Fishing Report: Colorado River - Upper Colorado Pumphouse 10/02/2024

Welcome to the Upper Colorado (Pumphouse), where the trout are hungry, and the water’s as wild as your casting arm! Flowing at a mellow pace between Kremmling and Parshall, this section is a fly fisher’s dream with its mix of slow runs, gentle riffles, and deep pockets perfect for sneaky nymphing or swinging streamers. You won’t need a heavy rig here; just pack your finesse and patience because the browns and rainbows are out in full force.

October Fishing Report: Upper Colorado River (Pumphouse)

Current River Conditions

Flows are sitting around 275 CFS with crystal-clear visibility—about 3 feet of clarity—so stealth mode is on. Water temps are holding between 40-50°F, meaning the fish are active, especially in the afternoons when the sun hits the water just right. Hatches of Blue Wing Olives, PMDs, and stonefly nymphs are keeping trout busy, so matching the hatch is key.

Best of all? This stretch is tailor-made for both wading and floating, making it perfect for a laid-back day with lots of action. Just don’t forget your streamers for the deeper pools, where the big ones like to lurk. And hey, keep an eye out for some of the local wildlife—you might just get a side-eye from a bighorn sheep as you land your next big catch!

Condition Summary

• Flows: 275 CFS – Flows are perfect for both wading and floating, making it easy to access those deep pockets where the big trout like to hang out.
• Water Temperature: 40-50°F – Chilly, but just warm enough to keep the trout active, especially in the late morning and early afternoon. Perfect for nymphing or dry fly action as the water warms slightly.
• Air Temperature: 50-70°F during the day – Mild fall weather means comfortable fishing conditions with a sweater in the morning and sunscreen in the afternoon. Expect cooler mornings, so plan for layers.

source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Top Flies

• Nymphs: RS2, Pheasant Tail, Copper John.
• Dries: Parachute Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, PMD Sparkle Dun.
• Streamers: Woolly Bugger, Sculpzilla.

Nymphs

• Patterns: RS2, Pheasant Tail, Barr's BWO Emerger.
• Sizes: #18-22.
• When to Use: Best in deeper runs and riffles, especially during late morning and afternoon hatches.

• Patterns: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper John, Golden Stone.
• Sizes: #8-14.
• When to Use: Fish in faster water and deeper pools where stonefly nymphs are more likely to be present.

Midges: Always productive, especially in colder months.

• • Patterns: Zebra Midge, Black Beauty, Mercury Midge.
  • Sizes: #18-22.
  • When to Use: Effective year-round, particularly in slower runs and during colder parts of the day.

Dry Flies

Blue Wing Olive (BWO): Fall BWO hatches are common and produce excellent dry fly action.

• Patterns: Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun, Foam Wing Emerger.
• Sizes: #18-22.
• When to Use: Best in the early afternoon during hatch activity, especially in slower seams and riffles.

Pale Morning Dun (PMD): Common during warmer parts of the day.

• Patterns: Parachute PMD, Rusty Spinner, PMD Sparkle Dun.
• Sizes: #16-20.
• When to Use: Hatch happens late morning to early afternoon, ideal for slower-moving sections of the river.

Caddisflies: Consistent throughout late spring and summer.

• • Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis.
  • Sizes: #14-18.
  • When to Use: Evening hatches are best, with trout rising to surface-feeding on caddis.

Streamers

Woolly Bugger: A versatile and effective fly for targeting larger trout.

• Patterns: Olive, Black, Brown.
• Sizes: #8-12.
• When to Use: Ideal for early morning or late evening when trout are more aggressive. Fish these streamers in deeper pools and near structure.

Sculpin Patterns: Great for imitating small baitfish.

• • Patterns: Sculpzilla, Baby Gonga.
  • Sizes: #6-10.
  • When to Use: Best used in deeper, faster-moving water where larger trout are hunting. Strip or swing through deeper pools.

   

Access Points

Pumphouse Recreation Area:

• Description: This is the main access point for the Upper Colorado River, known for its easy entry to the water. There’s a boat ramp, parking, and camping facilities available.

• Why Fish Here: It’s the starting point for many float trips, but also offers excellent walk-and-wade fishing. The water here has long riffles, pools, and excellent nymphing opportunities.

• Location: Just off Trough Road, near Kremmling, CO.

Radium Recreation Site:

• Description: Located downstream from Pumphouse, this site provides both camping and river access, with a boat launch for float trips.

• Why Fish Here: The deeper pools and braided channels in this stretch make it great for streamer fishing and targeting larger trout.

• Location: Along Trough Road, a bit further downstream from the Pumphouse area.

State Bridge:

• Description: A popular spot for both wading and launching float trips, State Bridge offers good access to a more remote section of the river.

