Coloradofisher
04-22-06, 01:07 PM
Enjoy and don't forget to start making those plans to come out this Spring before runoff hits, it's going to be a wild year for water with all this snow we got!
Spinney just opened and fishing great, Delaney a few weeks away. The Arky is picking up with some Caddis being spotted down river growing into the Big Hatch but baeits still the key fly. Frying Pan still thinned out fromt he crowds and doing well and lastly don't forget it's Pike time of year so take that 8 weight out with you, Tiger Muskies are getting frisky as well so get out on some water!
Coloradofisher
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cotrout/message/115
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2031/monsta21sx.th.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/my.php?image=monsta21sx.jpg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spinney Mountain Ranch (The Dream Stream)
Current Flows: 57.2 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: Pheasant Tails #18-24; Rojo Midges #20-22; Griffin's Gnats
#18-22; Midge Larvae #20-24; Tricos; PMD's #16-18; Caddis #16-20.
Eleven Mile Canyon
Current Flows: 82.6 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: PMD's #16-18; Caddis #16-20; Pheasant Tails #18-24;
Gray/Black RS-2's #20-24; Red Midges #20-22; Hoppers #8-12; Tricos;
Worms, BH Hare's Ears #18-20.
Fishing has been hit or miss with the tricos in the morning. High
water temperatures in the afternoon has slowed the fishing
considerably.
Cheesman Canyon
Current Flows: 120 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair to Good
Patterns: Baetis Nymphs #20-24; Red Discos #22-24; Mercury Nymphs
#20-22; Worms and Chamois Leeches; Caddis #18-20.
Deckers
Current Flows: 120 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: Scuds #16; Worms #16; Bright Midges #18-22; Mercury
Nymphs; Caddis Late.
Now that we are into our Monsoon season late afternoon thunderstorms
can really effect the water clarity so plan accordingly.
The Arkansas River
Current Flows: 374 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Patterns: Parachute Adams #18-24; Comparadun B.W.O. #20-22; B.W.O.
Nymphs #18-22; Copper Johns #12-18; Caddis Pupae #14-18; Caddis Dry
#14-18; Terrestrials; PMX #10-16.
Spinney Mt. Reservoir
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Patterns: Chironomids #14-18 Black-Red-Brown; Callibaetis Nymphs and
Drys #14-16; Damsel Nymphs #8-14.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pro's Picks
Spring Hatches:
Suggested Nymphs/Streamers/Egg Patterns
Baetis:#18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #18-24 Mercury Flashback Pheasant
Tail, #18-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #20-22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20-22
Barr Emerger, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20-22 Mercury RS II, and #18-
22 Randy Smith is.
Midges: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22-26 Top Secret Midge, #18-22
Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-22 Mercury
Brassie, #22 Buckskin, #22 San Juan Emergers, and #24 RS II’s.
Forage Fish and Leeches:#8-10 Electric Leech, #6-10 Rabbit Fur
Leeches, #8-10 “Buggers” (both Conehead and Beadhead in olive
and black), #8-12 Horny Bugger, #6 Grey and White Clouser
Minnow, #8Egg Sucking Leeches, and #10 Deer Hair Sculpins.
Egg Patterns: #16 Apricot Egg, #16 Pink Egg, #16 Orange Egg, and #16
Bittell’s Nuclear Egg, #14-16 Orange Scuds
Suggested Dry Flies
#20-#22 Matt’s Midge, #18-#24 Griffith Gnat, #22-26 Parachute
Adams, #20-22 Cannon’s Bunny Suspender Midge, #22 Trailing Shuck
Midge, #24 No See’m Midge, and #22-24 Z-Lon Midge.
Baetis:#20-22 Snow Shoe Dun, #18-22 Hi-Vis Baetis, #18-22 Parachute
Adams, #18-22 Sparkle Dun, #18-22 Blue Dun, #18-22 Poly Wing Blue
Wing Olive.
Spinney Mountain Ranch
The lush meandering, meadow portion of the South Platte between
Spinney and Elevenmile Reservoirs is known as the “Dream
Stream”, and rightly so: This beautiful 3-mile section of the
Platte offers anglers the opportunity of a lifetime to catch large
trout. This fabulous tailwater fishery is located in the heart of
South Park, tucked between 14,000 foot snow capped peaks on the
west, rich ranchland to the north and south, and Pikes Peak on the
east. Spinney is a well-balanced fishery where anglers can catch
trout on nymphs, dry flies and streamers. The river is comprised
of prime trout habitat, which includes, riffles, runs, gravel bars,
shelves, and undercut banks. Fly-fishers can expect to catch a
mixed bag of rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in 16-20 inch range.
In addition spring (rainbows, and cutthroats) and fall (browns and
kokanee salmon) spawning runs from Elevenmile Reservoir are quite
impressive with fish up to 12 pounds landed during a key three-four
week period. Ideal flow conditions for “Dream Stream” are
between 100 CFS and 250 CFS. The regulations are flies and lures
only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 39 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and sporadic Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for challenging fishing for both resident fish
and spawn-run rainbows and cutthroats. Flows will most likely stay
low until run-off begins.
Tips and Other Information: There are still a fair number of lake-
fish in the lower river, but they are spooky and tough to fool with
the low flows. Egg patterns, and #18-22 Mercury Blood Midges have
been a great “attractor” dropped with a #20-22 Mercury Flashback
Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20 Rainbow Warrior, or a
#22 Mercury Black Beauty. To be successful, you must cover a lot
of water. Sight fish when possible, and fish the transition areas
that dump into the deep pools. Effective dry flies include: #20-26
Parachute Adams, #24 Hi-Vis Baetis, Cannon’s Show Shoe Dun, and
#24 Griffith’s Gnat. Anglers are finding a good number of
“midging” fish in the slow, deep oxbows and glass-like pools.
On overcast days, or during inclement weather, anglers can expect
some Baetis activity too. Crowds are heavy; please work with your
fellow angler and use good etiquette.
Effective Patterns: #18-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury
Brassies, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #20 Buckskin, #20-22 Dorsey’s Mercury
Baetis, #20-22 Barr’s Emerger (Baetis), #20-24 Churchill’s
Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #22 Dorsey’s Mercury
Flashback Pheasant Tail, #22 Mercury Black Beauty, #18-20 Buckskin,
#20-26 Parachute Adams, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis,
#22 Stalcup’s CDC Trico Spinner and #22 Cannon’s Bunny Midge.
