Late Spring Colorado Fishing Report
It has a been a busy spring out here with some interesting conditions on our Front Range rivers and streams. Some late mountain snowstorms combined with cooler nighttime temps has caused the snowpack to release very late this year. Runoff is just now getting going, a solid 3 weeks later than most years.
The popular private water fly fishing ranches we guide on the North Fork of the South Platte were just able to open last week due to the river flows finally getting enough snowmelt. This is almost a month later than they typically open but we needed to wait for the rivers to get up above 100 cfs. The wait has been worth it! Despite some muddy water, the private water guided fly fishing trips on the North Fork have been great. Below are some highlights from our great friends Tom and Jess who fished with CTH guide Chelsey Christy.
South Platte River Flow Forecast
With an above average snowpack and a late start to runoff, Denver Water has told us all of its reservoirs will fill up this year. So you can expect stretches like Deckers and the Dream Stream to have above average flows. The flows below Cheesman Reservoir are already up and spilling over the top of the reservoir. Don’t let the high water scare you, it has continued to fish great! Ask any fly fishing guide and they will all agree, high water is better than low water. Stick to fishing the softer water on the edges and don’t be afraid to fish bigger flies, especially when the water has some color to it. Aren’t catching fish? Add more weight! The Dream Stream hasn’t come up yet but it will soon! When it does, make sure you have a leech or brown worm on your rig.
Reservoir Boat Trips!
A new offering this year has been our guided fly fishing trips in the South Park Reservoirs from a power boat. A great option during run off or really anytime of the year. These South Park Reservoirs hold some of the largest fish in the state. We can get you out in the boat and target these fish from the many drop offs and weed lines that make these reservoirs a trout fishing paradise!
We still have some summer openings for guided fly fishing trips, on both public and private water. Want to get out fly fishing? Give us a call at (303) 325-5515 and we can help customize any Colorado guided fly fishing trip for you!
