Current Conditions Summary
The fishing has stayed good and the buffalo midge is here. Nymphing is still the most consistent fishing. The buffalo midge hatch has been a bit inconsistent in its timing and duration but 11am-1pm is still your best bet to see noses up on the water. Streamer fishing has slowed down but still can be productive on low light times of day or overcast days.
Flow & Water
- Discharge: 165 CFS (Cubic Feet per Second).
- Clarity: Clear
- Water Temp: Holding steady at 39 (°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 40s or low 50s.
- 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, Cluster Midge).
- 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
Good luck out there! Tight lines.