Cheesman Canyon
The picturesque boulder-filled Cheesman Canyon portion of the South
Platte River is considered by many one of the most pristine
fisheries in the world. This area, often times simply referred to,
as “The Canyon” is an experience you’ll never forget. It’s
the perfect scenario, magnificent beauty in combination with great
fly-fishing. The South Platte River carves its way through a
granite canyon lined with ponderosa pines, willows, fallen tree
trunks, and various other assorted ground foliages. Boulders as
big as Volkswagens Beetles create structure for the super-selective
trout residing in the river. Mule Deer, Black Bear, Raccoons,
Mountain Lyons, and Bald Eagles all add to the experience. Anglers
can expect to catch mostly large rainbows supplemented with a few
nice brown trout. The aforementioned “Canyon” is as technical
as they get, and if you can catch trout here, you can catch them
anywhere in the world. This three-mile section is primarily a
nymphing fishery requiring tiny midge and mayfly imitations with
fine 6 & 7X tippets. Ideal flows for Cheesman are between 250
CFS and 400 CFS. The regulations are flies and lures only. All
fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 158 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, and Baetis
Hatches: Midges, caddis, and sporadic Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for tough and challenging fishing with the
low water temperatures. Fish the deep slots and holes for optimum
success.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing in the “canyon” remains
challenging, however, if you work hard, and concentrate your efforts
in the correct water you will pick up a few fish. Flows have been up
and down"ranging between 100 and 200 cfs. Water temps are 40
degrees near the gauging station in the upper canyon. They warm to
42 degrees in the lower canyon on mild days. Effective flies
include: #20 Rainbow Warriors, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury
Flashback Pheasant Tails, #22 Mercury Midges, and #22 Sparkle Wing
RS II’s. More and more browns are starting to show themselves with
improved water temps and flows. Dredge around the rocks and logs;
there are a lot of nice fish around the structure. Midge hatches are
steadily improving, and, so is the “feeding window”. Sight
nymphing is by far the most effective method of catching trout,
however. Anglers can expect some sporadic dry fly fishing in the
Icebox with adult midges. Small Griffith Gnats (#22-24) and #26
Parachute Adams have been the ticket. You will earn every fish you
catch right now; make precise dead drifts and concentrate your
efforts in the right water.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #20-22 Mercury RS
II’s, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-22 Mercury Red Flashback Pheasant
Tails, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #18 Micro San Juan Worm (red and brown),
#20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury
Midges, #22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-24
Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II’s, #22-26 Parachute Adams, #20-22
Mathew’s Sparkle Dun, #22-24 Top Secret Midge, #20-24 Hi-Vis
Baetis, #20-22 Matt’s Midge, #20 Sparkle Dun, #22 Cannon’s
Suspender Midge, #22-24 Z-Lon Midges, #22-26 Griffith Gnats.
Deckers
The mileage below Cheesman Canyon is the renowned Deckers area, a
world-class fishery with easy access and lots of opportunity.
The best fishing is from Bridge Crossing to the lower boundary of
the Tee Pee Club. Like Cheesman Canyon, the fish are challenging
to catch, and there is no substitution for a good dead drift.
Deckers can offer good dry fly fishing at times but like upstream in
the “The Canyon” a good nympher will catch the majority of
fish. Anglers can expect to catch assortment of browns and
rainbows with some exceeding 20 inches. The river is made up of
riffles, runs, shelves and gravel bars, and nice pocket water.
The ideal flow for Deckers is between 150-400 cfs. The regulations
are two trout over 16 inches in length and flies and lures only.
Current Conditions
Flow: 170 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good “spring” fishing in the Deckers
area. In the a.m., fish the deep slots and holes for optimum
success. In the afternoon, there are a lot of fish in the riffles.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has picked up dramatically in
the Deckers area over the course of the last two weeks. San Juan
Worms have been very effective during higher flow regimes. Some
additional water is entering the stream via the feeder creeks.
Currently, the water is clear to the confluence of the North Fork.
Anglers are hooking a good number of 8-10 inch rainbows with the
occasional 15-18 inch rainbow, and 13-15 inch brown. The browns are
beginning to put some weight back on. Look for hatches of blue-
winged olives between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Midge hatches have been
strong too. Overcast days with inclement weather have provided
nothing less than excellent surface action. During non-hatch
periods, the best nymph patterns have been#18 Mercury Blood Midge,
#20 Mercury RS II’s, #22 Flashback Mercury Pheasant Tails, #22
Mercury Midges, #20-22 Mercury Baetis and #20-22 Rainbow Warriors
(Pearl). As far as dries are concerned, fish#20 Sparkle Duns, Snow
Shoe Duns, Griffith Gnats, and Hi Vis Matt’s Midges.
Special Note: The South Platte below Deckers is finally making a
strong comeback. Please entertain “catch and release” with all
your trout. Please wet your hands and keep your fingers out of
their gills. I have observed six anglers kill large rainbows over
the course of the past two weeks. I understand these fish are well
within the legal limit, unfortunately, it will have adverse effects
on this fabled stretch river if anglers continue to harvest the
larger trout. It breaks my heart to see people killing these
beautiful fish; they are the real jewels of the South Platte
watershed. Please, please, release your trout"let them live
another day!
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassie, #20-22 Mercury Midge,
#18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22
Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Micro
San Juan Worm, #18-22 Dorsey’s Mercury Pheasant Tail, #18-20
Mercury Blood Midge, #20 Mercury Baetis, Red San Juan Worms, #20-26
Parachute Adams.
Elevenmile Canyon
The South Platte River below Elevenmile Reservoir is absolutely
beautiful. The South Platte River tumbles and twists through a
majestic canyon as it carves its way downstream to the small
community of Lake George. Parts of the scenic canyon remind you of
the fabled Cheesman stretch while others look much like the renowned
Deckers area. Elevenmile Canyon is a great winter and early spring
fishery with tremendous opportunity to consistently hook nice
fish. The river is loaded with Rainbows and Cut-bows with the
occasional brown trout. The average fish ranges between 12 and 17
inches and are strong as an ox. Occasionally you will hook fish
between 17 and 24 inches in the upper reaches below the dam. The
river is comprised of riffles, runs, shelves, gravel bars, and nice
pocket water. The scenery is fabulous with logjams, huge granite
boulders, fallen trees, waterfalls, and bald eagles soaring above
the canyon’s lip. The ideal flow for Elevenmile Canyon is
between 150-250 cfs. The best fishing is in the upper two miles.
The aforementioned two-mile stretch is flies and lures only.
