Fishing Reports for the waters we guide on.

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report – Elevenmile Canyon – South Platte

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Elevenmile Canyon is known for its superb dry fly fishing. The Trico hatch is one of many that anglers should concentrate their efforts on.

Current Conditions

Clarity: Excellent

14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges, caddis, yellow sallies, PMD’s, and Tricos. Flows are back to their normal historic levels which is great news!

Tips and Other Information: Flows are perfect in Eleven Mile Canyon and fishing has been good.  Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, caddis,  yellow sallies, and Tricos.  An attractor (stonefly, San Juan Worms, scuds, leech, etc.)  trailed by a size 18-20 Barr Emerger,  Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, Juju Baetis, Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, or Mitchell’s Split Case is a good bet right now. Look for good flows and reliable fishing for weeks to come. Eleven Mile Reservoir is completely full (102%) which is good news for the remainder of the summer season.

Effective Patterns:  #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #14-16 San Juan Worm, #14-16 UV Scud, #16-18 red Copper John, #20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-24 RS 2, #18-20 Buckskin, #18 Mitchell’s Split Case PMD, #18 Barr’s Emerger (PMD) #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Mercer’s Swing Caddis, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Sally #16 Stimulator, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, and #20-22 Parachute Adams.

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: Colorado River

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Fishing the Colorado River should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re a walk/wade fisherman or prefer float-fishing, this river has it all!

Current Conditions:

Clarity: Good

14 Day Forecast: Look for good flows for the remainder of the season. Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of caddis, blue-winged olives, red quills, and Tricos

Tips and Other Information: The Colorado River is still a fuzz high on the lower stretches, but the upper Colorado is in fantastic shape. Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of blue-winged olives, caddis, red quills, and Tricos.  It’s hard to go wrong with a San Juan Worm trailed by a caddis larva or mayfly nymph. The mosquitoes are still a concern; so make sure you bring plenty of  Ben’s Bug Repellent

Effective Patterns:  #10 Pats Rubber Legs, #14 San Juan Worm, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Buckskin, #18 Barr Emerger, #18 Mitchell’s Split Case, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, 18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tail, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Stimulator, #20-22 Sparkle Dun, #14-16 AK’s Red Quill, and #24 Stalcup’s Trico.

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: Blue River

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The Blue River is a pocket water paradise. There are miles of public water between the town of Silverthorne and Green Mountain Reservoir for you to sample.

Current Conditions

Clarity: Excellent

14 Day Forecast:  Flows are perfect throughout the Blue River corridor. Anglers should prepare for hatches of midges, caddis, blue-winged olives and Tricos.

Tips and Other Information: Flows are perfect from Silverthorn to Green Mountain Reservoir. Dillon Reservoir is full to the brim right now, infact, its at 101% of capacity.  In town, a Mysis pattern, red larva, dropped with and assortment of  mayfly nymphs are your best bet.  The lower river looks great, but fishing is difficult at best. Plan on working hard for a few fish, but the scenery and “fishing” is not shabby.  As they say, it’s fishing not catching, so a day in Summit County is never a bad thing to beat the crowds.  Make no mistake about it though… fishing on the Blue River has been a bit of a disappointment as of late…

Effective Patterns:  ​#20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #10 Pat’s Rubber Legs, #22 Stalcups Baetis, #20-22 Mercury Midge, #20-22 Manhattan Midge, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Barr Emerger, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #14 San Juan Worm, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Yellow Stimulator, #20 Sparkle Dun, and #20 Parachute Adams.

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: Williams Fork River

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The Williams Fork is one of the prettiest places on the planet.  This stretch is proof that trout don’t live in ugly places.

Current Conditions

Clarity: Excellent
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14 Day Forecast: Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of blue-winged olives, caddis, red quills, and Tricos.

Tips and Other Information:  Flows are perfect on the Williams Fork. Fishing has been good for medium sized rainbows and browns. Anglers should prepare for hatches of caddis, blue-winged olives and Tricos. Its hard to go wrong right now with a Buckskin, Mercury Pheasant Tail, or Sparkle Wing RS 2. The mosquitoes are really bad right now, so make sure to take some Ben’s Bug Repellent

Effective Patterns:  #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #14 San Juan Worm, #18 Buckskin, #14-18 Bead Head Breadcrust, #20 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Yellow Stimulator, #16 Red Quill, #20 Parachute Adams, and #16 PMD.

Fishing Report: Clear Creek

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Clarity: Excellent

Major Food Organisms: Caddis, PMD’s, Yellow Sallies and Hoppers

Conditions:  Flows are back to a great level and the fish are super happy. Look for PMD’s, Caddis, Hoppers, Yellow Sallies and any large attractor dries in 12-14.

Suggested Patterns:   #12-14 Chubby Chernobyls, #12-14 Amy’s Ant, #18 Buckskin, #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Mercer’s Swing Caddis, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Sally #16 Stimulator, #16-18 Sparkle Dun PMD, #16 Para-Wulff PMD, #16 Film Critic PMD

Fishing Report: Bear Creek

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Clarity: Excellent

Major Food Organisms: Caddis, PMD’s, Yellow Sallies and Hoppers

Conditions:  Flows are back to a great level and the fish are super happy. Look for PMD’s, Caddis, Hoppers, Yellow Sallies and any large attractor dries in 12-14.  Euro Nymphing has been very successful as of late with single flies in the shallow water and double rigs in the deep stuff.

