Report by DFA guide Gareth York
Overview
Runoff is here! Flows vary day by day depending on the snowmelt. Fishing after colder days and colder nights will typically produce clearer water. Whether the temps are warm, and the water is dirty, or it clears up after a cooler day, the fish still have to eat! High and dirty water means big attractor patterns and aggressive eats Fish softer currents and around structure that gives fish a break from the fast current.
Snowpack in the Gunnison basin is at 122% of the median, meaning we should have average flows this year. Looks like float season beginning in mid to late June is a go!
Shop News- Stop in and say hi to our new shop employees, Macey, Owen and Zach! We’re stoked to have them here this summer!
Colorado Streamflow Current Conditions
Gunnison River Conditions
· Flows are ranging from 1400-2000 CFS Gunnison River Flows
· Nymphing and Streamer fishing are your best bet in the dirty water
· Wading and floating are both decent options at these flows.
· Work individual holes hard with a nymph or streamer then move on
· Fish bright and flashy flies when dealing with dirty water
Flies for the Gunnison
Streamers
· MFC Galloup’s Micro Dungeon- Black, Yellow, Olive
· Mini-Dungeon- Black, Olive, and White
· Sculpin patterns- Black, Olive, and White
· Galloup’s Peanut Envy- Tan, and Olive
Nymphs
· Eggs- Size 12-16
· San Juan Worm- Pink, Red, and Purple
· Spanish Bullet- Size 14-18
· Perdigon- Size 14-18
· Pats Rubber Legs- Size 8-12
· Blowtorch- Size 12-16
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Purple Haze- Size 18-20
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
· Elk Hair Caddis- Size 14-18
Taylor River Conditions
· Flows are just jumped to 257 CFS out of the dam Taylor River Flows
· Wading and floating are both good options at these flows
· Nymphing deeper holes and around structure is your best bet
· Look for baetis and midges hatching in the afternoon
Flies for the Taylor
Nymphs
· Eggs-Size 12-16
· Mysis Shrimp- Size 14-18
· Flashback Pheasant Tail- Size 16-22
· Zebra Midge- Black, Purple, and Olive- Size, 18-24
· Top Secret Midge- Size 18-22
· Radiation Baetis- Size 18-22
· RS2- Grey, Olive, and Black- Size 18-22
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Sprout Midge- Size 18-22
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
Streamers
· MFC Galloup’s Micro Dungeon- Black, Yellow, Olive
· Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
· Wooly bugger- black, olive, and tan
East River Conditions
· Flows have been fluctuating around 800-1300 CFS at Almont East River Flows
· Best place to access is at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery
· Fish calmer water and structure that gives the fish a break in the current
Flies for the East River
Nymphs
· San Juan Worm- Brown and Pink
· Jig head Frenchie- Size 14-18
· Rainbow Warrior- Size 14-18
· Blowtorch- Size 12-16
Dries
· Parachute Adams- Size 16-20
· Mother Shucker- Size 18-22
· BWO patterns- Size 18-22
· Elk Hair Caddis- Size 14-18
Streamers
· Sculpin patterns- black, olive, and white
· Thin Mint- Size 6-10
Creeks and Small Streams
· Summer creek season is here!
· Each creek varies based on flows and water clarity this time of year.
· Dirty water means attractor patterns and calm water that gives them a break from the current
· In clear water fish dries and nymphs in the deeper holes
Blue Mesa Conditions
· The Lake is open and fishing well!
· Good luck getting around middle bridge.
Springtime is a great time to get out on the water! We have guides available for walk-wade and float trips now. Give us a call at (970)-349-1228 to book a trip!