This section is catch and release and all fish must be returned to
the water immediately. Pinch down your barbs and protect this
incredible resource.
Current Conditions:
Flow: 55 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Anglers must think small, simple and sparse. Fish
the slow, deep pools with precise dead drifts. Sporadic midges are
the bulk of the trout’s diet in the a.m. Look for Baetis in the
afternoon.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been very productive in
Elevenmile Canyon. Anglers can expect strong hatches of both
midges and Baetis. Flows have been cut in half, but overall
fishing remains good. Effective patterns include #18-22 Mercury
Red Pheasant Tails, # Mercury RS II’s 22-24 RS II’s, #20-22
Mercury Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #22 Barr Emergers (Baetis),
#22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #22-26 Top Secret Midges, and
#22 Mercury Black Beauties. Fish the slow deep pools and
transition areas for optimum success. Water temps are gradually
climbing, and fishing is only getting better by the day. Please
watch out for spawning rainbows (especially between Spring Gulch and
the dam), and avoid fishing to trout positioned on redds at all
cost. With Deckers fishing better, the crowds have lightened up a
bit, which is good news!
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassie, #20-24 Dorsey’s
Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant
Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Egg, #18 San Juan Worm,
#20-24 Mercury Baetis #20-22 Bead Head Barr’s Emerger (Baetis),
#20-24 Dorsey’s Mercury Pheasant Tails, #20-26 Parachute Adams,
#22-24 Griffith Gnats, #22 Matt’s Midge, #22 Cannon’s Suspender
Midge, #22 Sparkle Dun, and #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis.
North Fork of the South Platte River
The North Fork of the South Platte River offers yet another
opportunity to sample the South Platte River system. The vast
majority of this swift, fast flowing stem of the South Platte River
is within an hour’s reach of metropolitan Denver, nevertheless,
this branch gets over-shadowed by the renowned South Fork. The
headwaters of the North Fork, as it is referred to, commence on the
eastern side of legendary Kenosha Pass. The North Fork is extremely
small and expeditious for the first several miles until it joins
forces with diverted water from the bottom of Dillon Reservoir via
the Roberts Tunnel. Another tributary"Geneva Creek"further
adds a substantial quantity of water to the North Fork near the
small town of Grant. This creek is especially influential during
run-off as the North Fork swells and becomes high and roily.
Several other smaller side-streams also enter the river but are not
the magnitude of the two previously mentioned sources of water. The
North Fork is comprised of shallow riffles, runs, and an abundance
of pocket water. Deep holes are uncommon throughout this section
of river. The water is gin clear, and standard sight nymphing
tactics work best on a day-to-day basis. Short-line nymphing is
the most effective technique with the heavy brush, small pockets,
and quick seams"all of which are key holding areas for the
trout. Typically if it looks “fishy”, it generally is, and of
course it’s always lucrative to find fish positioned where you
think they should be.
Current Conditions for Boxwood Gulch, Long Meadow, Farmer’s Union,
and North Fork Ranch. These are the private leases we guide on.
Flow: 45 cfs Grant
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for productive fishing with tiny midge
patterns. Several fish are spawning; look for egg patterns to
really become effective.
Tips and Other Information: Flows remain very low, and clear for the
most part. Geneva Creek will add some color on warm days or during
heavy spring rains. There are a lot of spawning rainbows in the back
channels and oxbows. As you might imagine, egg patterns have been
very effective as of late. Other effective patterns include: #18
Mercury Blood Midges, #18 Red Flashback Mercury Pheasant Tails#22
Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #18 Mercury Caddis, and #22
Mercury Black Beauties. The primary catch has been rainbows in the
16-20 inch range, with an occasional brook, brown, and cutthroat.
Water temperatures are in high 30’s, therefore, fishing is best
late morning to mid afternoon. If you want to fish the North Fork
River, please call and inquire about one of our classes, or private
leases (North Fork Ranch, The Meadows at North Fork, Boxwood, and
Long Meadow,) for a guided trip.
Effective Patterns: #22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #20
Rainbow Warrior, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #14-18 Beadhead
Breadcrusts, #20-22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #14 Pink San
Juan Worms, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #22 Sparkle Wings RS II, #22 Mercury
Black Beauties, #20-22 Mercury Brassies, and #20 Zebra Midges.
William’s Fork River
The Williams Fork River is a top-notch fishery of its own. This
beautiful fishery is nestled between the Williams Peaks and Middle
Park and is truly a fly-fishing paradise. The two-mile stretch
between the upper boundary of the Kemp Unit and the confluence of
the Colorado River is a mixture or riffles, runs and pocket water
with one of the best populations of brown trout in the “west”.
A 30-minute hike to the river keeps the crowds to a minimum.
Anglers can catch trout with a variety of methods including nymphs,
streamers, and dry flies. The hatches include caddis, blue wing
olives, midges, tricos, and red quills. Being a tributary of
the Colorado River-spring and fall-spawning runs bring some
“lunkers” into the stream. Ideal flows for the “Fork” are
between 100-250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and
all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 202 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 30’s to high 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for challenging fishing. Fish the slow, deep
runs with tiny midge patterns.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing on the Williams Fork remains a
challenge. The water temperatures are the biggest consideration
right now"they are in the high 30’s to low 40’s. The
Colorado is fishing much better at this time! Stay away from the
faster riffles, and runs, and concentrate your efforts in the slower
water. Anglers can expect hatches of midges, and a sporadic Baetis
or two. Productive patterns include: #20-22 Mercury Flashback
Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20 Buckskins, #22 Mercury
Black Beauties, and #24 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II’s. Look
for some sporadic dry fly fishing with adult midges in the slower
pools and tail-outs. Effective dry flies include: #24 Griffith
Gnats, #22 Cannon’s Midge Cluster, and #26 Parachute Adams.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #20 Barr’s Pure Midge
Larva, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22 Mercury Baetis, #20-22 Mercury
Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #18-22 Mercury Black Beauty,
#20-22 Buckskin, #16 Nuclear Egg, #18-22 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-
22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #26 Parachute Adams, #22 Trico, #16 Red
Quills, and #24 Griffith Gnats.
Colorado River
The Colorado River begins its journey in Rocky Mountain National
Park and heads west offering anglers several opportunities to sample
this great stream. Near the small community of Granby is the
confluence of the Fraser River. At this point the river is a
meandering, meadow stream flowing through lush ranchland and the
river remains this way until it hit Byers Canyon. Byers Canyon is
only about one mile long and this section is pretty tough to
negotiate, especially during higher flows. Below Byers Canyon the
river is “as good as it gets” with many access points including
Paul Gilbert, Lone Buck, Kemp-Breeze, Sun Set Ranch, Reeder Creek
and the Pump House to Radium stretch. The Colorado is lined with
cottonwood trees and willows and is a dry fly paradise. Anglers
can expect to catch mostly brown trout and a few large rainbows.
