Coloradofisher
08-05-06, 05:26 PM
Enjoy and the countdown is on till UGA Football kickoff and Fall Brown Fishing! :D
Summer Hatches: Suggested Nymphs/Streamers/Egg Patterns
#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’s Baetis.
Pale Morning Duns:#18 Mercury PMD, #18 Barr Emergers, and 18 Mercury Pheasant Tail
Yellow Sallies: #16 Mercury PMD (the perfect yellow sally imitation) and Edward’s Yellow Sally Stonefly
Green Drakes: #10-12 Stalcup’s Green Drake Nymph, #12 Olive Hare’s Ear, and #12 Prince Nymphs, and #12 Olive Pheasant Tails
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.
Caddis: #14-18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #16-18 Bead Head Buckskin, #18 Buckskins, #16 La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupa
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
Midges: #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.
Pale Morning Duns: #16-18 Pale Morning Dun, #16-18 Cannon’s Bunny PMD, #18 Stalcup’s CDC PMD, #18 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun PMD), and #18 Parachute PMD
Yellow Sallies:Yellow Sally, Yellow Stimulator, and Hot Wing Elk Hair Caddis
Green Drakes: #10-12 Hen Wing Green Drake, #12 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun (Green Drake) and #12 Sparkle Dun Green Drake
Tricos: #22-24 Stalcup’s CDC Trico, #22-24 Cannon’s Snowshoe Trico, and #22-24 Z-lon Spinners and Dun’s
Caddis: #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Puterbaugh Caddis, #14-18 Hi-Vis Caddis, #16 Goddard Caddis, and #18 Yellow Stimulator.
Attractors: #12-18 Dorsey’s Limeade, and Cherry Limeade, #12-16 Renegades, #12-16 Royal Wulffs, #14-16 Yellow Humpy, #12-16 Rubber-Legged Stimulator, and #14-16 House and Lots.
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: 164 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 50’s to low 60’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, pale morning duns, caddis and Tricos
Hatches: Midges, pale morning duns, caddis and Tricos
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and excellent fishing for weeks to come. Anglers can expect good dry fly fishing with caddis, pmd’s and Tricos.
Tips and Other Information: The Dream Stream continues to fish very well, especially with the current flows. A rig consisting of a #18 Buckskin or #16 LaFontaine’s Sparkle Pupa trailed by a #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18Barr Emerger (PMD) or #18 Mercury PMD has been the best producer as of late. An “earthworm brown” micro San Juan Worm has been very effective in the faster riffles and runs too, especially in the afternoons when things typically slow down. There are a lot of fish on the transition areas (mid channel shelves and gravel bars) that funnel into the deeper runs. The best fishing is between the barns and the dam because of the cooler water temperatures. For the dry fly enthusiast, things could not be better. You can catch fish during any of the previously mentioned hatches, or just pound them up with caddis and hoppers. For that reason, dry/dropper rigs have been effective too. If the flows remain consistent, the Trico hatch has been very good. After the Trico hatch, drown a #24Stalcup’s CDC Trico to capitalize on the fish feeding on sunken spinners. Anglers can expect afternoon rain showers, some heavy at times with lot of lightening!!
Effective Patterns: #18 Mercury Caddis, #16 La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupa, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Barr’s Emerger (pmd), #18-20 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #14-18 Limeade, #14-16 Cherry Limeade, #10 Dave’s Hopper, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-26 Parachute Adams, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis, #22 Stalcup’s CDC Trico, and #22 Cannon’s Snowshoe Trico.
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: 300 cfs
Clarity: Fair to Good depending on afternoon rainshowers
Water Temperature: Low 60’s to high 60’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, yellow sallies, golden stones, Baetis and pale morning duns
Hatches: Midges, yellow sallies, Baetis, and pale morning duns
14 Day Forecast: Cheesman Canyon is spilling and flows will vary depending on current rainfall. If we get heavy afternoon rain showers, look for a gradual increase of flows over the spillway.
