Detailed Reports - Click on a location for details.
Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
Conditions
Big changes in town as the release from the dam is up in anticipation of spring runoff into the reservoir.This is good news any way you look at it. The additional water will help spread out fish into greater habitat, as well, it will offer them added cover from predators, hopefully making them feel a little more at ease. But even more important, the added flow from the dam creates a stronger pull of food from the reservoir, most notably in the form of Mysis Shrimp.
From a technical standpoint, the good news is that you can bump up your tippet size a notch, 5x should be light enough, maybe even 4x. While you’re at it don’t overlook the need for extra weight, anywhere from 1 to 2 BBs for most spots.
In addition to the Mysis, Midges are still the primary aquatic insect in the food chain, with good results also coming on the typical “spring-water-is-on-the-rise” patterns. ie Spaghetti and Meatballs.
Traffic overall has been lighter than typical, but as the fishing has improved and we near the end of the tightest travel restrictions, we anticipate busier days lie ahead.
Flies
BTS Shrimp, Tim’s Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, Red Neck Midge, Glassy Brassie, Mirage Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Tube Midges, Black Beauty, Brassie, Bead Head Biot Midge, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Rojo Midge, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Zebra Midge, Flossy Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Huevos, #20-#24 Pheasant Tail
Current Water Data
Blue River Below Green Mountain
Conditions
Although there was a short-lived bump up in the release from Green Mountain, flows remain very low for this popular tailwater and this is having an impact on action. We generally find results to be stronger on overcast days, as well as the lower light times of day when there aren’t any clouds. Definitely drop down to at least 5x, but 6x has been more productive with the clarity being completely transparent. Be careful getting down to and back up from the river. Slick conditions on the steep canyon walls makes for a treacherous hike, and torn waders or a broken rod is a real possibility. A decent range of food options due to a rich biomass, gives you the potential for results on Midges and Baetis along with Stonefly and searching nymphs. Tandem nymph rigs drifted through the deeper runs have been the most consistent but keep an eye out for any early season emergence of those Midges and Baetis to potentially bring a few fish to the surface.
We have not had any communication with water managers at Green Mountain to see what their schedule for spring releases is. The lake is starting to fill, but it has a way to go at this point. With a fairly robust snow pack in the Blue River Valley we are anticipating a strong run-off which will require a spill. That being the case, they tend to ramp up outflow ahead of time in anticipation of that spill, so that it doesn’t go from zero to apocalyptic overnight.
Flies
BH PT, Perdigon Nymph, Quill Body Jig in dark olive, Darth Baetis, Magic Fly BWO, Tungsten Psycho May, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Psycho Prince, Duracell Jig, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge, Foam Wing RS-2, Flossy Worm, Parachute Extended Body BWO, CDC Baetis Dun, Slate Gray No Hackle, Winger Parachute, Parachute Purple, Sculpzilla, Sex Dungeon, Cheech Leech, Sparkle Minnow etc
Current Water Data
Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
Conditions
The stream flow at Parshall is actually in the 975cfs range, we are having trouble getting a link to the correct gauge below the confluence with the William’s Fork. Not as high as it has been this past week, but still a robust amount of water and will offer a limited range for wading/crossing the river. However, with the flow down from higher levels, and some additional water from the Willie’s, there should be some degree of clearing, offering a chance for success if you happen to be in the neighborhood. There are still good opportunities for Midges, but Baetis hatches have become a consistent event, especially on days with afternoon clouds.
Nymph imitations for those two hatches fished in tandem with a mix of Stonefly and searching nymphs have been solid early. Start the day focused on the tail out of runs and deeper lies where trout can shelter a bit out of the heavier currents. As the day progresses and rising water temps spark insect activity, shift that focus towards the head of runs and bottoms of riffles where the fish should move to feed on drifting nymphs.
Flies
Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flashback Hare’s Ear, Miller’s Tactical + One, Flossy Worm, CDC Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Psycho Prince, Breadcrust, Pheasant Tail #14-18 -beaded and not- Redemption BWO, Darth Baetis, Split Case BWO, Tungsten Micro Mayfly Brown, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Aero Baetis, Root Beer Float, Zebra midge in black, Bead Head Biot Midge, Sparkle Worm, Silver Bullet Minnow, Goldie, Heisenberg White, Mini Peanut Envy white, Sex Dungeon cream, Sculpzilla
Current Water Data
Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
Conditions
After a solid surge in water and dramatic drop in clarity last week, things have stabilized for the moment after a few cooler days. Although clarity if far from gin clear, it is enough for trout to feed with a little more enthusiasm than earlier in the week. Nymph rigs are the most consistent method, focused on a variety of large Stonefly imitations, beaded searching patterns, Caddis and Baetis variations. As well, streamer patterns continue to do well, particularly Sculpin imitations as their spawn is wrapping up.
