UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER
CADDIS - Caddis are the most prevalent insect in the Uncompahgre
River, normally beginning its emergence in May and you'll probably see them all the way through October. If you see
fish rising to these insects, try fishing with a #16-#22 Elk Hair Caddis. Usually,the afternoons and evenings are the
best times for a good Caddis hatch, but be prepared any time of the day. Since the majority of a fish's diet is
underwater, don't forget about your subsurface flies. The Hare's Ear nymph pattern in a #16-#18 has always worked
well throughout the year. You may also want to try out a Breadcrust #14-#18, Olive & Brown Caddis Nymph #14-20,
Buckskin #16-#20, Sparkle Caddis Pupa #16-#20, CDC Caddis #16-#22, Caddis Emerger #16-#20.
PALE
MORNING DUN (PMD)- The PMD hatch on the Uncompahgre river is getting better each year, usually
beginning its emergence in late June and continuing into the early partof September. Mornings and Late afternoons/evenings are
the best times to see and fish this hatch. The trusty old Pheasant Tail Nymph and Dark Hare's Ear in #16-#22
have always been successful flies on the Uncompahgre river. Other successful fies are, Biot PMD Nymph #16-#18,
Lt Cahill Comparadun #14-20, Parachute PMD #16-#20, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, Hatch Matcher PMD #16-#20, PMD Thorax
#16-#20.
BLUE-WINGED OLIVE (BWO)- The BWO population
on the Uncompahgre River is increasing every year. We have seen BWOs throughout the year on the Unc, however the best
months have been July -October. Mornings and late afternoons, or warm cloudy Winter days, have been the best times
to fish these little insects. Some great action can be had with these little guys by fishing Olive Biot Nymphs #18-#20,
Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, RS-2 #16-#20, Parachute Adams #16-#20, Olive Comparadun
#16-#18, and of course a good BWO pattern in a #16-#22.
TERRESTRIALS
- Terrestrials exist around most all bodies of water, and here in Western Colorado we have an endless supply.
Terrestrial insects are most prevalent in the summer months, June through September, but they have been seen as late as November.
Grasshoppers, Ants and Spiders, are the most common, although the occasional Cricket, Beetle or Beetle-like creature
finds its way into the water. If you see a large amount of grasshoppers around the river banks,
try a Hopper in #10-#14, or a Parachute Hopper in #10-#14. A double rig set up with a hopper pattern on top followed
by a Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, or a Hare's Ear, can be DEADLY in the summer months. Trail the bottom
fly about 18" below the top fly and keep an eye on the hopper. If it makes any unnatural movements,
including going under water, SET!!!
Ants are everywhere, however fish usually take them more aggressively
in the higher altitudes. On the Uncompahgre River, try the Black Ant #14-#20, Black Fur Ant #14-#18, and the Flying
Black Ant #14-#18. For Beetles, try a Hi-Vis Foam Beetle #12-#16, and for crickets, try a standard Cricket
pattern in a #10 or #12. Humpys in a #10-#16, and Royal Wulffs in a #10-#16 will also often bring a fish
to the net.
Terrestrials can be a lot of fun, DONT FORGET ABOUT THEM!
STONEFLY
- When thinking about the Stonefly in Colorado, most individuals direct their attention to the Gunnison
River, but what about the Uncompahgre River? Yes, it too has Stoneflies. Not as prevalent as in the
Gunnison River, but they are there and the fish eat them. The Stonefly in the Uncompahgre River is usually present
in the summer months with the afternoons and evenings the best times to find them. The most successful patterns for
matching our Uncompahgre River Stoneflies have been, Halfback #8-#12, Prince Nymph #8-#12, Beadhead Prince #8-#14, Befus Wired
Stone #8-#12, and the Twenty Incher #6-#12
MIDGES - Midges
are found in the Uncompahgre River year round, but most successfully fished during the winter months. In the winter
months on warm cloudy days, 20-40 fish netted is not uncommon. Olive, Brown, and Black Biot Midges in #16-#22,
consistently take trout on the Unc. These Biot Midges dropped below a small Pheasant Tail or a Copper John (red,
green, copper) can be a great combination year round, but best in the winter. Also, try Brassies in #16-#22,
Disco Midge #18-#22, Cream Pupa #18-#22, Palomino Midges #18-#22, and the Griffith's Gnat #18-#22.
