Report for May 31.
We are still optimistic that the Salmonflies will emerge from the Colorado, it’s just hard to say when at this point. Water temps on Wednesday climbed as high as 56 degrees and had the appearance that they could hit 59 by this weekend, which is the magic number for an emergence. However, with the clouds on Thursday and forecast through Sunday morning, it may not happen just yet. Next week’s forecast is calling for sun and low 70s all week, that could be the catalyst to kick things off. We’ll have somebody on the Colorado everyday until it happens so, don’t hesitate to call for an update.
With continued warm temperatures, flows continue to rise throughout the state and many locations have been reduced to whitewater runs. There are still some options out there for anglers that enjoy the challenge of big water fishing, both freestone and tailwater alike, but they are getting more scarce as well. If you venture out on to one of these stretches rewards can be found as can the elevated risk factor. Make sensible wading choices and don’t put yourself into and unnecessary danger. The water will subside soon enough.
With our near record snow pack this year, run-off is looking to be an above average event this year for both volume of water in most water sheds, as well as the duration for which it may last. While that may sound foreboding, one thing that we experienced from our last big water year in 2011, is there will be plenty of options our there if you are willing to make adjustments to your normal approach. And we will continue to offer insight and suggestions on how to make the most out of current conditions.
The tailwaters in the high country are a great option during the run-off season. With the dams pumping water to make room, the fish below are able to move freely and confidently. The pressure is lowered on them because they can hide, chase bugs, and in the big slow moving pockets they can relax. The Dream Stream and 11 Mile Canyon Stretches of the South Platte are both at very unseasonable flows right now under 110 cfs and offer great access.
Tailwaters, as appealing as they are right now, they are not the only options. Lake fishing has been productive as well. Lake Granby has been fishing well for lake trout. And if you have never caught one on the fly your missing out. Williams Fork reservoir is another place where you can catch Macs and while your there look for some pike. Although pike season is still a ways away, we have had some reports of pike caught just last week. The North park area has been quite productive for rainbow, cutthroat, and brown trout on the still waters, such as Lake John, North, and East Delaney Butte lakes.
This time of year is very fluid, with daily changes due to weather and snow melt. 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 on this page as well as on our main page at 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: 1300 cfs. |
| Conditions: Some pretty big water at the moment. Sure it’s a Tailwater and relatively clear but, there are limited lies for trout to be holding in that are accessible. The few spots that you can get a fly into have actually produced some great results, for hook ups that is, landing fish in this torrent has been another story entirely. The key to fishing in town right now will be to find a sheltered lie in the river that you can access and adjust to the extreme conditions appropriately. Most notably by bumping up the weight on your nymph rig. Significantly. Not only do you need to add weight for the sheer volume of water but, most of these drifts are going to be very short and you will want to get it down quickly. In most cases somewhere in the neighborhood of 4 to 6 BB shot or 2 to 4 AAA. Then, leave the delicate, winter weight tippet in the car and bring out the heavy stuff, 2 or 3x has been working well for anglers lately. This will give you a chance at steering any fish you hook out of the heavy water and towards the bank. Definitely bring along your favorite Mysis patterns in larger sizes, 16 and up, along with San Juan Worms and Egg Patterns. It’s also a good time to try dead drifting streamer patterns, sometimes a big meaty meal can be hard to pass up as it drifts on by a trout burning up twice it’s normal calories just to stay put.
Town Flies: Candy Cane, Stalcup’s Mysis, Kingery’s Mysis, BTS Mysis, Flossy Worm, San Juan Worm, San Juan Flash Worm, Otter Soft Milking Egg, RS-2, STD Baetis, Black or Chocolate UV Emerger, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Pure Midge Larva, Black Beauty, Tube Midge Black or Red, Winter Baetis, Two Bit Hooker, Rainbow Warrior,Split Case BWO, Wooly Bugger Black or Olive
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Blue River Below Green Mountain
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| Flow: 1520 cfs. |
| Conditions: Flows continue to climb to make room for the snow melt. At this level, wade fishing in the canyon is getting very limited, as edge water becomes heavier and tougher to access along vegetated banks. Floating is still an option but, getting fairly swift and necessitating the need for a lot of additional weight. Nymphing will provide the more consistent action, fished with a tandem set-up starting with a larger imitation for a Stonefly, big Mayfly or beaded searching pattern followed up with a San Juan Worm or Egg Pattern. And streamer patterns are always in vogue through the canyon. With the flow getting higher, it may be worth using a sink tip line to help get those down and keep ’em in the strike zone longer.
