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Whew, finally a day or two without snow in the forecast. We are seeing a forecast for some additional light snow to move in late in the weekend to early part of next week but, overall this weekend is looking solid for hitting the river. With the weather over the past week having been downright winter-like (seriously, single digit lows?), traffic on the river has been very light to say the least.Take advantage of this rebound and get out there this weekend and see what spring fishing is all about. On the Blue, dry flies continue to complete a solid fishing experience in town. We are also seeing good hatches along the Roaring Fork, Arkansas and Colorado. Some of these are widespread, such as the Arkansas in the Salida area and below, while others may be more localized such as the Blue in random holes in town. All of these spots however, are seeing great action on nymph rigs at the moment.
All of the recent snow fall is having a very positive effect on statewide snowpack levels. The Colorado River drainage has jumped up to a very respectable 92% of average. Contrast that with last years number on this date hovering in the 40% range and declining fast. We may not be totally out of the woods but, these numbers are an indication of healthy rivers this spring.
Don’t hesitate to call us for current conditions, we’ll do our best to try and interpret changing stream flow readings with you. Or follow us on Twitter @coloradoangler, where we try to post changing conditions as we learn about them.
Detailed reports on the right side of this page 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.
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 as well as on our main page at www.TheColoradoAngler.com but, space is limited and we may not have answered all of your questions. We want to make sure you get the information you are 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. Spring Hours: Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6 pm, Sunday 8 am – 5 pm
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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir
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| Flow: 55 cfs. |
| Conditions: Continued low water releases from Dillon are keeping things stable in town. With low, clear flows expect some technical conditions and wary trout. Some of the best results are coming on nymph patterns fished on 6x and 7x tippet and if possible, go with out the indicator. Midge imitations continue to be the bulk of the diet in pupa, larva and emerger phases, fished in sizes #22-#26. Although they are accounting for a small percentage of the hook-ups in town, Mysis Shrimp patterns remain spotty at best due to the low release coming from the dam. The strong dry fly action of the past few weeks has waned slightly and become less consistent, with only day to day occurrences. However, there are days either with additional moisture in the form of new snow or rain running into the river, or warm sunny days with small amounts of run-off that can add some color as you move downstream from the dam. When that does happen, it is generally not too dirty to prevent continued fishing. We are finding San Juan Worm and Egg patterns to be effective in the cloudier water. Crowds have thinned considerably over the past couple of weeks as there are now plenty of available options with the onset of Spring.
Town Flies: Candy Cane #20, BTS Mysis #16-22, RS-2 #22-24, STD Baetis #20, Black or Chocolate UV Emerger #22-24, Kingery’s Cap’n Hook #20-22, Pure Midge Larva #20-24, Black Beauty #20-24, Tube Midge Black or Red #20-22, Medallion Midge #22-24, Split case BWO #20, Winter Baetis #20-22, Desert Storm #20-24, Rainbow Warrior #20, #22 BWO Adult, Adult Midge Dark, Brook’s Sprout Midge #22-24, Parachute Adams #24-26 .
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Blue River Below Green Mountain
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| Flow: 69 cfs. |
| Conditions: Look for these low flows to continue through the end of June at the earliest as water managers will try and hold off on releasing any water from here until it is absolutely necessary. That is not entirely a bad thing however, as low water means incredible wading access and range in the canyon. This might be a great opportunity to target some of the deepest runs in the river, which often make it tough to cover under higher flows. The majority of current activity will be to Midge and Baetis nymphs, with the strongest possibility of any emergence coming in the form of a Midge hatch. As always down here, don’t overlook the larger nymphs in the system, as we find fish throughout the year will still capitalize on a hearty offering when presented well. Try running a double nymph rig with a larger bead head for the Green Drakes or Stoneflies that are well established in the Canyon, followed up with either a Baetis or Midge pattern for a more timely offering.
Flies: Big bead heads: Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Stubby Stone, Twenty Incher, Rubberlegs, Psycho prince. Smaller Hatches: Juju Baetis (Standard and Purple), Barr’s Emerger BWO, Redemption BWO, Split Case BWO, Tung Psycho May BWO, Baetis Big Bear, Zebra Midge, Rojo Midge, Pure Midge Larva, Jujubee, Biot Midge, UV Emerger Floaters should note: Floating is done for the season, river levels are much too low. 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: 255 cfs. |
| Conditions: Although the Williams Fork still remains low, Upper Colorado flows have risen slightly as early snow melt starts to make its way into the river channel. With this light run-off, clarity has diminished mildly but, that has actually helped the fishing at these low flows by masking angler presence. Still a few remaining Midges on the colder days but, the vast majority of insect activity are the Blue Winged Olives. With the forecast over the next couple of days calling for clouds and cool, there is a good chance of rising fish through the mid-day. Start the early morning off with a mix of searching nymphs and Baetis patterns, moving into riffles later in the morning as the Baetis nymphs start to drift in the current. If a hatch does emerge, it should have some longevity to it with the overcast skies. There have also been some decent reports of blind nymphing with San Juan Worm patterns mixed in tandem with beaded searching nymphs and various Stonefly patterns.
