The Colorado Angler Fishing Report – March 25, 2016
March 25th, 2016
The Colorado Angler Fly Fishing Report
Plan your next fishing trip knowing you’ll arrive without any surprises. Our professional fishing reports are updated weekly with stream and river flows, recommended flies, equipment, and special fishing tips for the most important fly-fishing destinations in Colorado. To see a detailed fishing report for a specific river, simply scroll below to read more specific information on a particular stretch of river. Make sure to check those out for your river of interest, as they will be able to answer questions pertaining to hatches and flies. Understanding how fisheries change during the year, as well as how to approach them is key to growing an angler’s skill set. We hope you use this invaluable information to your advantage. 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. 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. Call: Toll Free 855-CO TROUT (268-7688) Spring Hours: Monday – Saturday 7 am – 6 pm, Sunday 8 am – 5 pm
Recent Update: March 25, 2016
Freestone fishing continues to be the story, as early spring action is heating up with improved access and increasing food choices. Midge hatches continue in many places but, are now giving way to the early season Baetis bonanza that will be the story for most rivers over the next month and a half. At the moment, lower elevation stretches of the Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Colorado and Eagle are seeing varying degrees of activity from the first major hatch of spring – Blue Winged Olives. This activity will continue to intensify as we move into April, as well as move upstream with warming temperatures, providing a long steady food source for trout and target for anglers. This improvement in freestone action is not just limited to wade fishing either, as we are having good action floating on the upper and lower Colorado, along with some very good fishing on the Fork. There will still be some shelf ice scattered around, particularly on the upper Colorado, so take care not to get caught up under any of those ledges. It looks like we are in for a continuation of the current spring storm cycle to push through every couple of days over the next week or longer. This can cause for some temporary interruptions to our improving conditions. First and foremost will be the discomfort that comes with these wet storms but, you can dress for that, and it generally blows through in a day or two. The other issue to pay attention to with these storms is the short term run-off that can occur the first day the sun comes out after they pass. This too will be temporary, often lasting only a single afternoon, as we are still quite a bit early for our wholesale run-off to start. But it can be intense and immediate at this time of year, as the sun is higher in the sky and melts this new snow from the roadway sometimes even before it has quit falling. Generally when this happens, a short drive up-river can find enough clean water to finish out a day on the river. Detailed reports below will give more specific information on a particular stretch of river. Make sure to check those out for your river of interest, as they will be able to answer questions pertaining to hatches and flies. |
Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir |
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| Flow: 101 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Steady as she goes for the Blue. Releases from the dam remain consistent and should stay that way for the near future. After the February that we had we were beginning to anticipate a reduction from Dillon, but after two consecutive wet storms in as many weeks that won’t be the case. In fact, in a conversation with Denver water this morning we were encouraged to hear that if this wet pattern continues there may be a need to do a pre-release earlier than normal. We’ll keep you posted on that situation. In the meantime, results continue to be decent overall. There are days where that might not be the case but, generally we are seeing success in town. Nymphing remains the most consistent method, using a wide range of standard town patterns for Mysis, Midges, Eggs and Baetis. With clarity being so clear, 6x tippet is a good starting point, either in mono or fluoro. You can always adjust it up from there if you find that you are hooking and breaking fish off. There have been days over the past week or so where we have seen an influence from melting snow, particularly below Straight Creek and I-70. This will add some color to the river and can allow for some situational changes to your approach. Most notably it will enable the increase in tippet size to try and hold onto a few more fish. As well, look for some of the classic dirty water flies to bring some action such as: beaded searching nymphs, San Juan Worms, egg patterns and even dead drifted streamers. Due to the stability of water temperatures coming from the dam, the time of day hasn’t mattered with regards to feeding. That has been fairly steady throughout the day. However, early seems to be more productive until the wade traffic on the river starts to impact fish comfort. As well, later in the day as angler numbers dwindle the fish regain a little bit of stability and resume feeding. Including into the evening hours. The biggest issue for most anglers will be the potential for crowds. Not only are we seeing the typical interest on this popular tailwater but, we are in the midst of Spring Break, which can certainly add traffic to the river as much as the ski hill. This is the point where we lobby for courtesy and etiquette to win out over self interest and ego. Be patient and show your fellow angler a little courtesy by not crowding into water that may not support more than one angler. Take a look up or downstream and come back to that spot later in the day. Or if you have time, venture out to some of the freestone options that are improving daily with the nice weather.
