Report by Gareth York
Fishing conditions in the area are changing & improving daily, use the links below to check stream flows as they may have dropped considerably since this report was published, or call the shop at (970)-349-1228 for the most up to date conditions.
Overview
It’s still cold, but the valley is warming up! Temperature swinging from teens in the morning up to the low 40s in the afternoon. So be ready for a fun afternoon bite as the water heats up. There is no reason to be out early, wait till late morning to get out. Find fish still in their winter holes (slower deeper water), and in soft riffles.
Gunnison River Conditions
- Flows are sitting between 205 to 220cfs
- Wading is the only option at these flows.
- Almont to Wilsons landing is open. All ice below Wilsons.
- Nymphing and Streamers are the ticket this time of year.
Flies
Streamers
- Mini-Dungeon- black, olive, and white
- Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
- Goldie- White
Nymphs
- Rainbow Warrior- Size, 14-18
- San Juan Worm- Brown and Pink
- Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-20
- Perdigon- Olive, Purple- Size 14-18
- Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 14-18
Taylor River Conditions
- Flows are steady at 103 cfs
- The C&R is open and fishing as always
- Access below 5-mile bridge is your best bet
- Deep snow makes it hard to access a lot of the river above 5-mile bridge
- Look for BWO’s to start popping off as the weather warms up into spring
Flies
Nymphs
- Mysis Shrimp- Size 14-18
- Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 16-22
- Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-24
- RS2- Grey and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
- Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
- Mother Shucker- Size 18-22
- Split Flag Quigley BWO- Size 18-22
Streamers
- Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
- Wooly bugger- black, olive, and tan
East River Conditions
- Flows have been hovering around 52 cfs
- Only place to access is at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery
- Low flows means find deeper water
Flies
Nymphs
- Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 16-22
- Perdigon- Olive, Purple- Size 14-18
- San Juan Worm- Brown and Pink
- Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-24
- RS2- Grey and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
- Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
- Mother Shucker- Size 18-22
- Split Flag Quigley BWO- Size 18-22
Streamers
- Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
Creeks and Small Streams
- Mostly covered in ice
Blue Mesa Conditions
· Ice from Iola to Elk Creek
- Open water from Bay of Chickens to the Dam
- A few pockets of thin ice spread throughout
- Use caution as you ice fish!
- Warm windy conditions can hurt the integrity of the ice