May 22, 2013 Colorado River, Salmonfly Update
May 23rd, 2013
As can be typical of this time of year, conditions around the high country this past week have been volatile, to say the least. Late last week’s big temperatures, produced some equally big water levels over the weekend. Stream flows at Pumphouse shot up to 1600 cfs in a matter of days. With that not only did we see clarity drop to almost nothing but, critical water temps also plummeted about 9 degrees. All of this combined to slow what was looking like an early hatch.
This week has been the complete opposite weather pattern and temperatures have dropped low enough to slow the snow melt dramatically. In the past 3 days flows on the Colorado River have reduced by 50% and clarity has improved to 15-18″. Most importantly water temperatures just today rebounded back up to a high of 57 degrees.
Our returning boats today reported seeing good numbers of nymphs within 12″ of the bank and even spotted a couple of impatient adults flying in the canyon. Our general best guess on this, taking into consideration that current conditions and trends continue, we could probably see an emergence by Friday evening. Remember, Salmonflies hatch in the evening to night time as a defense mechanism. If this happens, adults should be visible in good numbers by Saturday morning. Just in time for a holiday weekend bonanza.
Don’t hesitate to call us for hour by hour updates. If this hatch materializes, it is a year maker. 970.513.8055