Town Flies: Stalcup’s Mysis, BTS Mysis or any other Mysis that you like, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, Black Beauty, Brassie, UV Emerger, Biot Midge, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Rojo Midge, Tube Midge – Black or Red, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Two Bit Hooker, Zebra Midge, Otter Soft Milking Egg, Bead Eggs, Wooly Bugger Black or Olive, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flossy Worn. And work in a streamer every once in a while, as well. Often over looked but, randomly deadly. |
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Blue River Below Green Mountain |
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| Flow: 263 cfs. | |
| Conditions: As with just about everywhere else at the moment, angler interest in the canyon is on the rise. Gone are the days of winter solitude. At least on the weekend. Temperatures are getting more tolerable as the sun starts to climb higher in the sky. With the added pressure, fishing has continued to be inconsistent. Some days have been very solid, while other days appear to be feeling the effects of all the boots walking through the river. Try to plan it for a week day when there might not be as much competition. Even more so than summer, anglers need to pay attention to their footing above the river. Be very careful getting to the river from the parking area. The phrase “slide for life” comes to mind. Nymph rigs with a good mix of Midge and Baetis patterns are the primary approach but, it is also a good bet to anchor those set-ups with some larger bugs or eggs. Strong populations of Green Drake and PMD nymphs make those a potential all year. As well, there are a couple of different Stoneflies present, which will molt throughout the year making them more available as they dislodge and drift. 5-6x tippet will cover most presentations and make sure to keep your weight sightly heavier than you think you need. If you are not tapping bottom every 4 to 6 drifts you may need a little more. We like to fish with a #10 – 14 imitation for the Drake or Stone on top and drop the smaller imitations for the Midge or Baetis behind that on 6x. You can also substitute an egg for that lead fly. At this level, crossing the river is not a problem. Although, it is slick and a swim is not out of the question so, wade safe.
Flies: Big bead heads: Tungsten Split Case Green Drake, Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Rubberlegs, Psycho Prince, Mr Peacock Ice, Flossy Worm. The Smaller Stuff: RS-2, Tung Psycho May, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Winter Baetis, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Rainbow Warrior, Big Spanker, Otter Egg. Floaters should note: The river volume on this stretch of water can change on an infrequent schedule and often. It is important to know the flow before you launch and make an honest assessment of your ability and watercraft capability. Please respect private property rights along the river. At 1,500 cfs the bridges are impassable. Under 500 become questionable for clearance of certain boats. |
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Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
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| Flow: 300 cfs. +/- @ Parshall (A guess, as the gauge is iced up) | |
| Conditions: Wide open access throughout the public water in the Parshall area. There are still a few chunks of ice lingering around, but for the most part they are not an issue. Wading anglers will want to use caution when crossing or standing on any ice that is left. Action is also fairly wide open as a growing number of food sources are present. Good hatches of Midges have been driving steady interest for the past month. That is being boosted with the addition of micro spring Stoneflies over the last several weeks or so. However, the big improvement is in the consistent opportunity for Baetis, both in nymph and adult life stages. While we are still seeing some adult Midge and Stoneflies in the mix, those will be giving way more and more to the Blue Wings over the next couple of weeks. Tandem nymph rigs continue to produce through the bulk of the day with a mix of Midges, Baetis and Stonefly imitations (both large and micro). Early on focus on the deeper runs and tail outs to pools where the fish can hold with less energy consumption. As the temperatures warm around mid-day look for the fish to move up and position from the middle to heads of those same runs and even up into the bottom of riffles as drifting nymphs become available. Be patient for rising fish, as they have been late to surface, even as late as 5 pm. When that happens make sure to have a good selection of Midge, Baetis and Micro Stonefly patterns in order to capitalize on what is emerging. Just don’t expect to have the place to yourself on a weekend. It looks as if plenty of anglers are ready to leave the winter tailwaters behind and get back on to a freestone. Albeit one with a tailwater influence.
