The Colorado Angler Fishing Report – Tuesday April 17, 2018
April 17th, 2018
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 stretch of river, simply scroll below to read more information. 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) Winter Hours: Monday – Saturday 7:30 am – 6:00 pm Sunday 7:30 am – 5 pm
Recent Update: April 17, 2018
Windy and a little snowy today. Although that snow will push out of here overnight, that wind stays in the forecast for the better part of the week. With that in mind, plan accordingly to work around the wind. It may not be an ideal situation but, you can still make it work if you think about a few key elements (no pun intended). In particular: the direction of the wind, the intensity of it in different locations, the direction of the stream flow in a particular river and how it relates to that wind direction. Often times the wind may be more intense in some areas and almost non-existent in others. Such as when it is a down slope pattern and more intense along the continental divide, but diminishes as you move west offering fairly calm conditions on the Eagle or Roaring Fork. As well, if the wind is out of the west it will make floating the Colorado, a river that flows to the west, a tough endeavor, yet fairly manageable for wading anglers that can use the wind to carry a cast upstream. Pay close attention to the forecasts for different locations in the mountains and see what the wind speed and direction for each location is for the day. This can be the difference to create a successful day in adverse conditions. Spring hatches continue to gain strength on every river that is open. Be prepared to encounter Midges and Baetis anywhere you go this week and some locations are seeing the first few wayward Caddis adults (Arkansas, Eagle, Roaring Fork). These random Caddis are certainly the anomaly for the moment but, they are definitely a precursor to major hatches that will begin emerging in near future. Sure, everybody knows about the famed Mother’s Day Caddis hatch on the Arkansas but, there are equally good early pre run-off Caddis on the Eagle, Roaring Fork and lower Colorado. We have been enjoying an increase in action on Caddis pupa and larva imitations over the past couple of weeks.
General Tips for Spring Fishing: Be prepared for instability in both the weather and water conditions any day you hit the river. Pack an extra layer, or ideally two, for any trip but especially for floating. Nothing sucks worse than launching under sunny skies with no wind in a sun hoodie, only to get 3 miles into a 10 mile float and have a wet and windy spring snowstorm blow up on you. As well, bring a shell along too. Not just for any precipitation but, that spring wind can be brutal. Hat, gloves and a buff can really ease the pain in those situations. River conditions can change often, from day-to-day or hour-to-hour. Be flexible in your plan on the water. While it may have been dry flies one day, the next day might be a little cooler and water temperatures might not rise enough to ignite the same hatch. Same goes for clarity. Any new snow this time of year has a tendency to melt off quickly along the river, as it is lower in elevation than where the remaining snow-pack up higher may insulate that new snow and keep it from melting until a later date. This can lead not only to changes in clarity, but also temperature as melting snow is colder than what may have been already in the river. Most of the time if you can find where the run-off is coming in, moving just above it can improve conditions. There still isn’t a real urgency to get out on the water at the crack of dawn just yet, as cold overnight air temps produce the same effect on water temps and they take a little bit of daylight to rebound. Generally speaking, we are seeing things start to get active late morning, with the early to mid-afternoon providing the peak action. Early in the day expect to find fish sheltering toward the tail-outs of runs, along eddy lines and in deeper sheltered lies where they don’t have to expend as much energy as in feeding lanes. As the day moves into late morning and water temps rise, spurring insect activity. look for fish to move up in the run towards the bottom of riffles and suspend slightly higher in the column in an attempt to feed on drifting nymphs. With the possibility of finding rising fish towards mid-afternoon if conditions allow. Detail 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.