Flies: Big bead heads: Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Rubberlegs, Psycho Prince, Mr Peacock Ice, Flossy Worm, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Winter Baetis, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Otter Egg, and Morrish’s iron sally.
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.
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Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
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| Flow: 3800 cfs. @ Parshall |
Conditions: Wow, this is some very big water and will pretty much shut this down for some time. At least until it clears and starts to drop. But even then, it will be a very technical until it gets back down to the 1,000 – 1,200 cfs range. (Prime Summer wade conditions are in the 500-900 cfs range) If you are in the area and still looking to fish, switch gears and head on up to the Williams Fork Reservoir and try your hand at Pike fishing for a change.
Flies: Big bugs with flash and beads – streamers and nymphs. Pat’s Rubber Legs, Twenty Incher, Tungteaser, Kaufman Stone Nymph, Beaded Rubber Leg Ice Prince, Heavy Metal Worm, Flossy Worm, LE Marabou Streamer, Sculpzilla, Slap and Tickle, Woolhead Sculpin
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 8410 cfs. |
| Conditions: Conditions and action have definitely taken a hit with regards to consistency here. Flows are currently running about 3 times their seasonal volume and visibility is little to none at times. This has combined to make things tough over the past couple of weeks or so. The good news though is that water temps have been relatively stable in their daily swings, fluctuating between 50-56 most days. As a result there have been good numbers of adult insects present, with good numbers of Caddis later in the day and even a few remaining Blue Wings. However, with the poor clarity, there has been very little surface activity. The majority of what limited action there has been, has come on nymph patterns, with that in mind try a double fly rig under an indicator. Start with a larger beaded searching nymph or Stonefly imitation for the lead fly, then drop a smaller slightly smaller offering for the Caddis or even a mid-sized searching nymph such as a Prince or Hare’s Ear. And with conditions being what they are for clarity, streamer fishing has also led to some success as well. This is a substantial amount of water but, by no means is it too much water. You just have to adjust to the conditions and fish some different spots than you would at 1,000 cfs. As for the Salmonflies, our best guess is forecasting them to come off slightly behind schedule. The general rule is they are a Memorial Day hatch, give or take depending on water levels, so look for them first or second week of June. Water temps at the moment seem to be trending up, aside from these interruptions of snow.
Flies: Tungteaser, Rubberlegs, Beaded Pheasant Tails, Beaded Hares Ears, Tungsten Prince, Rubber Leg Mr Peacock, Miscellaneous Streamers: Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet, Space Invader, Beldar, Bead Head Buggers in Black or White
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
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| Flow 22,200 cfs. |
Conditions: Big and dirty. For the most part, run-off is hitting the lower part of the river already. With as many smaller drainages that drain into this river, clarity at this time of year is problematic. Which is unfortunate considering the major Caddis hatch that emerges from the river each spring from Glenwood Springs down. Even with the quick moving cold snaps passing through clarity won’t see much improvement. Generally speaking a good rule of thumb is: green is good brown is down. Even if it is only a foot or so of visibility, if there is an overall greenish hue to the river it should be good to go. But, when that color shifts to brown it tends to turn off. With the heat of Spring settling in, Brown is now the color du jour. It could be some time before we see good fishing conditions on the lower river.
Flies: Mr Peacock Ice, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Twenty Incher, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Bead Hares Ear, Tungstone, Barr’s Emerger, Zebra Midge, Juju Baetis, Poison Tung, Winter Baetis, brightly colored San Juan worm, Sculpzilla, Space Invader, Silver Bullet
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
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| Flow: 2250 cfs. @ Granite 1300 @ Hayden |
Conditions: Starting to get a little high for consistent fishing throughout the upper drainage but, there are still some possibilities. Check out the braids through the middle of the Hayden Meadows area or even some of the bigger bends in the Reddy lease. Those areas will help spread out the higher flow and allow for some holding lies inside of seams and corners. Nymphs and streamers will be the best approach and clarity will be day-to-day, maybe even hour-to-hour. Look for Midges and Baetis to be the primary insect activity offering any chance at an emergence but, at these flows rising fish will not be too common. You may have a better chance at enticing a riser to a large bushy attractor than a imitative adult. There are still fish to be caught at this flow, it will just require you to cover some ground and work the water thoroughly. Over night temps in the upper part of the corridor are still on the cold side, providing for better action in the afternoon after water temps have had a chance to rise a little.
