Crystal River Report 12-31-2019

CRYSTAL RIVER REPORT

December 31, 2019

FLOW: 33.1 CFS in Carbondale

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear

OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, BWO adults and nymphs, worms

THE LOW DOWN: Cold conditions engulf the Crystal, so be sure to wear warm attire. Gloves are a must when fishing closer to Redstone. Heading towards Redstone from Carbondale, the river has become pretty icy once you pass the KOA.

Be cautious walking towards an open area of water, portions of the river are coated in ice that can easily break when one or two anglers are walking. Skip the blah looking water and focus on spots where the fish can find a bit of cover. Deep pools will be most productive. Be sure to brings weight to get your flies in the appropriate water column. Love catching whitefish? Get those beaded Princes down deep and get ready for a great fight. 

Dry flies of note are small midges. Nymphs should be tiny and shiny for the most part, be sure to get them down in the soup.

HATCHES: Midges 18-26

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:

NYMPHS: Copper John 18-20, Tung Pheasant Tail 18-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Bead Wing Midge 20-22, Medallion Midge 20-22, San Juan Worm 10, Cat Poop 8-12

DRIES: Hi Vis Griffiths Gnat 18, Skittering Zelon Midge 20, CDC Transitional Midge 22, HOH CDC Spent Midge 20-22, HOH CDC Midge Adult 24, Morgan's Para Midge 20-22

HINTS: Skip the average-looking water and focus on deep pits and runs in the upper reaches of the Crystal River.

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

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