Suggested Patterns:   #12-14 Chubby Chernobyls, #12-14 Amy’s Ant, #18 Buckskin, #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Mercer’s Swing Caddis, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Sally #16 Stimulator, #16-18 Sparkle Dun PMD, #16 Para-Wulff PMD, #16 Film Critic PMD,  #16 Jigged Soft Hackle Pleasant Tail, #16 Jigged Quill Nymph, #16 Devil Jig – Green, #16 Hot Spot PT Jig, #14-#16 Perdigon (Bullet) Jig – Brown, Tungsten Pheasant tails, Tungsten Split Case PMD nymphs

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: Deckers – South Platte River

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Deckers is a world-renowned stretch of the South Platte River. There are miles of public water to fish in and around the hamlet of Deckers.

Current Conditions 

Clarity:  Excellent
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14 Day Forecast:   Look for the flows to drop dramatically as Denver Water prepares to ramp up flows on the North Fork. Anglers should prepare for hatches of golden stoneflies, PMD’s, and blue-winged olives.

Tips and Other Information: Look for flows to drop as Denver Water prepares to move water from Dillon Reservoir via the Roberts Tunnel. Cheesman Reservoir is down to 95% of capacity which is alarming after a huge snow pack.  To the contrary, Dillon is at 101% capacity, so Denver Water will service their customers on the Front Range and outlying areas with water from Summit County.  Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of midges, caddis, blue-winged olives,  PMD’s,  golden stones and Tricos. Amy’s Ant continues to produce some great fish on top, and a dry and dropper rig is never a bad idea, especially in the skinny water.

Note: Water temps are a concern as they are in the lower 60’s to upper 60’s. Myself and colleagues have been seeing dead fish at Deckers which is a sure sign the high water temps are stressing fish.  Don’t not play your fish to exhaustion, and release them as quick as possible to fight another day. Keep and eye on the water temps as the volume is reduced, the temps will rise quickly. Its best to start and finish early!  Everyones helps is greatly appreciated! 

Effective Patterns: #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #14-16 San Juan Worm, #14-16 UV Scud, #16-18 red Copper John, #20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-24 RS 2, #18-20 Buckskin, #18 Mitchell’s Split Case PMD, #18 Barr’s Emerger (PMD) #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Mercer’s Swing Caddis, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #16 Yellow Sally #16 Stimulator, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, and #20-22 Parachute Adams.

Pat Dorsey’s Stream Report: North Fork of the South Platte River

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Trophy trout await you on many of our leases on the North Fork of the South Platte.  To book a day on Boxwood, Long Meadow, North Fork Ranch, or the Meadows, call the Blue Quill Angler (303-674-4700) and we’ll gladly assist you.

Current Conditions:

Clarity: Fair

14 Day Forecast: Look for low flows and tough fishing.

Tips and Other Information: The North Fork is experiencing tough times with low flows. Hopefully Denver Water will turn on the Roberts Tunnel to provide some relief.

Effective Patterns:  #16 Red and pink San Juan Worms, #10 Pat’s Rubber Legs, #12 Chamois Leeches, egg patterns, #18 Pheasant Tail, 18 Rainbow Warrior, #18 Flashback Black Beauty, and #20 Manhattan Midge.

Pat Dorsey’s Fishing Report: Cheesman Canyon – South Platte

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Cheesman Canyon is one of the best tailwaters in the country. There’s a common belief among “canyon regulars” that if you can catch fish on the South Platte River, you can fool fish anywhere in the world. There’s no substitution for good technique in Cheesman Canyon.

Current Conditions 

Clarity: Excellent

14 Day Forecast:  Look for the flows to drop dramatically as Denver Water prepares to ramp up flows on the North Fork. Anglers should prepare for hatches of golden stoneflies, PMD’s, and blue-winged olives.

Tips and Other Information: Look for flows to drop as Denver Water prepares to move water from Dillon Reservoir via the Roberts Tunnel. Cheesman Reservoir is down to 95% of capacity which is alarming after a huge snow pack.  To the contrary, Dillon is at 101% capacity, so Denver Water will service their customers on the Front Range and outlying areas with water from Summit County.  Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of midges, caddis, blue-winged olives, PMD’s, and golden stones. Amy’s Ant continues to produce some great fish on top, and a dry and dropper rig is never a bad idea, especially in the skinny water. Water temps are a concern as they are in the upper 50’s to mid 60’s. Keep and eye on them as the volume is reduced, the temps will rise.

Effective Patterns:  #22 Stalcup’s Baetis, #14-16 San Juan Worm, #14-16 UV Scud, #16-18 red Copper John, #20-22 Juju Baetis, #20-24 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-24 RS 2, #18-20 Buckskin, #18 Mitchell’s Split Case PMD, #18 Barr’s Emerger (PMD) #16 Barr’s Graphic Caddis, #16 Mercer’s Swing Caddis, #14-16 Elk Hair Caddis, #10-12 Amy’s Ant, #16 Yellow Sally #16 Stimulator, #18-20 Sparkle Dun, and #20-22 Parachute Adams.