Fishing Report

Fishing Report from Dragonfly Anglers
Week of June 25, 2009

Overview
Valley wide, the water is clearing and approaching very nice early season levels. Un pressured fish are there for the angler who wants to get out and fish the banks with big dries and big nymphs. The annual Salmonfly hatch is going full strength in the Black Canyon as we speak. Early summer rains will keep the Taylor Reservoir releasing good amounts of water for good flows downstream.

Gunnison River (Almont-Blue Mesa) 1800cfs at Almont
The Green Drakes are being seen on the lower sections of the Gunnison above Blue Mesa. The levels are high, yet with nicer weather the clarity is very good for productive fishing. Flows around Gunnison are 2040cfs! Floating from Almont is a quick yet productive ride. Throw big dries and heavy droppers for success. Flies to use: (Parachute Madam X, Swishers Foam PMX, Idylwildes Golden Terranasty, Bead head 20-inchers, Prince nymphs, Pheasant tails)

Taylor River (lower sections) 773 cfs at Almont
Excellent clarity and high flows on the Taylor. Fish the seams and the slow edges for success. Olive Stimulator’s, Yellow stimulators, Yellow Parachute madam X’s, Elk Hair Caddis all in sizes 12, 14 and 16. Bead head hotwire prince, bead head pheasant tail flashback, zebra midge.

East River (Wild Trout Waters) 1030 cfs
Very good fishing at the Wild Trout water. Big dries on the banks with long droppers. Stimulators in Royal, Yellow and Olive. Big bead heads like prince’s, pheasant tails, yellow sallie nymphs.

High mountain streams and backcountry waters
The backcountry is opening up and the holding water in the backcountry (beaver ponds) is ready to fish. High and clear may limit the fishable water but fish can be caught in the slow pools and slow edges. All types of attractor flies with bead head droppers will work well.

Gunnison Gorge: 2270 cfs
The world famous Salmonfly hatch is in full swing. Fish early in the morning along the banks for fish that are eating the crawling stone nymphs. Look for the big dries to go back to the water through out the day and be ready with big sofa pillow variations for incredible dry fly fishing with large dry flies for large trout. Late evening caddis activity (8 to 9 p.m.) is outstanding as the large browns are coming close to the banks for dancing caddis flies.

Dragonfly Anglers … ”The Best Guides in the Business” Stop by for the most up to date information on fly fishing in the valley. Guiding daily, the only outfitter in Gunnison county permitted to guide in the Black Canyon. Call 349-1228 or 800-491-3079 Located at 307 Elk Avenue in Crested Butte.