With flows at historic highs, flash-flood warnings throughout the state and tail-waters that look like swollen freestones it may be time for the fly-angler to focus on stillwater. A few of Colorado’s rivers have been fishing well and the skillful angler can have great success during run-off. But if flows continue to be erratic, fishing will become more unpredictable. Places like Spinney Reservoir and Quincy Reservoir have been providing non-stop action and should be considered by any angler wanting to get out and hook-up.
Cold-Water
Midges have made up the majority of the hatches in most of the cold-water impoundments throughout Colorado. Use long leaders on floating lines and suspend midge larva and pupa patterns just above the weeds. Little to no retrieval (dead-sticking) of the midges works best, though the occasional twitch may trigger strikes. Midges are much larger in the lakes and fishing a size #14 pupa is not uncommon.
As the water temperatures warm Callibaetis and Damselfly nymphs will come into play. Use long leaders on floating lines or a sink-tip with a shortened leader. Slow methodical retrieves work best, with the occasional quick burst to draw attention. Cast away from the shoreline and retrieve in towards the weeds. Using loop knots will add extra movement to the fly, better mimicking swimming nymphs.
Streamers are always an exciting way to fish stillwater. Low-light situations produce best as leeches, crayfish, and baitfish feel more secure moving throughout the water column. Floating lines and long leaders make a more vertical retrieve that imitates an injured or dying baitfish. Sink-tip and full-sinking lines allow more of a horizontal retrieve, keeping the fly in the zones where feeding fish have been located. Having both a floating and sink-tip line available will allow you to cover the water columns thoroughly. Retrievals and depth fished should vary until you find the most productive technique.
Warm-water
Bass fishing has been explosive throughout the Metro area. Pre- and post-spawn bites are beginning to peak and vary from each fishery. Top-water action is slow, though we have picked up a few small bass during warmer days. Clousers and other baitfish patterns have worked best, though crawdad imitations worked slowly on the bottom have moved a number of fish. Most fish are in the shallows so using a floating line is the way to go.
Wiper fishing has been inconsistent. Fish are beginning to move towards the shallows offering the wade-fisherman a good opportunity to catch the hardest fighting fish in Colorado. Water temperatures are beginning to warm and fishing should be good within the next few weeks.
Pike fishing has been good, with many small males still hanging around in the shallows after the post-spawn. In higher elevations large pike are still being caught in relatively shallow water. Olive bunny flies, bigger leaches, and baitfish patterns have been working best.
Top Five Places to Fish
1.) Antero Reservoir
2.) Spinney Reservoir
3.) Quincy Reservoir
4.) Rocky Mountain Arsenal
5.) Horsetooth Reservoir
Now is the time to get out and test your skills on stillwater. The rewards are endless and no matter how successful your outings are, you will come out a better angler. So whether it’s the high-water that drives you to find an alternative to fishing rivers or the desire to catch a new species, you would be hard-pressed to find a better time to fish than now. Feel free to contact me at mattnery@theflyfisher.com with any questions. Tight Lines!
Matt Nery
