August 23, 2020

FLOW: 1820 cfs in Glenwood Springs

WATER CONDITIONS: Starting to get warmer than we'd like to see and the river is getting mossy.

OVERALL RATING:  4 out 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Baetis, Midges, Yellow Sallies, PMDs, caddis, sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: The Grizzly Creek Fire has slowed down traffic on the Colorado significantly, with the combination of heavy smoke and warm river temperatures we are now seeing. Keep an eye on the Garfield and Eagle County websites for current information on road and airport closures.

Voluntary fishing closures are in effect after 2 pm from New Castle down to Rifle, and to be frank, the smoke is thick and river is pretty darn mossy.

 HATCHES: Baetis18-20, Midges 16-22, Yellow Sallies 16, PMDs 14-18, Golden Stoneflies 6-8, Caddis 12-18, Tricos 20-24

Appropriate Patterns  

DRIES: Mini Hot Yellow Sally16, Hackle Stacker PMD 14-18, Melon Quill 16-18, Rogue Foam Golden Stone 6-8, Pearl and Elk Caddis 14-18, Lawson's EZ Caddis 16-18, Parachute Adams 18-20, Red or Yellow Humpy 16-18, CDC Transitional Midge 20-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22, Sprout Midge 20-22, HOH Spent Midge 20-22, Hatching Midge 20-22. 

NYMPHS: Pandemic PMD Nymph 16-18, Halfback PMD 14-18, Prince 16-18, BLMs 18-20, San Juan Worm 10, Tung Bead Baetis 18-20, Biot Baetis 18-20, RS2s 20, Polywing Emerger 18-20, Imposters 20-22, Assassins 20-22, Freestone Emerger 20, Biot Midge 20-22, Copper John Red 14-18, San Juan Worm 10

HINTS: If the fish aren't eating deep, shallow up those nymph rigs and see if they're suspended.

Link to Real Time Flows:

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/uv?09085100