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"I still consider myself a novice flyfisherman, so I always appreciate the friendly and expert advice you give me with fly selections and how to fish the Blue."
COLORADO FISHING REPORTS
The most current, accurate fishing reports and information are key to a good day on the water. In addition to providing quality Colorado fishing reports, we also supply real-time streamflow data. To see a detailed fishing report for a specific river, and view it's real-time streamflow, simply click on a river under the heading, "Water We Guide On." Looking for general Colorado fly fishing and lake information? Visit our General River Information Page.
Overall Fishing Reports*
Updated: 5/15/13
It looks like run-off is starting for real on most of the rivers we fish in the area. Even the Colorado near Parshall is pretty dirty. You'll need to fish tailwaters (e.g. the Blue below Dillon Dam and below Geen Mounain Reservoir) to find clear water. The inlets to our local reservoirs should also provide some reasonably clear water. The Arkansas currently has good visiility but expect that to change before too long.
Fishing continues to be good on the Blue in Silverthorne. The conditions in the mornings and early afternoons have provided anglers with good sight fishing opportunities. However, we are seeing run-off from Straight Creek dirty up the Blue most afternoons, Don't let the afternoon dirty water on the Blue River below Straight Creek (in town) scare you. On the contrary, if there is even 8 inches of visibility put on a San Juan, Egg Pattern, Streamer (Black has been Hot lately!) or larger nymph and hang on!
When the Blue is running clear, Mysis Shrimp, Egg Patterns, small streamers, and small, dark thread Midges--as well as light tippets and no indicators!--have brought many trout to hand lately. Though we are still recommending that anglers concentrate their efforts on the warmest part of the day, 11am-5pm, the early morning Mysis action on the Blue in Silverthorne has often been worth the effort. Cloudy days don't hurt either!
The Blue below Green Mountain has been seeing good hatches of BWO's on the cloudy days. And the water clarity near the dam has been very good. Time to slide on down the hill!
Here's the local fishing in a nutshell:*
Blue River in Silverthorne: 3 Stars (out of 5 Stars)
Blue River North of Silverthorne: 1 Star
Blue River below Green Mountain: 2-3 Stars
Colorado River near Parshall: 2 Stars Call for Conditions
Colorado River near Pumphouse: 0 Stars Call for Conditions
Williams Fork: 0 Stars Too Low
Colorado below Glenwood: 0 Stars Call for Conditions
Roaring Fork: 0 Stars Call for Conditions
Arkansas River near Leadville: 2 Stars
Arkansas River near Salida: 3-4 Stars
South Platte below Spinney: 1-2 Stars (Very Low)
Middle Fork of the South Platte: 2 Stars
Muddy Creek: 1 Star (Very Low)
Eagle River: ??? Stars
*For more detailed information on flies to try, and real time flows, click on a river from the list below.
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Our Fall 2013 Guide School will run from Sunday, September 29th through Saturday, October 5th. We currently have 5 spots available. The price for the 2013 Fall Guide School is $2000.00 For more info, or to reserve your spot, give us a call at 970-262-2878 or send us an email at anglers@fishcolorado.com
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***Summer Hours: 7am-7pm Daily***
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Water We Guide On
Although the flows on the Blue River below the Dillon Dam have dropped from 110 CFS to around 65 CFS the Blue in town continues to fish well. The warmer late mornings and mid-afternoons have been the most consistent but nice fish are being caught in the early AM and late PM hours. In the mornings, and even in the evenings, the fish often seem particularly interested in eating Mysis shrimp. A good rule of thumb for Mysis is to use the more flashy patterns on cloudy days and the less flashy patterns-including clear Mysis patterns-on the brighter, sunnier days. There has been some midge activity throughout the day (mostly between 11 am and 4 pm). We have been having success with tiny, darker colored midge larva imitations for a while now but we have recently been catching nice trout on size 16-18 cream colored thread midge imitations. Mysis patterns of all imaginings have been producing as well. Though you can use larger tippet sizes for your Mysis imitations you should keep your tippet on the small side (6X, and 7X) for your midge offerings. Fluorocarbon is strongly recommended. Decent numbers of fish are being caught. Some fish are pushing over 20 inches. Though not on fire, the Blue continues to be a very good option and it should only get better in the weeks to come. Look for trout to be holding in the slower, deeper pools and bank water.
We'll make it easy. Here are the best flies to use on the Blue! Need a Blue River map?
