Williams Fork River

Technicality: 2/5

Flows jumped slightly last week, but have since returned to roughly 70 cfs. As a result of the recent spike, new bug life has been stirred up having the trout feeding at higher rates. While we recommend leading with an average sized search pattern or stonefly to start, dont spend too much time on these flies unless you are seeing consistent results. Trout here are feeding predominantly on #24 and smaller midge and beatis patterns. Focus on dark purple and reds to start then experiment with neutral and flashy patterns upon refusal. This week is forecast to be fairly consistent from a productivity standpoint. However, it will be cold and the trout will be less inclined to move about the water. Youre going to want to focus your efforts on the deep runs, pools and pockets. Hatch activity will be kept at bay, but you could see some sporadic risers in the afternoons.

Ideal Days to Fish: Wednesday, Thursday & Friday

Go to flies:

Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Sparkle Dun (#20-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24) and Amy's Ant (#10).

Subsurface - Psycho Prince Nymph (#18-20), Pheasant Tails (#20-22), RS2's (#20-22), Black Beauties (#20-22), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), Foam Wing Emerger (#22-24), Juju baetis (#20-22), Pat's Rubber Legs (#12-14), San Juan Worm (#10-14), Flossies (#10-14)

Technicality: 2/5

Flows at the Fork have risen slightly in recent days, but not by much. As such, trout will continue to feed at a normal rate and hold fairly idle in the deeper runs, pools and pockets. The nymph rig continues to be the most productive mode of fishing, but weve seen a number of great hatches on warm and cloudy days. Remember to keep your flies small (#24-26) and to ensure the appropriate fly depth. We like to adjust our indicators and weight first before switching out flies. Water clarity is good so locating holding trout shouldnt be terribly difficult. Trout will not move far for your flies so do your best to hit them on the nose. Short and meticulous casts seem to do the trick. This week is forecast to start off slow with high air pressure and sub-freezing air temps. However, as the week progresses look for productivity to improve.

Ideal Days to Fish: Saturday & Sunday

Go to flies:

Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Sparkle Dun (#20-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24) and Amy's Ant (#10).

Subsurface - Psycho Prince Nymph (#18-20), Pheasant Tails (#20-22), RS2's (#20-22), Black Beauties (#20-22), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), Foam Wing Emerger (#22-24), Juju baetis (#20-22), Pat's Rubber Legs (#12-14), San Juan Worm (#10-14), Flossies (#10-14)

Technicality: 2/5

The Williams Fork remains in contention for one of the better winter fly fishing options in Colorado. Productivity over the last several days has been fairly consistent with sporadic midge hatch activity and plenty of sub-surface bug life. Trout are stacked up, holding fairly idle, in the deeper runs, pools and pockets, but are prone move about the water on comparatively warm and cloudy days. Flows have come down slightly over the last several days, but remain above historical averages for this time of year. This week is forecast to fish in line with the last with productivity peaking on the front end of the week. Mild air temps and cloud cover through the early part of the week will work in your favor. Remember to adjust weight and flies regularly and be persistent with your approach.

Ideal Days to Fish: Monday, Tuesday & Sunday

Go to flies:

Surface - Parachute Adams (#20-24), Sparkle Dun (#20-24), Griffiths Gnat (#22-24) and Amy's Ant (#10).

Subsurface - Psycho Prince Nymph (#18-20), Pheasant Tails (#20-22), RS2's (#20-22), Black Beauties (#20-22), Top Secret Midges (#22-24), Mercury Midge (#22-24), Foam Wing Emerger (#22-24), Juju baetis (#20-22), Pat's Rubber Legs (#12-14), San Juan Worm (#10-14), Flossies (#10-14)