Flows on the Eagle River have started to come back down after last week’s bump with flows on the lower Eagle currently around 350 cfs.  Flows on the Colorado However have gotten a nice bump, with flows up to around 500 cfs near Pumphouse.  Fishing has been fantastic and should remain good with more cool and wet weather in the forecast for the next week.

Eagle River 

Flows are well below average for this time of year, making it ideal for anglers that are wading.  Cool weather and intermittent rain has kept temps low with temperatures in the high 40’s to low 50’s.  Blue wing olives have been the predominant hatch on the Eagle especially on overcast days.  Early in the morning fish have been keying in on baetis and midge nymphs. Soft hackles have been another productive fly recently, especially in peacock, tan and brown. They can be great patterns to imitate emerging caddis and mayfly nymphs.  Let them swing across the current to mimic nymphs and pupae that are moving up through the water column to the surface.  Streamer fish has seemed slow slightly but can still be productive particularly early in the morning or when rain brings water clarity down.

Roaring Fork

Flows on the Roaring Fork have also been dropping since late last week with flows down from around 1500 cfs to about 800cfs.  Turbidity has dropped quite a bit too, with the Crystal slowing its surge of sediment filled water into the main river.  This has made fishing much better on  the lower stretch of the Roaring Fork into Glenwood Springs much better in recent days.  Stone flies and BWO’s have been the go to nymphs on the Roaring Fork with guides reporting quality fish on Twenty Inchers, Prince Nymphs, and Barr’s Emergers.  When going between the Roaring Fork and other rivers, remember to properly clean all gear to prevent the spread of invasive species.

Colorado River

The Colorado got a nice bump in flows today, with the Pumphouse gauge currently reading 510 cfs climbing.  Streamer fishing on the Colorado has been good with black and olive being the predominant colors. The caddis hatch is also in full swing on the Colorado.  Guides Choice Hare’s Ears and Duracell nymphs have been guide favorites, as well as soft hackle caddis pupa.  Mayflies and midges are also moving through water making for excellent nymph fishing. THe most productive rigs have been bigger caddis nymphs as a lead fly and size 20 or 22 midges and BWO patterns below.  Perdigons have also been good in sizes 16-18 in black, purple and tan.  Caddis dries have also been productive, particularly when fished closer to the bank and along seams.