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Blue River Below Dillon Reservoir |
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| Flow: 100 cfs | |
| Conditions: Stream flows have slipped back slightly to a typical spring flow hovering right at 100. This is still a decent release for this tailwater and should continue to provide good cover and habitat for resident fish. Fishing for the past couple of weeks has been particularly temperamental, as the additional spring break traffic has coincided with what has been some inconsistency in stream flows. Some days have been moderately productive, followed by days a limited action. The hope is for this to improve with the uptick in water creating a little more comfort for the fish and a little more food in the river. There continues to be a steady amount of angling pressure on the river, which will affect the bite at times. As well, the sunny days can add to that, as the high sun will intensify the movements of wading anglers in and along the river and spook fish. If you do fish it on a sunny day, pay extra attention to your approach to the river and try to limit your impact. Cloudy days generally have been a little more productive, as the subtle light will help keep fish at ease and more likely to stay put, which will lead them to at least see your drift. Nymphing has produced the most consistent results, with success on patterns for Mysis, Midges and some Baetis emergers – specifically RS-2s. As well, the usual tailwater staples of Eggs, San Juans and small searching patterns have been finding some fish. With flows holding near their seasonal average, we would recommend using the lightest tippet size that you feel comfortable fishing with, 6x would be a good start. Make sure to pay attention to how much weight you are fishing, as well. There are still plenty of runs that benefit from using heavier weight that you would think. As the saying goes, most often the thing that separates a nymph fisherman from a successful nymph fisherman is the amount of weight used in their set-up. Experiment with your weight throughout the day and make sure that you are getting down to the depth you need quickly, that is the key to more fish seeing your offerings. If you aren’t bumping the bottom on occasion, chances are you need more weight. For those dry fly enthusiasts out there, we have been seeing scattered fish feeding on the surface at times. Keep your eyes peeled, as it will not be widespread. If you do find fish on the surface they have been taking emerging Midges in Black, Chocolate and Dun colors, sized #22-26. Good luck with that.
Town Flies: BTS Shrimp, Tim’s Mysis, Stalcup’s Mysis, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Red Neck Midge, Glassy Brassie, Mirage Zebra Midge, Desert Storm, Rainbow Warrior, Black Beauty, Brassie, UV Emerger, Biot Midge, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Psycho May-Black, Rojo Midge, Tube Midge – Black or Red, RS-2 – Black or Dun, WD40 – Black or Chocolate, Zebra Midge, Otter Soft Milking Egg, Bead Eggs, Flossy Worm, Gummy Worm, Sparkle Worm, 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: 390+/- cfs | |
| Conditions: After bumping up for a few days, there has been a slight reduction in the release from the dam but, this is still a fantastic level for fishing the canyon. This will certainly limit some wading anglers looking to cross the river and expand their range, as this is on the high end for crossing it on foot. Likewise, it will still be a little low for float anglers to navigate the river. We don’t like to recommend any particular level to float the lower river, because so much depends on the actual skill of the oars man and the type of raft being used but, it is well above this level if you want to be a good citizen and avoid trespass issues. Maritime law aside, the added water should be a good thing for the fish no matter what. This is actually a very healthy level for this stretch of river and trout should spread out well and take advantage of the added habitat and food supply. As well, at this level we should see the action be a little more consistent under all weather conditions, versus during low flows when the sunny days are fairly tough. Look for fish to spread out slightly and be a bit more at ease with the extra water offering them a little more cover than what was there over the winter. Focus on the deeper cover, eddy lines and water along ledges just off the main current early in the day. As the day warms and insect activity picks up, look for fish to move closer to feeding lanes from the middle to upper ends of runs and pools as well as just below riffles where drifting nymphs will be easy forage. Results will be best on tandem nymph rigs, with a wide assortment of patterns. For the lead fly Stonefly, beaded searching patterns and egg patterns should get their attention. Then follow that up with a mix of Baetis and Midge imitations. As well, those overcast days have produced a little interest in surface feeding to emerging midges along with some minor streamer activity. With the increase in water from the dam, don’t underestimate the amount of weight needed to get your flies down to fish holding on the bottom of deep runs.
