MARGINAL
Winter flows; midges active in tailwater sectionsColorado River
Current Hatch Activity
Midge activity 10am-2pm in tailwater sections. Sparse BWO hatches on overcast days. Focus on slow seams and eddy lines.
MARGINAL
Tandem midge rig: #18 Black Beauty to a #22 Mercury RS2, dead-drift through deep runs
Quick Reference
400-1,800 CFS ideal for wade fishing; 1,800-3,000 CFS floatable but challenging wading; above 3,000 CFS most sections unfishable
45-58F optimal; above 65F trout become stressed, especially in lower canyon sections
Peak runoff typically mid-May through late June. Flows stabilize by mid-July most years. Fall drawdowns create consistent wade fishing through October.
Tailwater sections clear first after runoff. Freestone sections need 2-3 weeks post-peak to clear. Afternoon thunderstorms can muddy tributaries and main stem June through August.
What "Fishable" Means Here
Wade fishing productive below 1,500 CFS with visibility of 18 inches or more. Float fishing extends the window to around 2,500 CFS. Water temperatures below 65F recommended for ethical catch-and-release.
Seasonal Patterns
spring
Pre-runoff (March-April) offers good midge and BWO fishing in tailwater sections. Runoff begins mid-May, limiting options to dam-controlled reaches. Stonefly nymphs effective as flows rise.
summer
Post-runoff (mid-July onward) brings prime dry fly fishing. PMDs, caddis, and yellow sallies dominate. Hopper-dropper rigs effective August through September. Fish early or late to avoid afternoon heat in lower sections.
fall
Premier season. Brown trout spawning activity increases aggression. Streamers produce larger fish. BWOs return with cooler temps. Consistent flows and fewer anglers make September-October ideal.
winter
Midge fishing in tailwater sections remains productive. Focus on slower water and deep pools. Shorter windows of activity, typically 10am-3pm. Ice can limit bank access above 8,000 feet elevation.
Alerts
Alternative Waters
Eagle River
Nearby freestone that clears faster; good winter option near VailWilliams Fork River
Smaller tributary with more consistent flows during Colorado River runoffBlue River
Tailwater below Dillon Dam fishes well when Colorado mainstem is blown outRoaring Fork River
Major tributary with different runoff timing; Gold Medal water near BasaltResources
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