The Colorado Angler Fishing Report – May 21, 2015
May 21st, 2015
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: May 21, 2015
Today, we are seeing a recovery to those areas that were hit with negative impacts from Tuesday morning’s storm — the Eagle and Arkansas seem to be dropping in volume and improving in clarity. The cool forecast over the next couple of days should aid in this recovery, if moisture amounts are nominal. There are still some great fishing options out there right now if you can work around the odd passing rain cloud. The Colorado may be high, but fishing above State Bridge has been very solid and the clarity below that point has improved enough to give it a try. The Arkansas is seeing a widening of opportunity as the upper river is finally starting to gain some consistency. The Eagle is still offering some good wade and float action particularly above the Wolcott boat launch but, there are even some decent reports coming in from below there if you time it right. Farther west the Roaring Fork above the Crystal is still holding steady and even offering some good dry fly action at times. Tailwaters on the upper and lower Blue, as well as the South Platte are trending upward and continue to offer good destinations even at these robust flows. The weather over the next couple of days will return to wet and cool with potentially good amounts of snow at higher elevations. Don’t let all that dissuade you from hitting the river, as recent results have been fortuitous throughout passing weather systems. The added bonus will be a distinct lack of traffic on most rivers. Typically speaking, once you get on the water and catch a few fish, the weather doesn’t seem nearly as bad as you might have imagined before you went. 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: 840 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Flows are up moderately over the past couple of days and are currently running at a fairly sporty level. While this will intimidate many anglers, there are still plenty of good holding lies to fish and feeding trout to hook into. We say hook, versus catch because, at this level once that hooked fish hits the main current there may be no turning it back into the quieter water along the banks. The entirety of this release is bottom feeding so, clarity in town is very good — more importantly, this is a very Mysis positive situation. With flows this high, there should be a very steady stream of shrimp flowing through the dam into the Blue. As well, those shrimp should drift further down through town, providing additional action farther from the dam than normal. At this rate, make sure to bump up your weight substantially. We would start with at least 2 to 3 BB and add from there as needed, you will need to add more if the flow continues to climb. Make sure to increase your tippet size, as well. The minimum we would recommend at this time is 4X but, 3X is more ideal in most spots. Look for the quiet water along seams and edges to be collecting fish that are looking for a break from the heavier flows in the main channel. Angler traffic can vary from day-to-day, and there have been some crowds, but with the county now in “Mud Season” many locals have headed out of town and some days are relatively quiet, at least for the Blue. As conditions elsewhere turn off color, we will expect an increase in traffic on this and other tailwaters. With that in mind try to consider your fellow anglers out there and give a courteous amount of space if you aren’t the first one on the water. The benefit to all this extra water is that it is moving fish into places that may not have been holding many trout previous to the spike. Take this opportunity to maybe look at some new spots that you may not have in the past. There isn’t just one or two good holes on the Blue. Who knows you may just find a better spot than your usual one with the different water levels. Action has been good not only on the Mysis patterns but, also a good mix of Midge pupa and larva in red or black, along with Egg patterns, Mayfly and searching nymphs. On those warmer days where there is some melting snow affecting clarity, San Juan Worm patterns have been fairly productive as well. Good luck.
Town Flies: Stalcup’s Mysis, BTS Mysis, Charlie’s Mysis – All in size 14-16, Copper John 16-20, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook, Pure Midge Larva Red, Tube Midge – Black or Red, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Two Bit Hooker, Winter Baetis, Black Beauty, Disco Midge, Desert Storm, Frenchie, Rainbow Warrior, UV Emerger – Black or Brown, Otter Soft Milking Egg, Bead Eggs, Wooly Bugger Black or Olive, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flossy Worn |
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Blue River Below Green Mountain |
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| Flow: 410 cfs. | |
| Conditions: A moderate rise in flows here Thursday, for the second day in a row. With Dillon increasing releases again this week, it looks like Green Mtn will pas through a certain amount of added water. Although, not nearly as much as the up river impoundment in Silverthorne, as they are currently in a collection mode that is bringing lake levels up. This continues to be a good level for wade anglers, although it will once again limit most anglers from crossing over to the far side of the river. Generally speaking, most wade fishermen see the barrier at about 300 cfs but, there are some strong/tall waders that can push that in spots to the 400 level. It remains to be seen how this will affect what has been a strong afternoon Baetis emergence. Being that it continues to be a tailwater release, the water temps shouldn’t change too much, there is good indication that this release pattern may continue. Fishing has been a mixed bag down here, with some very good days being reported along with other days that leave you wondering if it is the same river. Prior to the increased flow, there had been some very good afternoon Baetis hatches when conditions were right. Either way, this is still a decent option for those wanting a lot more solitude than the crowds up river in town. Even though the snow is gone now, the hill down to the river is still slick and has been claiming a few victims — be careful getting to the river. Nymphing has been decent with a wide variety of imitations for Midges, Baetis, mid-sized beaded searching patterns (such as Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser etc) as well as some continued action on egg patterns. We also like to fish a larger bug in the set up through the Spring due to the good number of robust insects in this stretch of river like Drakes and Stones. Sometimes that larger offering presents an opportunity for a bigger meal that a fish just can’t pass up. Tandem rigs have been solid leading with either one of those beaded searching nymphs or an egg and following that up with your favorite Baetis or Midge pattern. If you find that all of your action is coming on the small, trailing fly, then switch up your lead fly to a Baetis imitation with a Midge behind. Water clarity and volume will probably dictate that you once again drop your tippet to at least a 5X, even going to a 6X for a more stealthy approach. While the majority of the action throughout the day has come on those nymph rigs, there have been moments of widespread surface feeding on adult Baetis, primarily mid to late afternoon. Our recent experience has proven the dry fly fishing to be productive but very technical. As well, the hatch may be late, late enough that some anglers will have already packed it in for the day. It doesn’t happen every day, but if you stick it out and the hatch does comes off, you just might have some of the best fishing of the day all to yourself.
