May 2013

Upper Arkansas(Canon City through Salida)

May will offer a continuation of excellent hatch activity on the Arkansas River, with a slight break towards the end of the month. Typically temperatures will average in the High 60’s to Mid 70’s, which will foster great bug movement and very high productivity. Every year the Arkansas River will experience some type of runoff event, in which the river is somewhat unfishable for some period of time. This year with around 80% of normal snowpack on the Arkansas, we expect a short duration runoff event of around 1000 to 1200 cfs for approximately one week. This should occur around May 18-20, or once the sun angle is high enough on our main snowfields. Expect some seriously easy and extremely productive fishing as edges begin to clear from this short-lived runoff event in late May and Early June, with a focus on the Stonefly Hatch.

Insects and Natural Food Sources

Caddis will continue to be a focal point of insect activity through the month of April. In April the Arkansas experienced a 2-week delay of emergent Caddis activity and hatch starts due to cold weather spells early in the month. So, the river will see good solid adult Caddis activity in lower Bighorn Sheep Canyon during the first 2 weeks of May, moving into the upper canyon, Salida, and Browns Canyon area towards the end of the month (if runoff has not occurred yet). Blue Winged Olive activity will continue to be a primary food source in all lifecycle stages until we see flows increase. Additionally, stoneflies will begin migration to the edges in preparation for the final hatch phase of their lifecycle in late May and June, so fish will be very active on the nymph version.

Recommended Rigs/ Patterns

Rigging procedures should focus on daily lifecycle stages of the current hatches. Typically we suggest double or triple nymph rigs in the morning with focus on Stonefly Nymphs, Caddis Larva/ BH Pupa, and BWO nymphs. When fish start to see emergent activity, and move up in the water column, anglers should switch to a lighter nymph rig with focus on Caddis Pupa and BWO emergers. Around the noon time period, the river will see multiple adult phase hatches, so a focus on double dry or dry/emerger rigs in the Caddis and BWO category will be the ticket. Don’t forget your late day egglayer activity. Typically we see female caddis return to the river to ova posit eggs around the 5pm time period. Make sure you have extended body Caddis egglayers in your box, because this can be the best dry fly activity of the day.

BWO Nymphs: #18-20  Tung-stud BWO, #18-20 Juju Baetis, #16-20 Psycho Prince, #18-22 Kingrey's Black Ice, #18-22 WD50, #18-22 Military Mayfly

Caddis Larva: #14-16 Uncased Caddis, #16 Kingrey's Metallic Larva, #16 TB Caddis Larva, #16 Chartreuse Copper John

BWO Dries: #20-22 Wild Turkey Baetis, #20-22 Sprout Baetis, #20-22 Film Critic BWO, #20-22 HiVis Baetis, #20 Split Flag BWO, #18-20 Quigleys Hackle Stacker BWO

Caddis Dries/ Egglayers: #14-18 Better Foam Caddis, #16 Corn Fed Caddis, #16 Clown Shoe Caddis, #16 Little Hottie, #16 Spotlight Caddis, #16 Mother Superior

Stonefly Nymphs: #10-14 Wired Stonefly, #12 Iron Sally, #8-12 Kingrey's Rubberleg Stone, #6 Arkansas Bitch Creek, #8 Hogan's Two Tone Stone, #8 Double Bead Stonefly

BWO Emergers: #18-22 Iceberg Baetis, #20 Indigo Child, #18-20 Price's Nosepicker

Caddis Emergers: Silvey's TB Pupa, #16 Z-Wing Caddis, #16 Royal Gorgeous, #14 Petrified Pupa, #16 M's Super Pupa

Arkansas Tailwater

The Arkansas Tailwater will offer anglers very varied results during the month of May. Due to downstream water demands and water movement for anticipated upstream runoff, the flow can be extremely variable. Fish do not respond well to extreme bumps and drops in flow. Additionally there can be some clarity concerns on a very sight fishing oriented tailrace. If flows maintain under 600 cfs, this river will offer anglers some good opportunities, however if fluctuation occurs at rapid pace, the upper Arkansas River will be a better choice.

