Flows are currently 152 cfs at Deckers, and the fishing is solid at the moment. Cooling mornings and shorter days are pushing the river into its fall hatch patterns. Trico numbers have dropped off significantly from their summer peak, but decent BWO and midge activity has kept some fish looking up, particularly on overcast mornings and in the evenings. Hopper dropper and dry dropper techniques are still fishing well, though the terrestrial window is starting to shrink as we move into fall.
Nymphing continues to be productive throughout the day. With trico and PMD activity fading, fish are keying more on BWO nymphs, midges, and general attractor patterns. A Pat’s Rubber Legs, Pine Squirrel Leech, or San Juan Worm in sizes #8-14 is still a good choice for a lead fly. For droppers, sizing down remains productive. Black RS2s, Barr’s BWO Emergers, Chocolate Thunders, or Mayhem Midges in sizes #18-24 are still solid trailers behind a larger attractor nymph, though swap in a BWO nymph pattern as PMDs continue to thin out. A CDC Caddis Emerger, UV Caddis, or Graphic Caddis in sizes #14-18 remain useful when caddis are present, though caddis numbers are past their summer peak.
Dry fly fishing has shifted with the season. Tricos, which were dominating the 8-11 AM window all summer, are largely wrapping up for the year. Blue Winged Olives are stepping in as the more reliable player, especially on cloudy days, with fish responding well to a sparkle dun, small elk hair caddis, parachute Adams, or extended body BWO in the lead, trailed by a small midge pattern (Griffith’s Gnat, Mole Fly, sprout midge) when things get technical. PMDs are essentially done for the season. Caddis are still around in reduced numbers, providing some evening dry fly opportunities. Terrestrials remain worth fishing tight to the bank in the afternoons, though this bite will keep fading as temperatures drop. Good dry fly patterns at the moment are #18-22 Extended Body BWOs, #16-18 Elk Hair Caddis, #10-12 Chubby Chernobyls, #12-16 Hippie Stompers, and #14-18 Parachute Ants.
As we move further into fall, keep an eye out for brown trout starting to stage for their spawn. Steer clear of redds if you spot them. As always, carry a thermometer and check water temps regularly, though with cooler fall air temps, hitting 67°F should be less of a concern than it was in August.
Jon Patterson