Colorado River
Middle (Pumphose to Dotsero)
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Pheasant Tail
- San Juan Worm
- Prince Nymph
- RS-2
- PMD
- Parachute BWO
- BWO
- Chubby Chernoble
- Pat's Rubberlegs
- Baetis Nymph
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Oct 13
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
Flows on the Middle Colorado have held steady for the last couple of weeks and trout are settling in nicely. Air temps continue to drop and fall is in full swing. Were still seeing the most action along the banks and outer seams. The hopper dropper is still a viable option, but we are seeing much in the way of terrestrials on the water. It is now time to downsize and start thinking about imitative bugs. Hatch activity has been consistent with previous weeks and trout are feeding sporadically on surface flies. Expect to see some midges coming off the water around 10 am, caddis midday and BWOs starting at about 2 pm. Despite volatile air pressure you should be in for a productive week. Cloud cover and mild air temps will make for some beautiful days on the water. Streamers will be a great option and should entice some beefy browns, particularly Wednesday through Friday. Otherwise, stick with the heavy nymph rig and go with simple set ups and imitative flies.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
Flows on the Middle Colorado have held steady for the last couple of weeks and trout are settling in nicely. Air temps continue to drop and fall is in full swing. Were still seeing the most action along the banks and outer seams. The hopper dropper is still a viable option, but we are seeing much in the way of terrestrials on the water. It is now time to downsize and start thinking about imitative bugs. Hatch activity has been consistent with previous weeks and trout are feeding sporadically on surface flies. Expect to see some midges coming off the water around 10 am, caddis midday and BWOs starting at about 2 pm. Despite volatile air pressure you should be in for a productive week. Cloud cover and mild air temps will make for some beautiful days on the water. Streamers will be a great option and should entice some beefy browns, particularly Wednesday through Friday. Otherwise, stick with the heavy nymph rig and go with simple set ups and imitative flies.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday, Friday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
Oct 12
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
October 12, 2019
FLOW: 2270 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis adults, pupa and larvae, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, PMD nymphs, adults and spinners, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: FYI- Two Rivers Boat Ramp in Glenwood Springs is closed until April, so plan accordingly! This is the hot river right now, if the wind isn't blowing. Daytime hatches consist of caddis, PMDs and a few BWOS. You'll see plenty of spinners out there if you're on the water early or late.
For you streamer junkies, the time is NOW. You'll get even luckier if there is a bit of wind and cloud cover, Colorado fish love a windy day for a hot streamer bite, and calmer days will provide excellent dry fly and nymph fishing.
Nymphs of note this week are sunken spinners, San Juan Worms, beaded princes, swissies, and pheasant tails. If streamers are your thing, utilize a sink tip and get that streamer down in the zone quickly.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: Twenty Incher 14-16, Prince 10-18, BLMs 18-20, San Juan Worm 10, Tung Bead Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, RS2s 20, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Imposters 20-22, Assassins 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, Biot Midge 20-22, 2o Incher 1-14, Poxyback Green Drake 10, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 14-18, Copper John Red 14-18, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: Royal Chubby Chernobyl 8-10, Egg Laying Golden Stone 8, Henry's Fork Golden Stone 8-10, Pearl and Elk Caddis 12-18, Olive Foam Body Caddis 12-18, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, Garcia's Mini Hot Yellow Sally 16, Hairy Sally 16
STREAMERS: Galloup's Dungeon sz 2, Dalai Lama sz 4, Peanut Envy sz 4, Autumn Splendor sz 6
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
FLOW: 2270 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis adults, pupa and larvae, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, PMD nymphs, adults and spinners, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: FYI- Two Rivers Boat Ramp in Glenwood Springs is closed until April, so plan accordingly! This is the hot river right now, if the wind isn't blowing. Daytime hatches consist of caddis, PMDs and a few BWOS. You'll see plenty of spinners out there if you're on the water early or late.
For you streamer junkies, the time is NOW. You'll get even luckier if there is a bit of wind and cloud cover, Colorado fish love a windy day for a hot streamer bite, and calmer days will provide excellent dry fly and nymph fishing.