Nymphs to try:
Pink Rubber Worms: #14-#20 Mysis Patterns, #14-#16, Egg Patterns: #12-#18, Dailey's Tailwater Assassin: #22-#24, UV Midges: #20-#26, Black and Pale Olive Pure Midges: #18-#22, JuJu Midges in Zebra or Olive: #20-#22, RS-2's in Gray or Black : #22-#26, Pheasant Tails: #20-#26, WD-40's in Black, Gray or Olive : #20-#26, Bling Midges in Tan or Brown: #22, #24, Black Beauties and Mercury Black Beauties: #20-#24, Miracle Nymphs: #20-#24
Dries to Try:
Parachute Adams: #20-#26, Matthews Sparkle Dun: #22-#24, Stuck-in-the-Shuck Midge: #22-#24, Brooks Sprouts in Black, Gray or Cream: #24-#26,
Fishing has proved to be more difficult lately on the Blue River between Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir. Run-off is making the river dirty to unfishable. Try the inlet to Green Mountain where the dirty river water has a chance to mix with the clearer reservoir water.
We'll make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on the Blue! Need a Blue River map?
Patterns for this stretch (once it clears!):
Black or Olive Zebra Midges, Pure Midges, Red Ju-Ju Midges, Red or Orange San Juan Worms, large Stonefly Nymphs and Tungsten CDC Pheasant Tails/Hare's Ears. Come on in and pick up Charlie's (Charlie is one of our guides) improved CDC Pheasant Tail pattern: the "TDJ". It is a must have addition to your box.
We are seeing some heavy staining of the water due to snow melt. Still fishable at the moment but it looks like run-off is underway. Feel free to call the shop for the latest info, 970-409-9099.
The fishing on the Colorado up Parshall way has been on the upswing lately. We are seeing good BWO hatches most days. Our recent guide trips have reported experiencing excellent fishing during that hatch. The last winter storm has lowered the water temperature significantly but it is on its way up. The visibility is of more concern as there is a significant amount of low level snow melting into the river. The real run-off is yet to come but until the low level snow is melted the warmer days are likely to produce significant discoloration to the Colorado near Parshall. But it is fishable at the moment. Off-color, but fishable.
Well make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on the Colorado! Need a Colorado River map?
We are seeing the occasional midge hatch but nothing to write home about, yet. Our guides have been using Egg imitations, CDC Pheasant Tails, and Midge patterns. Our top guide flies have been CDC Pheasant Tails (#16-#18) and smaller, dark thread midges like the "Dailey Assassin" and the Black UV Midge" in sizes 20-26. Other flies to try include: Copper or Silver Beaded Zebra Midges in Black or Olive, Blue Poison Tongues in sizes 18-22, Egg Patterns of all sizes and colors but Orange(ish), Peach and Chartreuse are always good, Black or Gray RS-2's and WD-40's in sizes 20-26. Black or Peacock BLM's (#18-#20), and Pat's Rubber Legs (#8's and #10's seem to be working better lately than the #6's). For dries, our guides have been using Parachute Adams in almost all sizes, Gulper Specials in #18-#22, Matthews Sparkle Baetis in #20-#22. That said, the dry fly fishing hasn't been very consistent.
Currently Not Fishable
Conditions on the Colorado near Pumphouse are poor. Run-off has reared its ugly head. Not sure what this means for our 2013 Salmon Fly hatch. The big critters could hatch in the muddy water or they could wait until run-off subsides. If the latter occurs, there is a good chance the water will have enough visibility for us to fish the Salmon Flies this year. Time will tell. Fingers crossed.
Pay close attention to the water gauges as they will offer a clue to the visibility. Should we encounter a prolonged cold front the river should clear significantly, offering us a magical window of opporunity. For the most current info, please call the shop at 970-262-2878.
We'll make it easy. Here are the best flies to use on the Colorado! Need a Colorado River map?
When conditions improve, give the following a try:
Pat's Rubberleg in Black, Orange/Brown or Tan (size 6, 8 or 10), Red or Black Dailey's Tailwater Assassin (size 18-22), Black or Olive Zebra Midges (size 18-22), Orange(ish), Peach or Chartreuse Egg Patterns (all sizes), Gray or Olive RS-2's (size 18-22), Peacock or Black BLM's (size 20-22), JuJu Midge in Black or Red (size 18-22), BTS Nymphs (size 20-22), CDC Hare's Ears and CDC Pheasant Tails (size 12-18), Rojo Midges in Olive or Red (size 20-22), Standard Pheasant Tails in Black or Natural (size 18-22) and Streamers (your choice!).