• Why Fish Here: Known for its larger trout and more challenging waters, this section is ideal for more experienced anglers looking for solitude.

• Location: Along Highway 131 near Bond, CO.

Two Bridges:

• • Description: Another popular float trip launch point, but with plenty of access for wade fishing as well.

  • Why Fish Here: This area offers a mix of riffles, runs, and pools, making it great for anglers targeting different water types.
  • Location: Located near Bond, CO, along Highway 131.

Fishing Tactics

Nymphing Techniques

Nymphing is often the most productive technique on Clear Creek, especially in deeper runs and faster riffles where trout are holding and feeding. Given the creek's clear water and variable flow, getting your nymphs down to the fish is essential.

• High-Sticking Nymphing: This technique is very effective for Clear Creek's pocket water and faster runs. Use a short, tight line with minimal slack to maintain direct contact with your nymphs. This method lets you detect subtle strikes and keep your flies in the strike zone longer. High-sticking works particularly well in the upper stretches of Clear Creek, where the water is faster and more turbulent.

• Two-Fly Nymph Rig: A two-fly nymph rig is an excellent choice for covering different depths and food sources. Start with a larger attractor pattern, such as a Pat’s Rubber Legs or Rock Worm, as your point fly, and then add a smaller, more imitative pattern like a Zebra Midge, RS2, or Flash Back Pheasant Tail as a dropper. This setup lets you cover multiple water columns, targeting both bottom-feeding and mid-column trout​

• Adjust Depth and Weight Frequently: Depending on the flow and depth of the water, you’ll need to adjust the depth and weight of your nymph rig frequently. Use enough split shot to get your flies down quickly in the deeper runs and pools, and ensure you’re achieving a drag-free drift to avoid spooking fish. Strike indicators can help detect subtle bites in the faster water.

Dry Fly and Dry-Dropper Fishing

Dry fly fishing on Clear Creek can be highly effective, particularly during hatch periods or when trout are rising to take insects off the surface. Given the creek's clear water, presentation is key.

• Dry-Dropper Rigs: This versatile setup lets you fish a dry fly on the surface with a nymph or emerger pattern suspended below. Use a buoyant dry fly like a Hippy Stomper or Amy’s Ant as the indicator fly, with a small nymph or emerger (such as a Bubble Back Emerger or Panty Dropper PMD) tied beneath. This combination is particularly effective in pocket water and around structure, where trout might be holding just below the surface or actively feeding on top​(

• Target Specific Spots: Focus on the softer water near the banks, seams, and eddies where fish are more likely to rise to the surface. Present your dry flies with a delicate, drag-free drift, especially when targeting rising trout during hatches of BWOs, PMDs, or caddis. Fish these patterns in slower pools and riffles where trout are more likely to feed on the surface.

Streamer Fishing

Streamer fishing can be very effective on Clear Creek, particularly for targeting larger, more aggressive trout. This technique works best in deeper pools and around structure, such as fallen trees or undercut banks.

• Swinging and Stripping Streamers: Use streamers like Woolly Buggers, Thin Mints, or Baby Gonga to imitate baitfish, crayfish, or other larger prey. Swing or strip these flies through deep pools and along the edges of faster currents. Vary your retrieve speed—short, quick strips can mimic a fleeing baitfish, while slower, steady pulls can imitate a wounded fish.

• Focus on Low-Light Conditions: Streamer fishing is often most productive during low-light conditions, such as early morning or late evening. It can also be effective during overcast days or when the water is slightly off-color due to rain, making trout less cautious and more likely to chase larger prey​

Sight Fishing and Stealth Tactics

Clear Creek's transparency demands a stealthy approach, especially when sight fishing for trout holding in shallower runs or near the banks.

• Polarized Sunglasses: Use polarized sunglasses to reduce glare and help spot fish in deeper pools or holding in pocket water. This visibility allows you to target specific fish with precise casts.

• Long Leaders and Light Tippet: Use long leaders (9-12 feet) and light tippets (5x-6x) to reduce visibility and avoid spooking fish. Approach the water carefully and keep a low profile to avoid alerting the trout to your presence.

• Read the Water: Look for subtle signs of fish activity, such as bubbles, surface disturbances, or slight changes in water color that indicate seams or feeding lanes. Fish these areas thoroughly before moving on.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Clear Creek can experience rapid changes in conditions, especially with sudden weather changes that can affect flow and clarity.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to switch tactics throughout the day based on fish behavior and current conditions. If dry flies aren’t working, switch to nymphing or streamers. Keep a variety of flies and adjust your presentation as needed.

• Time Your Outing: Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to fish Clear Creek, as trout are more active and feeding. During the middle of the day, focus on deeper pools or shaded areas where fish might be holding.