The farther down you go the dirtier it is going to be. We would recommend starting above Radium where Sheephorn Creek runs into the main channel and adds a good deal of color. If that confluence doesn’t look too bad then the next big influence will be Piney Creek just above the State Bridge ramp.
And don’t forget, Rancho is not running shuttles. So make a plan before getting to the river.
Flies
GT Adult BWO, Slate Gray No Hackle, Winger Parachute, CDC Dun Baetis, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Psycho Prince, Yeager’s Soft Hackle, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Duracell, Aero Baetis, Millers Tactical Plus 1, Magic Fly, Foam Wing RS2, Tungsten Psycho May, Darth Baetis, Zebra midges, Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet, Sex Dungeon,
Current Water Data
Colorado River Below Glenwood Springs
Conditions
After the warm up things are pretty well shot on the lower river, as clarity has cratered. It is currently running various shades of brown, from light mocha to full on chocolate. Once run-off peaks, starts to stabilize and then drop, look for the color to switch over to a greenish tint before committing to this stretch again.
Keep in mind that the boat ramp at Two Rivers Park in Glenwood remains closed for a remodel, so plan on using other access points.
Flies
Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, CDC BH Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Duracell Jig, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Hares Ear, Yeager’s BH Soft Hackle J, Zebra Midges, San Juan Worm patterns, Flossy Worm, Sex Dungeon, Heisenberg Streamers, Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet.
Current Water Data
Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
Conditions
Action is really heating up along the upper stretch of the river. Strong hatches of Midges and Blue Winged Olives can be found from Buena Vista up to Leadville, with lesser amounts of Caddis starting to show up in the BV area. Clarity remains decent in the upper basin, even as flows have bumped substantially from Twin Lakes in anticipation of spring snow melt. Even still the volume allows for good wade access and should help to put trout at ease as it offers more cover. Early in the day, before the hatch starts, tandem nymph rigs should be the most consistent. Lead with a mid to larger Stonefly or beaded searching nymph, followed up with either a Baetis or Midge imitation. There have also been days when Caddis larva have been productive. Keep a watch for emerging bugs in the afternoon, as the opportunity to find rising fish is getting more consistent every day. Although temperatures in the upper basin are still a bit cooler than downstream, the streamer action is starting to pick up. Make sure to experiment with retrieval patterns and speed, as the fish may not be as aggressive in their pursuit of larger prey.
Flies
Brooks Sprout Baetis, No Hackle Slate Gray, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Miller’s Tactical Plus One, Red Collar Leggy PT, Duracell, Copper John, BH Pheasant Tail, BH Hare’s Ear, Lil Spanker, Hot Wire Prince, Psycho Prince, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J, Iron Sally, Perdigon, Tungsten Psycho May, Tungsten Micro Mayfly, Beaded Biot Midge, Flossy Worm, Silver Bullet
Current Water Data
Arkansas River Salida Area
Conditions
Conditions in the Salida area have really improved over the last week with the cooler weather. Conditions now may be as good as anywhere in the high country. Flows are robust, but certainly not un-wadeable if you pay attention to where you try to go, and don’t try to cross if you are absolutely positive of your ability. At the same time these are great levels for floating and will allow for the anglers to focus on the edge water with dries, droppers and streamers.
Unfortunately, unless you are a resident of Chaffee county, you can’t actually fish in Chaffeee County at the moment, as the county has closed all recreation to non-county residents due to the current health crisis.
On the other hand, if you are a resident enjoy a combination of uncrowded waters and a growing emergence of Caddis. In particular on sunny days when water temps climb high enough to spark a late day hatch. On those days when clouds dominate, expect to see a greater amount of Baetis, which are still a major influence at this time of year.
We recommend starting with a beaded Stonefly or searching nymph, like a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear and following that up with either Baetis or Caddis imitations.