The regulations in this area are flies and lures only and all fish
must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flows: 225 Parshall
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 30’s low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, and Baetis
Hatches: Midges, and sporadic Baetis
14 Day forecast: Look for fishing to improve as the water
temperatures increases. On warmer days you might experience some
off-colored water, so plan accordingly.
Tips and Other Information: Overall, fishing has been pretty good in
the Parshall area. Your best bet is to fish below the confluence
of the Williams Fork River, where an additional 200 cfs of water
enters the famed Colorado River. Anglers must fish the slow
transition areas with tiny midge and mayfly patterns. Look for
some sporadic dry fly fishing with midges in the slower tailouts,
and look for the blue-winged olive hatch to improve dramatically in
the next two weeks. There are two sizes of midges hatching right
now"the large “spring” midge #18, and the small midge #22-
24"which further complicates things. Griffith Gnats, and
Cannon’s Snowshoe Midge has been the ticket as of late for
enticing the surface feeders.
Effective Patterns: 18-22 Flashback Mercury PT, #18 Bead Head Black
Beauty, #18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #20 Barr’s Pure Midge larva, #18-
20 Buckskin, # 20Black Beauty, #20 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Sparkle
Wing RS II, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #22 Bunny Snowshoe Midge, #20
Sparkle Dun, #20 Hi-Vis Baetis, and #20 Cannon’s Snowshoe Dun.
Blue River
Many anglers I know have a love-hate relationship with the Blue
River. Just about the time you think you have the river figured
out, a humbling experience devastates your ego. The Blue River is
a fantastic fishery and a favorite of mine. The Blue certainly
is a beautiful as they come, and gives visiting anglers a real sense
of “Colorado”. It’s a tough river at times, but a good
challenge will always make you a better fly-fisherman. The water
is extremely cold coming off the bottom of Lake Dillon. This cold
water dictates and controls the feeding window of the trout.
It’s not a great morning fishery, but as the water gradually warms
up throughout the day, the fishing improves dramatically. The
upper stretches of the Blue (from the base of the dam through
Silverthorne) holds trophy trout, fattening up on Mysis Shrimp from
the lake above. The water is gin clear requiring perfect
presentations. Down stream the river changes back in a typical
mountain trout stream with a diverse insect life. Several
tributaries inter the river before it spills into Green Mountain
Reservoir. The river is lined with cottonwood trees and willows
and is tucked to the east of the beautiful Gore Range. Because the
water is so cold the river fishes best from mid-day to dark.
Anglers can expect to catch mostly brown trout, a hand full of cut-
bows as well as a few rainbows and the river can be excellent with
dry fly patterns later in the afternoons and evenings. The
hatches include blue wing olives, caddis, red quills, green
drakes, pmd’s, and stoneflies. The regulations are catch and
release in Silverthorne and on the lower reaches the limit is two
trout over 16 inches in length and is artificial flies and lures
only.
Current Conditions
Flow: 104 cfs below Dillon
Clarity: Clear
Water Temperature: High 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches of midges. Fish the
slow, deeper slots with precise dead drifts.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing remains productive in and around
the Silverthorne area. Anglers can expect to hook both rainbows
and browns in the 9-16-inch range, and a lot of small “stocker”
rainbows. There are a few rising fish to midges between Forest
Station and the dam, which adds to the experience. Fishing on the
lower river is picking up, but access is still tough with the snow
and shelf-ice. Effective dry flies include: #26 Parachute Adams,
#24 High Vis Baetis, and #22-26 Griffith’s Gnat. Nymphing has
been productive with your standard mayfly and midge nymphs.
Effective patterns include #22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails,
#22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury Blood Midges, #22 WD 40’s, #22-24
Sparkle Wing RS II’s, and #22 WD 40’s.
Effective Patterns: #18 Mysis Shrimp, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22
Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge,
#20-22 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #22 Zebra
Midge, #20-22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-26 Parachute Adams, and
#20-22 Brown WD 40.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is a magnificent river that starts near the town
of Leadville and flows south until Salida, then turns east to the
Kansas State line. Additional water enters from Turquoise Lake,
Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoir. These releases from the
still water fisheries provide a clear, cold controlled water supply
for the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River is the longest river in
Colorado and is a pocket water paradise jammed with nice brown trout
that eagerly rise to dry flies. Nymph fishing and streamer tactics
are also deadly on this stream. Arkansas hatches include Baetis,
caddis, midges, pmd’s and golden stoneflies. The Mothers Days
Caddis hatch is the premier hatch on the river drawing fisherman
alike from all over the country. Highway 285 parallels the river
to Salida and Highway 50 follows the river to Pueblo. There is
several access points are along the river but the most popular
stretch is between Canon City and Buena Vista. The regulations
are flies and lures only, 2 fish 16 inches or longer.
Current Conditions
Flow: 269 Salida
Clarity: Good
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good fishing in the Arkansas River
watershed. Anglers can expect to see sporadic hatches of Baetis,
and good hatches of midges.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been productive on the
Arkansas River as of late. Flows have slowly receded since last
week, but overall fishing is still good. Midge patterns have been
effective in the mornings in the slower, deeper pools. Mercury
Midges and Black Beauties have been the ticket when you spot
suspended trout in the glassy pools. Look for some sporadic Baetis
in the afternoons, with the best dry fly fishing on overcast
afternoons. Nymphing throughout the afternoons have been productive
with an assortment of Baetis nymphs. Golden stones, and caddis
pupa have been picking up a few fish too. Fishing should remain
productive for weeks to come especially with small midge and mayfly
patterns.
Effective Patterns: #18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Mercury Pheasant
Tails, #18 Red Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #10 Golden
Stonefly, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Bead Head Flashback
Pheasant Tail, #18-22 Barr Emerger #18 (Baetis), #16-20 Black, Blue,
Red, and Chartreuse Copper Johns, #20 Sparkle Duns, #20 Cannon’s
Snowshoe Dun, #22 Griffiths Gnat.
Spinney just opened and fishing great, Delaney a few weeks away. The Arky is picking up with some Caddis being spotted down river growing into the Big Hatch but baeits still the key fly. Frying Pan still thinned out fromt he crowds and doing well and lastly don't forget it's Pike time of year so take that 8 weight out with you, Tiger Muskies are getting frisky as well so get out on some water!
