CRYSTAL RIVER REPORT

July 18, 2018

FLOW: 107 cfs Below Redstone

WATER CONDITIONS: Clear and low.  Keep an eye on water temps and cease fishing if above 68 degrees, this should only affect the Crystal in the bottom miles.

OVERALL RATING: 6 out of 10 

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, BWO, PMD and green drake nymphs and adults, golden stonefly nymphs and adults, caddis larva and adults, (free swimming and cased) cranefly larva, sculpins

THE LOW DOWN:  As we always preach, there is usually no need to over-think this river.  Take a few attractor dries and nymphs and fish the deeper water.

Lower access points like the Stair Case and RVR are pretty popular, but most locals feel this river fishes better the higher up you go, so check out the public water around Redstone, Bogan Flats Campground and Marble for some quality fishing spots!  Beaver Lake just past Marble is a favorite for sure.

HATCHES: Midges 20-22, sporadic BWOs18-22, caddis 12-18, green drakes 10-12, PMDs 14-18

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:

NYMPHS: Copper John 18-20, Tung Pheasant Tail 18-20, Prince Nymph 16-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22, Spanflex Stone 6-10, San Juan Worm 10

DRIES: Flag Adams 10-22, Flag Dun PMD 16-18, Melon Quill 16-18, Hi Vis Griffiths Gnat 18, Skittering Zelon Midge 20, CDC Transitional Midge 22, Goddard Caddis 14-18, Elk Hair Caddis 12-18

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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