Flies: Biot Midge, Barr’s Emerger, Magic Fly, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Hackled, 5-0 Midge, Disco Midge, Rojo Midge, UV Emerger, RS-2, WD40, Tube Midge, Zebra Midge, Noon Midge, Pure Midge Larva-Pale Olive, Brassie, Buckskin #18-20, Pheasant Tail #18-22, Black Copper John #20-22, Small Prince Nymphs, Black Pheasant Tail, Tung Psycho May, Split Case BWO, Tungsten Micro Mayfly, Winger Parachute BWO, CDC Dun BWO, No Hackle Baetis, Parachute Adams, CDC Comparadun Baetis |
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero |
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| Flow: 625 cfs. @ Pumphouse | |
| Conditions: Good open water for most of the corridor now. There will still be a few spots with less direct sunlight that have scattered shelf ice clinging to the bank or larger rocks but, navigation should be possible for experienced boaters. Which should allow for float fishers to get in on what has been some steady wade fishing over the past few weeks. Conditions have been solid, with good clarity in the upper reach of the section. However, there will be days where that will diminish the further downstream you travel from Radium. Some days it will be Sheephorn Creek that introduces the dirty water but, there will be plenty of days where it is not an issue until you get down below Rancho or even State Bridge. If you run into water that you find too dirty to fish, most of the time a short drive up river will improve conditions enough to keep fishing. Nymphing has been most productive, with a mix of Stonefly, Baetis, Midge and beaded searching patterns working over the course of the day. As well, springtime can be solid with San Juan Worm and Egg patterns. Streamer fishing has been less consistent, as colder water temps will keep some fish from chasing down prey until they regain some calories lost in the winter doldrums. But committed junkies have been turning some fish on darker streamer patterns. On a typical year we don’t see this stretch hit a consistent fishing stride for any technique until the first week or so of April but, with a warm, sunny February that seems to be a little ahead of schedule. 4 and 5x tippet should do the trick with current conditions for nymphs and dries alike. Water levels remain low enough to allow for wade anglers to cross the river in multiple places. The trough road and access roads to various public water entry points are open and in good shape but, any of these spring storms can cause for slick conditions that may make some spots too slick to get into for some vehicles.
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 1,400 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Flexibility is the name of the game when looking to fish this stretch of the river in spring. Clarity can be hit or miss due to the fact that so many feeder streams drain into it up river. As well, with being this far down the drainage and collecting so many tributaries, there is always a little more color to the river down this way. With that in mind there is a simple rule of thumb to follow when assessing if the clarity is adequate for a day on the water: Green is good, Brown is down. Generally speaking, that will be the key. At this time of the year it will be very day-to-day based on how much upstream run-off has made it’s way down and how long it takes to pass through. If you head this way to fish be prepared for either scenario when you get there and always have a back up plan. Fortunately, with the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan right up stream, there should be an option if you show up on one of those “Brown” days. It is big water and wading can be a tough endeavor the first time or two but, once you get dialed in on where to access and where the fish are holding, results can be solid. This stretch consistently produces some of the nicest Rainbows on the Colorado River. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations trailed behind mid-sized beaded searching patterns – like Tungteasers, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears etc- can be productive. (Along with a standard Spaghetti and Meatball rig.) Good numbers of Baetis are starting to get active and drive feeding patterns. With the color of the water here being generally less clear than upstream, tippet size jumps up to 3,4 and 5x. Focus on the slower water just off of the deeper seams early, then move to the seams adjacent the current and deep pockets as the day warms up. As with all winter nymphing make sure to have enough weight on to get you down to where the fish are sheltering. If you don’t tap the bottom every 4 to 6 drifts, make an adjustment to either your weight, depth or both. Not only is this a good wade fishing destination, there is plenty of open water for float fishing, as well. South Canyon ramp is closed for the season but, Two Rivers, Tibbets, New Castle and Silt are all open.
