The Blue below Dillon Reservoir: We talked about it in the last report and with it’s close proximity to Summit Counties ski resorts, this is a go-to double sport location. Just the other week myself and a few friends got to enjoy one of these days. Look for the deeper runs and pools and be ready to nymph with small nymphs and midges. You also might run into a midge hatch and be able to fish dry flies and I have also been hearing some reports of fish being caught on small streamers.
The Blue above Dillon Reservoir: With some lower altitude river valleys coming up in this forecast. I wanted to highlight a higher altitude river that can fish well all winter long. A bonus as well, is it’s close proximity to the Summit County ski areas. The water is small, so think lightweight nymph or dry dropper setups. Also, look for fish rising to midge hatches and might also be able to catch a few on streamer patterns.
The Colorado River at Parshall: This section is a must fish location in the winter months. The sheer amount of fish is pretty enticing, then add a second river, the Williams Fork in close proximity and you have a neat experience. Fishing these two very different Colorado tailwaters can be a fun challenge. The nymphing on both rivers will be your go-to set up, but the Colorado has rising fish to midges on most days through the winter months.
The Arkansas around Salida: Many of you know of my love for fishing the Arkansas in the winter months. Not only do you tend to get some warmer temperatures but the water tends to be free flowing most of the time and the fish stack up in the deeper runs and pools. All of this makes for a great winter fishing experience. Most days will be best for nymph fishing. But if you spend your time and find those nooks and crannies where fish are rising, catching a fish on a dry is not out of the question.
The Wild Card*- The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs: Even as we are talking about the prospect of more snow in the mountains to pad our snowpack and offer some powder days. The alternative prospect of breaking the boat out and floating the lower Colorado river is a real opportunity this time of year. Lately, the day time temperatures have been decently warm as well as the overnight temperatures. This has been offering some great flows with minimal ice flow and bank ice. Nymphing will also be your go-to technique, but I have definitely caught fish on streamers and dry flies this time of year.