Flies: Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, Hot Wire Caddis, Tung Z Wing Caddis, Tungteaser, CDC Hares Ear, Twenty Incher, Mr Peacock, RS-2, Zebra Midge, White Streamers
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Arkansas River Salida Area
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| Flow: 3440 cfs. @ Salida |
Conditions: Starting to ramp up to run-off level volumes in the lower basin. As flows come up, the clarity will drop as it picks up debris and sediment from the previously dry areas of the river bed. This will be a pretty tough level to fish but, there may be that odd window where flows stabilize and clear slightly. Even if you have 10-15 inches of visibility, there should be some fish to be caught out of the quieter lies in the river. Look for edge water and eddies to provide some relief from the main channel of the river. Fish a tandem nymph rig under an indicator with a mix of beaded searching nymphs and Stonefly imitations, or work a streamer along the seams and against sheltering boulders or bank cuts.
Worth Noting: This is now the second year of a two year program to re-establish Pteronarcys Californica to the Arkansas. Over the past 2 years CPW has transplanted about 70 thousand Salmonfly nymphs from the Colorado River to the Arkansas and distributed them just above and below Salida. We are keeping an optimistic eye on the river here to see if this insect will take hold and produce a revived population.
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, Slumpbuster, Silver Bullet, Autumn Splendor, Sparkle Minnow.
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
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| Flow: 5,000-5,800 cfs. |
Conditions: Run-off has returned to the valley with recent warm temperatures. For the most part the Fork is done even up to Aspen. However, if you are in the valley, take the turn up the Frying Pan and fish some clean water. Just be prepared for the crowds, as this is about the only game in town with regards to moving water clear enough to fish in the Glenwood to Aspen area. There has been some decent action to Blue Winged Olive adults at times, as well/
Flies: Twenty Incher, Tungteaser, Stubby stones, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Standard Pheasant Tail, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungstone, Copper Johns, Hares Ear, Mr. Peacock, CDC Prince, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO Emerger, RS 2, Tungsten Psycho May, Hot Wire Prince, Two Bit Hooker, STD Baetis and a variety of Eggs.
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South Platte River, Middle Fork
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| Flow: 400+/- cfs. |
Conditions: Starting to climb into early run-off levels with the recent warm spell. Clarity is dropping and at times is no more than 8-10 inches. There is still some potential for success for the persistent angler, willing to cover some water. Best bet would be either a tandem nymph rig or some streamer fishing. For the nymphs try a larger beaded searching pattern or Stonefly imitation followed up with a variety of other staples for this fertile river. Caddis, Baetis, Green Drake and San Juan Worm patterns can all work well throughout the year. Our approach would be to fish our way upstream with that 2 fly nymph set-up and then switch over to streamers for the walk back down and cover some of the same water again. This is coming up fast and may be totally done shortly.
Flies: Chartreuse Copper John, Rainbow Warrior, Egg Patterns, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Flash Prince, Tungteaser, Tung Psycho May, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, Autumn Splendor, Slumpbuster, Sparkle Bugger
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South Platte, Dream Stream
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| Flow 74 cfs. |
Conditions: For the most part the spawn is over, once again returning the river to sight fishing for more solitary fish with the occasional lake fish still hanging out feeding. Traffic has been day to day with regards to crowds but, as run-off creeps into other parts of the state, any tailwater with a reasonable flow and clean water will soon be very popular. When that does happen, if you can be flexible, plan your trip for mid-week. There are still some reports of Egg Patterns catching a few opportunistic fish. However, most of the action has returned to the typical tailwater assortment of small Midge and Baetis imitations with a little bit of variety mixed in via the occasional Caddis Larva, San Juan Worm or Scud. Sight fishing will still produce the best results, as there just aren’t that many spots on this stretch for blind casting to a pile of fish in a deep run. When sight nymphing make sure to use an adequate amount of weight to get down to fish that are holding along the bottom and try to go with out an indicator or at least refrain from using an overly bight color if possible. The fish in this Tailwater seem to be as sensitive to indicators as any spot in the state. With that in mind, try and minimize your wading as much as possible and cast form the bank where you can reach. A deliberate, stealthy approach is going to be your best bet here.