Flies: Mr Peacock Ice, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Hot Wire Prince, Twenty Incher, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Hares Ear, San Juan Worm patterns, Zebra Midge, Lil Spanker, Tung Psycho May, Big Spanker, Rainbow Warrior, Magic Fly, RS-2, Bead Eggs, Otter Egg, Flossy Worm
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista |
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| Flow: 275 +/- cfs. @ Granite. | |
| Conditions: Mostly ice in the upper valley but, there is some open water in the stretch just below lake creek in Balltown. It might be worth a go on a sunny day. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of Baetis, Midge and small searching patterns using 5-6x tippet. Focus on the slow deep runs with quiet water off of the main channel. Flows are above average at the moment due to and ongoing water transfer from Twin Lakes into the Arkansas. This will help keep the open water stretch available a substantial distance downstream from the confluence than usual. Anything above the confluence with Lake Creek will be locked up in ice.
Flies: Rainbow Warrior, Brassie, Zebra, Midge, Tung Psycho May, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Two bit Hooker, Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, CDC Hares Ear, Twenty Incher, Mr Peacock, Flossy Worm |
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Arkansas River Salida Area
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| Flow: 366 cfs. @ Salida | |
| Conditions: Low early season flows are at an ideal level for early season wade anglers. Combine that with the fantastic weather this week with a mix of sun and clouds and low 50s and you have a very positive freestone option. Good access and action should be found from Stone Bridge well down into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. Midge hatches are starting to be boosted on a regular basis by Baetis moving up river into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. This is actually our preferred hatch on the Ark in the spring as it is more consistent and less well publicized than the Caddis Hatch later in April/May. Early in the day focus on the winter holding water adjacent to deeper seams where fish can hold up with limited energy. As the day warms and fish move to feed adjust your efforts to the slow side of those seams or to the flats and runs at the bottom of riffles where fish may position to feed on drifting nymphs. Tandem nymph rigs with a mix of beaded searching patterns and small stones trailing a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations will cover most of the food choices. With the current water level you might be able to get away with 5x on your top fly but, we would drop to 6x for the trailer to improve your odds.
Flies: Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Beadhead Prince, Beadhead Hare’s Ear, Red or Chartreuse Copper John, Hot Wire Prince, Tungteaser, Tungstone, Biot Epoxyback Stone, Iron Sally, Psycho Prince, Duracell Jig, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, Brassie, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Micro Mayfly, Split Case BWO, Magic Fly |
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 450 +/- cfs. | |
| Conditions: Some of the best spring freestone fishing going right now. Baetis have come on strong and are moving up the river from Glenwood to Carbondale in good numbers but, there are also pockets of them up to Basalt, as well. Mid-day has been most productive with tandem nymph rigs, using 4 – 6x tippet. As is typical with most freestones at this time of year, Baetis and Midges will comprise the majority of the activity but, we have been seeing some decent results on medium to larger searching nymphs, along with some Stonefly patterns. With that in mind, anchor your set-up with one of those larger bugs and trail the Baetis and Midge stuff behind. Early in the day look for fish to be sheltered in the quiet water with little to no current. As the day warms and the sun hits the water look for fish to move to the slower water just off of seams and towards the tails of runs. Once there are drifting nymphs those fish may move up towards the middle and even head of the run to feed on those active bugs. This is a great early spring freestone that generally starts to get fairly productive as we move into early to mid-February and current indications are that it is on schedule. The river itself is completely free of ice from Carbondale on down, with good access for wade, as well as committed float anglers. Inflatables only, too low for the hard boats just yet.
Flies: Twenty Incher #12-14, Tungteaser #12-14, Beaded Pheasant Tail #12-14, Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10, Beaded Hares Ear #12-14, CDC Prince #12-16, Hot Wire Prince #12-16, Standard Pheasant Tail #18-20, Tung Psycho May, Rainbow Warrior Black or Red, Juju Baetis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Duracell Jig, Root Beer Float, Biot Midge, Zebra Midge, RS2, Tung Psycho May |
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South Platte River, Middle Fork |
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| Flow: 15 +/- cfs. | |
| Conditions: Ice and snow have the river locked up until March at the earliest.
