Colorado River Report 4-15-24

Colorado River Report 

April 15, 2024

FLOW: 3270 CFS

WATER CLARITY: Shots of color are now happening with the warm-ups. Keep in mind real runoff will not kick off until mid-May.

Floaters- South Canyon Boat Ramp is closed (as usual) and will re-open in April 2024. Wade fishing allowed, boat ramp will be gated.

OVERALL RATING: 2 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Blue Winged Olives 18-22, Midges 16-24, Winter Stoneflies 16-18, Sculpins

THE LOWDOWN: The big river has been blowing out as of late, we are finally warming up. Keep an eye on the temps and flows, clarity can improve after a cold night.

Most of you know that cloudy days are best, especially for a slow-release hatch. The Colorado is a big, brawling river- ideal for a drift boat but it can be accessed on foot. This river is a bit more quality than quantity fishery, so be prepared to hook onto some pissed-off fish that will dump your reel in a few seconds.

Popular wading spots are at the confluence with the Roaring Fork, Dino Boat ramp (both above and below the ramp) and upstream of South Canyon rapid.

Dry fly hatches consist of midday BWOs, midges and winter stones.

Springtime tributary creek closures go into effect on March 15th, you'll see the signs. The majority of the Colorado River west of Glenwood is on the menu

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:                                                         

DRIES: Stealth Link Baetis 22, Improved Sparkle Dun Baetis 18-22, Iwane's No Mercy Midge 22-24, Matthews' Improved Z Lon Midge 22-24, CDC Transitional Midge 18-20, Perfect Baetis 20-22, TC Custom BWO Sparkledun 20-22, HOH CDC Thorax BWO, HOH Hanging Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 22-24, Putterbaugh Caddis Black 16-18 (fished as a winter stone)

NYMPHS: Iron Lotus 16-18, Double Down CDC PT 16-18, Purple Darth Baetis 20-22, Foam Top BMW RS2 18-22, Griffin's Twenty Incher 10-14, Cat Poop Stone 6-10, Jigged CDC PT 16-18, San Juan Worm 10, Perdigons 16-18, Copper Johns 16-18, BTS Baetis 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20-22, Roy's Biot Baetis Emerger 18-20

STREAMERS: Double Dirty Hippy 4, Dali Lama 4, Autumn Splendor 4-8, Carlton Banks 4, Stott's Ziwi 4, Stott's Conehead Ziwi 4

HINTS: We are excited to be back on the 'Rado, look for the best bite in the soft stuff

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09085100/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D