Flies: Big bead heads: Deep Dish Green Drake, Hare’s Ear, Tungteaser, Pheasant Tail, Rubberlegs, Psycho Prince, Duracell Jig, Flossy Worm. The Smaller Stuff: Aero Baetis, RS-2, Tung Psycho May, Darth Baetis, Split Case BWO, Barr’s BWO, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Juju Baetis, Red Neck Midge, Tube Midge, BH Biot Midge, Mirage Zebra,Otter Egg. Sculpzilla, Sex Dungeon, Cheech Leech, Sparkle Minnow etc |
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Colorado River Above Kremmling (Parshall)
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| Flow: 312 +/- cfs | |
| Conditions: Flows have stabilized after jumping last week during that spring storm. Clarity has also cleared to normal levels for this flow and season. As we have been saying about recent ebb and flow to rivers this isn’t the big blow-out, we don’t expect the real run-off to be an issue for another month or so. Action continues to be solid here, actually even getting better if you take into account the expansion of fish-able water now that the ice has receded, thus providing more room for anglers to spread out. The majority of the action has been coming on nymph imitations fished in tandem nymph rigs. Interest has been best on a mix of small midge pupa and larva imitations, and Baetis patterns. We are also finding success on small to medium sized Stonefly and searching nymphs used as the lead flies in those set-ups. There is also a decent shot at finding rising fish at times, feeding mostly on adult midges but, we expect to see Blue Winged Olives in the coming weeks. With the low and clear conditions, tippet in 5 to 6x has been most productive in both mono and fluoro. Don’t overlook the factor that weight plays into the equation either. Even with the low flow there is a need for your flies to get down expeditiously in the compact and deep early season lies that fish are favoring right now. Look for runs and pools that offer a little bit of depth that can provide cover from predators in these clear water conditions, preferably with a decent bit of current at the top end of them to bring in both food and oxygen. In the early part of the day focus on the water that offers a little break from the current, where fish can shelter and conserve energy prior to feeding. Then as the water warms slightly look for fish to move towards the head of pools and runs below riffles, where they can position themselves to feed on drifting nymphs. Likewise, avoid the slow and shallow flat water that will leave them exposed.
Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Flossy Worm, CDC Pheasant Tail, Bead Prince, Psycho Prince, Hammerhead Nymph, Lil Spanker, Tungsten Hackled, Pheasant Tail #18-22, Black Copper John #20-22, Tung Psycho May, Split Case BWO, Tungsten Micro Mayfly Brown, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Aero Baetis, Root Beer Float, Zebra Midge, RS-2, Foam Wing RS-2, Darth Baetis, Red Neck Midge, BH Biot Midge, 5-0 Midge, WD40, Pure Midge Larva, Chocolate Thunder |
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Colorado River Pumphouse to Dotsero |
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| Flow: 885 cfs. @ Pumphouse | |
| Conditions: Flows and clarity are experiencing a slight amount of volatility over the past week or two. This will be due to the fluctuation in precipitation and temperatures that is typical for this time of year. Keep in mind that this in not the big push of spring run-off, rather it is just short lived events of instability moving through due to wet spring storms that have been hitting a couple times a week and shouldn’t limit the fishing too much. Overall action is on the rise, as water temps climb and both trout and insect activity increase. Results have been best on tandem nymph rigs with a mix of imitations for Baetis, Midges, Stoneflies, Eggs and beaded searching patterns. With the clarity being a little stained, 3 and 4x tippet will be more than thin enough to work in all water types. Make sure to pay attention to the amount of weight and depth of indicator as you change locations in the river. Early in the day fish will be sheltered in slower, deep currents conserving energy until food becomes available. Once water temps start to rise in the late morning, look for fish to move up to positions in the middle to the top of runs where they can feed on drifting nymphs. Although the temperatures are trending upward, it is still late winter and we continue to see the best action in water that has the greater exposure to sunshine. As such, the canyon water continues to be less productive than the wider, valley areas. Although we have been finding moments of good fishing throughout this stretch, the clarity can definitely be an issue the farther west you go due to sedimentary soils and tributary streams. As visibility degrades, you may have to move upstream above those key tributaries. Most notably, Piney Creek and Sheephorn Creek. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be gin clear, at this point we’ll try anything greater than 12 – 15 inches of visibility.
Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Psycho Prince, Yeager’s Soft Hackle, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Duracell, Lil Spanker, Mirage Zebra Midge, Foam Wing RS-2, Poison Tung, BH Biot Midge, Tungsten Psycho May, Darth Baetis, Eggs, San Juan Worm, Sculpzilla, Silver Bullet, Sex Dungeon, Cheech Leech, Crystal Bugger |
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Colorado Below Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 1940 cfs | |
| Conditions: Conditions on the lower river continue to improve with regards to water temps, while they are a little less stable with regards to water clarity. So, while this will produce a greater diversity of insect activity, it will at times limit the ability of trout to see all of them juicy bugs. The point being: have a back up plan if you are headed that way. We have had some solid days here in the past month, with early midge hatches that turned to spring Baetis and now are turning to full-on Caddis. However, being this low in a system that takes in a lot of tributary streams at this time of year, clarity can go bad fast, so be ready to move upstream if it blows out. Nymphing has been the most consistent approach on indicator rigs with a mix of Stonefly, Baetis, Midge, Egg and Caddis imitations but, there are times to find rising fish in sporadic quiet water locations feeding on both Baetis and Caddis, depending on the time of day. As well, streamer fishing has been improving now that water temps are on the rise and Sculpin are getting active. Clarity isn’t getting any cleaner than would necessitate using anything finer than 3 and 4x. Look for deep cover, ledges and drops to be holding fish most consistently. This stretch of the river is entirely different than anything upstream from Dotsero but, if you can get past it’s proximity to the highway it is definitely worth the trip. Although floating it does offer the best access for the patchwork of public water that can be hard to reach on foot, there are plenty of spots to drive/walk in to. Don’t let the size of the river intimidate you, rather break it down into smaller pieces and fish it like you would any other wade river you are familiar with. This stretch consistently produces some of the nicest Rainbows on the Colorado River and early spring is a great time to get out and explore this overlooked location.
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, G6 Caddis, Thrift Shop Caddis, San Juan Worm patterns, 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: 274 @ Granite | |
| Conditions: Still fairly cold along the upper part of the river but, the ever popular stretch of Hayden Meadows has shed it’s cover of winter ice and should start to improve as the days go on. The more consistent action on the upper river has been from Balltown and the confluence with Lake Creek downstream. With Lake Creek acting as a de-facto tailwater from Twin Lakes, winter releases there have a stabilizing influence on water temps and the stretch from there down to Granite has been the best option in the upper river. There was a noticeable change last Tuesday afternoon (4/10), as a substantial release of water from Twin is entering the river and has essentially doubled the amount of water in the upper Ark. However, that is not nearly as ominous as it sounds when you consider the river has been flowing at seasonal lows for the past couple of months. This should be a major shot in the arm for the entire river, all the way down to Canyon city. Look for fish to spread out into the increased habitat and gain a little greater sense of comfort under the added cover of more water. Nymphing will offer the best approach with 4 and 5x tippet in a two fly set-up. Lead with a mid-sized to small beaded Stonefly or searching pattern and follow that up with a Midge pupa or larva. Look for fish in the early part of the day to still be congregating in winter water that offers a little more shelter from the heavy currents, such as deeper runs, tail outs to pools and ledges. As the day warms, you may see a slight migration towards the head of runs and below riffles as they look to feed on drifting nymphs. Still not as productive as lower stretches of the river with greater insect activity but, definitely improving each week. If nothing else you shouldn’t see much in the way of competition.
Flies: Pat’s Rubber Legs, 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, Hammerhead Jig, Mirage Zebra, Red Neck Midge, Poison Tung, BH Biot Midge, Flossy Worm, Silver Bullet, Sparkle Minnow. |
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Arkansas River Salida Area
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| Flow: 290 +/- cfs @ Salida | |
| Conditions: Flows did jump up last week from the release in the upper valley and that has stabilized at a good early season level. While there was some localized clarity degradation, it was short lived and pushed on downstream, leaving conditions ideal for spring fishing. We expect the fishing to remain strong from Salida on down to the Coaldale area, where Hayden Creek dumps in and is still creating some issues of run-off from a fire a couple of years ago. That is only a problem there immediately after any precipitation that increases run-off up Hayden Creek. Strong hatches of Midges and Blue Winged Olives have been driving great action all the way up into Browns Canyon. We have actually seen some adult Caddis flying around but, the main emergence has not yet begun, we expect that in the next week or two if conditions remain stable. Flows overall this spring have been slightly below average and as such fish continue to hold off the banks and in a slightly deeper lies in the middle of the channel. Runs with a little depth and pools that offer cover without a lot of energy consumption have been consistent, as well. Early in the day fish will be a little slow to start but, that should change late morning as they feed on Midge pupa and larva and Baetis patterns. Fish any of those behind a Stonefly or beaded searching pattern. As the day goes on their interest should switch away from the Midge and more to drifting Baetis nymphs behind a mid-sized searching pattern such as BH Pheasant Tail, Duracell Jig or your go to fly for that category although, we do still continue to have good success on Stonefly, Midge, Baetis and Beaded searching patterns all throughout the afternoon. As well, when conditions allow the dry fly fishing has been solid on Blue winged Olives. With clarity as good as it is, 5x is ideal but, you could get away with 4x to your top fly. This is a great destination right now as there is far more access to spread the angler traffic out on than some of the other open water spots at the moment. Not to mention the weather is generally noticeably warmer down this way. We continue to encounter very little competition and enjoy steady action. Still one of the best freestone destination in the state at the moment and should continue until mid-May when run-off begins.
