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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
Conditions
With the end of the season in sight for the ski resorts and traffic all but nonexistent, the town stretch has once again become a decent option. Of course it doesn’t hurt that there are a few new fish in the mix, as well. Results have been solid on a mix of Midge pupa and larva, Baetis nymphs, Mysis Shrimp and smaller searching patterns like Pheasant Tails. Low flows will necessitate light tippet in the 5 – 6x range for most days. However, on those days immediately after one of the many spring snow showers that we have been having, there will be a good chance for snow-melt to impact clarity. On those days as you move down stream below the highway, where the color comes in, you can probably get away with 5x. As well, we are also seeing good action on dirty water flies like San Juan Worms and Egg patterns below those entry points for the run-off.
With the recent overcast skies we are also seeing a good chance to find some rising fish. They won’t be widespread but if you keep an eye out for noses, you may just have a little luck on small midge dries.
Flies
BTS Shrimp, Tim’s Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Red Neck Midge, Glassy Brassie, Mirage Zebra Midge, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, Tube Midges, Black Beauty, Brassie, UV Emerger, Biot Midge, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Rojo Midge, Tube Midge – Black or Red, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Zebra Midge, Flossy Worm, #20-#24 Pheasant Tail, #24-26 Parachute Adams
Current Water Data
Blue River Below Green Mountain
Conditions
A fairly substantial drop in flows over the weekend, followed by a slight adjustment upward to where it currently sits on Tuesday afternoon at around 450cfs. We’re not quite sure what water managers have in their plan here but let’s just say it is inconsistent. At this flow it will be tough for most boaters to get down through the ranch without sticking/rubbing on some of the structures, which technically is illegal, so we want to encourage everyone to make an honest assessment of their skill and their watercraft’s draft before they head down this popular attraction. We make no judgements, we’re only passing on information to help keep people informed on current conditions.
As for wading at this lower level, it may still be a bit on the high side for all but the most aggressive (and tall) waders. However, it will certainly soften the water that you are able to reach from whichever side that you access the river from. Results should remain solid on a growing diversity of insects. Stonefly, Baetis, Caddis and mid to larger sized searching patterns have all done well as part of a tandem nymph rig. 3x should still work in some of the heavier lies, but 4x and 5x will probably be better suited in most runs. Don’t ease up too much on the supplemental weight though, as you’ll still want to get your flies down to feeding fish quickly for a more productive drift. We generally find results to be stronger on overcast days, or at lower light times of day when there aren’t any clouds, which is good for the forecast through Wednesday. It is always a sketchy climb, but with all of the moisture we have been getting 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.
Flies
BH PT, Perdigon Nymph, Quill Body Jig in dark olive, Darth Baetis, Magic Fly BWO, Tungsten Psycho May, Pat’s Rubberlegs, Masked Marauder, Psycho Prince, Duracell Jig, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge, Foam Wing RS-2, Flossy Worm, Sculpzilla, Sex Dungeon, Cheech Leech, Sparkle Minnow etc
Current Water Data
Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
Conditions
The stream flow at Parshall is actually at 360cfs, we are having trouble getting a link to the correct gauge below the confluence with the William’s Fork.
These are excellent early spring conditions, thanks greatly to the above average flow from the Williams Fork which helps fish spread out due to the ample amount water, as well as the stable water temps from the tailwater that help spur steady insect activity. There are still good opportunities for Midges, but Baetis hatches have become a consistent event, especially on days with afternoon clouds. Combine that with the solid flows and there are plenty of flats and riffles to find rising fish.
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. Then once you see emerging adults look for fish to feed on the surface in those same spots, as well as the flats and shallow areas that aren’t idea for nymphing, but hold plenty of fish looking for easy pickings on dry flies.
Flies
GT Adult BWO, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Lawson’s No Hackle, Winger Parachute BWO, Brook’s Sprout BWO, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flashback Hare’s Ear, Miller’s Tactical + One, Flossy Worm, CDC Pheasant Tail, Pheasant Tail #14-18 -beaded and not- Redemption BWO, Darth Baetis, Split Case BWO, Tungsten Micro Mayfly Brown, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Aero Baetis, 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
Action has really picked up along this stretch of river, and for the moment is widespread, as a cool down has stabilized clarity throughout. Combine that with strong hatches of Baetis and lesser amounts of Midges, makes this a solid destination from Gore Canyon all the way down to Dotsero. Depending on where you are in that 50 plus miles of river will have an impact on when to expect the bugs to emerge. The lower you are, the earlier in the day. We have seen it as early as 11 am to noon on the lower reaches with early to mid-afternoon being prime as you make your way up above State Bridge.