MISCELLANEOUS FLIES AND STREAMERS -In the Spring, Egg patterns and Micro
Eggs in #8-#12 work well. A #12-#16 red San Juan Worm can also provide for lots of fish on the Unc on any
given day. Olive and Black Woolly Buggers #6-#10, dead drifted on the bottom or stripped through an eddy can also
produce great fishing action.
 |
|
GUNNISON RIVER
CADDIS - Although not as prevalent as on the Uncompahgre River, the Gunnison River still has
some great Caddis hatches. Caddis begin showing up around late April to May on the Gunnison, and are
usually seen into September. Like the Unc, if you see fish rising to these insects,
try fishing with a #16-#22 Elk Hair Caddis. Usually, the afternoons and evenings are the best times for a good Caddis
hatch, but be prepared any time of the day. Since the majority of a fish's diet is underwater, don't forget
about your subsurface flies. The Hare's Ear nymph pattern in a #16-#18 has always worked well throughout the year.
You may also want to try out a Breadcrust #14-#18, Olive & Brown Caddis Nymph #14-20, Buckskin #16-#20, Sparkle Caddis Pupa
#16-#20, CDC Caddis #16-#22, Caddis Emerger #16-#20.
PALE MORNING DUN (PMD)- The
PMD hatch on the Gunnison River, usually begins its emergence around the first part of July and continues
into the early parts of August. Mornings and Late afternoons/evenings are the best times to see and fish this hatch. Again,
the Pheasant Tail Nymph and Dark Hare's Ear in #16-#22 are successful flies during this hatch. Other successful
fies are, Biot PMD Nymph #16-#18, Lt Cahill Comparadun #14-20, Parachute PMD #16-#20, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20,
Hatch Matcher PMD #16-#20, PMD Thorax #16-#20.
BLUE-WINGED OLIVE (BWO)-
If conditions are right, the BWO hatch on the Gunnison River can be Awesome! The best time to catch this hatch
is July through October, and on warm, cloudy Winter days. Mornings and late afternoons, are the best times to fish the
hatch. Try fishing Olive Biot Nymphs #18-#20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, RS-2
#16-#20, Parachute Adams #16-#20, Olive Comparadun #16-#18, and of course a good BWO pattern in a #16-#22.
TERRESTRIALS - Terrestrial insects on the Gunnison River are most prevalent
in the summer months, June through September, but they have been seen into October. Grasshoppers, Ants and Spiders,
are the most common, although the occasional Cricket, Beetle or Beetle-like creature finds its way into the water. If
you see a large amount of grasshoppers around the river banks, try a Hopper in #10-#14, Henry's Fork Hopper
#8-#12, or a Parachute Hopper in #10-#14. Here too, a double rig set up with a hopper pattern on top followed by
a Pheasant Tail Nymph, Copper John, or a Hare's Ear, can be very effective in the summer months.
Trail the bottom fly about 18" below the top fly and keep an eye on the hopper.
Ants
are everywhere, however fish usually take them more aggressively in the higher altitudes. Like the Uncompahgre River,
try the Black Ant #14-#20, Black Fur Ant #14-#18, and the Flying Black Ant #14-#18. For Beetles, try a Hi-Vis Foam
Beetle #12-#16, and for crickets, try a standard Cricket pattern in a #10 or #12. Humpys in a
#10-#16, and Royal Wulffs in a #10-#16 will also often bring a fish to the net.
STONEFLY
- The Stonefly Hatch in the Gunnison River is one to brag about. It usually begins in June sometime
when the water temperature starts increasing, and continues for about a month. The first few weeks of the hatch
normally has the best fishing action, as the fish are aggressively feeding on these massive flies. As the hatch continues,
the fish have had their fill and the fishing slows down. Stonefly action can be had all day long while the hatch is
in progress. The Twenty Incher #4-#12, Kaufmann's Golden and Brown Stonefly #6-#12, Sofa Pillow #4-#8,
and a Stimulator #4-#12, have all proven to be successful flies during this hatch. If no luck is had on those, try a
Halfback #8-#12, Prince Nymph #8-#12, Beadhead Prince #8-#14, Befus Wired Stone #8-#12, or a Bitch Creek Nymph.
LITTLE YELLOW STONEFLY - The Gunnison River also has a small yellow Stonefly
that shows itself in the Summer months from June through August. Some excellent fishing is usually
in conjunction with this hatch, as the fish aggressively feed on them. A Foam Yellow Sally #14-#20, Beadhead Prince
Nymph #14-#18, Stimulator #14-#18, and a Gold-winged Prince Nymph #14-#18, successfully take fish during this hatch.
GREEN DRAKE - Green Drakes emerge on the Gunnison River
during the Summer, usually from July through August. If these insects are present while you're out, FISH THEM!
This is a real exciting hatch on the Gunnison River with 50+ fish days possible. Fish Green Drake patterns in #10-#12,
Olive Hare's Ear #10-#14, and Adams in a #10-#14.
MIDGES -
Midges are found in the Gunnison River year round, but most successfully fished during the winter months. Like
on the Uncompahgre River, Olive, Brown, and Black Biot Midges in #16-#22, consistently take trout . Again, these
Biot Midges dropped below a small Pheasant Tail or a Copper John (red, green, copper) can be a great combination year
round, but best in the winter. Also, try Brassies in #16-#22, Disco Midge #18-#22, Cream Pupa #18-#22, Palomino
Midges #18-#22, and the Griffith's Gnat #18-#22.