Coloradofisher
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cotrout/message/115
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2031/monsta21sx.th.jpg (http://img198.imageshack.us/my.php?image=monsta21sx.jpg)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spinney Mountain Ranch (The Dream Stream)
Current Flows: 57.2 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: Pheasant Tails #18-24; Rojo Midges #20-22; Griffin's Gnats
#18-22; Midge Larvae #20-24; Tricos; PMD's #16-18; Caddis #16-20.
Eleven Mile Canyon
Current Flows: 82.6 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: PMD's #16-18; Caddis #16-20; Pheasant Tails #18-24;
Gray/Black RS-2's #20-24; Red Midges #20-22; Hoppers #8-12; Tricos;
Worms, BH Hare's Ears #18-20.
Fishing has been hit or miss with the tricos in the morning. High
water temperatures in the afternoon has slowed the fishing
considerably.
Cheesman Canyon
Current Flows: 120 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair to Good
Patterns: Baetis Nymphs #20-24; Red Discos #22-24; Mercury Nymphs
#20-22; Worms and Chamois Leeches; Caddis #18-20.
Deckers
Current Flows: 120 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Fair
Patterns: Scuds #16; Worms #16; Bright Midges #18-22; Mercury
Nymphs; Caddis Late.
Now that we are into our Monsoon season late afternoon thunderstorms
can really effect the water clarity so plan accordingly.
The Arkansas River
Current Flows: 374 cfs
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Patterns: Parachute Adams #18-24; Comparadun B.W.O. #20-22; B.W.O.
Nymphs #18-22; Copper Johns #12-18; Caddis Pupae #14-18; Caddis Dry
#14-18; Terrestrials; PMX #10-16.
Spinney Mt. Reservoir
As of: Apr 22 2006
Conditions: Good to Excellent
Patterns: Chironomids #14-18 Black-Red-Brown; Callibaetis Nymphs and
Drys #14-16; Damsel Nymphs #8-14.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Pro's Picks
Spring Hatches:
Suggested Nymphs/Streamers/Egg Patterns
Baetis:#18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #18-24 Mercury Flashback Pheasant
Tail, #18-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #20-22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #20-22
Barr Emerger, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20-22 Mercury RS II, and #18-
22 Randy Smith is.
Midges: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22-26 Top Secret Midge, #18-22
Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-22 Mercury
Brassie, #22 Buckskin, #22 San Juan Emergers, and #24 RS II’s.
Forage Fish and Leeches:#8-10 Electric Leech, #6-10 Rabbit Fur
Leeches, #8-10 “Buggers” (both Conehead and Beadhead in olive
and black), #8-12 Horny Bugger, #6 Grey and White Clouser
Minnow, #8Egg Sucking Leeches, and #10 Deer Hair Sculpins.
Egg Patterns: #16 Apricot Egg, #16 Pink Egg, #16 Orange Egg, and #16
Bittell’s Nuclear Egg, #14-16 Orange Scuds
Suggested Dry Flies
#20-#22 Matt’s Midge, #18-#24 Griffith Gnat, #22-26 Parachute
Adams, #20-22 Cannon’s Bunny Suspender Midge, #22 Trailing Shuck
Midge, #24 No See’m Midge, and #22-24 Z-Lon Midge.
Baetis:#20-22 Snow Shoe Dun, #18-22 Hi-Vis Baetis, #18-22 Parachute
Adams, #18-22 Sparkle Dun, #18-22 Blue Dun, #18-22 Poly Wing Blue
Wing Olive.
Spinney Mountain Ranch
The lush meandering, meadow portion of the South Platte between
Spinney and Elevenmile Reservoirs is known as the “Dream
Stream”, and rightly so: This beautiful 3-mile section of the
Platte offers anglers the opportunity of a lifetime to catch large
trout. This fabulous tailwater fishery is located in the heart of
South Park, tucked between 14,000 foot snow capped peaks on the
west, rich ranchland to the north and south, and Pikes Peak on the
east. Spinney is a well-balanced fishery where anglers can catch
trout on nymphs, dry flies and streamers. The river is comprised
of prime trout habitat, which includes, riffles, runs, gravel bars,
shelves, and undercut banks. Fly-fishers can expect to catch a
mixed bag of rainbows, browns, and cutthroats in 16-20 inch range.
In addition spring (rainbows, and cutthroats) and fall (browns and
kokanee salmon) spawning runs from Elevenmile Reservoir are quite
impressive with fish up to 12 pounds landed during a key three-four
week period. Ideal flow conditions for “Dream Stream” are
between 100 CFS and 250 CFS. The regulations are flies and lures
only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 39 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and sporadic Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for challenging fishing for both resident fish
and spawn-run rainbows and cutthroats. Flows will most likely stay
low until run-off begins.
Tips and Other Information: There are still a fair number of lake-
fish in the lower river, but they are spooky and tough to fool with
the low flows. Egg patterns, and #18-22 Mercury Blood Midges have
been a great “attractor” dropped with a #20-22 Mercury Flashback
Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20 Rainbow Warrior, or a
#22 Mercury Black Beauty. To be successful, you must cover a lot
of water. Sight fish when possible, and fish the transition areas
that dump into the deep pools. Effective dry flies include: #20-26
Parachute Adams, #24 Hi-Vis Baetis, Cannon’s Show Shoe Dun, and
#24 Griffith’s Gnat. Anglers are finding a good number of
“midging” fish in the slow, deep oxbows and glass-like pools.
On overcast days, or during inclement weather, anglers can expect
some Baetis activity too. Crowds are heavy; please work with your
fellow angler and use good etiquette.
Effective Patterns: #18-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury
Brassies, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #20 Buckskin, #20-22 Dorsey’s Mercury
Baetis, #20-22 Barr’s Emerger (Baetis), #20-24 Churchill’s
Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #22 Dorsey’s Mercury
Flashback Pheasant Tail, #22 Mercury Black Beauty, #18-20 Buckskin,
#20-26 Parachute Adams, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis,
#22 Stalcup’s CDC Trico Spinner and #22 Cannon’s Bunny Midge.
