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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
Conditions
Another big change in town as the release from the dam is up again in anticipation of spring runoff into the reservoir. This is good news any way you look at it. The additional water will help spread out fish into greater habitat, as well, it will offer them added cover from predators, hopefully making them feel a little more at ease. But even more important, the added flow from the dam creates a stronger pull of food from the reservoir, most notably in the form of Mysis Shrimp.
From a technical standpoint, the good news is that you can bump up your tippet size a notch, 5x should be light enough, maybe even 4x. While you’re at it don’t overlook the need for extra weight, anywhere from 1 to 2 BBs for most spots.
In addition to the Mysis, Midges are still the primary aquatic insect in the food chain, with good results also coming on the typical “spring-water-is-on-the-rise” patterns. ie Spaghetti and Meatballs.
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, Red Neck Midge, Glassy Brassie, Mirage Zebra Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Tube Midges, Black Beauty, Brassie, Bead Head Biot Midge, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Rojo Midge, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Zebra Midge, Flossy Worm, Squirmy Wormy, Huevos, #20-#24 Pheasant Tail
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.
We have not had any communication with water managers at Green Mountain to see what their schedule for spring releases is. The lake is starting to fill, but it has a way to go at this point. With a fairly robust snow pack in the Blue River Valley we are anticipating a strong run-off which will require a spill. That being the case, they tend to ramp up outflow ahead of time in anticipation of that spill, so that it doesn’t go from zero to apocalyptic overnight.
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 in the 1025 cfs range, we are having trouble getting a link to the correct gauge below the confluence with the William’s Fork. This is now a new high point for the year and as such will have a negative impact on clarity as additional debris and sediment is carried down river. As well, this is getting to be a robust amount of water for the upper river and will limit access and wading opportunities. If you’re a high water fan and in the neighborhood give it a try but, probably not a solid first choice.
Flies
Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flashback Hare’s Ear, Flossy Worm, CDC Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Psycho Prince, Breadcrust, Pheasant Tail, 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
After a solid surge in water and dramatic drop in clarity last week, things have stabilized for the moment after a few cooler days. Although clarity if far from gin clear, it is enough for trout to feed with a little more enthusiasm than earlier in the week. Nymph rigs are the most consistent method, focused on a variety of large Stonefly imitations, beaded searching patterns, Caddis and Baetis variations. As well, streamer patterns continue to do well, particularly Sculpin imitations as their spawn is wrapping up.
The farther down you go the dirtier it is going to be. We would recommend starting above Radium where Sheephorn Creek runs into the main channel and adds a good deal of color. If that confluence doesn’t look too bad then the next big influence will be Piney Creek just above the State Bridge ramp.
And most importantly, Rancho is going to resume shuttles on Monday the 25th.
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
After the warm up things are pretty well shot on the lower river, as clarity has cratered. It is currently running various shades of brown, from light mocha to full on chocolate. Once run-off peaks, starts to stabilize and then drop, look for the color to switch over to a greenish tint before committing to this stretch again.
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.
Flies
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, Flossy Worm, Sex Dungeon, Heisenberg Streamers, Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet.
Current Water Data
Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
Conditions
As with just about everywhere, the Ark is on the rise and clarity is on the drop. There is still some limited wade access above the confluence with Lake Creek, but you will not be able to cross the river in all but a few spots. Look for Baetis, Midges and even a few Caddis to be emerging. Nymph imitations for all of those, along with Stoneflies will be your best best either in a traditional nymph rig or under a large dry fly, if you just can’t give up on the hope of a fish rising any time you fish. Streamer fishing has been solid, as well for the past several weeks. Make sure to experiment with retrieval patterns and speed, as the fish may not be as aggressive in their pursuit of larger prey.
Which ever method you choose, focus on the soft water along the edges, insides of corners, below islands and in back eddies where fish can shelter out of the rising flow.
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 going to be compromised for the near future as water levels rise and clarity falls. You can catch fish at high water if you know where to look, but as flows are most certainly still on the way up, visibility will be a challenge until we see the peak, at which point we should see it start to clear.
It may not matter any way, as 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.
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
Flows are back on the rise and clarity is crashing, particularly as you get downstream from the Crystal. Caddis continue to emerge, as well as Baetis the higher up you go, but flows will start to limit your access. Big Stonefly imitations or beaded searching nymphs followed up with a Baetis pattern or Caddis pupa. Start in the Carbondale area and make your way upstream from there.
Keep in mind that the Two Rivers boat ramp in Glenwood Springs is still closed for a construction project, so if you are floating the lower river make sure to familiarize yourself with alternative take-outs.
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, Peacock Caddis, Mother’s Day Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis, Chubby Chernobyl, Body Double Caddis
Current Water Data
Williams Fork River Below Dam
Conditions
Flows have made a nice jump up and the river is running at a solid early season flow. This flow should provide good enough cover for fish to spread out a bit from their winter “low water” lies and offer more opportunities for anglers. 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
A classic May phenomenon on the Eagle: Flows go up, clarity goes to hell. With the heat this week, things on the Eagle will be fairly marginal for the near future. It is not that you can’t fish the river when it’s high, but it does make it tough when it is on the way up and fish are relocating to new sheltering lies. Once it gets to a plateau you can still find fish willing to eat if you can get a fly to them. Same goes for the color. 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.
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. As well, there are pockets of Caddis starting to move up river.
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