Insects and Natural Food Sources           

During the month of May many insects begin their emergent activity on the tailwater. We start to see some sporadic tan caddis hatches and the BWO hatches can really come into their own. With bumping flows the introduction of larger quantities of annelids also factors into the equation.

 Recommended Rigs/ Patterns

Rigging procedures should focus on nymphing until steady adult feeding activity is observed. Focus un 2-3 static nymph rigs with larger attractor nymphs on top followed by hatch matchers. Annelid attractors will be productive on top as a lead fly followed by your midges/ BWO nymphs as well as micro caddis larva. Adult BWOs will typically come off between the hours of 11AM-3PM. Anglers will need light tippet (6x) and long (12-13ft) leaders to be productive on BWO adults.

Nymphs: #20-22 Barr's Pure Midge (Olive, Chartruese, Red, Orange), #18-20 Chocolate Emerger, #20-22 Gray RS2, #16 Tung. Floss Worm, #14 Red San Juan Worm, #18 Micro Flashtail Egg, #20-22 Barrs Emerger, #18-20 Nosepicker, #16 Splatte Roller, #16 Metallic Caddis Larva, #16 Chartreuse Copper John.

BWOs

Dries: #22 Sprout Midge, #18-20 Kingreys Flashover Midge, #20-22 Sprout Baetis, #20-22 Film Critic BWO

This report was provided by Royal Gorge Anglers.  For more information contact Royal Gorge Anglers at www.royalgorgeanglers.com or (888) 994 6743 or (719) 269 3474.

May 2013

Fryingpan River:  This is going to be a sweet month on the Pan!  Flows have nearly tripled now, and will likely increase again as the month progresses.  Every time the flows are raised spilling out of Ruedi Reservoir, the fishing in the toilet bowl gets very, very good.  Many of the bigger fish are now pushed out of their wintering spots and are easily sight-fished to.  Eggs and mysis patterns are key in this area, be sure to carry a few different looks when it comes to mysis shrimp.  BWOs will be hatching all the way to the top by the end of the month, although we are only seeing them hatch in real numbers on the lower river right now.  As with mysis patterns, carry a few different looks in your fly boxes in sizes 18 to 22.  Midges are still prevalent too, though their importance as a food source to the fish starts to wain as the month progresses.  High-low rigs aren’t quite the way to go in May, we suggest committing to either dry fly or nymph fishing on your rigs, and even streamers too.  Dry fly leaders need to be LONG and tapered down to 6 or 7x, and keep nymph set-ups on the short side, utilizing 5 and 6x.

We consider the Fryingpan a “presentation” more than a “match the hatch” river, just get out there and fish!  If you need a cabin on the Fryingpan while you’re here visiting, call us up at 970-927-4374 and we will square you away.

Best Patterns:   Eggs 16-18, Roy Boy 18-22, Collett’s BWO 18-22, Bill’s Adult Midge 22, RIP Baetis 18-22, Sands STD Dark 20-22, Sands Epoxy Mysis 16-18, Batwing BWO Emerger 18-20, RS2 in gray or black 20-22, San Juan Worm 16, Tim’s TC Mysis 16-18, Pure Midge Larvae 20-24, plain jane pheasant tail 18-24,  Slumpbuster 6-8

Roaring Fork River:  As with the Fryingpan, flows are near triple what they were a week ago, which is a mixed blessing for us fishermen.  Green and gray water is good, brown is bad.  Caddis hatches are already cranking up, as we are seeing these bugs from Glenwood all the way through Basalt at this point.  When it comes to judging the flows on the Fork and where it is best to fish, keep in mind that the Crystal River flowing through Carbondale can really screw up the lower Roaring Fork in May.  As a general rule, the fishing will be better above this tributary, although this is not the case every day.  If the flows on the Crystal are 100 or less, fishing the lower Fork should be pretty good.  Hatches to keep in mind are caddis, BWOs, stoneflies and midges.  The Fork typically nymphs better than dry fly fishes, but afternoons can be quite hectic with caddis dry fly action!  When fishing this hatch, be sure to skitter and skate those dries!  Streamers are very good now through the end of May, as usual this type of fishing is best from the drift boat.  Keep rigs simple, and 4 and 5x will fish just fine this month.  Floating this river is usually the best way to dial it in, but there are many public stretches to check out, too.  Don’t hesitate to swing in to Taylor Creek with questions about public areas on the Roaring Fork, we are always happy to educate or show you a new place to check out while you’re in town!