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: Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Winter Baetis, Black Beauty, Rojo Midge, Otter Egg. Streamers: Silver Bullet, Slumpbuster, Sculpzilla, Tungsten Thin Mint. Dries: Winger Parachute BWO, CDC Baetis Parachute Dun, Mole Fly, Sparkle Baetis, No Hackle Slate Gray. 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. |
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Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
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| Flow: 1715 cfs. @ Parshall | |
| Conditions: A very robust amount of water for this time of year as upstream releases, combining with melting snow have pushed this river up to a level that will give most anglers pause. At this rate it may be best for most to look elsewhere for their Spring fishing. (Say just upstream from the Breeze unit to the Williams Fork tailwater.) If you do give it a go here, tandem nymph rigs with plenty of weight or streamers will be the best way to search for feeding fish. Larger Stonefly nymphs, beaded searching patterns, as well as Eggs and San Juan Worm patterns. Concentrate on the quieter lies along the banks and inside of riffles. There will be days of better clarity at times, but we don’t think that will be as limiting as the flows. The positive will be the complete lack of competition.
Flies: Winter Baetis, RS-2, WD-40, Big Bear Baetis, Biot Midge, Pure Midge Larva, Tube Midge, Miracle Nymph, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Two Bit Hooker Red or Olive, Tung Split Case BWO, BLM, Buckskin Caddis, San Juan Worm Patterns, Juju Baetis Red or Purple, Zebra Midge, Small Eggs, Pat’s Rubber Legs, CDC Adult Midge, Sprout Midge, CDC Hanging Midge |
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero |
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| Flow: 2,470 cfs. @ Pumphouse | |
| Conditions: Flows have leveled off and even fallen a little from last week’s high flow of 3,000. This has brought some clearing conditions, particularly above Sheephorn Creek. Yes, this is still a decent amount of water and that will make it a challenge to fish, particularly for wade anglers. This can be a very good level for fishing, depending on the clarity day-to-day. Most days 12 inches or so should be enough visibility, and we are seeing as much as 18-24 inches at times. Water temps will still be an important factor as well and they have started to rebound slightly. However, with additional snow and rain in the forecast through the early part of the week, keep an eye on those as they can often serve as an indicator to how the action may be from day-to-day. Tandem nymph rigs will continue to be the most productive method as clarity and flows fluctuate. Anchor your set-up with a larger Stonefly imitation for the impending Salmonfly hatch, followed up with a mix of beaded searching patterns, San Juan Worm, and Baetis imitations. This week the conditions have also been prime for afternoon Baetis hatches. Although, finding any consistent response to the duns has been tough, it might be a better approach to stick with the nymph patterns until you see rising trout. Streamer fishing has also been hit or miss lately. With water temps still at Spring levels, there hasn’t been a consistent desire for trout to chase down their food. However, the fish we are catching on streamers have been very nice on average and can be worth the effort. We are starting to see a good distributing of fish into most water types, with a lot of action still coming in the tail outs to runs, but also seeing fish move into riffle edges and ledges, as well as some pocket lies. As water levels remain elevated, look for an increase in fish getting pushed into the soft edge water as well.
Flies: Tungsten Split Case BWO, Tungsten Psycho BWO, Juju Baetis, Two Bit Hooker, Zebra Midge, RS-2, Rubberlegs, Beaded Pheasant Tails, Beaded Hares Ears, Hot Wire Prince, Small Copper John in Red, Green or Black, Tungsten Prince, Rubber Leg Mr Peacock, Miscellaneous Streamers: Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet, Space Invader, Beldar, Bead Head Buggers in Black or White |
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 6,000 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Big and dirty. It’s a shame, Spring fishing had been so good and the Caddis were thick. Probably going to be out of the rotation for some time. Check back late June to mid July.
