Detailed Reports - Click on a location for details.
Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
Conditions
Action in town has seen an upswing since the start of April and results have been strong with not only nymphing, but even some dry fly activity on the overcast days. As is typical for the Blue, the fish may not be widely distributed. This just means that you need to be prepared to move a bit to find the action. You may find a spot with multiple fish holding, while others have one or two. So if you find that you may not be having the success that you were hoping for, don’t commit to staying put, even if it is in a run that you have solid success in the past. Low and clear conditions call for 6x and long leaders. As well, make sure and use a subtle approach when moving along the river. Avoid wading too much and quick movements. At this point of the year the majority of the trout’s diet will still consist of Midges, with a little bit of interest in Baetis nymphs. However, on those warmer days when we see a little color running into the river from melting snow, results can be good on a San Juan Worm. The response to Mysis Shrimp imitations has been relatively minor as well, due to the low flow from the reservoir not having enough pull to pump a noticeable amount of naturals into the river. Even though flows are low, don’t overlook the need for weight. That can often be the biggest difference for success.
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, 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
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.
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 at 430cfs, we are having trouble getting a link to the correct gauge below the confluence with the William’s Fork. This is a great early spring level as it helps fish spread out due to the ample water from bank to bank, and fishing has been solid, albeit busy due to the early closure of the ski resorts. 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, 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
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 and Caddis, 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 currently spawning, 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 it’s 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, along with potentially a few remaining March Browns. Other wise nymph patterns for them 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.
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. On a positive, the South Canyon Ramp just opened and should help spread out the traffic that has been fairly busy this spring with the loss of skiing as a competing activity.
Flies
slate Gray No Hackle, GT Adult Adams, Para Wulff BWO, Parachute Purple, High and Dry Western March Brown, 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, Lil Spanker, Tung Psycho May, Big Spanker, Rainbow Warrior, Magic Fly, RS-2, 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 Granite, with lesser amounts up to the Leadville area. Clarity remains excellent even as flows have bumped slightly 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 are some of the best early spring freestone fishing in the state. Low and clear water offers a wading angler easy access to the entire width of the river. 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. But that is changing as water managers are adding water from an increase in the release out of Twin Lakes in the upper basin, which should offer a little more room to navigate a boat.
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 particularl 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.
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. On sunny days, look for that to switch over to Caddis, but later in the day when water temps climb enough to spark an emergence.
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
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.
Keep in mind that the Two Rivers boat ramp in Glenwood Springs is closed for a construction project through April, so if you are floating the lower river make sure to familiarize yourself with alternative take-outs. On a positive, the ramp at South Canyon has opened for the season, offering a nice addition to help spread out the traffic.
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
Current Water Data
Williams Fork River Below Dam
Conditions
Flows have stepped up slightly and the river is now running at a solid early season flow. This should add additional cover to for fish that have been sheltering in the holding water in those narrower/deeper lies. 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.
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