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Friday Afternoon
As last weeks rain is all but a memory, conditions in Central Colorado have remained very good for fly fishers on just about every drainage around. The only change of note in the area would be the bump in flows on the lower Blue. Thursday afternoon The Bureau of Reclamation increased the release from Green Mountain by 50 cfs and then again this morning, they finished their increase with another 50 cfs to bring the river up to 500 cfs. This is a normal occurrence for this reservoir in the late summer and early fall as down stream water calls come in. Only this year it is much later than normal with the abundance of water in the river.
With this increase, a couple of situations will arise on the lower Blue. First, this will probably limit the wade access in the canyon below the dam, as crossing the river now becomes an impossible task for just about everybody. All is not lost though, as the river will continue to fish well at this higher level, there just isn’t as much space to spread out the pressure.
Second, this will also bring the flow up to a level where a skilled boater with the right sized raft can navigate the obstacles that were impassable at lower flows. Keep in mind that this may not apply to all boats and ability levels, it will still take a good amount of talent to get down this river without getting into any trespassing issues. So if in doubt, err on the side of not getting into the wrong position.
Why not play it safe and head on up to the Colorado, where fishing remains strong and river levels still allow for any of the stretches to be floated. Weekdays have been fairly unencumbered, with not much traffic to be seen on most of the river. But there is a chance that weekend traffic will spike with the weather forecast for the next several days. Maybe check out the river from State Bridge down to Catamount or even Burns where the crowds are generally non-existent.
Fishing in the high country is entering into the peak of fall splendor as last weeks weather systems seemed to have jump started the annual foliage light show. That combined with water clarity remaining clear and strong Blue Winged Olive hatches, this could be a fantastic weekend to get out and enjoy some early fall fishing throughout the high country. Arkansas, Colorado, Eagle, Roaring Fork, Blue, the list is full of great choices for any angler’s preference.
There are definitely some great opportunities out there right now for excellent fishing. So before the rest of the season slips on by, get out there and see if there are a couple of fish you think that need to have their picture taken. While we’re on the subject, if you have any great river shots you want to share, send them in to us and maybe we can post them here as well. If we get enough submissions we could do a little on-line survey and give a prize for viewer’s choice. Let us know what you think.
Check out the detailed river section reports to the right for recommendations on flies to use as well as a more in-depth discussion of the conditions on those river sections.
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. Summer Hours: 7am-7pm
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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
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| Flow: 109 cfs. |
| Conditions: Fishing has been fair to medium in town as flows have remained steady for several weeks now. Cloudy days have produced pretty good dry fly action on a mix of Blue Winged Olive patterns. This stretch is often over looked as a viable dry fly river, but it is not the river that limits surface activity, rather the conditions and timing that determine the best time to throw dries. On the sunny days nymphing offers the most productive approach, with the aquatic insect imitations slightly more consistent than the Mysis patterns, so make sure to give it a try with both options. Down stream reports have shown good results on Caddis imitations as well as some Parachute Adams and Attractor dries. On the lower river check out the access points at Palmer Gulch and Blue River SWA as well as the Sutton Unit and Forest Service access closer to town. Flies: Flash Back Pheasant Tails #18-14, Flash Back Hare’s Ear #16-14, Nitro Caddis #14-16, Graphic Caddis #16-14, Iron Sally #16-14, Barr’s Tungstone #12-14, Potter Pearl and Elk, Peacock Caddis, Stimulator, H&L Variant, Hippie Stomper, Lawson’s PMD, Burk’s Silhouette Dun. Town Flies: RS-2, UV Emerger, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Palm’s Biot Emerger, Black Pheasant Tail, Flashback Pheasant Tail: All in size #20-22,Various Mysis. |
Blue River Below Green Mountain
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| Flow:510 cfs. |
| Conditions: Flows are finally inching back up as the Fall water calls start to come in. Now back in the 500 cfs range, the river once again offers both wade and some float access. For wade fishermen, this level will pretty much restrict crossing of the river, but will still allow for some great fishing, work all types of water: pockets, riffles, runs and seams as the trout have spread out and are making the most out of this level to feed throughout the river. Look for hatches of Caddis and Stones in the Canyon, as well as the first signs of late summer/early fall Baetis. Flies: Larger size Bead Head Nymphs: #10-12 Hare’s ear, Prince, Tungteaser, Tungsten Rubber Leg Yellow Sally, Stubby Stone, San Juan Flash Worm and Red Hot Worm. Peacock Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Designated Hitter, Foamulator, Stimulator, Para Extended Body BWO, Big Bear Baetis, Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, Split Case BWO Floaters should note: The take out that has been used for years is no longer available, that property is now private. For boat take out you now need to continue on down the Blue to the access ramp for the Gore Canyon put-in. this is approximately another mile. Please respect private property rights along the river. |