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. |
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista |
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| Flow: 368 cfs. @ Granite. 700 @ Nathrop | |
| Conditions: We are finally starting to see some more consistent action along the entire upper river. With a gradual warming to water temperatures in the upper valley, action through the popular Hayden Meadows stretch has improved to go along with the access points further down river towards Granite and Buena Vista, which have been productive for last few weeks now. Baetis will constitute the most widely distributed insect activity at the moment, and imitations for all phases of the life cycle have been working. Early in the day nymph patterns are working well as part of a nymph or dry-dropper set up. Fish those Baetis imitations in tandem with a mix of beaded searching nymphs, Caddis or small Stonefly patterns. Look for the emergence to happen early to mid afternoon, but there will be days with cooler temperatures and dark skies that might take a little longer for water temps to rise enough to ignite the hatch. Those clouds will provide ideal conditions for rising fish to emerge with adult Baetis imitations.
Flies: Two bit Hooker, Zebra Midge Black or Purple, Poison Tung, Biot Midge, Medallion Midge, Tube Midge, Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, CDC Hares Ear, Twenty Incher, Mr Peacock, RS-2, Flossy Worm, Pure Midge Larva, Stimulator, Hippie Stomper, Parachute Adams, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Sprout Baetis, Mole Fly, Sparkle Baetis, No Hackle Baetis, Winger Parachute |
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Arkansas River Salida Area
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| Flow: 660 cfs. @ Salida | |
| Conditions: This past weekend was a prime example of what has been the experience on the Ark over the past couple of weeks, and that is widely varying results depending on the day and the location on the river. Most of this has been attributed to weather, as the hatches in a particular location have been responding to the weather, with the Baetis activity favoring the steady temperatures under some cloud cover, while other locations have responded well under sunny skies. We have found that Baetis activity to still be widespread from Brown’s down into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. The early part of the day is ideal for a dry-dropper rig using a mid sized to larger attractor dry followed up with a mix of Caddis, Baetis, small Stonefly and beaded searching nymphs. Then look to switch over to dries in mid-afternoon as an emergence should get fish looking to the surface. A double dry set-up has been very productive with a Caddis or attractor like a Stimulator followed up with a smaller parachute Baetis imitation. Be patient for this surface activity to happen, some days it may be 3 or 4 pm before it materializes. On the sunny days we have been finding good action upstream from Salida into Brown’s Canyon. Again, dry-dropper rigs are a great way to judge the focus of trout feeding here by offering options from different phases of the life cycle. Generally we find the interest in the nymph to stay steady all day, with some increased reaction to the dry building from mid-to-late afternoon. If that interest becomes steady, then make the switch over to a double dry rig. Caddis, Baetis, attractors and terrestrials have all produced some success in the past couple of weeks. Currently, stream flows have subsided from a spike early in the week and clarity is improving, with decent visibility into Salida. The streamer fishing has also been fairly decent and is often over looked at this time of year, as most anglers that venture down this way are looking for dry fly action. The key right now will be flexibility. Don’t set your plans on only fishing one particular stretch of the river. If you get to Wellsville and the water is dirty, head upstream until you find better conditions. Then also be prepared to potentially fish a different insect species, as well.
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, Barr’s Emerger BWO, Juju Baetis, Loop Wing Emerger, Split Case BWO, Tungsten Psycho BWO, Elk Hair Caddis, Stimulator, Foam Caddis, Spotlight Caddis, Hippie Stomper, Parachute Mayfly imitations, Chubby Chernobyl, Fuzzy Wuzzy, Foamulator |
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 1240 cfs. | |
| Conditions: This went big in a big hurry, basically doubling over night, but has now dropped almost back down to where it was last week. Clarity will be improved as well. More important is the stabilizing of the water temperatures back in the range that produces Caddis hatches. Prior to last weekend’s blow out, the Caddis emergence was thick and fish were on the feed bag. This should offer a short window of opportunity for a return to that action. It may not last for long, if you are going to try to hit it, go soon. Once the warmer temps and/or moisture return, it will be slimmer pickings. When that does happen, check out some of the public water between Carbondale and Aspen, where Caddis nymphs, searching patterns, and mid sized stones have been productive. The conditions up higher may also be unstable, with good days followed by dirty water from run-off and rain. However, those days that allow have been producing some decent action.