MISCELLANEOUS FLIES AND
STREAMERS -In the Spring, Egg patterns and Micro Eggs in #8-#12 work well. A #12-#16
red San Juan Worm can also provide for lots of fish on any given day. The Gunnison River offers successful
streamer fishing all year. Olive and Black Woolly Buggers #6-#10, dead drifted on the bottom or stripped through
an eddy can produce great fishing action. Also, try a Mick Finn #6-#12, Muddler
Minnow #6-#12, and Sculpin patterns #4-#10.
|
|
SAN MIGUEL RIVER
CADDIS - The Caddis hatch on the San Miguel River is relatively short compared to other local
waters. They normally begin emerging in July and continue hatching into
the first part of September. Afternoons and Evenings are the best times to fish the hatch. Fish a #16-#22 Elk
Hair Caddis, Hare's Ear nymph pattern in a #16-#18, Breadcrust #14-#18, Olive & Brown Caddis Nymph #14-#20, Buckskin
#16-#20, Sparkle Caddis Pupa #16-#20, CDC Caddis #16-#22, Caddis Emerger #16-#20.
PALE
MORNING DUN (PMD)- Like with the Uncompahgre River, the PMD hatch on the San Miguel River is
getting stronger each year. The hatch usually appears in late June and continues into the early parts
of September. Mornings and Late afternoons/evenings are the best times for this hatch. Fish a Pheasant
Tail Nymph and Dark Hare's Ear in #16-#22, Biot PMD Nymph #16-#18, Lt Cahill Comparadun #14-20, Parachute PMD #16-#20,
Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, Hatch Matcher PMD #16-#20, PMD Thorax #16-#20, and a Sparkle Dunn #14-#20
BLUE-WINGED OLIVE (BWO)- The BWO hatch on the San Miguel is seen in early Spring, usually
in April and May, and then after runoff in August and September. They can also show themselves on the warm, cloudy Winter
days. Mornings and late afternoons seem to be the best times to fish the hatch. Some great action is accomplished
by fishing Olive Biot Nymphs #18-#20, Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, Beadhead Pheasant Tail Nymph #16-#20, RS-2 #16-#20, Parachute
Adams #16-#20, Olive Comparadun #16-#18, and of course a good BWO pattern in a #16-#22.
TERRESTRIALS
- Terrestrial insects are most prevalent in the summer months, June through September, but they have been seen
as late as October on the San Miguel. Again, Grasshoppers, Ants and Spiders, are the most common, although the occasional Cricket,
Beetle or Beetle-like creature finds its way into the water. If you see a large amount of grasshoppers around
the river banks, try a Hopper in #10-#14, or a Parachute Hopper in #10-#14. Try the double rig set-up (see
above on Uncompahgre Terrestrials & Gunnison Terrestrials).
In slow eddys on the the San Miguel River,
Ant patterns can be pretty successful. Try the Black Ant #14-#20, Black Fur Ant #14-#18, and the Flying Black Ant #14-#18.
For Beetles, try a Hi-Vis Foam Beetle #12-#16, and for crickets, try a standard Cricket pattern in a #10
or #12. Humpys in a #10-#16, and Royal Wulffs in a #10-#16 will also often bring a fish to the net.
GOLDEN STONEFLY - The San Miguel River has a good population of
Golden Stoneflies, usually present in early Spring and then in June and July. On certain days, this hatch can be
great with awesome action in the afternoons and evenings. Gold Winged Prince Nymph #8-#12, Kaufmann's
Golden Stonefly #8-#12, Foam Yellow Sally's #12-#18, and Bitch Creek Nymphs #8-#12 produce great fishing.
MIDGES - Midges are found in the San Miguel River year round,
but like other rivers in the area are most successfully fished during the winter months. In the winter months on
warm cloudy days, 20 fish netted is not uncommon. Olive, Brown, and Black Biot Midges in #16-#22, consistently
take trout on the Unc. These Biot Midges dropped below a small Pheasant Tail or a Copper John (red, green, copper)
can be a great combination year round, but best in the winter. Also, try Brassies in #16-#22, Disco Midge
#18-#22, Cream Pupa #18-#22, Palomino Midges #18-#22, and the Griffith's Gnat #18-#22.
MISCELLANEOUS FLIES AND STREAMERS -In the Spring, Egg patterns and Micro
Eggs in #8-#12 work well. A #12-#16 red San Juan Worm can also provide for lots of fish on the Unc on any
given day. Olive and Black Woolly Buggers #6-#10, and Muddler Minnows #4-#10 dead drifted on the bottom or stripped
through an eddy can also produce great fishing action.
|