Nymphs of note this week are sunken spinners, San Juan Worms, beaded princes, swissies, and pheasant tails. If streamers are your thing, utilize a sink tip and get that streamer down in the zone quickly.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: Twenty Incher 14-16, Prince 10-18, BLMs 18-20, San Juan Worm 10, Tung Bead Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, RS2s 20, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Imposters 20-22, Assassins 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, Biot Midge 20-22, 2o Incher 1-14, Poxyback Green Drake 10, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 14-18, Copper John Red 14-18, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: Royal Chubby Chernobyl 8-10, Egg Laying Golden Stone 8, Henry's Fork Golden Stone 8-10, Pearl and Elk Caddis 12-18, Olive Foam Body Caddis 12-18, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, Garcia's Mini Hot Yellow Sally 16, Hairy Sally 16
STREAMERS: Galloup's Dungeon sz 2, Dalai Lama sz 4, Peanut Envy sz 4, Autumn Splendor sz 6
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
Oct 09
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
October 9, 2019
FLOW: 2270 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis adults, pupa and larvae, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, PMD nymphs and adults, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: Daytime hatches consist of caddis, PMDs and a few BWOS. You'll see plenty of spinners out there if you're on the water early or late. The Colorado has been seeing some hot days, and moss is becoming a bit of an issue.
Nymphs of note this week are sunken spinners, San Juan Worms, beaded princes, swissies, and pheasant tails. If streamers are your thing, utilize a sink tip and get that streamer down in the zone quickly.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: Twenty Incher 14-16, Prince 10-18, BLMs 18-20, San Juan Worm 10, Tung Bead Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, RS2s 20, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Imposters 20-22, Assassins 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, Biot Midge 20-22, 2o Incher 1-14, Poxyback Green Drake 10, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 14-18, Copper John Red 14-18, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: Royal Chubby Chernobyl 8-10, Egg Laying Golden Stone 8, Henry's Fork Golden Stone 8-10, Pearl and Elk Caddis 12-18, Olive Foam Body Caddis 12-18, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, Garcia's Mini Hot Yellow Sally 16, Hairy Sally 16
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
FLOW: 2270 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Caddis adults, pupa and larvae, BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, PMD nymphs and adults, worms, sculpins
THE LOW DOWN: Daytime hatches consist of caddis, PMDs and a few BWOS. You'll see plenty of spinners out there if you're on the water early or late. The Colorado has been seeing some hot days, and moss is becoming a bit of an issue.
Nymphs of note this week are sunken spinners, San Juan Worms, beaded princes, swissies, and pheasant tails. If streamers are your thing, utilize a sink tip and get that streamer down in the zone quickly.
HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, BWOs 18-20, PMDs 14-18, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: Twenty Incher 14-16, Prince 10-18, BLMs 18-20, San Juan Worm 10, Tung Bead Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, RS2s 20, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Imposters 20-22, Assassins 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, Biot Midge 20-22, 2o Incher 1-14, Poxyback Green Drake 10, Tungsten Bruised PMD 16-18, Halfback PMD Emerger 14-18, Copper John Red 14-18, Cat Poop 8-12, San Juan Worm 10
DRIES: Royal Chubby Chernobyl 8-10, Egg Laying Golden Stone 8, Henry's Fork Golden Stone 8-10, Pearl and Elk Caddis 12-18, Olive Foam Body Caddis 12-18, Collett's Para BWO 18-22, Perfect Baetis 20-22, Garcia's Mini Hot Yellow Sally 16, Hairy Sally 16
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
Oct 07
The Blue Quill Angler
Clarity: Good
14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, and Tricos.
Tips and Other Information:
The Colorado River has shaped up nicely and is currently fishing well. The leaves are peaking now, and the brown trout spawn is beginning. Anglers can expect to see a strong midge hatch in the morning, followed by Tricos, then a reliable olive hatch in the afternoon. In the slower pools and tailouts, the dry fly fishing has been very good.
Note: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Denver Water are conducting a stream restoration project on the Williams Fork River (below the reservoir to the confluence of the Colorado) that will begin on October 1, 2019 and last 4 to 6 weeks. Expect heavy equipment in the river, low flows, and muddy water for several weeks. I am told they will begin working at 7:00 a.m. each morning and continue working throughout the day, so plan accordingly. I would highly recommend another location, as the fishing will be poor with the muddy water. This will also affect the clarity on the Colorado River for miles. Your best bet is to fish Pumphouse or above the confluence of the Williams Fork in Lone Buck, Paul Gilbert, etc.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #20 Mercury Midge, #22 Black Beauty, #20 Red Larva, #20 Manhattan Midge, #22 Stalcups Baetis, #14-16 San Juan Worm, #20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-24 RS 2, #18-20 Buckskin, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, and #22-26 Parachute Adams.
