REED'S FISHING OUTLOOK FOR JUNE
Runoff didn't make much of an appearance this season due to our lower than average snowpack. That being said, expect to see a drop in flows on our freestone rivers and creeks sooner than later. The Colorado River is already below average but we are hoping to get some help from our tailwaters upstream to keep it cool and high enough for a productive season. Water temperature is another factor to keep an eye on. Afternoon water temperatures have already hit 70 degrees on certain sections of the Colorado. Be mindful of the fisheries, carry a thermometer, and stop fishing when water temperatures hit 67 degrees. Fortunately, we have a lot of things to look forward to this month.
The best dry fly fishing of the year is happening right now on the Colorado with daily PMD, Caddis, Golden Stones and Drakes. An early hopper season is expected with warmer temperatures forecasted for the high country. The Blue River still fishing well in Silverthorne as well as downstream towards Green Mountain Reservoir.
Our lower elevation freestones are coming into floating shape with flows on the drop. The Eagle River is clearing now, is still bankfull but fishing well. Yellow Sallies, Caddis and Golden Stoneflies will be present on this section. Streamer fishing is picking up on the Eagle as well. We had good success with black and flashy streamer patterns this past week.
Smaller creeks are still seeing high flows but the water clarity has been improving drastically over the last couple weeks. Small hopper/dropper rigs with tungsten beaded Hare's Ears, Pheasant Tails and other general attractors dropped below a medium sized dry fly will get it done on the creeks this time of year. Towards the end of the month you should start thinking about hiking to your favorite alpine lakes. Most lakes above 12,000 feet are still covered with ice, but some at lower elevations that receive significant sun should be opening up.
Fishing on our local reservoirs for large predators has been productive. Pike have been sighted in the shallows, the only hard part is getting them to eat. Large lake trout, brown trout, and rainbows have been caught shore fishing with bobber rigs, and streamers.
Recommended nymphs and dry flies for the month of June:
- Olive Pat's Rubber Legs #8 - #12
- TDJ Golden Stone #12 - #16
- Hot Wing Caddis Tan #14 - #16
- Elk Hair Caddis Olive #14 - #16
- Barr's Beadhead Flashback PMD #14 - #18
- Tungsten Yellow Sally #14 - #16
- Purple Parachute Adams #14 - #18
- Double Down CDC Flashback #14 - #18
- Reed's Stone Ground Chubby
- Chubby Chernobyl Gold #10 - #14
Streamers:
- Baby and Double Gonga (Black/Olive)
- Articulated Goldie
- Home Invader (Yellow, Black or Tan)
- Sparkle Minnow
- Kraft's Clawdad