The San Miguel River is a freestone gem that winds its way through southwestern Colorado. With its crystal-clear water, abundant pocket water, and endless access points, this river is a dream for dry fly enthusiasts. October is bringing cooler water temps, hovering around the mid-50s. That, combined with steady flows around 85 cfs, means it’s a perfect time to target trout with a dry-dropper rig. The fall colors along the riverbanks only add to the beauty of the experience, and with fewer anglers on the water, it's just you, the fish, and the stunning mountain scenery.
The San Miguel River near Telluride is in prime late-fall form, with clear, low flows around 30-40 CFS, making it perfect for wading and sight fishing. This charming high-country stream winds through alpine scenery, providing anglers with a stunning backdrop and access to wild browns and rainbows. As November settles in, trout here are focused on midges and Blue Wing Olives, with feeding activity peaking during the warmer midday hours.
For those who enjoy technical fishing, the San Miguel delivers. Nymphing with small patterns is your best bet, but don't overlook a well-placed BWO dry fly during an afternoon hatch. The colder conditions make trout more selective, so a stealthy approach and precise presentation are essential.
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| March | Midges, Baetis (BWO) | Zebra Midges (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) |
| April | Midges, Baetis, Caddis | Black Beauty (#18-22), Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18) |
| May | Baetis, Caddis | Blue Wing Olive (#18-20), Pheasant Tail (#16-18) |
| June | Caddis, Stoneflies | Elk Hair Caddis (#16), Golden Stonefly (#8-12) |
| July | Caddis, Yellow Sallies | Yellow Sally (#14-16), PMD Emerger (#18-20) |
| August | Tricos, Caddis, Terrestrials | Trico Spinner (#22-24), Parachute Hopper (#10-12) |
| September | BWOs, Midges, Caddis | BWO Parachute (#18-22), Black Ant (#18-20) |
| October | BWOs, Midges | Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Zebra Midge (#20-24) |
| November | BWOs, Midges | BWO Emerger (#18-22), Black Beauty (#20-24) |
| December - February | Midges | Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24), WD-40 (#18-22) |
Seasonal Tip
Focus on midday for the warmest water temperatures and increased trout activity. Approach with caution to avoid spooking fish in the clear water.
Dry Fly
Look for BWOs emerging in the late morning. Present a small BWO dry fly in calm waters, where trout may rise.
Nymphing
Use a Zebra Midge or Black Beauty in slower, deeper runs. Light tippet and a subtle approach are key for success.
Streamer Fishing
An Olive Woolly Bugger can entice larger trout from deeper pools and along undercut banks. Try a slow retrieve to trigger strikes.
The San Miguel River has designated public fishing areas, but certain sections run through private property. Stick to public access points, and always carry a valid Colorado fishing license. Barbless hooks are recommended to protect the fish, and practicing catch-and-release helps maintain the river's wild trout population. Enjoy this beautiful stretch responsibly to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.