14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, and Tricos.
Tips and Other Information:
The Colorado River has shaped up nicely and is currently fishing well. The leaves are peaking now, and the brown trout spawn is beginning. Anglers can expect to see a strong midge hatch in the morning, followed by Tricos, then a reliable olive hatch in the afternoon. In the slower pools and tailouts, the dry fly fishing has been very good.
Note: Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Denver Water are conducting a stream restoration project on the Williams Fork River (below the reservoir to the confluence of the Colorado) that will begin on October 1, 2019 and last 4 to 6 weeks. Expect heavy equipment in the river, low flows, and muddy water for several weeks. I am told they will begin working at 7:00 a.m. each morning and continue working throughout the day, so plan accordingly. I would highly recommend another location, as the fishing will be poor with the muddy water. This will also affect the clarity on the Colorado River for miles. Your best bet is to fish Pumphouse or above the confluence of the Williams Fork in Lone Buck, Paul Gilbert, etc.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #20 Mercury Midge, #22 Black Beauty, #20 Red Larva, #20 Manhattan Midge, #22 Stalcups Baetis, #14-16 San Juan Worm, #20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-24 RS 2, #18-20 Buckskin, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, and #22-26 Parachute Adams.
Oct 07
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
The Middle Colorado is fishing great. While were still seeing results on the dry dropper, its time to start thinking small and imitative when it comes to flies given several consecutive days of freezing overnight temps. The double/triple nymph rig will produce the most consistent results this week. Lead with bigger searcher patterns like a Flashback Pheasant Tail, Guides Choice Hares Ear, red Copper John followed by one or more smaller imitative flies like a Black Beauty, Mercury Midge, Buckskin Caddis, Barrs Emerger. You are still going to want to focus most of your efforts on the banks and outer seams, but dont discount the deeper runs and pools. That said, ensure plenty of weight ensuring you are reaching those bottom dwellers. Streamers are enticing some bigger browns. However, mostly sunny skies this week will limit productivity from this perspective. Expect to see Tricos coming off the water in the morning, Caddis after 10 am and BWOs after 2 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
The Middle Colorado is fishing great. While were still seeing results on the dry dropper, its time to start thinking small and imitative when it comes to flies given several consecutive days of freezing overnight temps. The double/triple nymph rig will produce the most consistent results this week. Lead with bigger searcher patterns like a Flashback Pheasant Tail, Guides Choice Hares Ear, red Copper John followed by one or more smaller imitative flies like a Black Beauty, Mercury Midge, Buckskin Caddis, Barrs Emerger. You are still going to want to focus most of your efforts on the banks and outer seams, but dont discount the deeper runs and pools. That said, ensure plenty of weight ensuring you are reaching those bottom dwellers. Streamers are enticing some bigger browns. However, mostly sunny skies this week will limit productivity from this perspective. Expect to see Tricos coming off the water in the morning, Caddis after 10 am and BWOs after 2 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Saturday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
Sep 29
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
The hopper dropper lives to see another day. However, it may be time to hang up the big guns come Thursday. Enjoy it while you can as freezing overnight temps to come will eliminate terrestrials from the trouts diet soon! Lead with a bigger stimulator pattern like a Hippie Stomper or Chubby Chernobyl followed by one or more smaller nymphs with plenty of weight. Hit the banks and undercuts hard and cover a lot of water. Otherwise, the double or triple nymph rig will be your best bet. With fall upon us, it is time to start thinking about more imitative and smaller flies. Size #18-20 nymphs in the midge and baetis variety will prove to be the most effective. We like to lead with a tungsten bead head searcher nymph followed by one or more of the following: Black Beauty (#18-20), Mercury Midge, RS2, Rainbow Warrior, Tube Midge, or Jujubaetis. When nymphing, start by focusing on the banks and outer seams. As the day progresses, hit the inner runs and riffles. Streamer action has been great and has gotten the attention of some beefy browns. Go with a single hook or articulated streamer and cast as close to the banks as you can manage. That said, mostly sunny skies this week will make for a hesitant trout. Dry fly action will be decent early in the week, but taper off with cooler over night temps. However, if you are seeing surface action, be prepared to fish some midge, BWO or caddis patterns and go smaller than you think with respect to fly size.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday through Friday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
