Cool temperatures and moisture have returned to the valley for the time being, with a wet weather outlook continuing through next week. With the recent cool weather slowing snow melt in the mountains, flows have come down slightly on the Eagle. Flows are up on the Colorado and Roaring Fork though, as some water has been released out of upstream reservoirs. Rain down low in the valley has also brought more variable water clarity to the Eagle and Colorado rivers. Clarity still remains good but there has been an increase in sediment being pushed in the main river from smaller tributaries like Milk Creek and Brush Creek.
Eagle River
Spring hatches have slowed slightly but strong mayfly hatches can still be seen throughout the Eagle River. Worms are back on the menu with the recent moisture pushing terrestrial annelids out of the ground and into the river. San Juan worms have been a productive lead fly on nymph rigs. Other productive nymph patterns have been perdigons, pheasant tails and crystal midges During mid-day and afternoon hatches,fish have eagerly been feeding on adult mayflies and midges. Fishing a “sighter” dry fly like a Parachute Adams with a Griffiths Gnat behind it has been a go to set up when targeting fish on dries. Make sure to keep tippet between dry flies at about 8-10 inches to prevent dries from being pulled into different currents and achieve clean drifts.
Upper Colorado
Flows on the Colorado have come up making it great for floating. There has been a lot of bug activity, and fishing has been particularly good on the upper stretches from Pumphouse to Ranche Del Rio. Productive patterns being blue winged olive emergers and small stone fly patterns like Pats Rubber Legs and 20 Inchers. Clarity has been slightly lower in recent days, which helps fish feel safe to move around more freely. If water clarity is down, try throwing streamers to get the attention of hungry fish.
Lower Colorado
The lower stretches of the Colorado River have also been fishing great. Large fish have actively been feeding on a variety of nymphs. The most productive patterns have been Duracell nymphs and Rainbow Warriors. Caddis hatches have also been productive times to fish on the Lower Colorado. If looking to fish dry flies, try dark brown or black Elk Hair Caddis. For nymph rigs, a variety of caddis pupae patterns and soft hackles have been a guide favorite. Invasive species such as Zebra Mussels and New Zealand Mud Snails have been on the rise on the Lower Colorado so make sure to properly clean and dry all boats and gear before moving back up stream.
Roaring Fork
Flows on the Roaring Fork have also come up in recent days which have greatly improved conditions for both float and wade fishing. Hatches are still plentiful, with mayflies, caddis and stone flies hatching throughout the day. Nymph rigs, streamers and dry flies have all been productive, for anglers looking to use a variety of tactics to target fish. Start with streamers and nymphs in the morning and move to dryflies in the afternoon.
Tyler Banker