Telluride Fishing Report

The San Miguel is currently flowing at 71 cfs but seems to be hanging in there in regard to temps.  Fishing has remained productive and fish are still looking up and willing to eat smaller Chubbies, Bugmeisters and Elk Hair Caddis.  Most of the fish will have moved into the faster, more oxygenated water by midday so pair your dry fly with  a size 14 cdc or soft hackle nymph.  A couple great options are a Guide's Choice Hares Ear or the CDC Jiggy Double Down.  Keep an eye on temperatures in the lower sections and think about wrapping up your day by 2pm or so.  We have our fingers crossed we will see some rain soon.

The unfortunate reality is the Dolores in Dolores is flowing at a historic low of 34 cfs.  This is a combination of all feeder creeks, the West Fork and anything coming off of Lizard Head Pass.  I would suggest not fishing any part of the main drainage until we see lower nighttime temperatures or a few rain incidents.  The high country, hike-to creeks are viable options for those willing to get fairly far up the drainages.

Releases  continue to fluctuate with flows of 75 cfs for two days generally followed with a five day release of 26-27 cfs. Given the drought conditions throughout the region I guess this is an example of some good news.  Water temps are reaching mid 60's on the lower stretches so best to avoid after noon or so.  The upper 5 miles have stayed relatively cool and the fact is the fishing has been really good in the mornings.  Haven't seen a lot of bugs but fish seem more than willing to eat just about any small black terrestrial like an ant or beetle.  I am a big fan of a size 14 Fat Head Beetle but you can experiment with your favorite small terrestrial.

Aspinall is releasing 640 cfs through the canyon and the fishing has remained very strong throughout the summer.  The 3 mile hike-in stretch above the confluence as well as the Lower Gunny float have been very productive.  Hoppers are still on the menu though many of the fish have left the small slivers of shade of the grass banks and are feeding in the faster, cooler riffles and tail outs.  Fish a Morrish Hopper with a size 16 Soft Hackle Caddis dropper and ply both entry riffles and tail out current lines.  We have heard the fish have also been eating Sweetgrass Hoppers on the upper sections..big ones.  Dynamic nymphing in the green tongues of the rapids with a Pat's Rubber Leg and a soft hackle fly will be very effective as well.