Cheesman Canyon
The picturesque boulder-filled Cheesman Canyon portion of the South
Platte River is considered by many one of the most pristine
fisheries in the world. This area, often times simply referred to,
as “The Canyon” is an experience you’ll never forget. It’s
the perfect scenario, magnificent beauty in combination with great
fly-fishing. The South Platte River carves its way through a
granite canyon lined with ponderosa pines, willows, fallen tree
trunks, and various other assorted ground foliages. Boulders as
big as Volkswagens Beetles create structure for the super-selective
trout residing in the river. Mule Deer, Black Bear, Raccoons,
Mountain Lyons, and Bald Eagles all add to the experience. Anglers
can expect to catch mostly large rainbows supplemented with a few
nice brown trout. The aforementioned “Canyon” is as technical
as they get, and if you can catch trout here, you can catch them
anywhere in the world. This three-mile section is primarily a
nymphing fishery requiring tiny midge and mayfly imitations with
fine 6 & 7X tippets. Ideal flows for Cheesman are between 250
CFS and 400 CFS. The regulations are flies and lures only. All
fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 158 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, and Baetis
Hatches: Midges, caddis, and sporadic Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for tough and challenging fishing with the
low water temperatures. Fish the deep slots and holes for optimum
success.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing in the “canyon” remains
challenging, however, if you work hard, and concentrate your efforts
in the correct water you will pick up a few fish. Flows have been up
and down"ranging between 100 and 200 cfs. Water temps are 40
degrees near the gauging station in the upper canyon. They warm to
42 degrees in the lower canyon on mild days. Effective flies
include: #20 Rainbow Warriors, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury
Flashback Pheasant Tails, #22 Mercury Midges, and #22 Sparkle Wing
RS II’s. More and more browns are starting to show themselves with
improved water temps and flows. Dredge around the rocks and logs;
there are a lot of nice fish around the structure. Midge hatches are
steadily improving, and, so is the “feeding window”. Sight
nymphing is by far the most effective method of catching trout,
however. Anglers can expect some sporadic dry fly fishing in the
Icebox with adult midges. Small Griffith Gnats (#22-24) and #26
Parachute Adams have been the ticket. You will earn every fish you
catch right now; make precise dead drifts and concentrate your
efforts in the right water.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #20-22 Mercury RS
II’s, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-22 Mercury Red Flashback Pheasant
Tails, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #18 Micro San Juan Worm (red and brown),
#20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury
Midges, #22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-24
Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II’s, #22-26 Parachute Adams, #20-22
Mathew’s Sparkle Dun, #22-24 Top Secret Midge, #20-24 Hi-Vis
Baetis, #20-22 Matt’s Midge, #20 Sparkle Dun, #22 Cannon’s
Suspender Midge, #22-24 Z-Lon Midges, #22-26 Griffith Gnats.
Deckers
The mileage below Cheesman Canyon is the renowned Deckers area, a
world-class fishery with easy access and lots of opportunity.
The best fishing is from Bridge Crossing to the lower boundary of
the Tee Pee Club. Like Cheesman Canyon, the fish are challenging
to catch, and there is no substitution for a good dead drift.
Deckers can offer good dry fly fishing at times but like upstream in
the “The Canyon” a good nympher will catch the majority of
fish. Anglers can expect to catch assortment of browns and
rainbows with some exceeding 20 inches. The river is made up of
riffles, runs, shelves and gravel bars, and nice pocket water.
The ideal flow for Deckers is between 150-400 cfs. The regulations
are two trout over 16 inches in length and flies and lures only.
Current Conditions
Flow: 170 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good “spring” fishing in the Deckers
area. In the a.m., fish the deep slots and holes for optimum
success. In the afternoon, there are a lot of fish in the riffles.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has picked up dramatically in
the Deckers area over the course of the last two weeks. San Juan
Worms have been very effective during higher flow regimes. Some
additional water is entering the stream via the feeder creeks.
Currently, the water is clear to the confluence of the North Fork.
Anglers are hooking a good number of 8-10 inch rainbows with the
occasional 15-18 inch rainbow, and 13-15 inch brown. The browns are
beginning to put some weight back on. Look for hatches of blue-
winged olives between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. Midge hatches have been
strong too. Overcast days with inclement weather have provided
nothing less than excellent surface action. During non-hatch
periods, the best nymph patterns have been#18 Mercury Blood Midge,
#20 Mercury RS II’s, #22 Flashback Mercury Pheasant Tails, #22
Mercury Midges, #20-22 Mercury Baetis and #20-22 Rainbow Warriors
(Pearl). As far as dries are concerned, fish#20 Sparkle Duns, Snow
Shoe Duns, Griffith Gnats, and Hi Vis Matt’s Midges.
Special Note: The South Platte below Deckers is finally making a
strong comeback. Please entertain “catch and release” with all
your trout. Please wet your hands and keep your fingers out of
their gills. I have observed six anglers kill large rainbows over
the course of the past two weeks. I understand these fish are well
within the legal limit, unfortunately, it will have adverse effects
on this fabled stretch river if anglers continue to harvest the
larger trout. It breaks my heart to see people killing these
beautiful fish; they are the real jewels of the South Platte
watershed. Please, please, release your trout"let them live
another day!
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassie, #20-22 Mercury Midge,
#18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22
Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Micro
San Juan Worm, #18-22 Dorsey’s Mercury Pheasant Tail, #18-20
Mercury Blood Midge, #20 Mercury Baetis, Red San Juan Worms, #20-26
Parachute Adams.
Elevenmile Canyon
The South Platte River below Elevenmile Reservoir is absolutely
beautiful. The South Platte River tumbles and twists through a
majestic canyon as it carves its way downstream to the small
community of Lake George. Parts of the scenic canyon remind you of
the fabled Cheesman stretch while others look much like the renowned
Deckers area. Elevenmile Canyon is a great winter and early spring
fishery with tremendous opportunity to consistently hook nice
fish. The river is loaded with Rainbows and Cut-bows with the
occasional brown trout. The average fish ranges between 12 and 17
inches and are strong as an ox. Occasionally you will hook fish
between 17 and 24 inches in the upper reaches below the dam. The
river is comprised of riffles, runs, shelves, gravel bars, and nice
pocket water. The scenery is fabulous with logjams, huge granite
boulders, fallen trees, waterfalls, and bald eagles soaring above
the canyon’s lip. The ideal flow for Elevenmile Canyon is
between 150-250 cfs. The best fishing is in the upper two miles.
The aforementioned two-mile stretch is flies and lures only.
This section is catch and release and all fish must be returned to
the water immediately. Pinch down your barbs and protect this
incredible resource.
