Dolores River

Dolores (26cfs below Rico, 175cfs at Dolores): The San Miguel is fishing stronger than the Upper Dolores and its creeks, but if you find yourself on that side of Lizard Head Pass with a fly rod, it's still worth your time. Water temperatures are much colder than two weeks ago, which raises overall trout activity. Fish will still eat both dry flies and nymphs, but flies must be presented precisely and delicately. Fish 6X leaders with long tippets to your dry flies, in particular the smaller BWO and terrestrial patterns that fish love this time of year. Ants and small beetles are good choices. When nymphing, use a hopper-dropper rather than a strike indicator rig. Small mayfly nymphs such as the Military Mayfly, Mayhem and the Killer Mayfly.