The Colorado Angler Fishing Report – March 9, 2016
March 09th, 2016
The Colorado Angler Fly Fishing Report
Plan your next fishing trip knowing you’ll arrive without any surprises. Our professional fishing reports are updated weekly with stream and river flows, recommended flies, equipment, and special fishing tips for the most important fly-fishing destinations in Colorado. To see a detailed fishing report for a specific river, simply scroll below to read 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. Understanding how fisheries change during the year, as well as how to approach them is key to growing an angler’s skill set. We hope you use this invaluable information to your advantage. 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. 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. Call: Toll Free 855-CO TROUT (268-7688) Spring Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 6 pm, Sunday 8 am – 5 pm
Recent Update: March 9, 2016
In spite of the quick moving storm that passed through the high country to start the week and the potential for a little burst this evening, a general spring-like pattern remains intact. This should last for the next several days with a possibility of some snow returning towards the start of next week. As this pattern holds, additional water opens up almost daily and the water that has been open continues to improve. In addition to the consistent tailwater options, we are starting to see a good number of freestone destinations. The Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Eagle and Colorado are all providing good fishing action with an expanding selection of food choices for hungry post winter trout. Midges continue to be the most prevalent insect around but, there are good numbers of Baetis nymphs starting to get active and even a few adults emerging in some locations. That activity should really start to increase on most of our mid-elevation freestones (5,500 to 7,000 ft) over the next couple of weeks. And there are still molting Stoneflies to be found, as well. Conditions will remain solid overall for some time to come. However, it is that time of year where we can get some localized, short-lived clarity problems. These generally happen the first sunny day or two after a new snowfall. As the sun is getting higher in the sky, most of the low elevation snow adjacent to the river or on roadways won’t set up as snow-pack and will be quick to run-off into the river. When that happens, you can often move upstream and get some better conditions. If not, take solace in the fact that it will generally be cleaner by the next morning. Detailed reports below 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. |
Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir |
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| Flow: 101 cfs. | |
| Conditions: The release from the dam remains steady now for the second week at that magic 100 cfs level. Typically, we find that once the flow hits 100 or higher it enters into what we like to refer to as a “Shrimp Positive” flow. At this level, the rate at which Mysis are flowing from the dam becomes a little more consistent and those patterns usually factor into the equation a little more often, as well. Even though flows are up slightly, clarity remains gin clear and tippet size will continue to be important, with 6x offering the best set up, maybe some 5x fluorocarbon, as well. Although, we have already seen a couple of days where snow melt out of Straight Creek has put some color in the river. If that does happen, keep fishing. Either move up above it or bump up your tippet size and fish some dirty water flies: eggs, worms, buggers, etc. As for the normal days when clarity is stable, action has also been solid on a wide range of nymphs including everything from the typical tailwater Baetis and Midge imitations, as well as eggs and worms and even larger searching patterns. Due to the stability of water temperatures coming from the dam, the time of day hasn’t mattered with regards to feeding. That has been fairly steady throughout the day. However, early seems to be more productive until the wade traffic on the river starts to impact fish comfort. As well, later in the day as angler numbers dwindle the fish regain a little bit of stability and resume feeding. Including into the evening hours. The biggest surprise for most anglers will be the potential for crowds. Now as we enter into March and the mild weather continues, plenty of anglers are buying into the idea of an early spring. We’re not sure that winter is completely over but, until that snow settles back in there are plenty of fly casters looking to cure their cabin fever. This is the point where we lobby for courtesy and etiquette to win out over self interest and ego. Be patient and show your fellow angler a little courtesy by not crowding into water that may not support more than one angler. Take a look up or downstream and come back to that spot later in the day. Or if you have time, venture out to some of the freestone options that are improving daily with the nice weather.
