Fishing Report

Northwest Fishing Areas
Big Creek Lakes — Fishing for trout in the lakes and the creek below has been fairly good. Fly fishermen have enjoyed pretty good success in the lakes and the creek. Some large tiger muskies have been evident, but very difficult to entice. Fishing for lake trout has been slow, with fish in deeper water. The bag and possession limit for mackinaw and/or splake in Lower Big Creek Lake is three, of which only one can exceed 26 inches.
Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) — Tues-day’s flow was 408 cfs, down a little from last week. The river below Green Mountain Dam holds its share of trout, some of which are large. Though some public access is available, much of the river courses through private property. Catch-and-release and flies-and-lures provisions are in effect for the river from the dam to the Colorado River.
Blue River (Dillon to Green Mtn. Res.) — Flows below the dam have increased, and on Tuesday were 271 cfs. Water temperatures also have dropped, turning the fishing approach through Silverthorne largely back to midges and Mysis. Caddis dry flies still take a few fish in the afternoon. Fishing below Silverthorne has remained consistent. Drake dries still are taking a few fish, though the hatch is mostly over. Caddis are hatching throughout the day, with the best activity in the afternoons. Try nymphing in the mornings while waiting for rising trout — then switch to dries.
Colorado River (below Parshall) — Tuesday’s flows were 191 cfs at Windy Gap, 323 cfs near Parshall and 990 cfs near Kremmling, below the Blue River confluence. Barring localized rain, the water is clear. Pale-morning-dun mayflies, midges and Yellow Sally stoneflies have been present, along with caddis late in the day. Dry flies are the ticket when surface activity is evident. Otherwise, nymphs, San Juan worms and streamer flies have been effective for fly-rodders. Spinning and bait fishing also have been effective below Kremmling.
Colorado River (Glenwood to Rifle) — Recent flows have been around 3,200 cfs in Glenwood Springs. The river is producing fish in the slow side channels and scum lines of the eddies, with fish beginning to concentrate in the riffles and faster water during caddis hatches. As August brings monsoons and afternoon showers, the river clarity will vary day-to-day. Early in the weekend it was very fishable. On clear days, fish downstream between Glen-wood Springs and Silt or pick apart the pocket water in Glenwood Canyon. Hot flies include Sparkle Stacker PMDs, X-Wing Caddis, Ethawing Caddis, orange Stimulators, San Juan worms, 20-Inchers, STDs, black Woolly Buggers and Sand’s Stingin’ Sculpins.
Colorado River (near Gran-by) — Sunday’s flow rates were 264 cfs at Windy Gap and 482 cfs below Parshall. Rain has increased the flow rates, but fishing is good. Fishing at the Parshall Hole has been very good. RS-2s, Copper Johns and other emerger patterns are doing well. Dry flies such as caddis, mosquito, Yellow Sally and dun patterns have been doing well. Hoppers are coming on. Lure fishing is very good. In the immediate Granby area and downstream to the bridge at the west end of Byers Canyon, bait fishing is permitted and two fish may be kept. Inquire in Granby for the latest conditions.
Cowdrey Lake — Cowdrey Lake had a partial winter kill. The lake recently was stocked by the DOW and fishing has been good. Most fish are stocker-size, but the fish that survived the winter are big and have provided fun for some lucky anglers. Chironomids, Callibaetis and damselflies will be the ticket through midsummer.