Flies: Twenty Incher, Tungteaser, Stubby stones, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Standard Pheasant Tail, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungstone, Copper Johns, Hares Ear, Mr. Peacock, CDC Prince, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO Emerger, RS 2, Tungsten Psycho May, Hot Wire Prince, Two Bit Hooker, Juju Baetis, Biot Midge, Zebra Midge, Black Beauty and a variety of Eggs. |
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South Platte River, Middle Fork |
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| Flow: 120-130 cfs. | |
| Conditions: A big jump in flows this week, with the effects of a large snowstorm early in the week now manifesting itself in the form of run-off from that snow melting. Not only are these flows going to be higher, they will also be off color and colder than before. This may shut things down here for the near future, but if you are in the neighborhood and the conditions look promising, give it a try. This will be a higher than ideal level for fishing but not unmanageable. Best bet will be to go with a full on nymph rig, using a mix of beaded searching patterns, Stonefly, Caddis and San Juan Worm imitations. Early in the day focus on the deeper pools in the bends of the river where fish will hold to conserve energy and shelter. However, streamers might be worth a shot later in the day, as you might find a hungry Brown looking to pick up a larger Spring meal. Our advice would be to fish your way upstream with bugs, then when you turn around to head back to the car cover that same water with that streamer set-up.
Flies: Chartreuse Copper John, Rainbow Warrior, Egg Patterns, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Flash Prince, Tungteaser, Tung Psycho May, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, Autumn Splendor, Slumpbuster, Sparkle Bugger, Silver Bullet |
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South Platte, Dream Stream |
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| Flow: 177 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Finally, a jump in the release from the dam. Initially this will add some color and suspended particulate, but that will subside as flows level off. We are not exactly sure at what level that will be, so keep an eye on it, and we’ll let you know how it’s running. For those anglers that are only familiar with fishing this at low flows in the off season, don’t fret. This is a fantastic level to fish. Once clarity improves the sight fishing will still be productive, as well there are those few spots that offer reasonable chances to blind cast a run too. Nymph rigs will provide the most consistent approach, with a mix of Caddis larva, small Mayfly imitations, San Juan Worm and Egg patterns. This water level will allow for a bump up in tippet size, at least 5X should be stealthy enough. The most overlooked adjustment to be made will be the amount of weight added to the line. This is often the single largest determination between success and the skunk. Don’t be shy with your split shot. This is where sight nymphing can really help illustrate how much weight it takes to get your flies down to holding/feeding fish. Keep an eye on the target fish as your rig drifts into his feeding lane and see how the fish reacts. Often times no reaction can mean the fish didn’t even see the fly. Whereas even a refusal to your offering at least meant the fish has seen it and just didn’t like it for one reason or another.
Flies: Loop Wing Emerger, Pure Midge Larva Black or Pale Olive, Black Copper John #22, Juju Baetis, Buckskin, Desert Storm Chartreuse, Tube Midge, Midge Biot, UV Emerger, Poison Tung, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Barr’s Emerger BWO, RS2, Poxybiot Nymph, Egg Patterns, Cap’n Hook, Disco Midge |
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Williams Fork River Below Dam |
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| Flow: 261 cfs. | |
| Conditions: Flows are holding steady this week, as releases from the dam are making room for snow melt in the upper basin. This is a good flow for experienced anglers on this small tail-water but, it is a technical proposition that may intimidate some. As with all above average flow situations, adjust your strategy as much as you adjust your set-up. First, with regards to your set-up, increase both your tippet size and the amount of weight added to your line. Llook for those sheltered lies and quiet water along the edges to find fish holding out of the heavier current that might still be a shock to them after the prolonged low winter flows. A wide range of patterns should work for the time being as the large flows will carry more food, as well. San Juan Worm, small Stonefly nymphs, Caddis and Mayfly imitations should all produce some action. As the flow stabilizes, look for fish to move into a wider range of water types and be widely distributed throughout the river. This is still a much better option in this valley than just below its confluence with the Colorado River. With that popular piece of water currently out of it’s banks in spots, a lot of the usual angler pressure that will frequent it at this time of year will now move up onto the Willie’s. So, be prepared to find above average traffic at times.
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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Antero Reservoir |
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| Conditions: The lake is open and normal bag limits have been lifted. The last we heard park managers were asking for 8 fish bag limit. The plan is to drain this lake for repairs to the dam this season and anglers are urged to harvest what fish they do catch. Flies: Chironomid imitations, Calibaetis nymphs, Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Pheasant Tail, Leeches |
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir |
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| Conditions: Open for the season and results have been solid. Action has been reported on a wide range of nymphs including insect and spawn patterns.
Flies: Jumbo Juju, Yankee Buzzer, Skinny Nelson, Chartreuse Copper John, Hare’s Ear, Egg Patterns
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Delaney Buttes Lakes |
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| Conditions: Ice is out, reports are that all three are open. Current info should be in after this weekend.
Flies: Jigs in White, Pink and Red |
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