Best Patterns:  Tungsten 20 Incher 10-14, Cat Poop Stone 6-10, Eggs 10-16, San Juan Worm 10, Beaded Prince 16, Sands STD Dark 18-20, Tungsten Ready Baetis 18, Soft Hackle PT 16, Barr’s Graphic Caddis 16-18, Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Ethawing Caddis 16-18, Perfect Baetis 18-22, Rainbow Warrior 18-20, Koiichi CDC Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis Emerger 18-20, Gallup’s Sex Dungeon 6-8, Sculpzilla 6-8

Crystal River:  The Crystal will be blowing out most of this month, we suggest skipping it unless it clears significantly.  If it does clear a day or two here and there, use the same flies suggested for the Fork.  Best fishing spots are the Staircase, RVR, and below Redstone.

Colorado River:  The Colorado River will be hit-and-miss this month, but days when it clears it will be EXCELLENT fishing.  As with the Fork, green and gray is good fishing water, brown is going to be extremely challenging.  Caddis are hatching in heavy, heavy numbers already, although at this point the river is blowing out.   The caddis should be back under way as soon as they get used to these big flows.  BWOs will be heavy in numbers in May also, although they are becoming less and less important to fish keyed in on the millions of caddis.  Don’t forget stoneflies either, we see good numbers of them crawling around in May.  The streamer bite has been out of sight. After flows settle down they should be right back on the menu.  Caddis hatch most heavily from 2 or so until dark, when the egg-layers come back to the water to deposit their eggs slightly upstream from where they hatched.  Most of us float this mighty river, although there are plentiful public wading spots to be found up and down I-70.  If you’re wading, check out Dino rest stop, Newcastle, 2 Rivers and South Canyon.  Feel free to call Taylor Creek at 970 927 4374 before heading to the Colorado, and we will let you know what the guide staff is saying today and what the current flows are!

Best Patterns:  Cat Poop Stone 6-8, Soft Hackle PT 16-18, Biot Baetis Emerger 16, Dobsons BMW 16-18, Eggs 12-16, San Juan Worm 10, Pearl and Elk Caddis 14-18, Ethawing Caddis 14-18, Beaded Prince 16, Perfect Baetis 18-20, Jujubee Midge 18, Stott’s Sacrelidge 6-8, Slumpbuster 6-8,

For in-depth and up-to-the-moment information, access our daily river reports and updates by visiting http://www.taylorcreek.com/river.htm

May 2013

Things have been rocking on the lower Colorado and Roaring Fork rivers for weeks now.  Runoff has been pleasantly delayed with colder temperatures and lots of much needed late winter snow.  Reports are that the upper Colorado river basin is now over 100% of average and last night we received another 8 inches nearly statewide.  Hopefully this will allow our reservoirs to fill and feed the rivers all summer long.

Caddis showed up last week for a early Mother's day appearance.  We had already seen some migration along the river bottom and were picking up some fish on pupae patterns so I knew it was any day for some adults to be flying around.  Standard patterns and swinging techniques were catching fish.  Blue wings have been the best producers as well, mostly in the afternoons. Expect the lower drainages to muddy up first as we head into warmer temps and snow melt so adjust your floats to the upper reaches of the rivers to find clear fishable water.

Trout Trickers will move base camp to Wyoming for most of the next few weeks to guide the Reef section of the North Platte River near Casper.  This section of river is arguably the best floatable tailwater in the West - rainbows averaging over 18 inches and low angler pressure.  Wyoming Game and Fish have announced fish counts of over 8500 trout per mile!  Space is limited so get your reservation in now.

May 2013

April gave us a tremendous, much needed boost in snow pack as we gained important percentages for the upcoming season. We are now seeing warm weather begin to raise water levels and color the clarity. Fishing opportunities are still out there for very productive spring fishing. When freestone rivers turn brown, head to the tailwaters!