Tips and Other Information: Cheesman Canyon continues to fish moderately well. Mother Nature has tightened things up a bit, however, and you’ll have to work hard for each fish you catch. Currently water temperatures are the biggest consideration—they are approaching the high 60’s in the afternoon. Please watch the temps and refrain from fishing if they exceed 67 degrees. Please wet your hands, and release your fish carefully. Don’t play the trout to exhaustion—a speedy “fight” and release is very important if we want to protect this fishery. Concentrate you efforts in the faster riffles that are 18-24 inches deep. Look for good hatches of pale morning duns, Baetis, and yellow sallies. I saw my first Trico dun in the canyon two days ago. This hatch of course, has suffered since the fire. Hopefully, the Trico will rebound! We are catching a lot of nice browns in the 13-16 inch range, and several large rainbows in the 16-20 inch range. Effective flies include: #20 Mercury Midge, #20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #14 San Juan Worms, and #20 Sparkle Wing RS II’s. The most effective rig as late has been a #20 Mercury Midge on top and a #20 Mercury Pheasant Tail or #20 Sparkle Wing RS II on the bottom. Crowds have been very heavy; please use proper etiquette at all times! The decomposed granite has finally made it to the bottom of Cheesman Canyon. Unfortunately it is filling in some of the better holes like Emerald Pool, Meat Hole, Meat Hole Junior, and Steel Riffles.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury RS II’s, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-20 Mercury Red Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16 Nuclear Chartreuse Eggs, #18 Micro San Juan Worm (red and brown), #18-20Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury Midges, #20-22 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, #22-22 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: 350 cfs
Clarity: Fair to good above the Deckers bridge
Water Temperature: High 60’s, nearly 70 on lower river
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns
Hatches: Midges, caddis, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns
14 Day Forecast: Anglers can expect fair to good fishing above the Deckers area. Look for hatches of pale morning duns, caddis, and yellow sallies.
Tips and Other Information: Clarity is fair to good above the Decker’s bridge, but heavy afternoon rain showers continue to affect the conditions on a daily basis. Schoonover Gulch, Wig Wam Creek, and Fourmile creek are adding color from recent rain showers. Below Deckers is a muddy mess, and for all practical purposes, is unfishable. Above Horse Creek, anglers are hooking a few 10-inch rainbows with the occasional 15-18 inch rainbow, and 13-15 inch brown. San Juan Worms #20 Mercury Pheasant Tails, and #20 RS II’s are the best producers with the current conditions. We’ll keep you posted on the lower river as things begin to dry out.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-20 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Chartreuse Egg, #18 Mercury PMD, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #18-22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18 Mercury Baetis, #20-26 Parachute Adams, #16-18 Goddard Caddis, #16-18 Elk Hair Caddis.
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: 155 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, pale morning duns, and Tricos
Hatches: Midges, caddis, pale morning duns, and Tricos
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and excellent fishing.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been moderately productive in Elevenmile Canyon. Water temps are very high so please use your best judgment when fishing this stretch. Wet your hands before handling any fish, and avoid playing fish to exhaustion. Anglers can expect hatches of midges, Baetis, pale morning duns, Tricos, and caddis. Effective nymphs include # 20 Sparkle Wing RS II’s, #18 San Juan Worms, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18 Barr Emergers (PMD), #20 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #18-22 Top Secret Midges, and #20 Rainbow Warriors. San Juan Worms, #18 Red Mercury Pheasant Tails and #18 Red Copper Johns have been effective in the faster slots and seams. Go fish the Arkansas; things are shaping up nicely, especially towards the headwaters and give this stretch a break.
There have been reports of dead fish in Elevenmile Canyon. I emailed the biologist for the upper South Platte Basin and this was his reply. Jeff Spohn is always on top of things; I feel truly blessed to have him on our side and the biologist for the South Platte River. He is doing a phenomenal job!!
Per Spohn, “The fish that people are seeing on both the Dream Stream and Elevenmile Canyon are kokanee from Elevenmile Reservoir. Very high water temps down to the thermocline in the reservoir are making these fish seek refuge in other areas. This combined with a parasitic freshwater crustacean, is causing some mortality in the kokanee. We are working with Denver Water to get cooler water temps in Elevenmile Canyon and the fish in the reservoir will work through this as temperatures drop and the life cycle of the parasite finishes.”
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #18 San Juan Worm, #20-22 Mercury Baetis #20-22 Bead Head Barr’s Emerger (PMD) #18-20 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. The same conditions are present on all the public water, however, access is limited.
