Crystal River Report October 4, 2025

WATER CONDITIONS: Great up top, non-existent down low

OVERALL RATING: 5 out of 10

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Extreme low flow conditions have prompted Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to implement a new voluntary fishing closure on the Crystal River.
Effective Friday, Aug. 15, CPW is implementing a voluntary full-day fishing closure between mile marker 64 on Highway 133 and the confluence of the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers until further notice.

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Blue winged olive nymphs, emergers and adults, midges, caddis larvae and adults, golden stonefly and salmonfly nymphs and adults, Sculpins

THE LOW DOWN: We know it's been a while since our last Crystal report, but that's because not much has changed. Flows are still dangerously low as you approach Carbondale, while things remain steady on the upper stretches. Voluntary closures are expected to wrap up mid-October. 

If you're going up high, saddis and stones will still give you the highest chance at getting some fish to the net, but mayfly-like attractors and tiny shinies can also be productive. Don't forget to throw stonefly nymphs in the faster water, that's where they live!

The higher you go, the prettier it gets, the lower the flow, and the less fishermen you'll see. The Crystal River is considered the local's stash, especially for those that abhor seeing other anglers.

HATCHES: Caddis 14-18, Midges 18-26, Blue winged olives 18-20, Stoneflies 6-12

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:
NYMPHS: Cat Poop Stone 6-10, San Juan Worm, Copper John Chartreuse 16-20, Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail 18, Tungsten Pheasant Tail 16-20, FKA Prince Nymph 14-18, Jerome Baetis 18-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22 

DRIES: Missing Link Caddis 14-16, Puterbaugh's Caddis 16, Parachute Adams 18-22, TC Custom Sparkledun BWO 20-22, Antonio's Hi-Vis Quill Midge 20-24, McCannel's Massacre Midge 22-24, Reed's Rogue Mustard Chubby 8-12

STREAMERS: Sculpzilla, Craven's Double Gonga, Craven's Swim Coach, Tim Heng's Autumn Splendor, Hansen's Meal Ticket, Barr's Slump Buster

HINTS: Skipping the blah water and focusing on where the fish are is key!

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

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