Flies: Beadhead Pheasant Tail, Red Collar Leggy PT, Beadhead Prince, Beadhead Hare’s Ear, Red or Chartreuse Copper John, Hot Wire Prince, Iron Sallie, Psycho Prince, Hammerhead, Duracell Jig, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J, Barr’s Emerger, Juju Baetis, Tungsten Psycho May BWO, Extended Body Para BWO, Zebra Midge, Poison Tung, Rainbow Warrior, BH Biot Midge, Brassie, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Mirage Midge, Red Neck Midge, Biot Pupa Midge, Tan Pat’s Rubber, Tungsten Yellow Sallie, Masked Marauder |
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Roaring Fork River at Glenwood Springs |
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| Flow: 535 cfs | |
| Conditions: As with everywhere, there was a noticeable jump last week due to rain and or snow but, that has all pushed on through and flows are back to where they were prior to the storm. As well, clarity has recovered and conditions are ideal to take advantage of some great early season action. A good option at this time of year as warm weather and solid flows are keeping insect activity high enough to spur good action through the middle part of the day. The lower reaches of the river offer the better weather and water temps and the consistency of feeding is following that trend but, there remain decent moments in the Carbondale to Basalt stretch as well. Deep nymph rigs have been the best approach early in the day with 4 and 5x tippet. Start with a BH searching pattern, Stonefly imitation or Egg on top, dropping down to a Baetis or Midge imitation, using a good amount of weight. Even though the flow is low, most of the fish will be holding in deeper buckets and runs that require some weight to get down quickly. The Baetis hatch has really turned on from Glenwood up to the Basalt area so, look for bugs to emerge mid-day to mid-afternoon and bring fish to the surface. This should continue most of the month on good portions of the river, and the spring Caddis explosion has hit the Colorado just downstream from Glenwood. It is only a matter of time before they are working their way up the Fork.
Flies: Midge Emergers, UV Emerger, Glassy Brassie, Beadhead Biot Midge, Poison Tung, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Pat’s Rubber Legs #8-10, Psycho Prince, CDC Prince, Hot Wire Prince, Standard Pheasant Tail, Tung Psycho May, Split Case BWO, RS2, Frenchie, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Duracell Jig, Root Beer Float, Foam Wing RS2, Yeager’s Soft Hackle, Frechie |
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South Platte River, Middle Fork |
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| Flow: 30 +/- cfs | |
| Conditions: Ice is off and the river is open, still a bit of a crap shoot but, in due time. Temperatures still need a little time to rise and generate spring hatches.
Flies: Beaded Prince, Duracell Jig, Hammerhead Jig, Red Collar PT, Beaded Pheasant Tail, Big Spanker, Zebra Midge, Mirage Midge, Red Neck Midge |
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South Platte, Dream Stream |
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| Flow: 85 cfs | |
| Conditions: Flows remain under a hundred, which is a typical early spring level, particularly in a year with sub standard snow pack. As such, this is a flow that will fish a little better if you think about your approach the river. Make sure to travel with a little greater caution when moving along and in the river. Slow down and make sure your foot steps are light, so as to not alert fish to your presence. Minimize wading and keep a lower profile. Once at a spot where you intend to fish, don’t be in a hurry there either. Slow, calm movements with your rod and cast, limit your extraneous movements. Light tippets of 6x will offer the best presentation. Midge pupa, larva and emergers will be the core of trout diets through the winter but, now that spring is approaching there will be some action on small Baetis imitations. And we would be remiss not to point out that the spring also brings with it the onslaught of crowds that descend upon this small piece of water looking for a shot at a trophy fish running up from the lake. With that in mind, if you are looking for solitude, this ain’t the place. The traffic has been down right heavy while the etiquette a little lax. We are not big fans of targeting fish that are just trying to propagate their species so, if you find yourself drawn to this place, at this time, PLEASE, stay off the Redds and leave spawning fish to their mission. After all, if they can’t reproduce, there won’t be any fish to target – big or small- in short order.