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South Platte, Dream Stream |
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| Flow: 65 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Some good reports coming in from the “Dream” at the moment. Yes, those 11 mile spawn-run fish have started to move up the river and as a result, crowds are thick. Flows remain on the low side although, not unmanageable. Combine that with the clarity and you have some spooky fish. We recommend 6-7x tippet and a light footed approach. Try not to wade if you can avoid it, as the less time in the water the less likely you are to alert the fish to something that is suspect in their environment. This time of year can see a wide range of productive patterns, as there is decent aquatic insect activity with Midges and Baetis, along with an increase in interest to spawn imitations.
Flies: Loop Wing Emerger, Pure Midge Larva Black or Pale Olive, Black, Red, Chartreuse Copper John, Juju Baetis, Buckskin, Caddis Larva, Hunchback Scud, Poxybiot Nymph, Desert Storm Chartreuse, Tube Midge, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Barr’s Emerger BWO, RS2, Poxybiot Nymph, Egg Patterns, Cap’n Hook, Disco Midge, San Juan Work variations |
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Williams Fork River Below Dam |
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| Flow: 71 cfs. | |
| Conditions: The release from the dam remains solid for early spring and that has been beneficial to anglers, as fish remain fairly well distributed in numerous holes. Action has been day-to-day and we think that depends a lot on traffic. With Spring Break, there has been an increase in interest and some days have been down right crowded. That can have an impact on the fishing when those crowds are high. Typical tailwater nymph imitations for Baetis and Midges on 6x tippet. Focus on the classic “winter water” where fish have a chance to shelter from the majority of current, as well as predators.
Flies: Poxy Biot Nymph, Buckskin, Flossy Worm, Little Brown Bug, Two Bit Hooker, Flash Back Pheasant Tail, Split Case BWO, Big Bear Baetis, Tungsten Psycho May BWO, Pure Midge Larva, Rainbow Warrior, Rojo Midge, Biot mayfly Emerger, #20-22 Green Copper John, Zebra Midge, RS2’s, 5-0 Midge, UV Emerger |
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Eagle River |
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| Flow: 125 cfs at Wolcott | |
| Conditions: Fishing has continued to improve almost daily. Some of the better freestone action going at the moment. The big issue will be clarity. That can depend on your location and the day of the week. As spring storms pass through and drop snow one day, there will be at least an additional day or two after they clear out for that snow to melt and run into the river adding color and interrupting the fishing. It will be worse in certain stretches of the river than others. For now, the breaking point for location is generally just below Wolcott where Milk Creek runs in. We have definitely been seeing the clarity take a hit downstream from there when it does go bad. Keep in mind it won’t be every day, or even all day. Just be prepared to move throughout the day in order to find cleaner water if it muds up. All of that being said, upstream from Wolcott has been very stable with regards to clarity. Nymphing has been the most productive method, with a good mix of Stonefly, Baetis and Egg patters, as well as a few Midge and Caddis imitations at times. Clarity has been a little unstable as we mentioned but, the positive of that is the lack of needing to drop too light for tippet. 3, 4 and 5x has covered any situation we have encountered over the past several weeks. Focus your efforts on the slower deeper runs early in the day, then as the temperature warms over the day look for fish to move up towards the bottom of riffles and fast water to feed on drifting nymphs.
Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Head Hare’s Ear, Psycho Prince, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Buckskin Caddis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Root Beer Float, Tung Psycho May, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Standard Pheasant Tail 18-22, G6 Caddis, Lite Bright Caddis, Tube Midge, Desert Storm, Barr’s Emerger, Juju stuff. |
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir |
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| Conditions: Ice. Closed for the season. Ice fishing is prohibited and the Park will not reopen until the lake is entirely ice free. Most likely mid-May.
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Delaney Buttes Lakes |
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| Conditions: Ice. Fishing is allowed and action has been sloooowww. Flies: Jigs, Pink and White |
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