Trouts Fly Fishing

Reporter: Cody Hoeckelberg

Flow Conditions:

Water Clarity: clear, but be watching the weather for any significant precipitation

Current Fishing Conditions:

The Colorado River at Parshall continues to offer excellent fishing for anybody willing to make the drive.  Stones and BWO's are keeping the fish on the move, and we're starting to see egg patterns getting the fishes attention as well.  Fish are really starting to spread out across the river, so don't let yourself get sucked into fishing only the deep pools and runs.  Riffles, pocket water and shallow runs are holding fish, and these trout will tend to be feeders so don't pass up these areas of the river.  Nymphing remains the most productive fishing method, although you can expect to see rising trout throughout the day.  As usual with Spring fishing, streamers will produce good results as well.

Nymphs:  Pat's Rubber Legged 12-16, Tung Teaser 12-18, Guides Choice Hares Ear 12-16, Copper John 12-18, Juju Baetis 18-22, Mercury Baetis 18-22, WD-40 20-24, Zebra Midges 18-22, Barrs Emerger 18-22, Nose Picker BWO 18-22

Dries:  Parachute Adams 18-22, Hatchmatcher BWO 18-22, Brooks Sprout Midge 20-24, Special Emerger 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 20-22, Adult Midge 18-22

Streamers:  Slump Buster, Belly Ache Minnow, Sculpzilla

Seasonal Overview:

Spring is a great time to enjoy fishing the Upper Colorado River.  With less crowds, spawning rainbows , and cooler temperatures, this is an ideal place to get in some good fishing.  This is also a good time to get into some bigger fish, as a majority of the rainbow trout will be moving up and down river to their annual spawning beds, meaning that many nice fish will come out of the private sections and into the public's reach.  BWO's and Baetis will be the primary hatches, although midges and the occasional caddis may work depending on the conditions.  Keep in mind that this is also a great stonefly river, and since these bugs are available 365 days a year sub surface, stones can make a great attractor fly.

Current Hatches: BWO's, Baetis, Midges, Eggs, Worms, Winter Stones

Recommended Flies

Dries: Parawulff Adams 16-18, Parachute Adams 16-22, Pablo's Cripple 16-18, Gulper Special 16-20, Hackle Stacker 18-22 Nymphs: Pheasant Tail 16-20, Rainbow Warrior 18-20, Eggs 14-18, Rojo Emerger 18-22, Wired Stonefly 16-18, Winter Baetis 18-20 Streamers: Belly Ache Minnow, Belly Dancer Bullethead, Sculpzilla, Jaw Breaker Jig, Sculpin Leech

Tips & Tricks

Use smaller weights to methodically fish each level of the water collumn.  Start high and work your way to deeper depths as to not spook all the fish right off the bat.

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