Colorado Fishing Report
Thursday afternoon.
Water levels and quality continue to improve as afternoon rains have become a little less frequent this week. Even though stream flows may still be a little higher than what is normal for this time of year, that doesn’t mean fishing is bad. To the contrary, we are seeing some great action around the high country.
Float fishing on the Arkansas has really taken off. Yes, it is high at roughly 2100 cfs, but clarity is fantastic and a lot of the fish are pushed out to the quiet water along the banks. Evenings have been very consistent with Dry Dropper rigs as well as pure Dry Fly set ups. This is a great time of year to float this if you like fast action, run and gun style fishing.
Further up river, in stream flow levels have dropped below 700 cfs for the first time in over 50 days. On Thursday afternoon the gauge above Hayden Meadows was registering 514 cfs. This is a huge improvement and should really open up a lot more wade fishing on the upper river. This shouldn’t change the flow further down too dramatically, as there has been some increase in flows out of Twin Lakes. Look for Caddis, Yellow Sallies and even a few Green Drakes to be popping over the next couple of weeks.
For the time being, the Roaring Fork has improved after Monday night’s blow out from heavy rains in the Valley. (To compound matters the Frying pan was running the color and consistency of Gazpacho affecting the river all the way down to the Colorado.) Clarity has since improved to again be a solid choice for wade and float anglers alike. Even more importantly, by Thursday afternoon, the river level dropped under that 3,000 cfs threshold that really signifies the point at which the river becomes a fantastic choice.
Definitely keep an eye on stream flows, as a significant spike could signify another rain event and downgrading of conditions.
Nymph fishing is strong, especially during the morning and mid day hours. Keep in mind that with the higher flow, the river in places, is bank full and into the willows. Anglers definitely want to push the envelope on their drifts and get those flies as close to where the trout are laying, but with that aggressive approach comes the higher risk of flies left in submerged hazards.
For the dry fly enthusiast, though, you really need to hit the river in the evening and pound the banks with a double dry fly rig. Some of the best action of the year can come on the Fork at this time of year in the evening. The key is to make sure you don’t get off the water too soon. Those last few minutes where you can barely see to tie a knot can be the most intense. Do yourself a favor and get on over to this river.
The Still-water fishing continues to offer great action, although we are seeing a progression in hatches as the Chironomid population is fading and Calibaetis and Damsel flies are now the prevalent hatches on most local impoundments. Day to day the trout may favor one of these choices over the other, but they are both a potential meal every day on many of Colorado’s great lake fisheries.
Both Antero and Spinney Reservoirs are fishing as well as anywhere in the state right now. As fiver flows persist above average for the time being, these are a great option for fly casters looking to get into feeding fish.
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 here on this page but, space is limited and we may not have answered all of you questions. We want to make sure you get the information your 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.
Summer Hours: 7am-7pm
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| Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir |
Flow: 1250 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Water levels have dropped back down a bit. At this time it is uncertain as to what Denver Water will do with that going forward. The lake is nearly full and hopefully the powers that be will allow it to fill and spill. The Tailwater section is still experiencing good action on Mysis patterns, but I think I speak for a majority of anglers that would like to have a dry fly season on The Blue. If we get the lake to spill, water temps will jump about 20 degrees, initiating the emergence of some actual aquatic insects. This happens so rarely, that not many anglers realize what a good possibility for Green Drakes, PMDs and Caddis The Blue offers. As for now, nymphing continues to provide the most consistent action . The key will be locating the quieter holding water and using plenty of weight. When you think you have enough weight on, add more. These types of conditions are most rewarding for the single angler or for multiple anglers that are patient enough to take turns in the same spot. Stomach pumps of landed fish really are showing the focus by the fish on the Mysis Shrimp. You can try a midge here and there, but we wouldn’t make it the focal point of your rig. Flies: Charlie’s Mysis, BTS Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, Medallion midge 20-24, UV Emerger black 20-24, Kingery’s Capt’n Hook 20, Garcia’s Rojo Midge Red or Black 20. |
| Blue River Below Green Mountain |