Flies: WD-40, Pure Midge Larva:Red or Pale Olive, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Rojo Midge, RS-2, Barr’s Emerger BWO, Gidget Olive, Purple Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2, Big Bear Baetis, Two Bit Hooker, Biot Midge. Sparkle Dun BWO, Gulpher Special, Para Extended Body BWO, Skittering Zelon Midge, CDC Hanging Midge .
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero
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| Flow: 550 cfs. |
| Conditions: Flows starting to creep up with a little bit of early run-off making it’s way into the river. Weather has been a real roller coaster ride lately and that will have some impact on conditions day to day. Following a day or two of warmer temps, clarity has taken a hit, down to as little a 8″ at times. Then as temps cool off for a bit that clarity will again rise to as much as 24″ on other days. Definitely need to be prepared for “variable” conditions. That being said, fishing at times remains fairly strong. While action has been best primarily on nymphs, we are seeing good hatches of Blue Wing Olives and opportunities are there for dry flies when clarity allows. The most consistent action has been on tandem nymph rigs using a good mix of Stonefly, Baetis and Beaded Searching patterns. Wading access continues to be very good at these low flows and there are several spots to cross the river and gain further access. As you make your way downstream additional feeder streams are adding run-off and diminishing clarity, such as Sheephorn and Piney Creeks. Pay attention to these and be prepared to move higher upstream if visibility becomes to dirty.
Flies: Large stones, Tungteaser, Rubberleg, Sexstones, Beaded Pheasant Tails, Beaded Hares Ears, RS2’s, Split Case BWO, Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, Blue Ribbon Emerger. Gulper Special, BWO Sparkle Wulff, Winger Parachute, CDC Baetis Dun
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs
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| Flow 1250 cfs. |
Conditions: Continues to be a good spot when conditions allow. There is the possibility of dirty water depending on run-off from upstream tributaries, most notably the Eagle but, there have been more fish-able days than not. Action here has been steadily improving for the last several weeks; both for wade anglers and float fishers alike. Look for a variety of nymph patterns under indicators to be producing the best results. Typical larger bead head searching patterns such as Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail or Hares Ear as well as big Rubberlegs followed up with Baetis or Midge patterns underneath. We area seeing good hatches of Blue Wings throughout as well as some March Browns up into Glenwood Canyon. As is the case this year just about every where, water levels are low and that allows for a good amount of wade access, just make sure to watch your footing as there are some rather large rocks and a lot of moss. This area does tend to intimidate anglers that are new to fishing here, what with its considerable size and proximity to the interstate. However, with a little time spent on the water figuring out the access and favored holding lies, you may discover a fantastic year round fishery. As is typical of this time of year, action is best mid day to late afternoon.Flies: Mr Peacock Ice, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungteaser, Bead Prince, Twenty Incher, Hunchback Green Drake nymph, Tungsten Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Bead Hares Ear, Zebra Midge, Rojo Midge, Poison Tung, Juju Baetis, STD Baetis, Tungsten Split Case BWO, Para Ext. Body BWO, Parachute March Brown, Gulpher Special, Various Egg imitations.
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Arkansas River Above Buena Vista
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| Flow: 62 cfs. @ Granite |
Conditions: Improving daily as the spring weather warms things up, particularly below Granite and closer to Buena Vista. Probably not the most consistent fishery yet in terms of day in and day out but, there are fish starting to stir from their winter respite. And definitely don’t expect wide spread activity. Rather, look for fish to be holding in the tail-outs of pools and runs, moving up towards the head as things warm mid afternoon. Tandem nymph rigs utilizing a Beaded searching pattern such as a Pheasant Tail or Hot Wire Prince, followed up with either a Baetis or Midge trailer will be your best producers.Flies: Beaded Hares Ear, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Copper John, RS-2, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Jujubee, Juju Baetis, Barr’s BWO Emerger, Winter Baetis, Rojo Midge,WD40
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Arkansas River Below Buena Vista
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| Flow: 200+/- cfs. @ Wellsville |
Conditions: Recent unsettled weather conditions aside, this is as good of a spot to be in Colorado as there is right now. We are now seeing solid Spring fishing from Brown’s Canyon down through Salida and into Big Horn Sheep Canyon. While the most consistent action throughout the day will be on nymph rigs, there are fish rising mid-day to well presented Midge and Blue Wing patterns. Best bet for that surface activity is going to be from 12-3. Above Big Bend the fish aren’t quite wide spread yet as flows are low and water temps are still climbing, so focus on deeper pools and runs. Look for fish to either be deep or in the tail outs early and then to move up in the column and towards the mid current as the day warms to feed. From Salida down we are seeing better distribution of fish as temperatures climb and fish move into the heads of pools and into riffles for those emerging insects. Water is very low and clear, which can make for easy access, but spooky fish as well. When moving up river take your time and be careful not to rush in to any spot to quick, if you can, keep wading to a minimum. Nymphing action