Flow: 126 cfs Grant
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, Green Drakes, and red quills
Hatches: Midges, Green Drakes, and red quills
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent fishing for weeks to come. Flows should be excellent, Dillon is still nearly full (about one-foot of shore line is visable).
Tips and Other Information: Flows could be better, and the dry fly fishing is starting to come into focus. Anglers can expect good hatches of midges, green drakes, and red quills. Dry/Dropper rigs with large Limeades, and Rubber Legged Stimulators have been very effective. During non-hatch periods, anglers should fish with a #18 Mercury Caddis, #14 Pink San Juan Worm and a #16-18 Mercury Red Pheasant Tail.
Effective Patterns: #14 Limeade, #16 AK’s Red Quill, #14 Cannon’s Snowshoe Green Drake, #12 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #14-18 Bead Head 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: 297 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 40’s to low 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis
Hatches: Midges, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent fishing for weeks to come.
Tips and Other Information: Flows are high, and water temps are cold. Fishing is slow first thing, but as the day unfolds fishing is not shabby. Anglers are catching a lot of small browns, and a few medium-sized brown with an occasional nice rainbow. Effective patterns include: #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #14 San Juan Worms, #20 Mercury Baetis, #18 Buckskins, #18 Mercury Caddis, and #20 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II. Wear your Buzz-Off shirts, and bring plenty of Deep Wood Off, the mosquitoes are very bad!!
Effective Patterns: #18 Bead Head Black Beauty, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #20 Mercury Baetis, #20 Rainbow Warrior, #18 Buckskin, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #20-22 Parachute Adams, and #20 Sparkle Dun.
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: 448 Parshall
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 50’s to high 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, red quills, and yellow sally stoneflies
Hatches: Midges, caddis, red quills, and yellow sally stoneflies
14 Day forecast: Look for excellent fishing with the improved flows from Williams Fork Reservoir.
Tips and Other Information: The Colorado River is fishing excellent right now. Anglers can expect hatches caddis, Tricos, red quills, and yellow sallies below the confluence of the Williams Fork River. The yellow sally hatches are very strong, and fishing with yellow Stimulators has been very effective. Fishing in the Kemp-Breeze and Sun Set areas has been excellent. The best flies have been San Juan Worms, RS II’s and Mercury Pheasant Tails. In addition, anglers are also picking a few fish up with streamers. Mosquitoes are bad; bring plenty of Deep Woods Off, and as well as, your Buzz-Off apparel.
Effective Patterns: #18 Buckskin, #18 Sow Bugs, Oliver Edwards Yellow Sally Nymph, #20 Sparkle Wing RS II, #14 San Juan Worm, #18 Mercury Baetis, #16 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun (Red Quill), #22 Cannon’s Snow Show Dun (Trico), Stalcups CDC Trico Comparadun, #8 Cone Head Buggers.
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: 107 cfs below Dillon
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 40’s in town, high 50’s above Green Mountain Reservoir
Major Food Organisms: Midges, pale morning duns, Tricos, Baetis, and micro caddis
Hatches: Midges, pale morning duns, Tricos, Baetis, and micro caddis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows on the lower river and great fishing. Anglers can expect hatches of caddis, Baetis, and sporadic pale morning duns.
Tips and Other Information: Flows are low and clear on the Blue River and fishing couldn’t be better. In Silverthorne fish your classic tailwater patterns—small mayfly and midge patterns. Additional water enters via feeder creeks, creating ideal conditions on the lower river. You can catch a lot of nice fish if your willing to work hard, get in the middle of the river and hit all the pockets, and deep slots. Anglers are catching an assortment of rainbows, browns, and an occasional cutthroat. Currently, anglers can expect to see hatches of sporadic pmd’s, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis. I had a grand slam on the Blue last week—cutbow, cutthroat, brookie, brown, and rainbow. I am very excited with the way the Blue River is coming back. We have been catching some nice browns around the Blue River Campground and Eagles Nest areas on dry flies. Dry/dropper rigs have been effective in the pocket water and shallow riffles. Effective patterns are Limeades, and Rubber Legged Stimulators dropped with a small tungsten head Pheasant Tail. An Oliver Edwards Stonefly or Mercury Caddis dropped with a #18 Gold Bead Flashback Pheasant tail has been very effective as far as a nymphing rig is concerned.