Town Flies: Stalcup’s Mysis, BTS Mysis or any other Mysis that you like, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, Black Beauty, Brassie, UV Emerger, Biot Midge, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Rojo Midge, Tube Midge – Black or Red, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Two Bit Hooker, Zebra Midge, Otter Soft Milking Egg, Bead Eggs, Wooly Bugger Black or Olive, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flossy Worn. And work in a streamer every once in a while, as well. Often over looked but, randomly deadly. |
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Blue River Below Green Mountain |
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| Flow: 205 cfs. | |
| Conditions: As with just about everywhere else at the moment, angler interest in the canyon is on the rise. Gone are the days of winter solitude. At least on the weekend. Temperatures are getting more tolerable as the sun starts to climb higher in the sky. With the added pressure, fishing has continued to be inconsistent. Some days have been very solid, while other days appear to be feeling the effects of all the boots walking through the river. Try to plan it for a week day when there might not be as much competition. Even more so than summer, anglers need to pay attention to their footing above the river. Be very careful getting to the river from the parking area. The phrase “slide for life” comes to mind. Nymph rigs with a good mix of Midge and Baetis patterns are the primary approach but, it is also a good bet to anchor those set-ups with some larger bugs or eggs. Strong populations of Green Drake and PMD nymphs make those a potential all year. As well, there are a couple of different Stoneflies present, which will molt throughout the year making them more available as they dislodge and drift. 5-6x tippet will cover most presentations and make sure to keep your weight sightly heavier than you think you need. If you are not tapping bottom every 4 to 6 drifts you may need a little more. We like to fish with a #10 – 14 imitation for the Drake or Stone on top and drop the smaller imitations for the Midge or Baetis behind that on 6x. You can also substitute an egg for that lead fly. At this level, crossing the river is not a problem. Although, it is slick and a swim is not out of the question so, wade safe.
Flies: Big bead heads: Tungsten Split Case Green Drake, Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Rubberlegs, Psycho Prince, Mr Peacock Ice, Flossy Worm. The Smaller Stuff: RS-2, Tung Psycho May, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Winter Baetis, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Big Spanker, Otter Egg. Floaters should note: 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. At 1,500 cfs the bridges are impassable. Under 500 become questionable for clearance of certain boats. |
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Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
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| Flow: 250 cfs. +/- @ Parshall (A guess, as the gauge is iced up) | |
| Conditions: An improving option both from an access and action standpoint. Mild temperatures have further diminished the amount of shore ice along the channel. However, what ice is left will be getting weaker and tend to be unstable. Wading anglers will want to use caution when crossing or standing on any ice that is left. Action is also on the upswing as a growing number of food sources are present. Good hatches of Midges have been driving steady interest for the fast several weeks. That is being boosted with the addition of micro spring Stoneflies over the past week or so. On top of that there have even been a few reports of Baetis already emerging from the river. It may still be a bit early for that to be widespread but, certainly continue to have a good mix of Baetis nymphs in your offerings throughout the day. Tandem nymph rigs continue to produce through the bulk of the day with a mix of Midges, Baetis and Stonefly imitations (both large and micro). Early on focus on the deeper runs and tail outs to pools where the fish can hold with less energy consumption. As the temperatures warm around mid-day look for the fish to move up and position from the middle to heads of those same runs and even up into the bottom of riffles as drifting nymphs become available. Be patient for rising fish, as they have been late to surface, even as late as 5 pm. When that happens make sure to have a good selection of Midge, Baetis and Micro Stonefly patterns in order to capitalize on what is emerging. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself on a weekend. It looks as if plenty of anglers are ready to leave the winter tailwaters behind and get back on to a freestone. Albeit one with a tailwater influence.
Flies: Biot Midge, Barr’s Emerger, Magic Fly, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Hackled, 5-0 Midge, Disco Midge, Rojo Midge, UV Emerger, RS-2, WD40, Tube Midge, Zebra Midge, Noon Midge, Pure Midge Larva-Pale Olive, Brassie, Buckskin #18-20, Pheasant Tail #18-22, Black Copper John #20-22, Small Prince Nymphs, Black Pheasant Tail |
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero |
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| Flow: 525 cfs. @ Pumphouse | |
| Conditions: Mostly open water but, there are still a few spots to be aware of for floaters. Little Gore and Yarmony canyons both still have some anchor/shelf ice that is causing some safety and navigation issues and the flat water above and below Rancho is still hit or miss. Other wise the areas that get good sunshine are now ice free. Fishing continues to improve, as well. Although, there is still some cold and snowy weather to come (after all it is only early March), spring has come early to this stretch of river, which normally takes til April to hit it’s stride. Nymphing with a good mix of Stonefly, Baetis and Midge patters along with beaded searching patterns has been productive most days. Water clarity above Rancho has been very good, with some color coming into the river as you get down towards State Bridge. Of course that will be day-to-day at this time of year, as any additional snow fall or a particularly warm day will add some surface melt and run-off into the river. That being said 4 and 5x tippets should get the job done in most situations. With water levels at these flows wading is very solid and anglers can cross the river in many places. Access roads into Pumphouse and Radium are finally snow free but, can be slick at times as snow melt runs across the road.
Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Mr Rubberlegs Brown, Hurless Nymph, BH Hares Ear, BH Prince, BH Prince, BH Pheasant Tail, Tung Psycho Baetis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Duracell Jig, Eggs, Zebra Midge, Blood Midge, 5-0 Midge, Pheasant Tail etc |
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 1,400 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Another decent winter option that gets overlooked. It is big water and wading can be a tough endeavor the first time or two but, once you get dialed in on where to access and where the fish are holding, results can be solid. This stretch consistently produces some of the nicest Rainbows on the Colorado River. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations trailed behind mid-sized beaded searching patterns – like Tungteasers, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears etc- can be productive. And being farther down the drainage in the bigger water, tippet size jumps up to 4x and 5x. Focus on the slower water just off of the deeper seams early, then move to the seams adjacent the current and deep pockets as the day warms up. As with all winter nymphing make sure to have enough weight on to get you down to where the fish are sheltering. If you don’t tap the bottom every 4 to 6 drifts, make an adjustment to either your weight, depth or both. Not only is this a good wade fishing destination, there is plenty of open water for float fishing, as well. South Canyon ramp is closed for the season but, Two Rivers, Tibbets, New Castle and Silt are all open.
Flies: Mr Peacock Ice, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Hot Wire Prince, Twenty Incher, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Hares Ear, San Juan Worm patterns, Zebra Midge, Lil Spanker, Tung Psycho May, Big Spanker, Rainbow Warrior, Magic Fly, RS-2
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista |
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| Flow: 275 +/- cfs. @ Granite. | |
| Conditions: Mostly ice in the upper valley but, there is some open water in the stretch just below lake creek in Balltown. It might be worth a go on a sunny day. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis, Midge and small searching patterns using 5-6x tippet. Focus on the slow deep runs with quiet water off of the main channel. Flows are above average at the moment due to and ongoing water transfer from Twin Lakes into the Arkansas. This will help keep the open water stretch available a substantial distance downstream from the confluence than usual. Anything above the confluence with Lake Creek will be locked up in ice.
Flies: Rainbow Warrior, Brassie, Zebra, Midge, Tung Psycho May, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Two bit Hooker, Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, CDC Hares Ear, Twenty Incher, Mr Peacock, Flossy Worm |
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Arkansas River Salida Area
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| Flow: 366 cfs. @ Salida | |
| Conditions: Low early season flows are at an ideal level for early season wade anglers. Combine that with the fantastic weather this week of high sun and low 50s and you have a very positive freestone option. Good access and action should be found from Stone Bridge well down into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. Early in the day focus on the winter holding water adjacent to deeper seams where fish can hold up with limited energy. As the day warms and fish move to feed adjust your efforts to the slow side of those seams or to the flats and runs at the bottom of riffles where fish may position to feed on drifting nymphs. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of beaded searching patterns and small stones trailing a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations will cover most of the food choices. With the current water level you might be able to get away with 5x on your top fly but, we would drop to 6x for the trailer to improve your odds.
Flies: Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Beadhead Prince, Beadhead Hare’s Ear, Red or Chartreuse Copper John, Hot Wire Prince, Tungteaser, Tungstone, Biot Epoxyback Stone, Iron Sally, Psycho Prince, Duracell Jig, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, Brassie, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Micro Mayfly, Split Case BWO, Magic Fly |
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 450 +/- cfs. | |
| Conditions: Another solid winter option for wade anglers. Action has been consistent along the lower river in the Glenwood area, with moments of good fishing upstream towards Basalt. Mid-day has been most productive with tandem nymph rigs, using 4 – 6x tippet. As is typical with most freestones at this time of year, Baetis and Midges will comprise the majority of the activity but, we have been seeing some decent results on medium to larger searching nymphs, along with some Stonefly patterns. With that in mind, anchor your set-up with one of those larger bugs and trail the Baetis and Midge stuff behind. Early in the day look for fish to be sheltered in the quiet water with little to no current. As the day warms and the sun hits the water look for fish to move to the slower water just off of seams and towards the tails of runs. Once there are drifting nymphs those fish may move up towards the middle and even head of the run to feed on those active bugs. This is a great early spring freestone that generally starts to get fairly productive as we move into early to mid-February and current indications are that it is on schedule. The river itself is completely free of ice from Carbondale on down, with good access for wade, as well as committed float anglers. Inflatables only, too low for the hard boats just yet.
