Crystal River Report 4-13-22

April13, 2022

FLOW: 186 CFS in Carbondale

WATER CONDITIONS: Low and Clear, significant ice.

OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, Winter Stones, Sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: This pretty little river is starting to wake up. Warming temps have helped ease the ice-choked banks and the Crystal has a decent amount of water in it, as well.  On warmer days, expect to see some off colored water throughout the lower river.

Focusing on the deeper pits and runs will be the most productive, utilizing small stonefly nymphs trailed with something tiny and shiny.

HATCHES:  Midges 18-26, Winter Stoneflies 16-18

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: Copper John Red, 18-20, Tung Pheasant Tail 16-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Cat Poop Stonefly 10-12, San Juan Worm 10

DRIES: Griffith's Gnat 20-22, Parachute Adams 16-20, Stimulator 18, TC Sparkledun BWO 18-22

STREAMERS: Lightning Bugger Black 4, Beldar Lemon Drop 4-6, BH Simi Seal Leech 10, Sculpzilla 4-8

HINTS: Don't ignore the shallow riffles, they are often loaded with sculpins and insects.

Flows: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09081600&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

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