The colder and snowy weather certainly slowed down traffic on the river over the last few days. The fish were decidedly slower in responding and tended to lie low down in quiet lanes.

Although the fish continue to spawn lower down where the water is colder their activity is slowing down. The hatches are still excellent with a lot of midges coming off and still a few BWO’s. But as soon as a really cold spell hits the BWO’s will be done and it will be midges and eggs.

We have not had too much snow at the moment so there should be no issue accessing the Pan in most places. However do make sure you have good tires and preferably 4 wheel drive and don’t venture where the pulloff is unplowed unless your are absolutely sure of yourself.

Recommended Flies: 

This past few days have brought us winter conditions so for now and over the next few months it will be predominantly midges and egg patterns. Try a worm pattern as well as an attracter for variety.

With the days noticeably shorter, it is now a matter of trying to follow the sun. When it is cloudy the distinction between light and shadow will be less pronounced but on a bright day, as soon as the sun goes behind any of the peaks it will get colder quite quickly and the midge hatches will abate.

As the conditions get colder it will be a matter of fishing to the depth of the fish. That will be key. If the fish are lying low just add weight to your midge patterns until you can drift the fly right to the fish.

The midges will come off during the day, particularly if it is sunny. So try WD-40's #20 , red and black chironocones #20, brassie's #18 - #22, midge larva patterns #18 - #22, copper johns #18 - #22, black polywings #18 - #22 and garcia's rojo midges # 18 - #22.

If the fish start moving higher in the water column or get active under the surface, try the gray loopwing emergers #20 - #22, the FPA special emergers, biot emergers both with and without the trailing shuck and gray RS2's #18 - #22.

When they are on the surface, try dry patterns such as the z-wing real midge, suspended midge and any similar dry black and gray patterns such as a parachute Adams in sizes from #20 through to #28.

Now that the browns are beginning to spawn use egg patterns but try and stay clear of the redds.

Roaring Fork

Current Flow: near Emma - 332cfs (if you want more uptodate figures check out current readings on our "Links" page).

The snow towards the end of the week has pushed up the flow a little in the Fork. With the temperature in the high 30’s during the day, the flow will stay up and there is little chance of much freezing at the moment.

However the longer term temperatures are calling for below normal temperatures beyond next week.

Recommended Flies: Try baetis for the few days until the weather gets really cold. In addition try midges and eggs.

For baetis try nymph patterns such as pheasant tails #18 - #24. Baetis emergers try RS2, the crystal hunchback, juju baetis, the mighty mite, icebreakers and the FPA sparkle baetis - #18 - #24. Try Barrs emergers, the bubbleback, and the FPA PMD beadtail emergers.

For midges look at our suggestions for the Pan.

In addition, try princes, san juan worms, egg patterns, brassies, and copper johns.

 

Colorado River

The Colorado can offer some good winter fishing particularly down lower where the sun can get onto the water.

 

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