Taylor River: Here is where we can find great clarity and good fishing throughout May. It is also a great time of year to watch for the increase in releases from the reservoir and then target the trophy section for increased productivity. Look for fish sipping midges and BWO’s on the upper section.  Fly selection: Zebra Midges, egg patterns, Psycho prince, BH Pheasant tails in sizes 16,18,20 Trophy section:  Always have mysis shrimp patterns 18,20 but also have a selection of numerous midge patterns. rs2’s, WD 40’s, disco midges, San Juan Worms,minute midges, Syls midge, FB pheasant tails….and variations of all the aforementioned patterns…..sizes 18-22. Possible dry fly activity with Sierra dot 18, 20 & BWO’s 18, 20!

Gunnison River: The Gunnison is starting to see clarity become off color when the East river rises. Float fishing has been very good on the Gunnison and when cold fronts move through, the water comes clear and fishing gets better.  Fly selection: Rubber leg stoneflies 10,12,14,  20 Incher stonefly patterns 12,14 Egg Patterns, San Juan worms, Zebra midges, Copper John patterns 16,18 Streamer fishing can be very good during the spring months. Colors- black, tan & yellow!

East River: The East is another river that is becoming dependent on the weather for clarity. Snow melt has begun and brown water will follow warm days. Watch the weather and look for clarity before we are completely in run off with high, brown and un-fishable water Flies: Prince nymph 14,16 Psycho prince, 16, egg patterns (micro), zebra midges, idyl’s not much midge, jujubee baetis midge, all in 16’s & 18’s. Be ready for big streamer fishing with the colors of black and yellow large streamers!

For more information or updated reports contact us at Dragonfly Anglers 800-491-3079.

We are beginning our 4^th decade of guiding in the region. Established in 1983 you will be guaranteed professionalism, knowledge and experience from the oldest shop/Guide service in the valley. 307 Elk Avenue, Crested Butte, CO.  http://www.dragonflyanglers.com

River Overviews

Upper Section of the Gunnison River

The Gunnison River starts in Almont at the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers.  In Almont, public access from the confluence of the East and Taylor Rivers runs for over 1.5 miles downstream including the Almont Campground.

Going north from the town of Gunnison, there are two publicly accessible State Wildlife Areas (Van Tuyl and Redden).    

East River

Flowing south from Emerald Lake, north of Crested Butte, this river makes its way to Almont where it joins with the Taylor River to create the Gunnison River.  Upstream from this junction, a portion of the East River is a wild trout stram.  This section starts at the bridge leading into the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery and continues downstream for on mile.  The fishery is know for wild trout and in the fall can have prolific kokanee salmon runs.  From the town of Gunnison travel north on state highway 135.  At Almont, take the left fork, continuing on highway 135.  There is marked access at the hatchery and other points downstream.

May 2013

Spring is here, and what a short one it will be.  Here in Southwest Colorado, it tends to go from cold and snow to 80-degree temps in about 3 seconds.  So really it feels more like winter ended a few days ago and spring is over.  As I write this, temps are already reaching 81 degrees and runoff is in full effect.  Anticipate the bulk of runoff to last 2 to 3 weeks with peak flows within peak flows arriving within the first 2 weeks of May.  This is all weather depending of course; freak snowstorms have been know to happen in May.  As always, a quick check at the Stream Flow page will help.

With runoff taking up a large chunk of the month, you may think our rivers unfishable.  Don’t be so discouraged my friend, you still may be able to fish the high water, and with easier success.  The fish will get pushed to the edges of the river with the swifter currents in the center.  All fish, even the big ones, shelter on the edge were they will expend less energy in the less turbulent water.  Towards the end of May, the high country may be open to fishing as well, just make sure check the weather.

If your river of choice looks to be murky and off color; the San Juan, Williams, Los Pinos, Florida, Dolores, and Uncompahgre are all tailwaters.  These rivers below their respective dams may not be affected by any discoloration.  Again, make sure to check the flows or call into the shop.  Spring releases will happen below the dams, although the water will be high but not unfishable.  If that isn’t an option, you should seriously consider hitting a local lake or reservoir.  This is prime time for pike!  Bass fishing will be picking up and of course remember that big trout live in lakes…Call into the shop for a daily report and suggestion on where is fishing best.