has been best on a variety of Beaded searching and Stonefly patterns combined with some Baetis and Midge trailers. For dries, a mix of Baetis and Midge stuff depending on time of day and location. The further down below Salida you go, the greater abundance of Baetis you will see. The biggest weather impediment of late has been the wind, if anything the clouds and light precipitation is a help in bringing fish to the surface. If the wind does get up, move around a little bit and you can find some slightly sheltered aspects where you should be able to work with the wind.Flies: Bead Head Pheasant Tail # 14-16, Tungstone Golden #12-16, Tungsten Yellow Sally, Iron Sally, Chartreuse Copper John #12-16, Chartreuse Hot Wire Caddis, Hot Wire Prince, Pat’s Rubber Legs #8, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Juju Baetis, Split Case BWO, Zebra Midge, Garcia’s Rojo Midge, RS-2 and Poison Tung, Parachute Extended Body BWO, Winger Parachute, Sparkle Baetis, CDC Para Dun, High Vis Para Baetis
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs
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| Flow: 365 cfs. |
Conditions: Wade fishing along the Fork is once again offering good opportunities up and down the valley, particularly through Glenwood and up into Basalt. Good amounts of Midges continue to hatch and as water temperatures continue to rise, we are seeing some good Blue Winged Olives as well. Action has been solid with nymph rigs throughout the day with a mix of imitations for those Blue Wing and Midge hatches. For a diverse set up, fish those in tandem with a larger bead head searching pattern such as a Pheasant Tail or Prince, or behind a large Stonefly nymph. Keep an eye out for fish to be rising during times when adult insects might be present. With the lower elevation in the Glenwood area up towards Carbondale, day time temps have been down right warm and offer a great early Spring destination.Flies: Twenty Incher, Tungteaser, Stubby stones, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Standard Pheasant Tail, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Psycho Mayfly, STD’s, Barr’s Emerger, BWO dries, Para Extended Bosy BWO, Zebra Midge, UV Emerger, Rainbow Warrior
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South Platte River, Middle Fork
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| Flow: 15+/- cfs. |
Conditions: That’s a wrap, at least for this part of the river. Cold air and wind will work in tandem to lock up the river and freeze out the anglers.Flies: (When it starts to de-ice in the spring) Chartreuse Copper John, Rainbow Warrior, Egg Patterns, Hot Wire Prince, Beaded Flash Prince
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South Platte, Dream Stream
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| Flow 36 cfs. |
Conditions: Flows have dropped back down under 40 cfs again. This will make for tough conditions with spooky fish. However, we are seeing a few lake run fish starting to make the move upstream. At the moment sight fishing is producing some modest results and we recommend going without an indicator if possible. Just one less thing to make the trout nervous. A deliberate, stealthy approach is going to be your best bet here. Be patient with your movements and try to spot a fish to target versus blind casting. We’ll do our best to keep an eye on things here and post when the numbers and size of fish start to fill in.Flies: Black RS-2, Barr’s Drowned Trico, Black Copper John #22, Juju Baetis, Zebra Midge Black/Silver, Buckskin Caddis, Mercer’s Poxyback PMD, Poxybiot Nymph, Egg Patterns, Pure Midge Larva, Cap’n Hook
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Williams Fork River Below Dam
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| Flow 18 cfs. |
Conditions: Flow is down to minimal levels as we start to move into Spring and water allocations from the reservoir are depleted. Sufficient holding water will be reduced in many stretches and anglers intent on fishing this tailwater should really look to another fishery. At this flow stress levels in fish will be high enough. Any excessive pressure on them may be detrimental to the overall health of the river. Try to wait until we see a rebound in water in the river.Flies: Pure Midge Larva, Rainbow Warrior, Rojo Midge, Biot mayfly Emerger, #20-22 Green Copper John, Zebra Midge, RS2’s, 5-0 Midge, UV Emerger, BWO dries.
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Antero Reservoir
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Conditions: Ice is still on but, there are reports of some open water on the North end. The plan is to now drain this impoundment due to the drought and lower than average snowpack. With that, CPW has raised the daily limit here to 8 fish, so that they may be salvaged before it goes dry. That seems to be driving an increase in interest but, crowds are still thin. Give us a call if that is your thing and we may have a current report as a couple of the boys here find it therapeutic to sit over a hole in the ice in the dead of winter.Flies: Yankee Buzzer, Jumbo Juju, Tak’s Chironomid, Garcia’s Rojo Grande Midge, Rapunzel Damsel, Poxyback Calibaetis Nymph, Hare’s Ear, Copper John
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir
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Conditions: Closed for the Season. No Ice Fishing Allowed! Flies:
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Delaney Buttes Lakes
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Conditions: Reports of open water although, not sure if any of the three are completely ice free or just partially open. Early season means fish tight-in, cruising the banks. Sight fishing can be productive when that is the case. Fish a couple of nymphs suspended under and indicator or slow crawl a smaller leech pattern to start.Flies: Egg Patterns, Bead Pheasant Tail, Bead Hare’s Ear, Copper John, Jumbo Juju, Zebra Midge, Tak’s Chironomid, Hale Bopp Leech
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