Flies
Elk Hair Caddis, Ginger Caddis, Foam Caddis, Spotlight Caddis, Para Extended Body BWO, GT Adult BWO, No Hackle Slate Gray, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Red Collar Leggy PT, Duracell, Copper John, BH Pheasant Tail, Psycho Prince, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J, GB Biot Epoxy Stone, Matt Demon Stone, Iron Sally, Tungsten Psycho May, Tungsten Micro Mayfly, Beaded Biot Midge, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Flossy Worm, Purple parachutes, Winger Parachute, Silver Bullet, Sparkle Minnow.
Current Water Data
Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
Conditions
After an initial spike in flows to start the month, there has been a slight retreat in volume and a good improvement in clarity, particularly in the upper valley above the Crystal. Caddis continue to emerge, as well as Baetis the higher up you go. This is a short reprieve so enjoy it while you can. Good flows for both wading and floating anglers. The action early in the day will be more consistent nymphing, as water temps take some time to warm enough to kick off the bugs. Big Stonefly imitations or beaded searching nymphs followed up with a Baetis pattern or Caddis pupa. By early to mid-afternoon look for adults to start emerging and intensifying later in the day. Once that happens, make the switch over to dries and fish the edge water, riffles and pockets.
Keep in mind that the Two Rivers boat ramp in Glenwood Springs is still closed for a construction project, so if you are floating the lower river make sure to familiarize yourself with alternative take-outs.
Flies
BH Pheasant Tail, BH Prince, Duracell Jig, Chartreuse Copper John, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J,Foam Wing RS-2, Tungsten Psycho May, Darth Baetis, Flashwing RS-2, Split Case BWO, Pat’s RL, San Juan Worm, Pat’s Rubber legs, Peacock Caddis, Mother’s Day Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Body Double Caddis
Current Water Data
Williams Fork River Below Dam
Conditions
Flows have made a nice jump up and the river is running at a solid early season flow. This flow should provide good enough cover for fish to spread out a bit from their winter “low water” lies and offer more opportunities for anglers. As well, this should be a good level to take advantage of the reconditioned channel from the recent restoration project that was completed just last fall. There will still be sections that haven’t seen the insect population completely back fill yet, but that will improve as the season goes on. As you would expect, Midges are key right now but Baetis, smaller Stonefly nymphs and Caddis imitations can be productive as part of a two nymph set-up. (The Breadcrust is an all time pattern for a point fly)
Flies
Darth Baetis, Breadcrust, Duracell Jig, Perdigon Nymphs, Poison Tung, 5-0 Midge, Pure Midge Larva, Flashback Pheasant Tail, RS-2, Foam Wing RS-2, Buckskin, Tungsten Psycho Mayfly, Barr’s Emerger, Miller’s Tactical Plus One
Current Water Data
Eagle River
Conditions
Action continues to be solid up and down the river, depending on the day. With warmer temps over the first couple of weeks of the month, we are seeing low elevation snow melt having an impact on conditions at times. In particular, as you work down stream from Wolcott and pick up sedimentary laden tributaries from the North.
With a shot of cold temperatures the past week that has helped to slow that and offer a greater amount of fish-able water. In your search for clean water it is important to keep in mind a couple of things for fishing the Eagle. First, this is a river that does have a tendency to run a little off color for long periods of time, and as such the resident fish don’t mind a little bit of tint to the water. As long as it isn’t in the process of turning from clear to dirty and you have a foot or better, you should still give it a shot. And the second tip would be to not assume it is dirtier downstream. Yes, that can be the case, but at this time of year as it warms and cools most days there will be waves of off-color water that move through. Sometimes it is possible to head downstream and get in front of that wave of dirty water, at least for a couple of hours before it catches you.
When you do find that good water, there have been a wide assortment of patterns working. Start with Baetis and Midges, add in Stonefly and beaded searching patterns, with some people reporting the spaghetti and meatball rigs to be effective, as well. Particularly when you find that off-color water. As well, there are pockets of Caddis starting to move up river.
Flies
Duracell Jig, Tungsten Psycho May, RS-2, Juju Baetis, Darth Baetis, Aero Baetis, Perdigon Nymph, Miller’s Tactical Plus one, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Psycho Prince, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J, Sparkle Worm, Flossy Worm,Glister Grub, Huevos