Crystal River Report August 22, 2021

August 22, 2021

FLOW: 115 CFS in Carbondale

WATER CONDITIONS: Variable due to mudslides below Redstone and getting a bit warm down low. The higher you go, the colder and clearer it gets!

OVERALL RATING: 2 out of 10 down low, 8 out of 10 up above Redstone

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Midges, Caddis, PMDs, Green Drakes, Golden Stoneflies, BWOs

THE LOW DOWN: The Crystal can run clear one day and blow out the next, so keep an eye on the flows.

There have been multiple mudslides below Redstone, this has caused a lot of sediment and debris to flow into the river. On the rainy days, the river is completely blown out. If you are looking to fish the Crystal River, head past Redstone and get above those mudslides. 

In the summer months, don't overlook access areas in the town of Carbondale or any of the National Forest access between Carbondale and Redstone. 

This can also be a great river to do some wildlife watching on as well. Keep your eyes out for Elk, Deer, Bighorn Sheep, and Merriam Turkeys.

The healthier bug and fish populations tend to be above Redstone, but nice fish can be found anywhere on the Crystal. 

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, Salmonflies 4-8

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: Copper John Red, 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, Spanflex Golden Stone 8-10, Copper Back Golden Stonefly 8-12, San Juan Worm 10

DRIES: Rogue Foam Salmonfly 4-8, Egg Layer Salmonfly 4, Chubby Chernobyl 8-12, Missing Link Caddis 14-18, H and L Variant 10-14, BDE, No Hackle BWO 20-22, Griffith's Gnat 20-22, Parachute Adams 16-20, Stimulator 18, TC Sparkledun BWO 18-22

Streamers: Lightning Bugger Black 4, Beldar Lemon Drop 4-6, BH Simi Seal Leech 10, Sculpzilla 4-8

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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