Flow: 2540 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Wow! This is BIG water. Lake Dillon releases are being passed down river as both reservoirs are close to full. In fact as of right now, Green Mountain is with-in a half an inch of full, but it remains to be seen as to when that will actually happen as water managers are trying to maintain it just under spilling. I would not recommend this as an option right now , even for floating. There is so much water flowing down river that even getting flies in front of fish will be very difficult. Wait for a substantial drop in volume before considering this area. Floaters should note: The take out that has been used for years is no longer available, that property is now private. For boat take out you now need to continue on down the Blue to the access ramp for the Gore Canyon put-in. this is approximately another mile. Please respect private property rights along the river. Flies: Larger size Bead Head Nymphs: #10-12 Hare’s ear, Prince, Tungteaser, Tungsten Rubber Leg Yellow Sally, Stubby Stone, San Juan Flash Worm and Red Hot Worm. |
| Colorado River Above Kremmling |
Flow: 3680 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Another big set back for wade fisherman. New releases from Windy Gap due to heavy rains, have seen a return to flows that are about six time their normal level for this time of year. Very high, off color and out of the banks in many spots. Still very high and not a good choice. Hopefully this will be short lived and we will see flows start to subside again as they were last week. Stay tuned. |
| Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero |
Flow: 7240 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Another stretch impacted by the jump at Windy Gap as flows here are also way above their seasonal average. A bit of a buzz kill mentally, but the river has been in and out of this level for most of the last month. The fish have adapted and anglers can still find a few fish and day to day, results can be quiet good. Clarity at times is up to 2 feet. Water temps continue to climb, producing a great PMD hatch. There are spots where a wade angler can find fish not only holding, but feeding with-in close proximity to the bank. With the high water, the river is out of its banks and COVERING the willows, which leads to many snags. If you go, this is technical fishing, be prepared for tough access and hard to distinguish trout lies. If you do go, do not forget your bug spray. Mosquitoes are starting to show up for what looks to be a banner year for them as well, especially in the daytime. Flies:Burk’s Silhouette Sulpher, Lawson’s PMD, Bead Pheasant Tails, Bead Head Mercers PMD, Tungsten Hares Ear, Pat’s Rubber Legs. |
| Colorado Below Glenwood Springs |
Flow 13,000 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Big and dirty, good for a boat ride. Don’t miss the stop at Dairy Queen, river-right, just past the bridge in West Glenwood. Or for an entertaining side trip, check out the surfers on the stationary wave just above the West Glenwood bridge. The closest thing to Pipeline the mainland has seen. |
| Arkansas River Above Buena Vista |
Flow: 514-1710 cfs. |
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| Conditions: Good things are happening here as stream levels are finally dropping. As of late Thursday, flows dropped below 600 for the fist time in weeks in upper reach of the valley. This is good news and a long time coming. Look for a strong Caddis presence throughout, as well as some smaller stones and localized Green Drakes to emerge shortly. Dry fly anglers have been doing well pounding pockets of quiet water amongst the heavy currents, but as this drop settles in, look for dry dropper fishing to pick up as riffles and runs become a little more reasonable in flow. Note that the flow range on detail is Hayden Meadows the lower number, 514 and the higher number is at Granite. Flies: Bead Pheasant Tail, Hot Wire Prince, Iron Sally, Tung Teaser, Twenty Incher, Slump Buster Black, Bead Head Rubber Leg Brown Bugger, Le Marabou Leech. |
| Arkansas River Below Buena Vista |
Flow: 2130 cfs. |
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| Conditions: The river below Buena Vista is definitely on the way back. Flows are still robust for the wade angler, but there are plenty of breaks along the bank to find some opportunities. We have been floating it the last several days and clarity is great. At this level, boaters move along pretty fast and action is pretty intense, but there are plenty of hungry fish looking for an easy meal. Dry dropper fishing is solid, with a larger Golden Stone pattern holding up a variety of nymph offerings. Try general searching nymphs like Beaded Pheasant Tails and Copper Johns as well as more specific hatch matching flies for the Yellow Sally and PMDs. Dry fly fishing has also been particularly rewarding in the evening hours. Flies: Bead Head Pheasant Tail # 12-16, Tungstone Golden #12-16, Copper John #12-16, Chartreuse Hot Wire Caddis, Tungsten Redemption PMD, Barrs PMD Emerger, Designated Hitter Golden, Stimulator, Foamulator, Chubby Chernobyl |
| Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs |
Flow: 2890 cfs. |
