Crystal River Report 4-24-21

April 24, 2021

FLOW: 86 CFS in Carbondale, 40 CFS in Redstone and above

WATER CONDITIONS: Low, clear

OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 10 

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, Caddis, Golden Stoneflies, BWOs (more bugs hatching in the lower elevations than the upper so far)

THE LOW DOWN: Flows are low and clear, but it still looks good around Carbondale up to around Redstone. The upper river is still a bit snowy here and there but everything is beginning to melt.

Most of you know this is the river to find some solitude, many visitors are focused on the world-renowned Fryingpan, Roaring Fork and Colorado Rivers. 

No need to overthink this river, find some of the pools and runs and show them your favorite smaller attractor flies.

HATCHES: Midges 18-26, BWOs 18-22, Caddis 14-18, Golden Stoneflies 6-10

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: Copper John 18-20, Tung Pheasant Tail 16-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22, Neon Nightmare 20-22, Sparkle Pupa 14-18, San Juan Worm 10

DRIES: Chubby Chernobyl 8-12, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Griffith's Gnat 20-22, Parachute Adams 16-20, Stimulator 18, TC Sparkledun BWO 18-22

HINTS: Don't ignore the shallow riffles, they are often loaded with sculpins and insects.

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

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