Frozen. Fish a nymph rig in the open water you may find close to Dolores, otherwise wait for spring.
Patterns/Bugs:
Nymphs: Prince Nymphs 14-18, Copper John 12-18, Pheasant Tails 16-20, Pickpocket 12-16, Duracell Jig 12-16, and other Euro Nymph Jigs 10-16.
Buggers.
Winter fishing on the Lower D can be fickle with low water, spooky fish, and limited accessbut it still exists as this is a tailwater.
The gate will be closed so it is a 3-ish mile road hike to the dam. Midges and small mayfly nymphs with be a primary food source.
Watch for shelf ice in the shade.
Patterns/Bugs:
Nymphs: Killer Mayfly 20-24, Pheasant Tails 18-22, Black Flash Midge Pupa 18-22, Tavs Big Mac Pupa, RS-2 18-22, Splitback BWO Nymph 18-22, Juans Slim Shady 20-24.
Dries: Parachute Adams 20-24, Parachute, Sproat Midge 20-24, Bunny Midge 20-24, Griffith Gnats 18-24.