Fishing Conditions
Fishing report September 2, 2021
Dolores ~ Uncompahgre ~ San Miguel ~ Gunnison
San Miguel (90-120cfs) The best fishing in the region is currently found on the San Miguel River. Cloudcover and cooler nights are holding water temperatures in the optimal range from dawn to dusk. Fish a wide variety of single dry flies or go dry-dropper, like most of the guides. Best single dry flies include then venerable PMX, Stimulator, Parachute BWO, Parachute Adams and other mid-sized general imitators. Mayfly nymphs constitute the most effective droppers in early fall, when blue winged olives become the predominant hatch. Our favorite dropper nymphs include small soft hackles, the Mayhem, Two Bit Hooker, Military Mayfly, Splitback Emergers and other similar fare, mostly in the size #16-20 range. Larger nymphs work very well following high, dirty water.
Dolores (25-50 cfs below Rico, 60-80 cfs at Dolores) Fishing on the Dolores will rise and fall with rain. A nice little cloudburst tripled river flows last night and we expect strong fishing as water clarity returns over the next few days. By early next week, we'll need more rain to sustain high enough flows for fish to move and feed freely. Stayed tuned to daily weather and flow fluctuations. Fish small flies on light leaders, including BWO mayfly imitations and a variety of terrestrials in the size #16-20 range. Nymphs should be sparse and drab, representing the predominant menu item of the fall season: blue winged olive mayflies.
Uncompahgre (257 cfs): The summer-long PMD hatch continues. Enjoy match-the-hatch dry fly action through the middle part of the day with long leaders and technical fly patterns, including the Lawson's No-Hackle, Silhouette Dun, Hackle Stacker Dun and a variety of cripple patterns. Nymph with the Military Mayfly, Mayhem and other sneaky mayfly nymphs and emergers. Midges play a roll early and late, but it's all about the PMD hatch.
Gunnison (597 cfs): Water clarity has been a variable as intermittent heavy rains have caused minor flash floods in the Black Canyon and dirty water downstream. Streamers have been effective but match-the-hatch fishing has been spotty, promising to improve as clarity returns and water temperatures cool into late September. Blue winged olives will become the trigger hatch, but caddis and midges also play a roll in the fall months.
Miramonte Reservoir: Late summer water temperatures have driven fish to the bottom, so fish patiently with sinking lines and expect better overall fishing in late September/October.
Dolores River private leases: Excellent fishing is available on Lightenburger, Cascabel, Roaring Fork, Akin and our other exclusive private leases. Please inquire for availability and specific water recommendations.
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