Effective Patterns: #14 Limeade, #18 San Juan Worm, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18 Mercury Baetis, #10 Stalcup’s Green Drake Nymph, #18 Barr Emerger (PMD), #18 Gold Bead Pheasant Tail, #18 Tungsten Pheasant Tail, #18 Mysis Shrimp, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20 Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #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: 766 Wellsville, 525 Granite
Clarity: Good
Water Temperature: High 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Caddis, pale morning duns, yellow sally stoneflies, and terrestrials.
Hatches: Caddis, pale morning duns, and yellow sally stoneflies
14 Day Forecast: Look for fishing to improve by the day. Heavy rainfall may change the clarity on a day-to-day basis, especially on the lower river.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has picked up on the Arkansas River. The river is still moderately high, but things are starting to come into focus. Anglers need to fish the edges, and pockets with an assortment of bead head nymphs, pale morning dun nymphs, stoneflies (Oliver Edwards Yellow Sally Nymph), and #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails. Anglers can expect hatches of pale morning duns, yellow sallies, and caddis. The red quill hatch is just right around the corner and should prove to be very good as flows recede. Effective patterns include #16 yellow stimulators, #16 Yellow Sallies, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Cannon’s Snow Shoe Duns (PMD), and #16-18 Sparkle Duns. Dry/Dropper rigs are also picking up a few fish along the edges, and I mean right along the edge. We have been picking up fish in shallow riffles, right along the edge in inches of water. The top end of the riffles, and transition areas are holding a lot of fish, once again in very thin water. Effective droppers are #18 Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #18 Mighty Mite Baetis. Afternoon rain showers are influencing the clarity below Salida.
Effective Patterns: #12-18 Limeade, #16-18 Sparkle Duns, #10 Golden Stoneflies, #14 Oliver Edwards Stonefly, #18 Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Bead Head Prince, #18 Bead Head Buckskin, and #18 Mighty Mite Baetis.
Coloradofisher
Summer Hatches: Suggested Nymphs/Streamers/Egg Patterns
#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’s Baetis.
Pale Morning Duns:#18 Mercury PMD, #18 Barr Emergers, and 18 Mercury Pheasant Tail
Yellow Sallies: #16 Mercury PMD (the perfect yellow sally imitation) and Edward’s Yellow Sally Stonefly
Green Drakes: #10-12 Stalcup’s Green Drake Nymph, #12 Olive Hare’s Ear, and #12 Prince Nymphs, and #12 Olive Pheasant Tails
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.
Caddis: #14-18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #16-18 Bead Head Buckskin, #18 Buckskins, #16 La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupa
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
Midges: #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.
Pale Morning Duns: #16-18 Pale Morning Dun, #16-18 Cannon’s Bunny PMD, #18 Stalcup’s CDC PMD, #18 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun PMD), and #18 Parachute PMD
Yellow Sallies:Yellow Sally, Yellow Stimulator, and Hot Wing Elk Hair Caddis
Green Drakes: #10-12 Hen Wing Green Drake, #12 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun (Green Drake) and #12 Sparkle Dun Green Drake
Tricos: #22-24 Stalcup’s CDC Trico, #22-24 Cannon’s Snowshoe Trico, and #22-24 Z-lon Spinners and Dun’s
Caddis: #14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Puterbaugh Caddis, #14-18 Hi-Vis Caddis, #16 Goddard Caddis, and #18 Yellow Stimulator.
Attractors: #12-18 Dorsey’s Limeade, and Cherry Limeade, #12-16 Renegades, #12-16 Royal Wulffs, #14-16 Yellow Humpy, #12-16 Rubber-Legged Stimulator, and #14-16 House and Lots.
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: 164 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 50’s to low 60’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, pale morning duns, caddis and Tricos
Hatches: Midges, pale morning duns, caddis and Tricos
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and excellent fishing for weeks to come. Anglers can expect good dry fly fishing with caddis, pmd’s and Tricos.