Current Conditions:
Flow: 55 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Anglers must think small, simple and sparse. Fish
the slow, deep pools with precise dead drifts. Sporadic midges are
the bulk of the trout’s diet in the a.m. Look for Baetis in the
afternoon.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been very productive in
Elevenmile Canyon. Anglers can expect strong hatches of both
midges and Baetis. Flows have been cut in half, but overall
fishing remains good. Effective patterns include #18-22 Mercury
Red Pheasant Tails, # Mercury RS II’s 22-24 RS II’s, #20-22
Mercury Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #22 Barr Emergers (Baetis),
#22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #22-26 Top Secret Midges, and
#22 Mercury Black Beauties. Fish the slow deep pools and
transition areas for optimum success. Water temps are gradually
climbing, and fishing is only getting better by the day. Please
watch out for spawning rainbows (especially between Spring Gulch and
the dam), and avoid fishing to trout positioned on redds at all
cost. With Deckers fishing better, the crowds have lightened up a
bit, which is good news!
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassie, #20-24 Dorsey’s
Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant
Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Egg, #18 San Juan Worm,
#20-24 Mercury Baetis #20-22 Bead Head Barr’s Emerger (Baetis),
#20-24 Dorsey’s Mercury Pheasant Tails, #20-26 Parachute Adams,
#22-24 Griffith Gnats, #22 Matt’s Midge, #22 Cannon’s Suspender
Midge, #22 Sparkle Dun, and #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis.
North Fork of the South Platte River
The North Fork of the South Platte River offers yet another
opportunity to sample the South Platte River system. The vast
majority of this swift, fast flowing stem of the South Platte River
is within an hour’s reach of metropolitan Denver, nevertheless,
this branch gets over-shadowed by the renowned South Fork. The
headwaters of the North Fork, as it is referred to, commence on the
eastern side of legendary Kenosha Pass. The North Fork is extremely
small and expeditious for the first several miles until it joins
forces with diverted water from the bottom of Dillon Reservoir via
the Roberts Tunnel. Another tributary"Geneva Creek"further
adds a substantial quantity of water to the North Fork near the
small town of Grant. This creek is especially influential during
run-off as the North Fork swells and becomes high and roily.
Several other smaller side-streams also enter the river but are not
the magnitude of the two previously mentioned sources of water. The
North Fork is comprised of shallow riffles, runs, and an abundance
of pocket water. Deep holes are uncommon throughout this section
of river. The water is gin clear, and standard sight nymphing
tactics work best on a day-to-day basis. Short-line nymphing is
the most effective technique with the heavy brush, small pockets,
and quick seams"all of which are key holding areas for the
trout. Typically if it looks “fishy”, it generally is, and of
course it’s always lucrative to find fish positioned where you
think they should be.
Current Conditions for Boxwood Gulch, Long Meadow, Farmer’s Union,
and North Fork Ranch. These are the private leases we guide on.
Flow: 45 cfs Grant
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for productive fishing with tiny midge
patterns. Several fish are spawning; look for egg patterns to
really become effective.
Tips and Other Information: Flows remain very low, and clear for the
most part. Geneva Creek will add some color on warm days or during
heavy spring rains. There are a lot of spawning rainbows in the back
channels and oxbows. As you might imagine, egg patterns have been
very effective as of late. Other effective patterns include: #18
Mercury Blood Midges, #18 Red Flashback Mercury Pheasant Tails#22
Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #18 Mercury Caddis, and #22
Mercury Black Beauties. The primary catch has been rainbows in the
16-20 inch range, with an occasional brook, brown, and cutthroat.
Water temperatures are in high 30’s, therefore, fishing is best
late morning to mid afternoon. If you want to fish the North Fork
River, please call and inquire about one of our classes, or private
leases (North Fork Ranch, The Meadows at North Fork, Boxwood, and
Long Meadow,) for a guided trip.
Effective Patterns: #22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #20
Rainbow Warrior, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #14-18 Beadhead
Breadcrusts, #20-22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #14 Pink San
Juan Worms, #16 Nuclear Eggs, #22 Sparkle Wings RS II, #22 Mercury
Black Beauties, #20-22 Mercury Brassies, and #20 Zebra Midges.
William’s Fork River
The Williams Fork River is a top-notch fishery of its own. This
beautiful fishery is nestled between the Williams Peaks and Middle
Park and is truly a fly-fishing paradise. The two-mile stretch
between the upper boundary of the Kemp Unit and the confluence of
the Colorado River is a mixture or riffles, runs and pocket water
with one of the best populations of brown trout in the “west”.
A 30-minute hike to the river keeps the crowds to a minimum.
Anglers can catch trout with a variety of methods including nymphs,
streamers, and dry flies. The hatches include caddis, blue wing
olives, midges, tricos, and red quills. Being a tributary of
the Colorado River-spring and fall-spawning runs bring some
“lunkers” into the stream. Ideal flows for the “Fork” are
between 100-250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and
all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flow: 202 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 30’s to high 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for challenging fishing. Fish the slow, deep
runs with tiny midge patterns.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing on the Williams Fork remains a
challenge. The water temperatures are the biggest consideration
right now"they are in the high 30’s to low 40’s. The
Colorado is fishing much better at this time! Stay away from the
faster riffles, and runs, and concentrate your efforts in the slower
water. Anglers can expect hatches of midges, and a sporadic Baetis
or two. Productive patterns include: #20-22 Mercury Flashback
Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #20 Buckskins, #22 Mercury
Black Beauties, and #24 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II’s. Look
for some sporadic dry fly fishing with adult midges in the slower
pools and tail-outs. Effective dry flies include: #24 Griffith
Gnats, #22 Cannon’s Midge Cluster, and #26 Parachute Adams.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #20 Barr’s Pure Midge
Larva, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #22 Mercury Baetis, #20-22 Mercury
Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #18-22 Mercury Black Beauty,
#20-22 Buckskin, #16 Nuclear Egg, #18-22 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-
22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #26 Parachute Adams, #22 Trico, #16 Red
Quills, and #24 Griffith Gnats.
Colorado River
The Colorado River begins its journey in Rocky Mountain National
Park and heads west offering anglers several opportunities to sample
this great stream. Near the small community of Granby is the
confluence of the Fraser River. At this point the river is a
meandering, meadow stream flowing through lush ranchland and the
river remains this way until it hit Byers Canyon. Byers Canyon is
only about one mile long and this section is pretty tough to
negotiate, especially during higher flows. Below Byers Canyon the
river is “as good as it gets” with many access points including
Paul Gilbert, Lone Buck, Kemp-Breeze, Sun Set Ranch, Reeder Creek
and the Pump House to Radium stretch. The Colorado is lined with
cottonwood trees and willows and is a dry fly paradise. Anglers
can expect to catch mostly brown trout and a few large rainbows.