Insects and Natural Food Sources

May begins to start the summer season and with summer comes the hatches!  Stoneflies and Caddis will get the ball rolling on the Animas, Piedra, Los Pinos, and Gunnison.  A big dark stonefly nymph fished along the river edge during high water will produce some solid strikes.  Also, be o the lookout for BWOs and PMDs.  If you are hitting the San Juan, the standard Juan bugs will be in order: midges, baetis, annelids, aquatic worms, eggs, and leeches.  However, there will some exceptions.  If the flows get bumped up, lots of things will be pushed out of the dam; namely scuds, worms, and leeches.  Also, a yearly phenomenon happens on the San Juan with our first rains of summer known as the ant fall.  Towards the end of May/beginning of June, thousands of large ants will get washed out of the cliffs above San Juan into the river…and the fish go nuts.  This only happens for a few days so watch the weather for the first rains.  A size 14 ant or black stimulator pattern will be the key.

Always pack streamers this time of year, dark and big for the high off color water.  Also don’t forget that pike fishing will be getting better and better with every warm day.  Dark pike or saltwater streamers in olive or black and big will be the go to starting at 5 inches up to 9 inches with larger being better.

Also, if you are headed to the Dolores River, hoppers will be in full effect towards the end of May with PMDs showing up around the same time.

Recommended Fly Patterns

Animas and other SW CO rivers:  Dark stonefly nymphs sz. 10-14 such as a 20 Incher Stone, Prince Nymph, Black Wolly Bugger, Pats Rubberlegs.  Salmonfly imitations such as Chubby Chernobyl, Rogue Foam Stone, Sofa Pillow, and Stimulators size 2-12. Green or black caddis larva and cased caddis nymphs, Sparkle pupa and Sparkle emerger sz. 12-18.  Elk Hair Caddis, Olive X-Caddis, Parachute Caddis, Peacock Caddis all size 12-18.  Streamers: anything that is big, meaty, and has lots of action in the water and this time of year darker is better.  Animas River Special, Sculpzilla, Black or Olive Buggers, or Krystal Buggers.  BWO hatches may still occur so make sure to have some BWO nymphs and dries as well: pheasant tail, WD-40, Barrs Emerger, Foam wing RS2 in sizes 18-22.  If you are headed to the Dolores, make sure to pack some hoppers in size 8-12 such as Grillo’s Pool Toy, Turk’s Tarantula, and Dave’s Hopper.

San Juan River:  Olive and tan scuds sizes 14-18.  BWO's Sz.18-22; Two Bit Hooker, Juju baetis, WD-40s, Pheasant Tail, RS-2s, CDC Comparaduns.  Midges Sz.18-26; Scissorbill Special, Red Brassie, Big Mac, Griffith Gnats, and Zebra Midges.  Brown, Olive, and White bunny leaches or buggers of the same color. Tan chamois Leeches size 16. Red annelids Sz. 20-22.  San Juan Worms, Sz. 16-20 in tan, pink, or orange.  Egg patterns, Sz. 16 in orange, pink, and cherise.  Make sure to have a few size 14 ant patterns just in case such as a Black Stimulator or Amy’s Ant.

This report was brought to you by Duranglers.  For more information or to book a trip with Duranglers in Southwest Colorado you can contact them at (970) 385-4081.

May 2013

Yampa below Stagecoach Reservoir  

The upper stretch of the Yampa, also known as the "tail waters," is our most productive stretch of river during this month. Being a tail water fishery, this section of river remains a constant flow throughout the entire year and the waters temperatures also remain consistent. We start to see heavy baetis hatches during May and the fish are start looking towards the surface. Warm days will reward anglers with a chance to fish dries to rising trout all day long. As daylight increases and the temperatures start to rise, getting on the river early is your best bet.   This is a very popular spot in the spring, so the earlier you're on the river the better. The month of May is the best time to potentially catch the fish of a lifetime.  Large fish leave Lake Catamount and run up into this stretch to stage and spawn. Please wade with care as the fish are starting to sit on their spawning beds and walking over them can damage or destroy their eggs.