For you dry fly addicts, the surface action has been sorely wanting lately. You may have to wait until next spring!
Sculpins and other large streamers are worth a try as well.
Given a choice, I'd look to fish the lower Ark (Heckla Junction, Salida and below). That said, conditions on the upper Ark are improvong with this warmer weather. Run-off hasn't really gotten going yet on this section so it isn't a bad choice at all. Heck, if the fishing is poor just keep heading south on the river until you find bugs. Both BWO's are present most days on the lower Arkansas. And from Stone Bridge downstream the Ark has seen fair to good caddis activity
We'll make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on the Arkansas!
Look for Midges in the morning, BWO's mid-morning through the early afternoon, and hope for the Caddis to get going later in the day! Fishing from 10 am into the afternoon has been good lately. When it isn't too windy, the dry fly fishing has been solid. The evening hours have also provided good dry fly action.
We'll make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on the Arkansas!
Nymphs to try: Golden Stone Nymphs (#8-#16), Split-Back BWO Nymphs (#18-#20). Black or Olive Zebra Midges (#18-#22), Black and Standard Pheasant Tails (#18-#22)), Black or Peacock BLM's, Red or Olive Rojo Midges (#18-#22), Red Ju-Ju Midges (#20-#22), Egg Patterns (#14-#18), CDC Pheasant Tails (#16-#18), Green Gidgets (#18-#20), JuJu Baetis (#18-#22), CDC Hare's Ears (#18-#20), and Pat's Tan or Black Rubberleg in #8-#12.
Dries to try: Matthew's Sparkle Dun BWO (#16-#20), Gulper Specials (#16-#20), Extended Body BWO's (#16-#20), Purple Parachute Adams (#16-#18), Lawson's Thorax BWO (#16-#18). Be sure to bring some Black Foam and/or Peacock Caddis just in case you hit the Caddis hatch!
Currently Not Fishable
When clear enough, the Roaring Fork River is fishing very well. Both Caddis and BWO's are hatching in good numbers most days. Flows have increased on the Fork, making floating less difficult. Unfortunately, the increase in flow is due to melting low level snow causing moderate to severe discoloration. Watch those river flow gauges and try to catch the river on a drop. Our Guide School students rocked it on Caddis dries late in the day on 5/3/13. Try using, Stones, Midges, BWO's, Caddis Larvae and Adults, and Eggs. Same flies as for the Colorado below Glenwood (see below) .
We'll make it easy on you. Here are the best flies to use on the Roaring Fork! Need a Roaring Fork River map?
The Colorado below Glenwood is Currently Blown Out. But when it clears the following should be accurate: Flows are very floatable. Fish have been eating Pat's Rubber Legs (#6-#10), Egg patterns, Tungsten Beaded CDC Hare's Ears and Pheasant Tails (#14-#18), Smaller Natural or Black Pheasant Tails(#16-#22), Standard,Hare's Ears (#14-#18), Morrish's Anato Mayfly (#14-#18), Thread and Zebra Midges (Black or Olive in #14-#20), Black BLM's, Elk Hair Cadiis in dark colors (#14-#18), BWO Comparaduns (#16-#20), Parachute Adams (#16-#20).
We'll Make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on the Colorado! Need a Colorado River map?
Low flows are making this a tough fish at the moment. Maybe wait for flows to increase before hitting the Dream Stream.
But if you must go: We are seeing mostly Midges on the Dream Stream lately. Dark thread bodied midges are always a good bet but don't forget to try Red and Chartreuse Midges, as well as BWO nymphs and egg patterns. Fishing pressure is down from the traffic this place sees in the summer but it is increasing as the fishing improves. And it is improving. As the warmer weather warms up the water, and the lake fish begin to move into the stream, we are seeing more fish succumb to our flies. We love fishing the Dream and spring is an excellent time to go give it a try.
Need a South Platte River map?
Conditions are tough due to low flows. I'd look elsewhere to wet a line until flows increase.
Flies: Psycho Princes (#14-#16), Red Rojo Midge (#18), Brassie, Copper or Red (#18-#22) * Black or Red Copper Johns (#16-#20), WD-40's (#18-#22)
Good news! With all the spring storms cycling through the High Country, Antero Reservoir will not be drained this spring. Antero is currently open.