Tips and Other Information: The Dream Stream continues to fish very well, especially with the current flows. A rig consisting of a #18 Buckskin or #16 LaFontaine’s Sparkle Pupa trailed by a #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18Barr Emerger (PMD) or #18 Mercury PMD has been the best producer as of late. An “earthworm brown” micro San Juan Worm has been very effective in the faster riffles and runs too, especially in the afternoons when things typically slow down. There are a lot of fish on the transition areas (mid channel shelves and gravel bars) that funnel into the deeper runs. The best fishing is between the barns and the dam because of the cooler water temperatures. For the dry fly enthusiast, things could not be better. You can catch fish during any of the previously mentioned hatches, or just pound them up with caddis and hoppers. For that reason, dry/dropper rigs have been effective too. If the flows remain consistent, the Trico hatch has been very good. After the Trico hatch, drown a #24Stalcup’s CDC Trico to capitalize on the fish feeding on sunken spinners. Anglers can expect afternoon rain showers, some heavy at times with lot of lightening!!
Effective Patterns: #18 Mercury Caddis, #16 La Fontaine’s Sparkle Pupa, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Barr’s Emerger (pmd), #18-20 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #14-18 Limeade, #14-16 Cherry Limeade, #10 Dave’s Hopper, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-26 Parachute Adams, #20-24 Griffith Gnat, #20-24 Hi-Vis Baetis, #22 Stalcup’s CDC Trico, and #22 Cannon’s Snowshoe Trico.
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: 300 cfs
Clarity: Fair to Good depending on afternoon rainshowers
Water Temperature: Low 60’s to high 60’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, yellow sallies, golden stones, Baetis and pale morning duns
Hatches: Midges, yellow sallies, Baetis, and pale morning duns
14 Day Forecast: Cheesman Canyon is spilling and flows will vary depending on current rainfall. If we get heavy afternoon rain showers, look for a gradual increase of flows over the spillway.
Tips and Other Information: Cheesman Canyon continues to fish moderately well. Mother Nature has tightened things up a bit, however, and you’ll have to work hard for each fish you catch. Currently water temperatures are the biggest consideration—they are approaching the high 60’s in the afternoon. Please watch the temps and refrain from fishing if they exceed 67 degrees. Please wet your hands, and release your fish carefully. Don’t play the trout to exhaustion—a speedy “fight” and release is very important if we want to protect this fishery. Concentrate you efforts in the faster riffles that are 18-24 inches deep. Look for good hatches of pale morning duns, Baetis, and yellow sallies. I saw my first Trico dun in the canyon two days ago. This hatch of course, has suffered since the fire. Hopefully, the Trico will rebound! We are catching a lot of nice browns in the 13-16 inch range, and several large rainbows in the 16-20 inch range. Effective flies include: #20 Mercury Midge, #20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #14 San Juan Worms, and #20 Sparkle Wing RS II’s. The most effective rig as late has been a #20 Mercury Midge on top and a #20 Mercury Pheasant Tail or #20 Sparkle Wing RS II on the bottom. Crowds have been very heavy; please use proper etiquette at all times! The decomposed granite has finally made it to the bottom of Cheesman Canyon. Unfortunately it is filling in some of the better holes like Emerald Pool, Meat Hole, Meat Hole Junior, and Steel Riffles.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury RS II’s, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-20 Mercury Red Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16 Nuclear Chartreuse Eggs, #18 Micro San Juan Worm (red and brown), #18-20Mercury Blood Midge, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20-22 Mercury Midges, #20-22 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, #22-22 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: 350 cfs
Clarity: Fair to good above the Deckers bridge
Water Temperature: High 60’s, nearly 70 on lower river
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns
Hatches: Midges, caddis, yellow sallies, and pale morning duns
14 Day Forecast: Anglers can expect fair to good fishing above the Deckers area. Look for hatches of pale morning duns, caddis, and yellow sallies.
Tips and Other Information: Clarity is fair to good above the Decker’s bridge, but heavy afternoon rain showers continue to affect the conditions on a daily basis. Schoonover Gulch, Wig Wam Creek, and Fourmile creek are adding color from recent rain showers. Below Deckers is a muddy mess, and for all practical purposes, is unfishable. Above Horse Creek, anglers are hooking a few 10-inch rainbows with the occasional 15-18 inch rainbow, and 13-15 inch brown. San Juan Worms #20 Mercury Pheasant Tails, and #20 RS II’s are the best producers with the current conditions. We’ll keep you posted on the lower river as things begin to dry out.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #18 Mighty Mite Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18-20 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #16 Nuclear Chartreuse Egg, #18 Mercury PMD, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #18-22 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #18 Mercury Baetis, #20-26 Parachute Adams, #16-18 Goddard Caddis, #16-18 Elk Hair Caddis.