Flies:   Small midge patterns work the best. Scuds #14, Jujubee Red and Brown #22, Top Secret Midge #24, Disco Midge #22, Gray RS2 #22, Zebra Midge Red and Black #22, Barrs BWO emergers #20.   Dry Flies: Brook Sprout Midge #20, Adam's Parachute #20, Adult Para Midge #20, CDC Biot Comperadun BWO #18-20, Pablos Cripple BWO #18-20.

Yampa at Sarvis Creek (flows should vary between 100-300 CFS)

Located 1 mile downstream of the Stagecoach tail waters, this section of public water is not only beautiful, but came be very productive during the spring season. The Service Creek State Wildlife Area is fishable year round and with close to a mile of classic trout stream habitat your chances of landing a trout of a lifetime are highly likely. Concentrate your casts on deeper runs and fish along seams. Fish will start to move though this entire section, so don't overlook any structure and approach runs with caution. Spot casting for fish is very popular in this area, so keep your eyes glued to the water and look for cruising fish. As we approach runoff season, pay attention to the water color as Morrison Creek can blow out this section.

Flies: Double Nymph rigs works well in this area. Top Fly: 20 Inchers #8, Red and Wine San Juan Worm, North Fork Special #10, Pheasant Tail #14, Olive Hare's Ear #14. Bottom Fly: D-Midge #20, Zebra Midge Olive #22, Gray or Black RS2 #18. Barr's Emerger #20 Dry Flies: Brook Sprout Midge #20, Parachute BWO #18, Adult Para Midge #20

Yampa through the town of Steamboat Springs (flows should vary between 400-1200 CFS)

Through the City of Steamboat Springs, anglers will have close to seven miles of public water to choose from. The river can be accessed in several spots throughout town and along River Road. Fetcher Park, Rotary Park and Emerald Park are great places to park and access the river. These areas are located closer towards the Ski Area and the mountain village. Closer to town, Little Toots Park, Dr. Richard Weiss Park and Transit Center Park are favorable parking spots for anglers looking to stay closer to downtown. There are also several prime spots located directly across for the shop.

Rainbow trout start getting their beautiful pre-spawn colors and become very active during this time. Most fish haven't seen a fly throughout the past couple months and are more vulnerable to a take than later in the season. Fish have started to move out of their deep holding water and into the riffles so start focusing on these areas as the water temperatures rise. Fish will be actively feeding on nymphs throughout the month and will start looking up for baetis and caddis on warm overcast days. Don't forget to throw streamers! Slow strips can be very effective during this time. As always this time of year, pay attention to the flows and clarity of the water.  Don't hesitate to give us a call for the most up-to-date info on the conditions!

Top Fly: Gummy Stone #8-#10, Girdle Bugs Brown/ Black #8,20 Incher #10, Olive Hare's Ear #14, San Juan Worm Wine/Red. Bottom Fly: Gray RS2 #20, WD40 #20, Pheasant Tails #16, Copper Jon #16, Barr's Emerger #20. Dry Fly:   BWO Parachute #18, Pablo's Cripple #18, Yellow Sallies #14. Streamers: Zonkers, White and Black and Hair Sculpin.

Elk River (flows should vary between 550- 1200 CFS)

The Elk is in the first stages of runoff, but if we have a few cold days/nights it should be fishable.  Focus on seams and deep slow water.  Call the shop for current conditions.

Try streamers, big stoneflies, San Juan worms and egg patterns

This fly fishing report is brought to you by Steamboat Flyfisher. For more information visit www.steamboatflyfisher.com for more information call the Steamboat Flyfisher at 970.879.6552

River Information

The Yampa River forms near Stillwater, Colorado in the Rocky Mountains in the White River national Forest.  It flows generally south to north into Steamboat Springs where it turns west and continues to the confluence of the Green River at Echo Park near the Utah Border.  The tailwater section below Stagecoach Reservoir is home to monster trout with finicky tastes.  The public section below the dam is small but there are quite a few large fish.  Use standard tailwater techniques – use small flies and fine tippet.

The “in town” section in Steamboat Springs has great access via the Steamboat Core Trail including roughly 20 city parks with access options.   From the town of Steamboat Springs to Hayden there are predominately sections of private water.  There are several State Wildlife Areas and Parks as you drive toward Hayden.