Colorado Fly Fishing Updates

The conditions during the past six weeks here in Gunnison Valley have proven to be fantastic, and although most of our major mayfly hatches have moved through the watershed, we still have great Blue Wing Olive emergences on cloudy days, and are seeing a good number of Red Quills and spinners. Caddis are continuing their involvement as a primary food source in the afternoons and before dark!

Good patterns include:

• Pats Rubberlegs size 8-14
• Micro & Psycho Mayflies 14-18
• Copper Johns 14-18
• Pheasant Tails 12-18
• Two Bit Hooker 14-18
• JuJu Baetis 16-20
• Missing Link Caddis 14-18
• RS2 16-20
• Amy’s Ant 10-14
• Fuzzy Wuzzy 8 – 12
• Rusty Spinner 14 – 16
• Red Quill 12 – 16

As the summer months continue on, there are some shifts happening. To make the most out of the remainder of the summer season, while protecting the environment we’re interacting within, it is important to understand the Colorado fly fishing shifts happening to sustain fishing for the rest of the year.

Here are three tips from our Colorado fly fishing manager, Elliot Manning to help make the most out of the summer fly fishing season and start to shift into the fall fly fishing season in Colorado.

1. Dry Weather With Warm Temperatures and Warm Water For August

As August continues, we start to see some of the fantastic conditions we’ve been accustomed to this summer shift. Without additional moisture, the rivers will continue to drop and water temperatures will warm. We are expecting the western drought to carry throughout the month, which will put pressure on the fishery. As a result, and to be good stewards of our resource, guides will carry thermometers to gauge water temperatures throughout the day.

It’s important to note, when the gauge reaches the upper 60’s, it’ll be time to reel it up for the day and focus on other activities. We’ll need to take extra care of our fish during the August heat, by minimizing the time fish are handled, keeping them wet at all times, and making sure they get revived and released properly.

Rainbow trout from the Taylor River. 

2. Timing Is Everything

As part of our contribution to the health and sustainability of the local Colorado fisheries, Eleven Angling will be shifting start and end times earlier in the day for fishing itineraries. While standard full day trips may not be an option, we will focus on morning trips. These morning trips will still produce some exciting opportunities for angling enthusiasts. What does this mean for our anglers? It means, we will be getting on the water earlier and pulling off the water earlier. This is all a part of practicing good stewardship of the resources and species, especially within the Colorado region. Also, it will allow our anglers to take advantage of the best time to be on the water.

For the adventure seekers, high alpine lakes make for great Colorado fly fishing adventures. These treks are great alternatives and allow guests to potentially see a variety of species that you wouldn’t be able to find in the rivers.

3. Take Advantage of Fall Season Colorado Fly Fishing

Plan for fishing to heat up (in a good way!) come September. Fall 2021 should not be overlooked as a targeted time to fish. With the foliage, the Kokanee salmon run, cooler weather, and fewer crowds, some of the most productive fishing of the year will kick in. Low water levels will give anglers the ability to move around the river with ease, providing opportunities to position yourself in the best locations to target fish. Don’t miss out on the chance to chase aggressive trout before the season is over!

The one and only, Taylor River. 

Interested in fishing with us in Colorado?

Contact, Colorado Angling Manager, Elliot Manning to schedule your adventure today!

By: Elliot Manning
Colorado Angling Manager