Colorado Fishing Report

The South Platte is fishing exceptionally well this week. Flows at Deckers are running around 98 cfs — perfect for wade fishing. BWO hatches are popping off daily between 11am and 2pm. Midge fishing is solid all day in the slower runs. Look for fish stacked in deep pools and behind mid-river boulders.

The Pan is in prime shape with consistent tailwater releases from Ruedi Reservoir keeping flows steady at 74 cfs. Midges and BWOs are the go-to. Large brown trout are active in the upper canyon near the dam. Streamers are also producing well in the deeper pools at dusk.

The Upper Ark near Salida is running clear and productive. Caddis activity is picking up as water temps climb. The Pueblo Reservoir tailwater below is seeing good nymphing action with San Juan Worms and egg patterns. Flows slightly elevated but fishable throughout.

The Gunnison Gorge is slightly off-color from snowmelt. Conditions are improving but visibility is reduced to about 2 feet. Large streamer patterns in chartreuse/white are producing in the murky water. Expect conditions to clear by mid-April. Use caution wading.

Colorado's only designated Wild & Scenic River is fishing well this week. The lower canyon sections below Fort Collins are clear and productive. Flows are moderate at 118 cfs near the canyon mouth. Midges and early BWOs are the primary hatch. Expect excellent nymphing in the deep canyon runs. A great option for Front Range anglers.

The Blue River tailwater below Dillon Reservoir is one of Colorado's most consistent fisheries, and this week is no exception. Flows are perfectly regulated at 56 cfs. Midges dominate from dawn to mid-morning. BWOs are hatching reliably by noon. The Silverthorne section near the outlets holds large rainbows stacked in the slower glides — fish #22 midges on 7x tippet for best results.

The White River near Meeker is an underrated gem that sees far less pressure than the Front Range tailwaters. Flows are running at 195 cfs — slightly elevated but very fishable. Brown trout are active in the deeper bends and undercut banks. Spin anglers are doing well with small Kastmasters and inline spinners in the riffles. Fly fishers should focus on large streamers and San Juan Worms.

The Big Thompson is fishing well in the canyon section below Estes Park. Flows are at 87 cfs — ideal for wading. Midges are active all day in the slower pools. The section through Rocky Mountain National Park is catch-and-release only and holds wild greenback cutthroat trout. Weekday visits are strongly recommended to avoid weekend crowds near Estes.

The North Fork Poudre is a smaller, more remote stream that rewards anglers willing to explore. Flows are lower at 42 cfs and water is running clear with some snowmelt tint. Brook trout and small browns are the primary quarry here. This is a great option for small-stream fly fishing with #14–16 attractors. Access is via Roosevelt National Forest roads — check road conditions before heading out.