Colorado River Report 8-20-23

Colorado River Report 8-20-23

FLOW: 2510

WATER CLARITY: Clear with great visibility (except after heavy rainfall)

OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges 16-24, Caddis 14-18, PMDs 14-18, Yellow Sallies 16, Golden Stones 4-8, Sculpins

THE LOWDOWN: The "Col" has fished pretty darn well this year. Heavy rains upstream of Glenwood can blow it out here and there, but the clarity has been very decent so far this go-round.

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 early and late PMD Rusty Spinner falls, plus midday caddis, PMDs, Golden Stones and a few random Pseudocloeons. 

So far we are not too concerned about water temps, but feel free to use your stream thermometer to check out the state of the water. If you see anything above 65, we suggest reeling it up and heading up-valley to colder water.

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:                                                         

DRIES: Reed's Rogue Mustard Chubby 8-12, Egg Layer Golden Stone 8, Cloud Nine Golden Stone 8-10, HOH CDC Thorax Pink Albert 16-18, TC Custom Pink PMD Sparkledun 14-16, Morris May PMD Emerger 16-18, Last Chance PMD Cripple 16-18, Missing Link Caddis 16-18, Lawson's EZ Caddis 16-18, Outrigger Caddis 14-16, Pearl and Elk Caddis 14-18, 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

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