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Colorado fishing report for the week Aug. 7-11

Tim West
Special to the Daily
Breckenridge Outfitters guide John Kaker hooked this beauty on the Colorado River over the weekend (Aug. 5-6) with a No. 20 para Adams. Monsoon season rains mean flows are variable and fish are hunger for dropper flies (sizes No. 16-20).
Special to the Daily
River flows by CFS Upper Arkansas (Nathrop) — 963 Lower Arkansas (Salida) — 886 Blue River (below Dillon Reservoir) — 268 Blue River (below Green Mountain Reservoir) — 462 Colorado River (Windy Gap) — 207 Colorado River (Kremmling) — 1,020 Eagle River (Minturn) — 93.8 Eagle River (below water treatment in Avon) — 206 Eagle River (Gypsum) — 320 Middle Fork South Platte River (below Montgomery Reservoir) — 13.3 South Fork of the South Platte (Antero) — 22.8 South Platte at “Dream Stream” (below Spinney Reservoir) — 350 South Platte at Williams Fork (below reservoir) — 183 Note: All CFS (cubic feet per second) data taken on Aug. 7 from U.S. Geological Survey data.

If you haven’t noticed, what some call “monsoon season” is upon us.

We are seeing afternoon showers almost daily in most of the major river drainages.

The rains can last for a few minutes or an hour (or more), so be sure to look at weather forecasts when planning your day.



Dry dropper and hopper dropper rigs have been most effective. Depending on the access, you are fishing double dries. Heading south out of Summit County we have seen some off-color water and fluctuating flows. PMDs, Chernobyls, PMX and Sallies are seeing some nice takes. They’ve been fishing well higher up on the Colorado River and the upper portion of the Arkansas.

When selecting dropper flies, smaller has been better (generally sizes between 16 and 20). Though dry fly season is in full swing, do not fret nymphos — there has been plenty of productivity in the deeper runs and pools on double and triple nymph rigs.



For those of us with an addiction to throwing fur (or fishing streamers, for those not following), undercut banks have been productive, as well as deeper structure sections. Sex Dungeons, Barley legals and peanut envy’s are hot. If you are a night owl, don’t forget your mice.

Have a great week, and we hope to see you on the water.

Tim West is head janitor (aka owner) at Breckenridge Outfitters. Stop by the shop throughout the weekend for updated conditions, flys and everything for a day on the river.


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