Flies: Loop Wing Emerger, Pure Midge Larva Black or Pale Olive, Black, Red, Chartreuse Copper John, Juju Baetis, Caddis Larva, 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 Worm variations, Crane Fly Larva, Buckskin, Bread Crust |
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Williams Fork River Below Dam |
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| Flow: 35 cfs |
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| Conditions: Dam releases are down to winter levels and may drop further. As it gets down to these sub 75 levels, the action really tightens up on this popular tailwater, which gets more than it’s fair share of traffic. As such, drop your tippets to 6x, even 7 if you are comfortable with that light of line. Midge pupa, larva and emergers along with Baetis patterns will be most productive. These can be fished together or behind a small searching pattern, such as a size 20 Flashback Pheasant Tail, or Caddis larva. Look for fish to be “holed up” in the few deeper spots that are available at this low flow. We haven’t heard what the spring release program will be for the lake but, with snow-pack this year being sub par, we anticipate the flow to stay low through May.
Flies: Split Case BWO, Poxy-Biot Nymph, Buckskin, Flossy Worm, Little Brown Bug, Two Bit Hooker, Flash Back Pheasant Tail, Tungsten Micro Mayfly, 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: 95 @ Wolcott 135+/- cfs @ Gypsum | |
| Conditions: Monday clarity update: Off color conditions over the weekend should start to push downstream and offer relatively good quality once again above Milk Creek. Below there could take a little longer. Hopefully, that will happen before the next storm moves in later this week. The river is wide open and fishing very well for early season. Midges in the upper river are giving way to Baetis on the lower and Caddis are not far behind. Flows remain low and mostly clear above Wolcott. Below there has been day-to-day depending on the weather, along with your proximity to the white water park that is under construction in Eagle. At times there is equipment in the river that will muck it up. Keep an eye on it and be prepared to move up OR downstream. Most of the time we think (correctly) to move up river and get above whatever is causing the dirty water. However, there are times when we can move downstream and get in front of the dirty water moving down. Sometimes finding clean enough water to fish for a couple of hours before that stuff moves down. Results have been best with a two nymph set-up, rigged with 5 and 4x tippet. Lead with an Egg or mid-sized searching nymph and follow that up with a Midge or Baetis pattern. Look for runs that have a bit of a current formed by a drop at the head of the pool, along with deeper pockets and ledges. There have been good periods of dry fly fishing when adult BWOs are on the water. This may not be widespread but, keep your eyes peeled for fish sipping adults off the surface. With the less than stellar conditions on the ski hill this season, there has been a noticeable amount of traffic along this river. At times it has been busier than the summer. That is due to the limited amount of open water at the moment but, the point is to be prepared to encounter other anglers if you are headed this way.
Flies: Duracell Jig, Pat’s Rubber Legs, Psycho Prince, Bead Head Pheasant Tail, Yeager’s Soft Hackle J, Thompson’s Forky Baetis, Lil Spanker, Big Spanker, Root Beer Float, Tung Psycho May, Poison Tung, BH Biot Midge, Foam Wing RS-2, Rainbow Warrior, Red Neck Midge, Darth Baetis, Spaghetti and Meatballs. |
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Spinney Mountain Reservoir |
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| Conditions: Ice is out and fishing is in. So are the crowds. That should taper off a little now that opening weekend has come and gone but, expect weekends to still be popular through spring. Cruising fish along the banks have led to success for both foot and float based anglers. A wide range of techniques are catching fish including: static nymph rigs, hand retrieved nymph rigs and a variety of streamers fished in varying retrieves.
Flies: Chironomids, Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge, Eggs, Rabbit Leech, Hale Bopp leech |
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Delaney Buttes Lakes |
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| Conditions: Ice is breaking up and offering limited shore fishing. Flies: Buggers and Eggs and such |
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