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Spring is making it’s move here in the high country and finally we have a little bit more choice in our options for a day on the water. The Tailwaters continue to offer good, solid destinations for steady action. Crowds do seem to be on the rise there however, as spring break and beautiful days have plenty of anglers hitting the river.
With the days getting steadily longer and warmer, the amount of open Freestone access is growing daily. Good reports come in daily from the Roaring Fork from Glenwood all the way up to Basalt. Along the Eagle we see everything below Edwards as in play, with good action particularly from Eagle to Gypsum. To the South, action along the Arkansas expands almost daily and is now productive from Brown’s Canyon downstream into the heart of Big Horn Sheep Canyon.
We have also benefited from a steady stream of good spring snow. While we are not “out of the woods” just yet on the water storage front, snow continues to fall with some regularity.
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: 66 cfs. |
| Conditions: The Tailwater stretch of the Blue remains a consistent destination for feeding trout. With sub 100 cfs flows, we are still seeing the majority of action on Midge patterns, primarily sub-surface. There just isn’t enough flow from the dam to pull big amounts of shrimp into the river and as a result, Mysis imitations are only a small percentage of of the success rate. However, as we move into spring, we are now seeing some increase in feeding on Egg patterns as the Rainbows get ramped up for the impending spawn. Those small, darker colored Mayfly nymphs continue to produce some amount of action as well. At this time of year it is important to pay attention to the weather and how it relates to any recent snow fall we may have had. The first day or two of intense sunshine after one of our moisture rich spring snow storms can bring some added color to our typically crystal clear Tailwater as the roads melt off. If you experience this, don’t abandon your fishing altogether, simply make an adjustment. Either change your flies to include something a bit more flashy, like a San Juan Worm, or move upstream closer to the dam to get above any runoff that may be entering the river.
Town Flies: Candy Cane #20, BTS Mysis #16-22, 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, Tube Midge Black or Red #20-22, Medallion Midge #22-24, 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: 195 cfs. |
| Conditions: Flows have jumped up to a very solid level just under 200. This should benefit the fishery and subsequently the action. 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. 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: 125+/- cfs. |
| Conditions: This is definitely a best guess on water levels here as the gauges are still mothballed for the winter. Suffice it to say that 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. That being said, as longer days with plenty of sun begin to become the norm, we see access here opening up more every day, as well as an increase in insect activity. Action is on the upswing here and anglers should be happy to note that includes legitimate dry fly opportunities. Midges are pretty consistent right now and present some good surface action from noon until 3 pm most days. As is typical of this time of year, nymphing will still be the most productive method throughout the day, with good results on Olive, Cream and Black Midge imitations covering the larva, pupa and emerging life stages. Those fished in tandem with a variety of Baetis nymphs have been productive.
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, Gulpher Special, Para Extended Body BWO, Skittering Zelon Midge, CDC Hanging Midge .
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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 1300 cfs. |
| Conditions: A good option for the early Spring as the lower altitude and warmer climate is a couple of weeks ahead of the river in the upper basin. Action here has been steadily improving for the last several weeks; both for wade anglers and float fishers alike. Look for a variety of nymph patterns under indicators to be producing the best results. 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: Although the upper-most reaches are still under a coat of ice, we are starting to see some water opening up, particularly below Granite and closer to Buena Vista. Probably not the most consistent fishery yet in terms of day in and day out but, there are fish starting to stir from their winter respite. And definitely don’t expect wide spread activity. Rather, look for fish to be holding in the tail-outs of pools and runs, moving up towards the head as things warm mid afternoon. 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: Things are starting to rapidly heat up below BV. We are now seeing solid Spring fishing from Brown’s Canyon down through Salida and into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. While the most consistent action throughout the day will be on nymph rigs, there are fish rising mid-day to well presented Midge and even Blue Wing patterns. Best bet for that surface activity is going to be from 12-3. The fish aren’t quite wide spread yet as flows are low and water temps are still climbing, so focus on deeper pools and runs. Look for fish to either be deep or in the tail outs early and then to move up in the column and towards the mid current as the day warms to feed. Water is very low and clear, which can make for easy access, but spooky fish as well. When moving up river take your time and be careful not to rush in to any spot to quick, if you can, keep wading to a minimum. Nymphing action has been best on a variety of Beaded searching and Stonefly patterns combined with some Baetis and Midge trailers.
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: Wade fishing along the Fork is once again offering good opportunities up and down the valley, particularly through Glenwood and Basalt. Good amounts of Midges continue to hatch and as water temperatures continue to rise, we are even seeing some Blue Winged Olives. Action has been solid with nymph rigs throughout the day with a mix of imitations for those Blue Wing and Midge hatches. For a diverse set up, fish those in tandem with a larger bead head searching pattern such as a Pheasant Tail or Prince, or behind a large Stonefly nymph. Keep an eye out for fish to be rising during times when adult insects might be 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 Winter/early Spring 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 Warrior
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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 52 cfs. |
| Conditions: Very low flows and technical conditions. The abundance of sun has started to break up the ice along the lower river, but spooky fish are definitely skittish and feeling exposed. Sight fishing is producing some modest results and we recommend going without an indicator if possible. Just one less thing to make the trout nervous.
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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