Winter Fly Fishing on the Dolores River Near McPhee Reservoir

Dolores River Fly Fishing Report

The Dolores River near Gateway is a hidden gem, flowing through dramatic red rock canyons and offering a peaceful, remote fly fishing experience. This stretch of river is home to wild brown and rainbow trout, thriving in its cold, clear waters. While flows are low in winter, the scenery more than compensates, and anglers willing to brave the technical conditions can find rewarding fishing opportunities. With sparse hatches of midges and the occasional Blue Wing Olive, this stretch demands stealth, patience, and precise presentations, but the solitude and natural beauty make it an unforgettable destination.

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The Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir is like that hard-to-get trout you always chase—sometimes it gives you a little love, and other times, it completely ghosts you. Flows here are highly dependent on dam releases, and in winter, that often means low, slow-moving water with selective trout. But if you time it right and match the hatch, this tailwater can produce some incredible wild browns and rainbows.

Right now, with cold water temps and stable but minimal flows, the fish are hunkered down in deeper pools, sipping on midges, Baetis, and the occasional scud. Dry fly action is nearly nonexistent, but nymphing is steady and productive if you focus on slow drifts through the deep buckets. Streamer fishing? Possible—if you’re willing to put in the work and deal with a lot of refusals.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: 5-15 CFS (extremely low, winter minimum flows)
• Water Temperature: 35-40°F
• Clarity: Crystal clear
• Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
• Star Rating: ⭐ (1/5 – Beautiful setting, but challenging fishing due to low flows)

River Flow Chart

Dolores River Hatch Chart

Top 3 Flies for the Week

• Dry Fly: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-22) – Only worth trying on warmer, calm afternoons.
• Nymph: Jujubee Midge (#20-24) – The bread and butter fly for winter.
• Streamer: Mini Sex Dungeon (#8-10) – Slowly stripped through deeper pools for aggressive browns.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Dolores River Below McPhee

Seasonal Tip

With minimal flows, trout are ultra-spooky and stacked in deep pools—approach quietly, lengthen your leader, and use 6X tippet.

Dry Fly

The odds of finding rising fish are slim, but on warmer days, you might get lucky with a midge hatch in slower eddies.

Nymphing

The most productive approach—stick with small midges, scuds, and Baetis nymphs, and adjust your depth frequently to keep flies in the strike zone.

Streamer Fishing

Don’t expect aggressive chases—dead-drift or slowly twitch a small streamer to entice a big brown into biting.

Access Points

Bradfield Bridge

• Description: A popular starting point with easy access and deep runs.
• Why Fish Here: Great structure, plenty of holding water, and reliable winter action.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Snaggletooth Rapid Section

• Description: More technical, rugged terrain, but less fishing pressure.
• Why Fish Here: Challenging, but offers solitude and a shot at a big wild brown.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Below the Dam (Dolores River State Wildlife Area)

• Description: Closest to the tailwater—low flows but good winter nymphing.
• Why Fish Here: Consistent temps, but fish are extra picky.
• Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights

• Artificial flies and lures only—no bait fishing allowed.
• Catch-and-release encouraged—this is a delicate fishery with limited flow releases.
• Private property markers: Watch for fence lines, posted signs, and landowner boundaries.
• Winter Safety: Ice can form along the banks, and wading can be tricky—watch your step.

If you’re looking for a winter challenge in one of Colorado’s most scenic river canyons, the Dolores below McPhee is worth the effort. But be ready to work for every fish!