Colorado River
Middle (Pumphose to Dotsero)
Recent Guide Reports
Forecast
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Prince Nymph
- RS-2
- Pheasant Tail
- San Juan Worm
- Baetis Nymph
- Zebra Midge
- Griffith's Gnat
- Copper John
- Black Beauty
- Psycho Prince
Current Conditions
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Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Dec 08
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
It is starting to feel increasingly like winter with consistent sub-freezing temps and snow. By now youve left your dreams of dry droppers at home and have accepted that youre in for a couple months of nymphing. Weve seen some sporadic hatch activity throughout the day, but not much in the way of risers. Nymphing is going to be the way to go. Fish deep and cover a lot of water this week as trout will be particularly sluggish and feeding more selectively than normal. Elevated air pressure will leave trout feeding at slightly lower rates, but if you throw a small attractor pattern their way you should be in decent shape. Streamers are a decent option on warm and cloudy days, but they will be generally slow this week.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday through Friday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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)
It is starting to feel increasingly like winter with consistent sub-freezing temps and snow. By now youve left your dreams of dry droppers at home and have accepted that youre in for a couple months of nymphing. Weve seen some sporadic hatch activity throughout the day, but not much in the way of risers. Nymphing is going to be the way to go. Fish deep and cover a lot of water this week as trout will be particularly sluggish and feeding more selectively than normal. Elevated air pressure will leave trout feeding at slightly lower rates, but if you throw a small attractor pattern their way you should be in decent shape. Streamers are a decent option on warm and cloudy days, but they will be generally slow this week.
Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday through Friday & Sunday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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)
Dec 02
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
Flows have dropped slightly in the last week, but remain at a very comfortable level. At this flow wading is a great option, but floating is not out of the question either. Water temperatures are dropping and that has trout moving into the soft water. Deep banks, slow pools, shallow runs with structure and slack water are where youll find the most action. The streamer bite has been hit or miss but if youre on the water during a warm and cloudy afternoon, its definitely worth a shot! Aside from that, nymphing is the way to go. Productive lead flies are Egg Sucking Leeches, caddis larva, Mercury Pheasant Tails, Guides Choice Hares Ears, red Copper Johns and egg patterns. Trailer flies should be small and a little flash doesnt hurt. Midge larva/pupa are productive throughout the day and baetis emergers are key between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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 have dropped slightly in the last week, but remain at a very comfortable level. At this flow wading is a great option, but floating is not out of the question either. Water temperatures are dropping and that has trout moving into the soft water. Deep banks, slow pools, shallow runs with structure and slack water are where youll find the most action. The streamer bite has been hit or miss but if youre on the water during a warm and cloudy afternoon, its definitely worth a shot! Aside from that, nymphing is the way to go. Productive lead flies are Egg Sucking Leeches, caddis larva, Mercury Pheasant Tails, Guides Choice Hares Ears, red Copper Johns and egg patterns. Trailer flies should be small and a little flash doesnt hurt. Midge larva/pupa are productive throughout the day and baetis emergers are key between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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)
Nov 26
Kirks Flyshop
The Colorado River is getting some ice on the edges but fishing great with the brown spawn. Williams Fork is fabulous.
Nov 25
FlyCast River Forecast
Technicality: 2/5
Hovering between 500 and 600 cfs, flows on the Middle Colorado are at a comfortable spot for this time of year. This is a good level for wading and anglers not ready to put away their boat can still get out for a productive float. Water temperatures are dropping and that has trout moving into the soft water. Deep banks, slow pools, shallow runs with structure and slack water are where youll find the most action. The streamer bite has been hit or miss but if youre on the water during a warm and cloudy afternoon, its definitely worth a shot! Aside from that, nymphing is the way to go. Productive lead flies are Egg Sucking Leeches, caddis larva, Mercury Pheasant Tails, Guides Choice Hares Ears, red Copper Johns and egg patterns. Trailer flies should be small and a little flash doesnt hurt. Midge larva/pupa are productive throughout the day and baetis emergers are key between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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)
Hovering between 500 and 600 cfs, flows on the Middle Colorado are at a comfortable spot for this time of year. This is a good level for wading and anglers not ready to put away their boat can still get out for a productive float. Water temperatures are dropping and that has trout moving into the soft water. Deep banks, slow pools, shallow runs with structure and slack water are where youll find the most action. The streamer bite has been hit or miss but if youre on the water during a warm and cloudy afternoon, its definitely worth a shot! Aside from that, nymphing is the way to go. Productive lead flies are Egg Sucking Leeches, caddis larva, Mercury Pheasant Tails, Guides Choice Hares Ears, red Copper Johns and egg patterns. Trailer flies should be small and a little flash doesnt hurt. Midge larva/pupa are productive throughout the day and baetis emergers are key between 1 pm and 3 pm.
Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
Go to flies:
Surface - Parachute Adams (#22-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24)
Subsurface - Pat's Rubber Leg (#8-12), Electric Caddis (#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)
Nov 24
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
November 24, 2019
FLOW: 1690 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, 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 midges and a few BWOS.
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 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: BWOs 18-20, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
DRIES: Collett's Para BWO 18, Sparkledun BWO 18, Hackle Dun Baetis 20, CDC Transitional Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22
NYMPHS: 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, Copper John Red 14-18, San Juan Worm 10
HINTS: If the fish aren't eating deep, shallow up those nymph rigs and see if they're suspended.
Link to Real Time
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
FLOW: 1690 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, 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 midges and a few BWOS.
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 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: BWOs 18-20, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
DRIES: Collett's Para BWO 18, Sparkledun BWO 18, Hackle Dun Baetis 20, CDC Transitional Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22
NYMPHS: 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, Copper John Red 14-18, San Juan Worm 10
HINTS: If the fish aren't eating deep, shallow up those nymph rigs and see if they're suspended.
Link to Real Time
https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100
Nov 19
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
November 19, 2019
FLOW: 1690 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, 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 midges and a few BWOS.
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: BWOs 18-20, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: 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, Copper John Red 14-18, San Juan Worm 10
FLOW: 1690 cfs in Glenwood Springs
WATER CONDITIONS: Clear, but mossy.
OVERALL RATING: 8 out of 10
FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: BWO adults, emergers and nymphs, midges, 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 midges and a few BWOS.
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: BWOs 18-20, Midges 16-22
Appropriate Patterns
NYMPHS: 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, Copper John Red 14-18, San Juan Worm 10