Fishing Report

For Week ending 26th December 2004

It has been colder for the last week. Anchor ice has formed in the Pan again. The only good fishing was up towards the dam where the released water is warmer and limited the ice formation.

Most of the activity was either midge emergers or mysis close to the Dam. On Sunday it warmed a little and the midges were hatching at midday. Harry had a good trip out but said all activity stopped dead at 2 o'clock.

It is now beginning to warm a little so the hope is that it will bring a little snow. Snowmass was good skiing over the weekend up high. However nothing out the back has been opened up yet. A lot of people have come to town for the holiday but it has been quiet out because of the cold.

We trust that you and your families had a great Christmas break and that everything went well.

Frying Pan

Current Flow: below the Dam 74 cfs. (if you want more up to date figures check out current readings on our "Links" page)

The water flow remained in the 73-75 cfs range for last week. The solstice has passed so the days begin to get longer! The Pan was cold this week with a buildup of anchor ice making wading dangerous and fishing slow.

Midges work most of the time regardless but slow down as it gets colder. There have been hatches for a couple of hours in the middle of the day. Apart from mysis at the base of the dam, midges are the ticket until it warms a little. Eggs will still work in the deeper water.

If you are coming to town drop by the shop and pick up some of our tiny midges to try. We are getting good reports on the size 26 and 28 although you may need assistance to thread them. We have midges threaders if you need one.

We advise you to fish up close to the dam. Closer to town where it is a little darker and colder the anchor ice will make wading difficult and downright dangerous. In addition, the fish are restricted in their feeding. If you catch a fish in the harshest conditions with limited feed the energy expended by the fish in fighting is hard to replenish and will result in poorer conditioning. In addition, in the cold I have heard the opinion expressed that if you hold a fish out of the water for more than 15 seconds the gills will freeze possibly causing irreparable harm. So remember, the colder the water and harsher the conditions the greater the risk to the fish particularly it you take time landing it and don't handle it carefully.

Recommended Flies: At present in the cold the bugs are not coming off much at all. However, if you see any try baetis #20 and smaller; mathews sparkle dun #20; sparkle baetis emerger #18; brooks sprout baetis #20; barrs blue wing olive emerger #18 and #20; and olive biot emergers, size #20 and #22. If the bugs are not coming off then try dark olive pheasant tails size #20 and #22; midges, size #20 and smaller - on the brighter days use black midges; red or brown will work on the duller days; egg patterns #10 - #18.

Roaring Fork

Current Flow: near Emma at Basalt 277cfs. (if you want more up to date figures check out current readings on our "Links" page)

The Roaring Fork is clearing with the warmer weather and is again producing good results during the warmer part of the day. Try streamers and egg patterns. The fish will also feed on stone fly nymphs where they find them. Midge emergers are also working so try biot midge emergers sizes #20 and smaller. Try black and grey for the emergers and adults and red for the larvae. Also try the red copper john, #16 and #18.

Recommended Flies: same as the Frying Pan. In addition try the prince nymph #16 and #18; carrot nymph #18;biot midge emergers sizes #20 and smaller; red copper john #20; gold ribbed hare’s ear #16 and #18; 20 incher stone #10 - #14; egg patterns #10 - #18; streamers #10 (on some days); autumn splendor #4 - 8; bead head pops bugger olive #6.

Colorado River

The Colorado should be free of ice so the fishing is accessible. Midges are hatching round midday. There have been reports of baetis in the early afternoon. If the baetis are coming off try a sparkle emerger size #20. If there is no activity try and fish deep with nymphs (pheasant tails). If that fails try eggs and stone fly nymphs sizes #8 through #12. The 20 incher is always productive. Down lower where it is more open the sun will be on the water for hours so the fishing will be a little more productive.

Recommended Flies: Bead head pheasant tails #16, 18; Blue Wing Olives #18,20; bead head prince nymph red #12 – 16; sparkle emerger size #20; egg patterns #10 - #18;