The regulations in this area are flies and lures only and all fish
must be returned to the water immediately.
Current Conditions
Flows: 225 Parshall
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 30’s low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, and Baetis
Hatches: Midges, and sporadic Baetis
14 Day forecast: Look for fishing to improve as the water
temperatures increases. On warmer days you might experience some
off-colored water, so plan accordingly.
Tips and Other Information: Overall, fishing has been pretty good in
the Parshall area. Your best bet is to fish below the confluence
of the Williams Fork River, where an additional 200 cfs of water
enters the famed Colorado River. Anglers must fish the slow
transition areas with tiny midge and mayfly patterns. Look for
some sporadic dry fly fishing with midges in the slower tailouts,
and look for the blue-winged olive hatch to improve dramatically in
the next two weeks. There are two sizes of midges hatching right
now"the large “spring” midge #18, and the small midge #22-
24"which further complicates things. Griffith Gnats, and
Cannon’s Snowshoe Midge has been the ticket as of late for
enticing the surface feeders.
Effective Patterns: 18-22 Flashback Mercury PT, #18 Bead Head Black
Beauty, #18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #20 Barr’s Pure Midge larva, #18-
20 Buckskin, # 20Black Beauty, #20 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Sparkle
Wing RS II, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #22 Bunny Snowshoe Midge, #20
Sparkle Dun, #20 Hi-Vis Baetis, and #20 Cannon’s Snowshoe Dun.
Blue River
Many anglers I know have a love-hate relationship with the Blue
River. Just about the time you think you have the river figured
out, a humbling experience devastates your ego. The Blue River is
a fantastic fishery and a favorite of mine. The Blue certainly
is a beautiful as they come, and gives visiting anglers a real sense
of “Colorado”. It’s a tough river at times, but a good
challenge will always make you a better fly-fisherman. The water
is extremely cold coming off the bottom of Lake Dillon. This cold
water dictates and controls the feeding window of the trout.
It’s not a great morning fishery, but as the water gradually warms
up throughout the day, the fishing improves dramatically. The
upper stretches of the Blue (from the base of the dam through
Silverthorne) holds trophy trout, fattening up on Mysis Shrimp from
the lake above. The water is gin clear requiring perfect
presentations. Down stream the river changes back in a typical
mountain trout stream with a diverse insect life. Several
tributaries inter the river before it spills into Green Mountain
Reservoir. The river is lined with cottonwood trees and willows
and is tucked to the east of the beautiful Gore Range. Because the
water is so cold the river fishes best from mid-day to dark.
Anglers can expect to catch mostly brown trout, a hand full of cut-
bows as well as a few rainbows and the river can be excellent with
dry fly patterns later in the afternoons and evenings. The
hatches include blue wing olives, caddis, red quills, green
drakes, pmd’s, and stoneflies. The regulations are catch and
release in Silverthorne and on the lower reaches the limit is two
trout over 16 inches in length and is artificial flies and lures
only.
Current Conditions
Flow: 104 cfs below Dillon
Clarity: Clear
Water Temperature: High 30’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges
Hatches: Midges
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches of midges. Fish the
slow, deeper slots with precise dead drifts.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing remains productive in and around
the Silverthorne area. Anglers can expect to hook both rainbows
and browns in the 9-16-inch range, and a lot of small “stocker”
rainbows. There are a few rising fish to midges between Forest
Station and the dam, which adds to the experience. Fishing on the
lower river is picking up, but access is still tough with the snow
and shelf-ice. Effective dry flies include: #26 Parachute Adams,
#24 High Vis Baetis, and #22-26 Griffith’s Gnat. Nymphing has
been productive with your standard mayfly and midge nymphs.
Effective patterns include #22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails,
#22 Mercury Baetis, #22 Mercury Blood Midges, #22 WD 40’s, #22-24
Sparkle Wing RS II’s, and #22 WD 40’s.
Effective Patterns: #18 Mysis Shrimp, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22
Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Mercury Midge,
#20-22 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Mercury Brassies, #22 Zebra
Midge, #20-22 Mercury Black Beauty, #20-26 Parachute Adams, and
#20-22 Brown WD 40.
Arkansas River
The Arkansas River is a magnificent river that starts near the town
of Leadville and flows south until Salida, then turns east to the
Kansas State line. Additional water enters from Turquoise Lake,
Twin Lakes and Clear Creek Reservoir. These releases from the
still water fisheries provide a clear, cold controlled water supply
for the Arkansas River. The Arkansas River is the longest river in
Colorado and is a pocket water paradise jammed with nice brown trout
that eagerly rise to dry flies. Nymph fishing and streamer tactics
are also deadly on this stream. Arkansas hatches include Baetis,
caddis, midges, pmd’s and golden stoneflies. The Mothers Days
Caddis hatch is the premier hatch on the river drawing fisherman
alike from all over the country. Highway 285 parallels the river
to Salida and Highway 50 follows the river to Pueblo. There is
several access points are along the river but the most popular
stretch is between Canon City and Buena Vista. The regulations
are flies and lures only, 2 fish 16 inches or longer.
Current Conditions
Flow: 269 Salida
Clarity: Good
Water Temperature: Low 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges and Baetis
Hatches: Midges and Baetis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good fishing in the Arkansas River
watershed. Anglers can expect to see sporadic hatches of Baetis,
and good hatches of midges.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been productive on the
Arkansas River as of late. Flows have slowly receded since last
week, but overall fishing is still good. Midge patterns have been
effective in the mornings in the slower, deeper pools. Mercury
Midges and Black Beauties have been the ticket when you spot
suspended trout in the glassy pools. Look for some sporadic Baetis
in the afternoons, with the best dry fly fishing on overcast
afternoons. Nymphing throughout the afternoons have been productive
with an assortment of Baetis nymphs. Golden stones, and caddis
pupa have been picking up a few fish too. Fishing should remain
productive for weeks to come especially with small midge and mayfly
patterns.
Effective Patterns: #18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Mercury Pheasant
Tails, #18 Red Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #10 Golden
Stonefly, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Bead Head Flashback
Pheasant Tail, #18-22 Barr Emerger #18 (Baetis), #16-20 Black, Blue,
Red, and Chartreuse Copper Johns, #20 Sparkle Duns, #20 Cannon’s
Snowshoe Dun, #22 Griffiths Gnat.