Salmonflies

The Salmonfly hatch on the Colorado River has been going for almost 10 days now with the number of bugs starting to diminish.  Several anglers reported some of the best fishing they have ever had in both Gore and Byers Canyons.  Who doesn't like aggressive top water action with 2 inch long dries tied on with 8 pound tippet.  A hike up into one of the mentioned canyons is your best bet to still get some action locally.  These great bugs are hatching on the North Platte below the state line in Wyoming and the Gunnison is expecting the emergence in a week or so.

In a recent trip to the Colorado River we also noted caddis, olives, pmd's, and stones of various sizes and colors.  The water was still very stained but large flies fished close to the banks did well as well as large stone droppers.  The trend on this river now is clearing and dropping so a trip to the upper Colorado is a good bet.  Other hot spots include Cheeseman Canyon, the Blue, and Grey Reef which has had an awesome later spring with great hatches and rising fish.  The Poudre is high and nasty right now and the Big Thompson is bumping up and down but fishing well.