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Colorado River - Parshal
Report Date: 05/17/2013-
Reporter: Trout's Staff
Flow Conditions:
Water Clarity: clear, but be watching the weather for any significant precipitation
Current Fishing Conditions:
May Fishing Report
May is typically a transitional month on the Upper Colorado River. As of the start of the month, water clarity was decent, but look for that to change as consistent warm temperatures of May bring increased levels and decreased visibility. Assuming conditions are fishable, look for fish to be actively feeding on baetis and stonefly patterns predominantly. Streamers have also been very effective and will continue to be so through the month leading into runoff. As the month goes on, begin using caddis pupae and larva patterns more and more, as these bugs will start popping soon!
5/17/13 Update: runoff conditions have arrived on the Colorado River at Parshal, creating less than ideal fishing conditions on this popular stretch of river. Big and flashy bugs are a must, and be sure to focus your efforst on the soft water near the bank.
Insects and Natural Food Sources
Baetis and smaller stoneflies will make up a majority of the fish’s diet through the month. Caddis season is close and look for fish to begin keying on larva and pupae patterns in the next several weeks.
Recommended Flies
Attractor Baetis nymphs and Emergers sz. 16-20, Smaller flashy stonefly patterns sz 10-16, worm patterns sz. 12-14, streamers sz. 4-10, caddis pupae and larva patterns sz 12-16, 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, Brassies 18-22, Barrs Emerger 18-22, Nose Picker BWO 18-22, 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, Slump Buster, Belly Ache Minnow, Sculpzilla
River Description
The Colorado River is an amazing place to experience all the beauty that Colorado has to offer. From dramatic canyons to panoramic vistas, the Colorado has something for everyone. The mighty Colorado River starts in Rocky Mountain National Park and is Colorado’s largest watershed. There are over 100 miles of trout water and the river goes through some of the most scenic country in the United States. The Upper Colorado River runs from Windy Gap Reservoir, west of Granby) to the confluence of the Blue River near Kremmling. This section is Gold Metal water and closely follows Highway 40. The headwaters of the Colorado River are also accessible above Granby through Rocky Mountain National Park.
Seasonal Overview:
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.
Recommended Products:
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