pale Olive, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Rojo Midge, Purple Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2, Big Bear Baetis, Two Bit Hooker, Mercury Black Beauty, Biot Midge. Sparkle Dun BWO, .
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 260-450 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. With the sub-zero temperatures linking together for a few days, this stretch is going to be hit hard. While there may be a few spots of open water scattered along the river, as well as the farther down the corridor from State Bridge you get, most of the river here will be done for some time. There may be some open water that gets a good amount of sunshine and feel free to give it a shot if you are in the neighborhood but, by no means would we recommend a destination trip to this stretch of the Colorado. 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 1120 cfs. |
Conditions: A good option for the late winter as the lower altitude and warmer climate is a couple of weeks ahead of the river in the upper basin. Look for a variety of nymph patterns under indicators to be producing the best results. Conditions and action will start to pick up as the days get longer and water temps climb slightly. As is the case this year just about every where, water levels are low and that allows for a good amount of wade access, just make sure to watch your footing as there are some rather large rocks and a lot of moss. This area does tend to intimidate anglers that are new to fishing here, what with its considerable size and proximity to the interstate. However, with a little time spent on the water figuring out the access and favored holding lies, you may discover a fantastic year round fishery. As is typical of this time of year, action is best mid day to late afternoon. Flies: Mr Peacock Ice, 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 single digits to sub-zero, the upper river is for the most part, done for the season. Maybe as you get down towards BV, 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 will be your best 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: 250+/- cfs. @ Wellsville |
Conditions: As you drop lower along the Arkansas river, action does improve with the warmer temps, especially in the Salida and below stretches. The remnants of mid-January’s deep freeze are still visible with plenty of shelf ice along the shore line but, day time temps and high sun work together to keep the channel free enough of flow ice to make this an actual legitimate freestone destination. Still a few Baetis in the river along with good amounts of Midge activity. Action has been best on a variety of Beaded searching and Stonefly nymphs combined with some Baetis and Midge trailers. Start out early in the tail out of runs and in the eddy water adjacent to the seams. As the sun climbs and water temps rise a little, work your way up towards the middle or head of runs and work for fish that will move into those areas to feed on drifting nymphs. 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, Pat’s Rubber Legs #8, 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: Another spot where action and conditions will be day to day depending on current weather. Wade fishing along the Fork continues to offer good opportunities up and down the valley. And floating is still possible in rafts. 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. With the lower elevation in the Glenwood area up towards Carbondale, day time temps have been down right warm and offer a great late season 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: That’s a wrap, at least for this part of the river. Cold air and wind will work in tandem to lock up the river and freeze out the anglers. Flies: (When it starts to de-ice in the spring) 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: Reports of ice on the very tail end of this “Tailwater”. The culvert hole at the gauging station is open and everything up stream from there but, if you head down towards Eleven Mile from the county road, it will start to ice over. Consistent flow and easy wading has anglers liking the conditions on this famed piece of water. The prospect of large lake fish still hanging in the river post-spawn 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 45 cfs. |
Conditions: Flow is still running at minimal levels as winter continues and water allocations from the reservoir are depleted. Sufficient holding water will be reduced in many stretches and anglers intent on fishing this tailwater will need to focus on the few remaining spots with enough depth to cover trout. Keep an eye on flows here and maybe think about another destination once it gets below 25-30 cfs. As is typical of this popular fishery, fall crowds were pretty big at times but, that should be easing now with the days getting shorter. If you do go, keep in mind that this piece of water sits in the infamous Grand County Inversion. With that comes some pretty extreme temperatures, often times the day time temp might not get out of the single digits during January. make sure to plan accordingly. 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: Ice is on. If you are into fishing the “Hard Water”, this is a pretty good option. Give us a call if that is your thing and we may have a current report as a couple of the boys here find it therapeutic to sit over a hole in the ice in the dead of winter. 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: Closed for the Season. No Ice Fishing Allowed! Flies:
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Delaney Buttes Lakes
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Conditions:Things here are pretty much finishing up for the season as well. Ice is on. Flies: Egg Patterns, Bead Pheasant Tail, Bead Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Jumbo Juju, Zebra Midge
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