The hopper dropper lives to see another day. However, it may be time to hang up the big guns come Thursday. Enjoy it while you can as freezing overnight temps to come will eliminate terrestrials from the trouts diet soon! Lead with a bigger stimulator pattern like a Hippie Stomper or Chubby Chernobyl followed by one or more smaller nymphs with plenty of weight. Hit the banks and undercuts hard and cover a lot of water. Otherwise, the double or triple nymph rig will be your best bet. With fall upon us, it is time to start thinking about more imitative and smaller flies. Size #18-20 nymphs in the midge and baetis variety will prove to be the most effective. We like to lead with a tungsten bead head searcher nymph followed by one or more of the following: Black Beauty (#18-20), Mercury Midge, RS2, Rainbow Warrior, Tube Midge, or Jujubaetis. When nymphing, start by focusing on the banks and outer seams. As the day progresses, hit the inner runs and riffles. Streamer action has been great and has gotten the attention of some beefy browns. Go with a single hook or articulated streamer and cast as close to the banks as you can manage. That said, mostly sunny skies this week will make for a hesitant trout. Dry fly action will be decent early in the week, but taper off with cooler over night temps. However, if you are seeing surface action, be prepared to fish some midge, BWO or caddis patterns and go smaller than you think with respect to fly size.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday through Friday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
Sep 26
Kirks Flyshop
The Colorado River has retreated a lot from the peak. Flow is 1150 CFS, The fishing has been great with lots of nice rainbows and browns. Still some real nice dry fly action. The bald eagles have all hatch and flying about above heads.
Sep 26
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
Fishing on the Middle Colorado is consistent with previous weeks. Flows continue to come down and water clarity has improved. Trout here are feeding predominantly along the banks and outer seams and are particularly keen to the hopper dropper set up. Take advantage of this while you can as fall approaches and freezing overnight temps will eliminate terrestrials from the trouts diet. Lead with a smaller stimulator pattern like a Hippie Stomper, Amys Ant or Chubby Chernobyl followed by plenty of tippet and one or more nymphs. As far as nymphs go we like to stick with smaller searcher patterns like Guides Choice Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, and Copper Johns, but as fall approaches you are going to want to focus on more imitative midge and baetis patterns. The double/triple nymph rig will produce the most consistent results. Again, hit the banks and outer seams but do not hesitate to target the deeper runs and riffles, particularly in the afternoon. Streamers will be a great option all week as sustained low air pressure and cloud cover will make for an opportunistic trout. Hit the banks hard and cover a lot of water.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday through Wednesday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)
Fishing on the Middle Colorado is consistent with previous weeks. Flows continue to come down and water clarity has improved. Trout here are feeding predominantly along the banks and outer seams and are particularly keen to the hopper dropper set up. Take advantage of this while you can as fall approaches and freezing overnight temps will eliminate terrestrials from the trouts diet. Lead with a smaller stimulator pattern like a Hippie Stomper, Amys Ant or Chubby Chernobyl followed by plenty of tippet and one or more nymphs. As far as nymphs go we like to stick with smaller searcher patterns like Guides Choice Hares Ears, Pheasant Tails, and Copper Johns, but as fall approaches you are going to want to focus on more imitative midge and baetis patterns. The double/triple nymph rig will produce the most consistent results. Again, hit the banks and outer seams but do not hesitate to target the deeper runs and riffles, particularly in the afternoon. Streamers will be a great option all week as sustained low air pressure and cloud cover will make for an opportunistic trout. Hit the banks hard and cover a lot of water.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday through Wednesday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24), Chubby Chernobyl (#8-12), Amy's Ant (#10-12), Water Walkers (#8-10), Fat Freddies (#8-10), Yellow Sallies, Green Drake, Film Critic PMD.
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Kaufmann Stonefly (#6-10), Yellow Stonefly (#8-10), Electric Caddis (#16-18), Super Pupa (#16-18), San Juan Worm, Olive RS2 (#20-22), Stalcups Baetis (#20-22), JuJu Baetis (#20-22), Hare's Ear (#18 - 20), Psycho Prince Nymph (#18 -20), Pheasant Tail (#18-20), Black Beauty (#20-22), Zebra Midge (#18-20).
Streamers - white Sparkle Minnow (#6), black Wooly Bugger (#4-5), Cheech Leech (#6)