Fishing Conditions
Fishing report March 1, 2021
Dolores ~ Uncompahgre ~ San Miguel ~ Gunnison
San Miguel (low, but flowing) The San Miguel is fishable through the town of Telluride and for a short distance flowing west on the Valley Floor before snow depth along the river banks makes access impractical. Further downstream, the river is intermittently fishable in the more open sections of the valley. Bankside ice has given way to moving water in much of the watershed, but ease of access varies. The fish are ready to go. Winterkill seems minimal this year. On warmer days, nymphing is highly productive in well-structured holding water. Small to medium sized attractors will catch fish after fish when conditions are right: size #16-18 Prince Nymphs, Pheasant Tails, Hare's Ears and their many variations are the bread-and-butter patterns.
Uncompahgre (36 cfs): The Uncompahgre continues to fish quite well through late winter, despite low flows and cold water. The fish population is healthy and modest hatch activity provides compelling sight-fishing opportunities at Pa Co Chu Puk and further downstream toward Montrose. At Pa Co, your best technical game is required. Fish small, beadless mayfly and midge nymphs and emergers on 6X fluoro for most consistent results. Streamers will move a few fish, but moreso when spring flows begin to rise and habitat expands.
Gunnison (399 cfs): The Black Canyon is still cold and dark, but April's BWO hatches are on the horizon. Right now, we're focussing on the Lower Gunnison, both above and below the North Fork confluence at Gunnison River Pleasure Park. Hatches become more prevelant by the day with both midges and blue winged olives popping. Nymphing with little stuff is productive through fairly long daylight hours, but don't overlook mid-day dry fly opportunities, especially when mayflies are present. The Lower Gunnison is not as techy as Pa Co or the Frying Pan, but the most successful anglers rig carefully with well-chosen patterns ranging from the Mayhem and RS-2 to Zebra midges and even larger caddis imitations such as the Guide's Choice Hare's Ear. When fish rise, cover them with a BWO such as the Lawson's No Hackles or Hackle Dun in a size #20-22.
Dolores Ice. Check again in late March.
Miramonte Reservoir: Ice. Check again in April.
Dolores River private leases: Ice. Check again in late March.
Please call Telluride Angler with your fishing questions. We will be happy to steer you toward our best local fly fishing opportunities. 1-800-831-6230
