Crystal River Report May 2020

CRYSTAL RIVER REPORT

May 2020

Be sure to click the link at the bottom of this report for real-time flows on the Crystal. We have limited access to computers due to Covid-19 and are not able to update our reports as often as you would usually see. 

FLOW: 553 CFS in Carbondale and climbing

WATER CONDITIONS: Getting big, it will yo-yo a bit until mid-month and then let loose.

OVERALL RATING: 3 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT:  Caddis, Midges, Stonefly nymphs, BWOs

THE LOW DOWN: COVID-19 Update: The health and well-being of our guests and employees is of utmost importance. We will be closed beginning 3/15 until further notice. We will use that time to reassess future opening dates. Please keep an eye on our social accounts for updates.

Fishing is still allowed in Colorado, but here are some suggested guidelines:

• Anglers are encouraged not to travel far to fish, try to stay close to home.
• Travel by yourself or only those in your household 
• Floating is discouraged right now in regards to Covid guidelines
• Maintain social distancing guidelines on the river

Things are looking up on the Crystal River, with the recent warm up we've seen ice go away and our favorite spots opening up again. Obviously the higher in elevation you explore, the more ice and snow you'll encounter, so pick your battles. 

We're seeing caddis, BWOs as well as midges hatching currently.  Don't stress on fly selection on the Crystal, tie on your favorite nymphs and get them down in the zone.

HATCHES: BWOs 18-22, Caddis 14-18, 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: Pearl and Elk Caddis 16-18, Foam Body Caddis 14-18, Parachute Adams 16-20, Hackle Dun BWO 20-22, 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: https://waterdata.usgs.gov/co/nwis/uv/?site_no=09081600&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060

Get social with us! Find us on Facebook@taylorcreekflyshops, Twitter@tcreekflyshop, Google+@taylorcreekflyshops and Instagram@taylorcreekflyshops