Colorado River Above Kremmling
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| Flow: 360 cfs. |
| Conditions: Finally flows have dropped to fish-able levels for the attentive wade fisherman. Nymphing may still be the most productive approach on sunny days, but with these short fall weather events moving through, dry fly fishing can take off with a little cloud cover. Make sure to adjust your depth and weight accordingly as you move around the river. The fish that are being caught are in great shape. Keep in mind that there are multiple access points along this stretch of river with lots of room to accommodate anglers. If a particular access is full (ie.Breeze), check out one of the other sites near by, you may end up with the place to yourself. Not to mention that the wading above the Williams Fork is much easier with 30% less water. Do NOT forget your bug spray. Flies: San Juan Worm, Tungstone, Iron Sally, Graphic Caddis, Mercers Poxyback PMD, Split Case PMD, Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, RS-2, Pheasant Tail, Sparkle Baetis, CDC Baetis Dun, Lawson’s No Hackle |
Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 1100 cfs. |
| Conditions: River levels have been pretty steady for the last couple of weeks with only minor fluctuations. Although there has been an afternoon thunderstorm or two, the effects on the clarity have been minimal for the most part. Solid action has been seen for wade anglers at Pumphouse and up into Gore Canyon. Float fishing has been at times busy and has shown signs of feeling the pressure on those days. Nymph fishing is still the most productive method during mid-day and high sun conditions, but if you have time, stick around until evening for two hours of solid dry potential. The late season Blue Wings are making their impact know as well. Definitely work a Baetis nymph into your rig prior to the any surface activity. Get out and enjoy the two best things about this time of year on the Colorado: Fall foliage is starting to pop and the mosquitoes are all but gone. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tails, Jujubaetis, Tungsten Split Case BWO, Barr’s Flashback BWO Emerger, Tungsten Hares Ear, Two Bit Hooker, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Psycho Prince. |
Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
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| Flow 2830 cfs. |
| Conditions: River levels have finally dropped into a comfortable level for this stretch. A good option for float and wade anglers now, especially for those looking to escape the crowds on the Roaring Fork. Clarity can experience minor set backs at this time of year depending on any upstream thunderstorms, but overall a relatively solid option for the fall. Give it a try with large heavy nymphs under indicators with additional weight. Look for Baetis as well as a few Caddis hanging on. Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Twenty Incher, Morrish’s Anato May, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Two Bit Hooker |
Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
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| Flow: 100-156 cfs. |
| Conditions: Good things are happening here as stream levels are finally at optimum wading levels. This is good news and a long time coming. In the upper reaches look for a few remaining Caddis and Tricos, as well as the emergence of the fall Baetis. Dry dropper fishing has been solid throughout the day, but on the cloudy days dry fly fishing has been exceptional with Blue Winged Olive patterns. A few Golden Stones are still in the river in the Buena Vista area as well as the Blue Wings and some remaining Tricos. Note that the flow range on detail is Hayden Meadows the lower number: 100, and the higher number is at Granite. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tail, Hot Wire Prince, Iron Sally, Tung Teaser, Twenty Incher, Chubby Chernobyl, Designated Hitter Golden, Peacock Caddis, Spotlight Caddis, Grillo’s Hippie Stomper, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Sparkle Baetis, Brook’s Sprout Baetis, Parachute Winger Baetis, CDC Para Baetis Dun, Slump Buster Black, Le Marabou Leech. |
Arkansas River Below Buena Vista
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| Flow: 296 cfs. |
| Conditions: The river below Buena Vista is fishing very well. Flows are finally getting comfortable for the wade angler as river levels are dropping to fall volumes. A great time of year to fish the canyon water that is now all but deserted of raft traffic. Dry dropper fishing is solid, with a larger Golden Stone pattern holding up a variety of nymph offerings. Try general searching nymphs like Beaded Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns as well as more specific hatch matching flies for the Baetis. Dry fly fishing has also been particularly rewarding on cloudy afternoons and in the evening hours. Flies: Bead Head Pheasant Tail # 12-16, Tungstone Golden #12-16, Copper John #12-16, Chartreuse Hot Wire Caddis, Tungsten Redemption BWO, Split Case BWO, Big Bear Baetis, Barr’s Emerger BWO, Tungsten Yellow Sally Nymph, Designated Hitter Golden, Stimulator, Foamulator, Chubby Chernobyl, Sparkle Baetis, Gulpher Special, Lawson’s No Hackle |
Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
