Telluride Fishing Report

Current flows, measured in Placerville, are holding steady at 62 cfs.  Low clear water will necessitate a stealthy approach, light tippet and smaller flies.  Try a para Caddis, small Bugmeister or a parachute Adams if you're fishing a single dry.  Good dropper choices would be a glass bead Micromay, a small Prince or a Heavy Snack.  Most fish will still hold in the faster, deeper runs and should chase a well presented fly.

We have lost the 40 cfs release from Groundhog Reservoir, and the current streamflow data shows 32 cfs in the town of Dolores.  Water temps are great but this is certainly a historically low flow.  A sneaky presentation combined with light tippet and small flies is the name of the game.  Blue winged olive patterns and small terrestrials will be very effective for surface eaters.  Don't be afraid to throw streamers - smallmouth and a few Kokanee are being caught near town.  Any nymphing or dry dropper rigs should consist of small midge or BWO patterns.

Water temps on the lower stretch are still dangerously high, unfortunately,  but the good news is the East Portal road is open again.  Water temperatures in the upper stretch of the canyon have been good, and fishing seems productive.  This is certainly the time of year we expect to see really good BWO hatches and the fish are still willing to eat a small hopper.

Go enjoy a fall color hike, grab your 2 weight and throw some small dries to wild fish.  The high country should continue to fish well until we start seeing the snow fly or experience sub-freezing temps.  Miramonte Reservoir should start fishing well once again with the cooler water.  Streamers and surface midge fishing, particularly in the evenings, should produce some giant browns.

Guide Service Manager