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The weather continues to be an ever changing force here in the high country this spring and that is actually a good thing. Variable is a common term when referencing the climate at this time of year in Colorado and that is exactly what we have been getting. Snow continues to be a factor it seems, at least a couple of days a week.
Aside from a little angler discomfort, this is a positive pattern. Not only adding to our snow-pack but, also further delaying any premature melting, which should help keep the timing of our hatches and rise and fall of stream flows more on schedule with a typical year. At this point last year we were already a month into the snow melt event.
Overall these conditions have done nothing to slow down fishing. There can be a momentary interruption in action as sudden drops in water temperatures or clarity can shock a river. That usually doesn’t last for more than a day or two at the longest.
Other positives to note: Improving accessibility and action along just about every river in central Colorado. Less shore ice for more open water and rising water temps for more insect activity. Traffic on most rivers, particularly during the week, has been very light. And good hatches have been providing dry fly action on the Arkansas, Roaring Fork, Colorado and even the Blue here in Town.
It looks as if Saturday is going to be the better day this weekend from a weather standpoint, with mostly sunny skies and temps in the mid 40s to mid 50s across the mountains. Wind will pick up in the afternoon and push in the next system, which could bring snow showers through the early part of next week.
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: Flows have been dropped down to minimums in order to capture as much snow melt behind the dam as possible. Fishing does still remain strong not only on nymph patterns but, there has been some good solid dry fly action over the past week as well. The best surface activity generally runs from 11:30 am through 2:30 pm, with some slight variation day to day. Conditions have been very stable just below the dam as is to be expected. However, at this time of year we can see some runoff spilling into the river as you move through town. Keep an eye out for this either on days where the sun first emerges after some fresh snow or days where the temperature climbs up into the high 40s or higher. Often times that color in the water isn’t bad enough to ruin the fishing, to the contrary, it can help by expanding the food options and masking your presence. Likewise, it can limit your ability to “sight fish”. On those days when it does get heavy, simply move upstream closer to the dam. If you aren’t in a spot with any rising fish, that’s alright as nymphing remains productive throughout town. Keep working those midge variations in Black, Gray, Olive as well as a little red here and there. Right now there just isn’t enough flow from the dam to pull big amounts of shrimp into the river and as a result, Mysis imitations are only a small percentage of of the success rate. However, as we move into spring, we are now seeing some increase in feeding on Egg patterns as the Rainbows get ramped up for the impending spawn. Those small, darker colored Mayfly nymphs continue to produce some amount of action as well.
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: 170 cfs. |
| Conditions: Releases from the dam have dropped to their minimum levels for the year. Water calls downstream have been relaxed and Green Mtn is now in storage mode. We don’t anticipate flows going back up until some time late in June, maybe even early July. That being said, fishing should remain viable while this is happening. 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 canyon here is always worth a look in the spring as it is a Tailwater with consistent food and clarity. And as usual watch your step getting down to the water, it is a very steep access. Once you make it to the river, access is very comfortable for wading and anglers can cross just about anywhere, allowing for increased river to fish. 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: 125+/- cfs. |
| Conditions: This is definitely a best guess on water levels here as the gauges are still mothballed for the winter.(Yes, we all know it’s spring, somehow the gauge does not) Suffice it to say that stream flows here are definitely low and slow. Now with the further reduction in the Williams Fork down to 18 CFS!, this stretch of the Colorado will see even less water. That is the biggest reason for the 2 1/2 fly rating instead of a 3. Be prepared for slower drifts and potentially spooky fish. Now the good news: Fishing here is still worth a look. There continue to be good hatches of Midges with eager fish looking to rise to well presented dries. Look for that to be happening anywhere from 11:30 am until 3 pm. As is typical of this time of year, nymphing will still be the most productive method throughout the day, with good results on Olive, Cream and Black Midge imitations covering the larva, pupa and emerging life stages. Those fished in tandem with a variety of Baetis nymphs have been productive. Definitely worth the drive up north.
Flies: WD-40, Pure Midge Larva:Red or Pale Olive, Andrew’s 5-0 Midge, Rojo Midge, Purple Juju Baetis, Sparkle Wing RS2, Big Bear Baetis, Two Bit Hooker, Mercury Black Beauty, 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: 275 cfs. |
| Conditions: Continues to improve daily and should be a good bet for the next month or longer depending on how much runoff actually makes it into the river. With this low flow, it is a wade anglers delight as you can safely cross in just about any place you want. Just take it slow as the rocks are pretty slick at this time of year. Look for hatches of Midges to be the most prominent insect on the surface, under the surface is an entirely different story. We are seeing good results to beaded searching nymphs along with Baetis and Stonefly patterns. Action seems to be pretty uniformly spread out from Pumphouse down past State Bridge, with the slightly warmer temperatures being anywhere not in a canyon. If you do want to hike up into Gore Canyon, be prepared to encounter some snow along the trail that can slow your walk down but, fishing has been worth the hike. Still a little bit of shelf ice along the shore in spots so, be careful when getting to the water. At this flow things are VERY bony and boaters in dories may want to pass on this until we see flows get up above 450-500. Use your best judgement.
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 1070 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. 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, 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: 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.
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 Basalt. Good amounts of Midges continue to hatch and as water temperatures continue to rise, we are even seeing some Blue Winged Olives. 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, Tungsten Juju Baetis, Psycho Mayfly, STD’s, Barr’s Emerger, BWO dries, 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 69 cfs. |
| Conditions: A slight bump up in flows should clear away the remaining shelf ice and kick start the fishing. It may take a little more time yet but, this combined along with the time of year is usually enough to bring fish into the river from Eleven Mile Reservoir. 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. 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 17 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. If you are into fishing the “Hard Water”, this is a pretty good option. 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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