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| Flow: 940 cfs. |
| Conditions: Fishing continues to impress with good action throughout the day. Nymph fishing has been the more productive method during the day under sunny skies, but with a little cloud cover afternoons have seen solid dry fly action. Clarity remains good as rain showers have been minor. The river between Catherine’s Bridge and Basalt is currently closed to float traffic as this spring’s heavy flows have redirected the river channel into private property. There is talk of a remedy, but until that happens the river is impassable. Up river above Carbondale wade fishing is very productive all the way up to Aspen. Look for Caddis, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies and Blue Winged Olives. Flies: Tungteaser, Twenty Incher, Bead Prince #12-14, Copper John#12-14, Juju Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Stimulator #10-16, H & L Variant |
Platte South River, Middle Fork
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| Flow: 37+/- cfs. |
| Conditions: Fall river levels are here and wade fishing is low and easy. Action has remained strong on dry-dropper rigs using a Foamulator or your favorite hopper pattern. there are still a few Caddis along the river and Blue Wings are emerging on cloudy days. Tomahawk or Badger Basin, it’s a push. Flies: Elk Hair Caddis #18, Gulpher Special, Sparkle Baetis, Putterbaughs Foam Caddis, Headlight Yellow Sally, Red Legged Hopper, Stream Bank Hopper, Graphic Caddis, Hare’s ear, Red or Copper flavored Copper John, Tungteaser, Buckskin Caddis, STD Baetis, Tungsten Psycho |
South Platte, Dream Stream
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| Flow 101 +/- cfs. |
| Conditions: Reports coming in from the Platte are spotty to say the least. There are still some Tricos left as well as some Baetis. This is a technical situation that requires a little skill, but the only way to develop that skill is to get out and practice the techniques necessary. As the Baetis start to become more prevalent, action has picked up on Blue Wing patterns and the crowds have pretty well dispersed. Flies: Zebra Midge, Black RS-2, Barr’s Drowned Trico, Trico Spinner, JujuBaetis, Barr’s Emerger BWO, Split Case BWO, Sparkle Baetis, Parachute Adams, Para Winger BWO. |
Williams Fork River Below Dam
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| Flow 212 cfs. |
| Conditions: River levels remain at a great flow for a healthy river and solid action. Blue Wings are the ticket here as well as just about everywhere at this time of year. Nymphing in riffles and the tail-outs onto flats and runs is producing good results under mid-day sun. On those days where the weather may be a little more fall like with clouds and a little light drizzle, the surface activity should be a solid option. Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, San Juan Worms, Stubby Stones, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Buckskin Caddis, Crane fly Larva, Baetis nymphs: Jujubaetis, Big Bear Baetis, Barr’s Emerger, Split Case BWO, RS-2. Dries: Para Winger, CDC Baetis Dun, Lawson’s No Hackle, Gulpher Special, Brook’s Sprout Baetis |
Antero Reservoir
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| Conditions: High sun and a lowered lake level have taken their toll. Action has really hit the wall here as water temps have risen to 68-70 degrees. It may be time to give this impoundment a rest until these temps drop to a safer level for trout populations. Note: The Division of Wildlife will once again be doing inspections for invasive species at the boat ramp. Allow for a little extra time before launching any trailered boats. The South boat ramp is only open Friday-Monday, mid-week boaters will have to use the North ramp. As for the Flies: Parachute Extended Body Bead Head Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tails 12-16, Copper John Chartreuse or Red 14-16,Tung Teaser 12-14, Jumbo Juju all colors 12-16, Yankee Buzzer 12-16, Zebra Midge 20. |
Spinney Mountain Reservoir
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| Conditions: This is the better option for those lake fishermen not looking to head to the streams just yet. Action has been a little inconsistent, with results varying from day to day. Fish continue to eat Damsel Fly patterns with decent amounts of interest. Again, using static nymph rigs has been the most consistent, but don’t hesitate to mix it up with the occasional leech or crayfish patterns. Check out the method section under Delaney Buttes Lakes below for more tips to consistently get into fish. Flies: Jumbo Juju all colors 12-16, Hare’s Ear 12-16, Yankee Buzzer, Bead Head PT12-16, Chartreuse Copper John 12-16. |
Delaney Buttes Lakes
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| Conditions: Not too consistent as water temps have steadily risen with the hot weather we have been experiencing. Damsel fly and a few Calibaetis are still a good place to start. Method: As with ALL of these lake options, try to mix it up in your selection until you hit on something that the fish appear to be keying on. A good method is to fish a nymph rig under an indicator with 2 or even 3 different patterns. Present the fish with something to imitate the Calibaetis nymphs, as well as a Chironomid and maybe even a Damsel nymph. Once the action picks up, you can determine if there is preference for a particular bug and then offer other imitations of that insect. Flies: Jumbo Juju 12-16, Yankee Buzzer 12-16, Mercer’s Poxyback Calibaetis, CDC Calibaetis nymph, Wilcox’s Rapunzel, Bead Head Aggravator Olive. |
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