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: 155 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, pale morning duns, and Tricos
Hatches: Midges, caddis, pale morning duns, and Tricos
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows and excellent fishing.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has been moderately productive in Elevenmile Canyon. Water temps are very high so please use your best judgment when fishing this stretch. Wet your hands before handling any fish, and avoid playing fish to exhaustion. Anglers can expect hatches of midges, Baetis, pale morning duns, Tricos, and caddis. Effective nymphs include # 20 Sparkle Wing RS II’s, #18 San Juan Worms, #20-22 Mercury Baetis, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18 Barr Emergers (PMD), #20 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #18-22 Top Secret Midges, and #20 Rainbow Warriors. San Juan Worms, #18 Red Mercury Pheasant Tails and #18 Red Copper Johns have been effective in the faster slots and seams. Go fish the Arkansas; things are shaping up nicely, especially towards the headwaters and give this stretch a break.
There have been reports of dead fish in Elevenmile Canyon. I emailed the biologist for the upper South Platte Basin and this was his reply. Jeff Spohn is always on top of things; I feel truly blessed to have him on our side and the biologist for the South Platte River. He is doing a phenomenal job!!
Per Spohn, “The fish that people are seeing on both the Dream Stream and Elevenmile Canyon are kokanee from Elevenmile Reservoir. Very high water temps down to the thermocline in the reservoir are making these fish seek refuge in other areas. This combined with a parasitic freshwater crustacean, is causing some mortality in the kokanee. We are working with Denver Water to get cooler water temps in Elevenmile Canyon and the fish in the reservoir will work through this as temperatures drop and the life cycle of the parasite finishes.”
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Caddis, #16-22 Mercury Red Pheasant Tails, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #18 San Juan Worm, #20-22 Mercury Baetis #20-22 Bead Head Barr’s Emerger (PMD) #18-20 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. The same conditions are present on all the public water, however, access is limited.
Flow: 126 cfs Grant
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, Green Drakes, and red quills
Hatches: Midges, Green Drakes, and red quills
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent fishing for weeks to come. Flows should be excellent, Dillon is still nearly full (about one-foot of shore line is visable).
Tips and Other Information: Flows could be better, and the dry fly fishing is starting to come into focus. Anglers can expect good hatches of midges, green drakes, and red quills. Dry/Dropper rigs with large Limeades, and Rubber Legged Stimulators have been very effective. During non-hatch periods, anglers should fish with a #18 Mercury Caddis, #14 Pink San Juan Worm and a #16-18 Mercury Red Pheasant Tail.
Effective Patterns: #14 Limeade, #16 AK’s Red Quill, #14 Cannon’s Snowshoe Green Drake, #12 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #14-18 Bead Head 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: 297 cfs
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: High 40’s to low 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis
Hatches: Midges, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis
14 Day Forecast: Look for excellent fishing for weeks to come.
Tips and Other Information: Flows are high, and water temps are cold. Fishing is slow first thing, but as the day unfolds fishing is not shabby. Anglers are catching a lot of small browns, and a few medium-sized brown with an occasional nice rainbow. Effective patterns include: #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails, #14 San Juan Worms, #20 Mercury Baetis, #18 Buckskins, #18 Mercury Caddis, and #20 Churchill’s Sparkle Wing RS II. Wear your Buzz-Off shirts, and bring plenty of Deep Wood Off, the mosquitoes are very bad!!
Effective Patterns: #18 Bead Head Black Beauty, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #20 Mercury Baetis, #20 Rainbow Warrior, #18 Buckskin, #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS II, #20-22 Parachute Adams, and #20 Sparkle Dun.
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: 448 Parshall
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 50’s to high 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, red quills, and yellow sally stoneflies
Hatches: Midges, caddis, red quills, and yellow sally stoneflies
14 Day forecast: Look for excellent fishing with the improved flows from Williams Fork Reservoir.
Tips and Other Information: The Colorado River is fishing excellent right now. Anglers can expect hatches caddis, Tricos, red quills, and yellow sallies below the confluence of the Williams Fork River. The yellow sally hatches are very strong, and fishing with yellow Stimulators has been very effective. Fishing in the Kemp-Breeze and Sun Set areas has been excellent. The best flies have been San Juan Worms, RS II’s and Mercury Pheasant Tails. In addition, anglers are also picking a few fish up with streamers. Mosquitoes are bad; bring plenty of Deep Woods Off, and as well as, your Buzz-Off apparel.