Flies: Black Copper John #22, Juju Baetis, Buckskin, Desert Storm Chartreuse, Tube Midge, Midge Biot, UV Emerger, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Barr’s Emerger BWO, RS2, Poxybiot Nymph, Egg Patterns, Pure Midge Larva, Cap’n Hook
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Williams Fork River Below Dam
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| Flow 448 cfs. |
Conditions: The pre-runoff purge has started from the reservoir and flows are climbing into the range of tough wading. But, there are still plenty of decent lies in the river to find holding and feeding fish. Action has been good where you can find that happening. With the bigger water, tandem nymph rigs have been the most productive. The benefit to this flow is that larger searching patterns and San Juan Worms will be effective in combination with the normal staple of Mayfly and Midge imitations. Make sure to add extra weight to your set up with the added water. And you can do the same with tippet size, 4x should work well to hang on to most hook ups in the swifter water, you can always drop down to 5x if you feel your not getting enough strikes.
Flies: Caddis Larva, Buckskin, Heavy Metal Worm, Flossy Worm, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Little Brown Bug, Two Bit Hooker, Flash Back Pheasant Tail, Split Case BWO, 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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Antero Reservoir
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Conditions: Starting to see some good signs of Spring on the lake. The Chironomid hatch has begun, look for them to emerge later in the morning. Action has been moderate for this popular still water destination, with a variety of nymphs and streamer patterns working throughout the day. Fishing may be slow to start some days so you may want to stick around to at least early afternoon, as it seem like some days it takes that long to get going. For nymph rigs, use a mix of Chironomid, Calibaetis and smaller Midge nymph imitations in a static indicator rig. Vary your depth initially with a two fly rig to see if there is any particular level where trout are feeding. Also worth trying would be slow retrieving streamers that imitate Damsels, Leeches or Crayfish. If the wind picks up later in the day, try suspending any of those streamers under an indicator and let the waves jig them up and down. That is unless the wind really kicks up, then get off the lake and fish another day. Daily access is at the South Ramp, with the North ramp only being open Friday – Sunday.
Flies: Yankee Buzzer, Jumbo Juju, Tak’s Chironomid, Garcia’s Rojo Grande Midge, Rapunzel Damsel, Gaviglio’s Calibaetis Nymph, Poxyback Calibaetis Nymph, Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Diamond Lake Special, Wooly Bugger – Black, Olive or Brown, Hale Bopp Leech
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir
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| Conditions: Hearing slightly more consistent reports from here than up the road at Antero. The Chironomid hatch has started and is producing some steady results using subsurface imitations as part of a multi-fly nymph rig. There may be the occasion for some dry fly activity for adult Chironomid patterns as well, it’s just that the wind has been so consistently present that there have not been enough days when it’s not blowing the adults off the water. At this time of year we recommend a mix of Chironomid, Calibaetis and small Midge nymph imitations fished under an indicator as a static nymph rig. Mix up the depth at various points with your flies in order to pin point any particular level the trout may favor for feeding. For those of you that can’t focus that long on an indicator, try a slow retrieve with streamer patterns that imitate Leeches, Damsel Fly nymphs or Crayfish. And this time of year always offers the chance at cruisers along the dam picking up Egg patterns.
Flies: Yankee Buzzer, Jumbo Juju, Tak’s Chironomid, Garcia’s Rojo Grande Midge, Rapunzel Damsel, Gaviglio’s Calibaetis Nymph, Poxyback Calibaetis Nymph, Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Diamond Lake Special, Wooly Bugger – Black, Olive or Brown, Hale Bopp Leech
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Delaney Buttes Lakes
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Conditions: All three lakes are open, with mixed results. None of them are on fire but, action has been good enough to warrant a return trip or two for Nick “The Kid”. The North lake has produced some of the nicer fish, particularly if you are not averse to fishing at night. With shore anglers doing as well, if not better than boaters. East and South have been producing slightly more action, with a smaller size on average. Streamers have been as productive as anything but, we always like to give it a try with our favorite lake nymphs under an indicator, as well. While you are up that way, don’t overlook the large impoundment just to the east, Lake John. Action over there has been slightly more consistent, with average fish running 18-20 inches.
Flies: Egg Patterns, Bead Pheasant Tail, Bead Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Jumbo Juju, Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, Tak’s Chironomid, Hale Bopp Leech, LE Leech, Wooly Bugger in Black, Olive or Brown, Sculpzilla
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