Crystal River Report 4-21-19

CRYSTAL RIVER REPORT

April 21, 2019

FLOW: 424 CFS in Carbondale

WATER CONDITIONS: The recent rainfall lower valley has it running high and off color, conditions are going to yo-yo- as we ease in to warmer weather.  This is going to be a big water year considering the historic snowpack we've got on deck.

OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10 when running clear, 2 out of 10 as we see flow spikes and muddy water

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, BWO adults and nymphs

THE LOW DOWN: Just like that, the Crystal River is starting to wake up in a serious way! Conditions can be much better in the lower elevations in and around Carbondale and we are seeing fishable water (when clear) all the way to Marble this week. Some days this is flipped, and the river will be cleaner above Redstone than below.

Public accesses in Carbondale will surprise you this week!

Fish the deep pools and runs, skip the ankle-deep stuff and take a few of your favorite smaller dries and nymphs.

HATCHES: BWOs 18-22, Midges 20-22, sporadic caddis 16-20

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

DRIES: Flag Adams 18-22, 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.

Flows: http://www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/detail_graph.aspx?ID=CRYDOWCO&MTYPE=DISCHRG

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