Current Conditions Summary
The fishing has stayed consistent for the last month or so. Anglers can expect decent nymphing in the mornings and sporadic dry fly opportunities with the buffalo midge during midday warmth. Streamer action during low light and overcast days.
Flow & Water
- Discharge: 165 CFS (Cubic Feet per Second).
- Clarity: Clear
- Water Temp: Holding steady at 38 (°F).
- Outlook: Flows are at standard winter levels, and should remain there throughout the winter
Weather & Timing
- Best Window: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
- Weather: Expect crisp mornings with temperatures rising into the 30s or low 40s.
- Strategy: There is no need for an “alpine start.” Sleep in, drink coffee, and hit the water once the sun has had a chance to warm the riverbed. The bug activity will peak when the sun is highest.
Hatches & Bug Activity
The main activity of the river right now is Midges and Baetis (BWOs).
- Midges: The primary food source. Seen hatching most days
- Baetis (BWOs): Expect these on overcast or slightly stormy days. They tend to pop off around 11:30 PM – 2:00 PM.
Recommended Flies
Nymphs (Sub-surface)
- Sow Bugs: #18-22 (Grey, Tan, Rainbow)
- Midges: #22-26 (KF Flasher, Stalcup Midge, WD-40s, Bling Midges).
- Junk Food: San Juan worms, small red annelids
- Mayfly Nymphs: #20-22 (Pheasant Tail, RS2, Micro Mayfly, RS2).
Dries (Surface)
- Midges: #18-20 (Griffith’s Gnat, Mother Shucker).
- BWO Dries: #20-24 (CDC Comparadun, Parachute Adams, BWO Parachute).
Streamers
- Leeches/Buggers: #10-14 (White, Olive, Black)
- Jigged/Dead drift Streamers: Smaller Streamers fished dead drift or under an indicator have been picking up
The Spawn
The Spawn is pretty much done. But the Redds are still there
- Identify Redds: Look for patches of clean, bright gravel that look “swept” on the river bottom, usually in shallow tailouts.
- Watch Your Step: Don’t walk through these gravel patches; you will crush the eggs. Cross in deep water or areas with large cobble/rocks.
Good luck out there! Tight lines.