Fish are spawning in good numbers around the shoreline. Probably should give then their peace and look for other fish in deeper water. Trout mostly eating Eggs and Streamers. I am hearing both gas and electric motors are currently not allowed.
We'll make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on Antero!
Spinney now open. Reports are spotty. Some anglers doing well while others are struggling. Shoreline is very muddy due to the low water level in the reservoir. Fish eating Streamers and Eggs.
Time will tell if trailered boats will be allowed to launch at Spinney this year. They are not allowed at present. Electric motors on hand-launched craft (e.g. Belly Boats and Inflatable Pontoons) are currently permitted. Here are all the current restrictions at Spinney (copied and pasted from DPW Eleven Mile and Spinney Mtn. State Parks website):
Spinney Mountain State Park will open for the season on Monday, April 29th at 5:34 A.M. ***Water levels are too low to allow trailered vessels to be launched at this time, so only hand launched vessels will be allowed on the reservoir. The gates across both ramps will remain locked, so that only true hand carried vessels may launch. ADDITIONALLY, hand carried vessels with gas powered motors will not be allowed to launch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. ALL hand launched vessels that are powered by gasoline WILL be required to be inspected at the Main Entrance prior to going out onto the lake Thursday - Monday. Inspectors will only be available for inspections on Thursday - Monday. All vessels requiring an inspection MUST be cleaned, drained and dried prior to the inspection taking place. This includes requiring the removal of all snow, mud or other road debris from both the trailer and the vessel prior to the inspection.
We'll make it easy for you. Here are the best flies to use on Spinney!
Although the Williams Fork is one of our favorite places to fish, you need to pay special attention that the flows on the Williams Fork are sufficient to successfully practice catch and release. The current 19 CFS level won't contain enough oxygen to allow a caught fish to successfully recover after being released. We feel the current flows on the Williams Fork are too low to be able to release caught fish unharmed. Thanks for giving this delicate fishery the concern it deserves.
Whether you prefer the 12 oz., or you are all in for the "40," this creek is always flowing cold and foamy. Use limes and salt as needed. Longnecks are the preferred choice, but almost any variety will catch a buzz
This report includes the “Tomahawk” and “Bull Basin” State Wildlife Areas. Water rising as run-off gets underway. Still fishable....for now.
Need a South Platte River map?
Other Local Water
Because we do not guide on the following rivers, we cannot give the same detailed information that you find for the Water We Guide On. However, the streamflows are continuously updated, and we've done our best to give you a general idea of what to expect on these waters for this time of year.
We don't guide this water but most of the shop guys love to fish here on their days off. Flows have been fairly steady in the 150 CFS region. We are seeing mostly Midge activity but a variety of flies are working: Olive and Black Zebra Midges, Black Beauty Midges, Gray WD-40's, JuJu Midges in Black or Zebra, Charlie's "TDJ" Pheasant Tails, Moorish's Anato Mayfly Nymph, CDC Hare's Ears, Buckskins, and Standard Pheasant Tails in all sizes.
We'll make it easy. Here are the Best Flies to use on the Blue! Need a Blue River map?
Try these Dries: Parachute Adams, Matthews Sparkle Dun, and Brooks Sprout Midges in Gray or Black.
See Spinney Mountain Reservoir report (above)
The Eagle, above Wolcott, is fishing very well. From Milk Creek (i.e. just below Wolcott) downstream, anglers will currently experience stained to unfishable water. Midges, Eggs, Tungsten CDC Pheasant Tails, Prince Nymphs, and Stonefly Nymphs have all been good flies.
Need an Eagle River Map?
Gore Creek appears to be ice free as we drive by Vail on I-70. Gore Creek has good numbers of fish. Some of which are surprisingly large. Although we rarely fish it ourselves, we include it on our report to encourage you to go give it a try. It is a fun place to fish. And though it all looks private, most of the Gore is open to the public.
This is a very under-loved fishery. Not many of those around anymore! However, you'll have to wait for warmer weather to give Ten Mile some love. It is mostly iced over.
We don't guide this water but I've always found very willing fish in the Idaho Springs area. The fish are on the small side but very enjoyable nonetheless. Mostly ice from Idaho Springs up to Georgetown but there are a few fishable spots beginning to open up. Put this on your list of places to fish very soon.
A few fishable spots beginning to open up. Put this on your list of places to fish very soon. Those fish are gonna be hungry!
We have been hearing good things from the Frying Pan over Basalt way. If you have the time to make the drive, give it a try.
Need a Frying Pan River map?