Nymphing remains consistent throughout the day, but certainly early in the day before any emergence results have been best on a mix of Stonefly patterns followed with beaded searching patterns and Baetis imitations. As can be typical with Baetis hatches, cloudy days have been much better for results on dries. If the clouds don’t roll in nymphing may remain better for results, but you’ve been nymphing all winter so maybe it’s time to force the issue and throw the dry.
And with the Sculpin about to begin their spawn, they are fairly susceptible to aggressive browns looking for a big meal. Streamer fishing has been pretty strong on Sculpin imitations, again we find that to intensify with overcast skies.
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
With its lower elevation and position below some key tributary streams, the lower Colorado offers a great combination of warmer temps and healthy stream flows. Although a better location for floating due to access issues, there are some spots to wade if you put in the effort. Action continues to be on a good mix of all three methods, although nymphing will be most consistent throughout the day. However, if you happen to get cloud cover the dry fly fishing has been very solid. Look for fish to rise for Baetis and larger Midges mid day when they are present, with a good chance at adult Caddis later in the day when the sun has been out. Otherwise nymph patterns for the Baetis along with mid-sized to larger searching nymphs and stones. And the steamer fishing has been decent. We wouldn’t call it lights out but, if you put in the effort, you should pull some fish.
Flies
Slate Gray No Hackle, GT Adult Adams, Para Wulff BWO, Parachute Purple, Pat’s Rubber Legs, 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, Lil Spanker, Tung Psycho May, Big Spanker, Magic Fly, RS-2, Flossy Worm, Sex Dungeon, Heisenberg Streamers, Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet.
Current Water Data
Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
Conditions
Action is beginning to heat up along the upper stretch of the river. Strong hatches of Midges and Blue Winged Olives can be found from Buena Vista up to Granite, with lesser amounts up to the Leadville area. Clarity remains excellent as flows remain low, with little to no early snow melt making it into the river. 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 are some of the better early spring freestone fishing in the state. Low and clear water offers a wading angler easy access to the entire width of the river, along with persistent overcast skies providing ideal dry fly conditions. However, at these low flows, boating is going to be fairly tough. Not only from a navigation stand point(it’s pretty thin) but also from a tactical stand point. As the lower flows narrow the river channel, it draws most of the fish into that for cover and then you end up running over those fish, as you have nowhere else to go with the boat.
On those days when clouds dominate, expect to see a substantial amount of Baetis, which are still the dominant hatch at this time of year. With low and clear flows we find the best approach early in the day is to fish your nymphs under a mid-sized dry, which is a little more stealthy than an indicator rig. We recommend starting with a beaded Stonefly or searching nymph, like a Pheasant Tail or Hare’s Ear and following that up with your favorite Baetis imitations.
Early in the day focus on the deeper and more sheltered lies adjacent to the current, then as the water warms a bit look for fish to move up towards the head of pools and runs to feed on drifting nymphs. Look for rising fish to be active when adult insects are emerging. It will be a better proposition for this to be Baetis on overcast days, and probably in the early to mid-afternoon. With sun and warming temperatures in the forecast this weekend, look for the potential to add Caddis into the mix, but later in the day when water temps climb enough to spark an emergence, and more likely on the lower stretch of the river.
Flies
Para Extended Body BWO, GT Adult BWO, No Hackle Slate Gray, Winger Parachute BWO, 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, Silver Bullet, Sparkle Minnow.
Current Water Data
Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
Conditions
Another fantastic spring option, as the lower elevation offers plenty of open water and milder temps. Solid Baetis activity is beginning to see the start of one of the best early season Caddis hatches, making for a strong 1 – 2 punch. Flows are good enough for rafts, but if you aren’t very familiar with the river it might be a bit on the low side for a hard boat.
At this level it may be also be a bit of a stretch to try and do too long of a float. Pick a reasonable length float and focus on the deeper runs and structure along with tail outs to pools in the early part of the day. Once the water temp starts to climb and insect activity picks up, change your attention to the head of those runs for fish feeding on drifting nymphs. As well, look for rising fish in eddies and foam lines once you see emerging bugs.
Flies
BH Pheasant Tail, BH Prince, Duracell Jig, Chartreuse Copper John, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J,Tungsten Micro May Brown, Aero Baetis, 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, Slate Gray No Hackle, Parachute Winger BWO, Parachute Extended Body BWO, BWO Teaser, Stimulator, Body Double Caddis, Sparkle Bug
Current Water Data
Williams Fork River Below Dam
Conditions
Flows have stepped up and the river is now running at a solid early season flow. Were not sure how long this will last due to below average snow-pack levels, so get in on this while you can. Even though it is still early spring, thanks to this being a tailwater it is further along in its seasonal development than a freestone, thanks to steady water temps that keep the fish active. Because of this you should expect to find fish in more aggressive lies than you would in a freestone at this time of year. As you would expect, Midges and Baetis imitations are key right now but 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.
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