Effective Patterns: #18 Buckskin, #18 Sow Bugs, Oliver Edwards Yellow Sally Nymph, #20 Sparkle Wing RS II, #14 San Juan Worm, #18 Mercury Baetis, #16 Mathew’s Sparkle Dun (Red Quill), #22 Cannon’s Snow Show Dun (Trico), Stalcups CDC Trico Comparadun, #8 Cone Head Buggers.
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: 107 cfs below Dillon
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature: Mid 40’s in town, high 50’s above Green Mountain Reservoir
Major Food Organisms: Midges, pale morning duns, Tricos, Baetis, and micro caddis
Hatches: Midges, pale morning duns, Tricos, Baetis, and micro caddis
14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows on the lower river and great fishing. Anglers can expect hatches of caddis, Baetis, and sporadic pale morning duns.
Tips and Other Information: Flows are low and clear on the Blue River and fishing couldn’t be better. In Silverthorne fish your classic tailwater patterns—small mayfly and midge patterns. Additional water enters via feeder creeks, creating ideal conditions on the lower river. You can catch a lot of nice fish if your willing to work hard, get in the middle of the river and hit all the pockets, and deep slots. Anglers are catching an assortment of rainbows, browns, and an occasional cutthroat. Currently, anglers can expect to see hatches of sporadic pmd’s, Baetis, yellow sallies, and caddis. I had a grand slam on the Blue last week—cutbow, cutthroat, brookie, brown, and rainbow. I am very excited with the way the Blue River is coming back. We have been catching some nice browns around the Blue River Campground and Eagles Nest areas on dry flies. Dry/dropper rigs have been effective in the pocket water and shallow riffles. Effective patterns are Limeades, and Rubber Legged Stimulators dropped with a small tungsten head Pheasant Tail. An Oliver Edwards Stonefly or Mercury Caddis dropped with a #18 Gold Bead Flashback Pheasant tail has been very effective as far as a nymphing rig is concerned.
Effective Patterns: #14 Limeade, #18 San Juan Worm, #18 Mercury Caddis, #18 Mercury Baetis, #10 Stalcup’s Green Drake Nymph, #18 Barr Emerger (PMD), #18 Gold Bead Pheasant Tail, #18 Tungsten Pheasant Tail, #18 Mysis Shrimp, #16 Nuclear Egg, #20-22 Rainbow Warrior, #20 Mercury Midge, #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #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: 766 Wellsville, 525 Granite
Clarity: Good
Water Temperature: High 50’s
Major Food Organisms: Caddis, pale morning duns, yellow sally stoneflies, and terrestrials.
Hatches: Caddis, pale morning duns, and yellow sally stoneflies
14 Day Forecast: Look for fishing to improve by the day. Heavy rainfall may change the clarity on a day-to-day basis, especially on the lower river.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing has picked up on the Arkansas River. The river is still moderately high, but things are starting to come into focus. Anglers need to fish the edges, and pockets with an assortment of bead head nymphs, pale morning dun nymphs, stoneflies (Oliver Edwards Yellow Sally Nymph), and #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails. Anglers can expect hatches of pale morning duns, yellow sallies, and caddis. The red quill hatch is just right around the corner and should prove to be very good as flows recede. Effective patterns include #16 yellow stimulators, #16 Yellow Sallies, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Cannon’s Snow Shoe Duns (PMD), and #16-18 Sparkle Duns. Dry/Dropper rigs are also picking up a few fish along the edges, and I mean right along the edge. We have been picking up fish in shallow riffles, right along the edge in inches of water. The top end of the riffles, and transition areas are holding a lot of fish, once again in very thin water. Effective droppers are #18 Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, and #18 Mighty Mite Baetis. Afternoon rain showers are influencing the clarity below Salida.
Effective Patterns: #12-18 Limeade, #16-18 Sparkle Duns, #10 Golden Stoneflies, #14 Oliver Edwards Stonefly, #18 Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tails, #16-18 Copper Johns, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Bead Head Prince, #18 Bead Head Buckskin, and #18 Mighty Mite Baetis.
Coloradofisher