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| Conditions: River has once again cleared as of Thursday. Flows are now under the magic 3,000 cfs and the time is now. Fishing here is entering into the period of summer hatches and every fish in the river will be on the feedbag. One of the joys of western fishing is July on The Roaring Fork. Don’t be afraid to stay all day, or put on late in the day, and hit the evening dry fly action. The last two hours of day light can be one of the most enjoyable evenings you will have all year. Look for Caddis, Golden Stones, Yellow Sallies, PMDs and Green Drakes. Flies: Tungteaser, Twenty Incher, Bead Prince #12-14, Copper John#12-14, PT Cruiser #14-16, Elk Hair Caddis #12-14, Stimulator #10-16, H & L Variant |
| Platte South River, Middle Fork |
Flow: 300+/- cfs. |
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| Conditions: The recent rains have bumped this up slightly, but that has started to turn downward again. Insects are starting to hatch and water levels appear to be dropping a little. However, flows are still very high and fish-able lies are spread out. You will have to cover a lot of terrain but, look for any larger back eddies and foam lines. Fish can be brought to the surface as there are Caddis, Pale Morning Dun and even a few Green Drake adults around. Tomahawk or Badger Basin, it’s a push. Flies: Elk Hair Caddis #18, Burk’s Silhouette Sulpher, Headlight Yellow Sally, Red Legged Hopper, Graphhic Caddis, Hare’s ear, Red or Copper flavored Copper John, Tungteaser, Buckskin caddis, STD Baetis, Tungsten Psycho |
| South Platte, Dream Stream |
Flow: 313 cfs. |
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| Conditions: This piece of water can fish very well at these higher levels. The caddis activity should start to pick up soon, so look to fish a larva or pupa offering as well. Downstream in Eleven Mile Canyon, Caddis and PMDs are starting to really produce results and may be worth a look as well. Flies: Buckskin Caddis, Barr’s Graphic Caddis, Mercer’s Poxyback PMD Emerger, Caddis Rockworm. |
| Williams Fork River Below Dam |
Flow 665 cfs. |
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| Conditions: This has been fishing decent for experienced anglers in the few slack water spots that present themselves. There are Yellow Sallies and a few mayflies around. If you do go, do not forget your bug spray. Mosquitoes are starting to show up for what looks to be a banner year for them as well. Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, San Juan Worms, Stubby Stones, Flash Back Pheasant Tails, Buckskin Caddis, Crane fly Larva, Baetis nymphs: Jujubaetis, Big Bear Baetis. |
| Antero Reservoir |
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| Conditions: Action remains strong on this impoundment as the Calibaetis and Damsel Flies are in full swing. Nymphing still provides the greatest action, but there have been good dry fly days as well. The Division of Wildlife will once again be doing inspections for invasive species at the boat ramp. Allow for a little extra time before launching any trailered boats. The South boat ramp is only open Friday-Monday, mid-week boaters will have to use the North ramp. Check out the method section under Delaney Buttes Lakes below for more tips to consistently get into fish. As for the Flies: Parachute Extended Body Bead Head Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tails 12-16, Copper John Chartreuse or Red 14-16,Tung Teaser 12-14, Jumbo Juju all colors 12-16, Yankee Buzzer 12-16, Zebra Midge 20. |
| Spinney Mountain Reservoir |
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| Conditions: As with Antero, this Lake is probably fishing as well as it will all year. Action remains solid on Calibaetis and Damsel Fly patterns. Again, using static nymph rigs has been the most consistent, but don’t hesitate to mix it up with the occasional leech or crayfish patterns. Check out the method section under Delaney Buttes Lakes below for more tips to consistently get into fish. Flies: Jumbo Juju all colors 12-16, Hare’s Ear 12-16, Yankee Buzzer, Bead Head PT12-16, Chartreuse Copper John 12-16. |
| Delaney Buttes Lakes |
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| Conditions: Not as good as the South Park impoundments, but this is a high-water option for still water here as anglers wait out the run-off season. Action on the East and South Lakes remains the most consistent, with the North Lake its usual finicky self. And not to sound like a broken record, but the insects here are the same as the South Park impoundments. Method: As with ALL of these lake options, try to mix it up in your selection until you hit on something that the fish appear to be keying on. A good method is to fish a nymph rig under an indicator with 2 or even 3 different patterns. Present the fish with something to imitate the Calibaetis nymphs, as well as a Chironomid and maybe even a Damsel nymph. Once the action picks up, you can determine if there is preference for a particular bug and then offer other imitations of that insect. Flies: Jumbo Juju 12-16, Yankee Buzzer 12-16, Mercer’s Poxyback Calibaetis, CDC Calibaetis nymph, Wilcox’s Rapunzel, Bead Head Aggravator Olive. |
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