Flies: Twenty Incher #12-14, Tungteaser #12-14, Beaded Pheasant Tail #12-14, Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10, Beaded Hares Ear #12-14, CDC Prince #12-16, Hot Wire Prince #12-16, Standard Pheasant Tail #18-20, Tung Psycho May, Rainbow Warrior Black or Red, Juju Baetis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Duracell Jig, Root Beer Float, Biot Midge, Zebra Midge, RS2, Tung Psycho May |
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South Platte River, Middle Fork |
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| Flow: 15 +/- cfs. | |
| Conditions: Ice and snow have the river locked up until March at the earliest.
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South Platte, Dream Stream |
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| Flow: 62 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Stable winter flows, low and clear. Action has been fair, with the extreme cold and wind of the past few weeks limiting angler enthusiasm. Always worth a look if you are in the neighborhood but, keep in mind how those South Park winds can whip up and leave you exposed. Focus on the winter water with slower current that provide cover for fish. 6x is ideal and if you have it, 7x might help with presentation. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations. Still a little early for the first big push of lake fish but, that should be right around the corner before the end of February. Flies: Loop Wing Emerger, Pure Midge Larva Black or Pale Olive, Black, Red, Chartreuse Copper John, Juju Baetis, Buckskin, Caddis Larva, Hunchback Scud, Poxybiot Nymph, Desert Storm Chartreuse, Tube Midge, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Barr’s Emerger BWO, RS2, Poxybiot Nymph, Egg Patterns, Cap’n Hook, Disco Midge, San Juan Work variations |
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Williams Fork River Below Dam |
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| Flow: 68 cfs. | |
| Conditions: A decent flow for mid-winter. Action has been fair but, we hope for that to improve as temperatures warm this week. Typical tailwater nymph imitations for Baetis and Midges on 6x tippet. Focus on the classic “winter water” where fish have a chance to shelter from the majority of current, as well as predators. If this past holiday weekend is any indication, there appears to be plenty of early season interest in this popular tailwater. On Saturday there were 9 cars at the Ute Pass lot and another dozen or so over on the Colorado at the Parshall Hole. A weekday may be the time to check it out.
Flies: Poxy Biot Nymph, Buckskin, Flossy Worm, Little Brown Bug, Two Bit Hooker, Flash Back Pheasant Tail, Split Case BWO, Big Bear Baetis, Tungsten Psycho May BWO, Pure Midge Larva, Rainbow Warrior, Rojo Midge, Biot mayfly Emerger, #20-22 Green Copper John, Zebra Midge, RS2’s, 5-0 Midge, UV Emerger |
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Eagle River |
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| Flow: 85 cfs | |
| Conditions: Starting to see a noticeable improvement in access, as well as results. With forecast temperatures in the low to mid 40s over the next week, we expect that to continue. Early in the day focus on the classic winter holding water just adjacent to deep seams and runs, where fish can conserve energy prior to feeding. As the daytime temperature rises look for fish to move along the seams and into the tail outs of pools in anticipation of early afternoon insect activity. Once that starts, then look for fish to move up to the middle and even the head of runs below riffles to feed on those drifting nymphs. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations on 6x tippet will be most productive. However, medium sized searching patterns are always effective as part of that two fly set-up. In the upper valley there will be open water in Avon just below the water treatment plant. Look for that to expand downstream now as day time temps climb in the valley and daylight is increasing. Further down valley, the public access in and around Gypsum will offer increasing options that should expand upstream almost daily as shelf ice along the bank breaks up. Conversely, we are at the point where there will be a certain amount of surface melt and incidental run-off. This isn’t the big push of snow-melt, rather just some day to day clarity interruptions. On the Eagle this tends to get more prominent the further down stream you go, especially once you get below Wolcott. As that happens change your location up river until you find some better clarity. Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Head Hare’s Ear, Psycho Prince, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Buckskin Caddis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Root Beer Float, Tung Psycho May, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Standard Pheasant Tail 18-22, Tube Midge, Desert Storm, Barr’s Emerger, Juju stuff. |
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir |
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| Conditions: Ice. Closed for the season. Ice fishing is prohibited and the Park will not reopen until the lake is entirely ice free. Most likely mid-May.
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Delaney Buttes Lakes |
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| Conditions: Ice. Fishing is allowed and action has been sloooowww. Flies: Jigs, Pink and White |
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