Frying Pan Anglers - Colorado Fly Fishing Report 18th June

We have now had 50” of snow for the month of January, which is more than average for the entire month. After an excellent snow accumulation in December we are setting up for a strong run-off this year provided the snow achieves at least average falls in the next 2 months. For the coming week there is a prediction of temperatures in the high 20’s to 30’s together with some more snow. So it will be comfortable enough for some excellent days on the river with the daylight noticeably extending.

With the additional snow pack, the Bureau has increased the flow in the Pan to 123cfs which is excellent for the fish for this time of year. One trusts that the level remains constant now through to spring. Of course it will be a function of the snowfall over the next 2 months in the entire catchment. The warming weather and higher flow will also prevent the build up of much more anchor ice which has not been much of a problem this year.

We had another ice dam break during the week on the Fork but this one was not as dramatic as the last. However with the warming weather and additional snow, there will be an increased likelihood of further ice dam breaks on the Fork so take care and be vigilant.

We are now quiet again during the week though we did have some visitors over the holiday weekend. The ski slopes were certainly busy. However generally, it is now quiet on the river and will remain so until the days lengthen a little more and spring break is upon us. So there will be some good opportunities to get out onto the river uninterrupted. Dress in fully fledged sub-zero clothing now and don’t take any chances on the cold. So take care and enjoy some excellent winter fishing.

As we mentioned last week, we have started to get some new patterns into the shop for the new season. We now have some specially tied midges down to size #32!! No kidding. We have the 12x leader to go with them as well. So if you are coming up and have tried everything, see what you think of our new tiny midges.

Last Saturday the Bureau increased the flow in the Pan to 123cfs which is excellent for the fish and obviously is in anticipation of a good run-off this year. If they don’t start releasing at higher levels now and the snowfall achieves even average falls through February, March and April, a few hot weeks and the Bureau would not be able to control to flow out of Reudi. So provided the snow continues to fall, the flow will remain higher and will provide excellent cover for the fish. The snow and ice continues to build up along the edges of the river however in the coming week, with the prediction of warmer weather it will settle a little more. The temperatures have not caused the formation of much more anchor ice which is good for the fish. Access to the roads near the dam depends on the Forest Service clearing the road.

As the days begin to lengthen look for the wider areas of the valley floor where the sun can reach the water. It has been quite warm and pleasant in the sun, but as soon as it goes down, it gets cold. The fish have been taking dry and emerger midge patterns well into the afternoons up near the dam. Elsewhere the fish are now down deep or in the slower parts of the river below areas of aeration. The fish will continue on the redds closer to the dam well into this month so take care of those areas.

Recommended Flies: The principal hatch is now midges. They will come off during the day, particularly if it is sunny. So try WD-40's #20 , red and black chironocones #20, brassie's #18 - #22, midge larva patterns #18 - #22, copper johns #18 - #22, black polywings #18 - #22 and garcia's rojo midges # 18 - #22. Try the gray loopwing emergers #20 - #22, the FPA special emergers, biot emergers both with and without the trailing shuck and gray RS2's #18 - #22. Also carry dry patterns such as the z-wing real midge, suspended midge and any similar dry black and gray patterns in sizes from #20 through to #28. As the cold weather intensifies the midges will tend to get smaller, so be prepared to fish very light leader and very small flies. In addition try egg patterns.

Roaring Fork

Current Flow: near Emma - 246cfs (if you want more uptodate figures check out current readings on our "Links" page).

We had some more ice dams break this past week and with the coming prediction of warmer weather, there is also the likelihood it might happen again this week. So take care if you are out on the Fork. The snow over the past week continues to build up the snow and ice on the edges of the Fork particularly higher up above Basalt.

The principal hatch at the moment is midges which are coming off in the mornings as the day warms up and some sun can get onto the water. The fish will take small nymphs and midge emergers when nymphing during the day. The big fish are now in the deeper slower parts of the river. So concentrate on nymphs such as princes and copper johns, various midge patterns and egg patterns.

Recommended Flies: Use midge emergers and tiny nymph attracters. See some of the patterns we have mentioned for the Pan. If you are nymphing deep down, use plenty of weight and pick where the fish are protected behind structure or deeper down in the slower water. Also try princes, brassies, copper johns and eggs deep down.

Colorado River

The water in the Colorado remains clear at the moment. Try midges, streamers if floating or alternatively nymphs and eggs deep down.

Recommended Flies: BWO nymphs; midges emergers and dries during the hatches, eggs and princes, 20 inchers size #10 - #14; streamers #2 - #8.