Fishing Report

UPDATED: 5/26/2023

Flow: 2,200 cfs near Kremmling River Graph

Pump House Recreation Area offers campsites with amenities, fishing access, and boat ramps to the general public. For the wade fisherman Pumphouse holds miles of river both downstream, and upstream of the parking area. Downstream of the parking area the Colorado River winds through a large meadow, featuring braids, riffles, and undercut banks. Hiking upstream of the parking area will gradually lead the angler into the mighty Gore Canyon, which contains breathtaking spires, powerful rapids, and some first class trout fishing.

For the float fisherman Pumphouse is the first viable put in for angling on the Upper Colorado. Below Pumphouse there are miles upon miles of fishable river to be floated, and numerous boat ramps for loading and unloading.

The Colorado River in this area has very healthy and diverse aquatic insect life. Prominent hatches include Giant Golden Stoneflies, Salmonflies, Yellow Sallies, Skwala Stoneflies, PMDs, Red Quills, Baetis, Tricos, and midges. This diverse bug life provides the angler with both nymph, and dry fly fishing opportunities. Streamer fishing can also be a productive technique here, as the Colorado contains baitfish such as sculpin, whitefish, and juvenile trout.

Current Conditions:

RIVER FLOW: 

2,200 cfs

WATER TEMPERATURE (DEGREES F): 

45 - 55

WATER CLARITY:

Off color water sub 6” - 1 foot depending on snow melt

CURRENT FOOD SOURCES:

Eggs | small fish, leeches, worms, etc. |stonefly nymphs | baetis | midges | caddis nymphs | 

Flies to Try

Guides Choice Dozen $24.99

NYMPHS:

| Black, olive, or coffee Pat's Rubber Legs size 8 - 12 | Mercer's poxyback Micro stone dark size 14-18 | TDJ Golden Stone size size 14-18  | Tungsten Flashback Pheasant Tail or Hare's Ear size 14-18 | Squirmy Worms |  Schmidt's Yellow Sally size 14-18 | Chronic Caddis Tan or olive 14-16 | Sparkle wing RS2 grey or olive size 18-22 | Zebra midge black, or olive 18-22 | Chocolate Foam Wing size 18-22 |  

DRIES:

| Parachute Adam's size 12-22 | Elk Hair Caddis size 12-18, olive, brown, or yellow | Extended Body PMD #16 | Reed's Rogue Chubby 6-10 | Parachute Extended Body BWO size 16-22 | CDC Baetis Dun size 18-22 | Morgan's CDC Midge 20-24 | Snowshoe Midge size 18-22 |
STREAMERS:

Baby Gonga in Brown Trout colors | Barely legal white/olive or grey/white | Sparkle Minnow sculpin, white, brownie, or craw | Home Invader tan or white | White Wooly Buggers size 8 - 12 | Articulated Goldie | Slump Buster olive/black, olive, and natural size 2-6 | Leeches in wine or black

Guide Tip of the Week:

 It's that time of year where Pumphouse has shed its ice and opened up for the season. River conditions can be variable this time of year due to snowmelt and runoff type conditions, especially on warmer days. The Kremmling turbidity gauge is up and running, however our guides are reporting seeing slightly less clarity than expected. Until then, watch flows and look for large spikes that typically result in off-color water. Large stonefly patterns and worms patterns will be the most productive during runoff. Speaking of the large stoneflies, we have not seen any salmon flies yet and are expecting a slightly delayed hatch compared to the last few years due to lower water temps. Size 3x and 4x tippet will be about as small as you need to go during runoff. 

RIVER ACCESS

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