The Williams Fork River is a top-notch fishery of its own. This beautiful fishery is nestled between the Williams Peaks and Middle Park and is truly a fly-fishing paradise. The two-mile stretch between the upper boundary of the Kemp Unit and the confluence of the Colorado River is a mixture or riffles, runs, and pocket water with one of the best populations of brown trout in the “west”. A 30-minute hike to the river keeps the crowds to a minimum. Anglers can catch trout with a variety of methods including nymphs, streamers, and dry flies. The hatches include caddis, blue-winged olives, midges, Tricos, and red quills. Being a tributary of the Colorado River-spring and fall-spawn runs bring some “lunkers” into the stream. Ideal flows for the “Fork” are between 100 and 250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately. The Williams Fork is one of the prettiest places on the planet. This Williams Fork is proof that trout don't live in ugly places.

Updated 8/26/24

Flows out of Williams Fork Resevoir gradually dropped to 120 cfs over the past week, but these flows are still within the tailwater's productive range. Water temps are in the low 50s. If you fish here, be ready for the mosquitos!

Nymphing with baetis, PMD, and caddis patterns will be most productive. That said, you should have some good opportunities to catch fish on dries during a hatch.

Updated 8/13/24

Flows here are 267 cfs as of Tuesday, which are good for this time of year and above the historical average for this time of year.

Anglers fishing here can expect to see hatches of midges, baetis, PMDs, and caddis. While nymphing will be most productive, it might be worth packing a dry fly rod in too. And don't forget the bug spray, as the mosquitos are downright awful here this time of year.

Updated 5/27/24

Outflows on the Williams Fork are high at 392 as of Sunday (5/26), yet clarity is still good. Water temp was measured at 47 degrees at 1 p.m. on Sunday. You'll find midges hatching in the morning and some baetis into the afternoon. Given the flows, focus your drifts on the "softer" water and work deep in the water column with some extra tungsten putty. Streamers did not produce, but fish were caught on indicator rigs with a Mini Leech or SJ Worm, followed by an RS2. 

In spring, the Williams Fork River in Colorado offers exciting fly fishing opportunities as water temperatures rise and insect activity increases. Here are some effective fly patterns to consider for spring fishing on the Williams Fork River:

Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs): These may hatch sporadically in spring. Carry patterns like Parachute Adams, Sparkle Duns, or Pheasant Tails in sizes #18 to #22 to imitate BWOs.

Midges: Midges are prevalent year-round, but their activity may increase in spring. Use patterns like Zebra Midges, RS2s (Rim's Semblance 2), Mercury Midges, or Disco Midges in sizes ranging from #18 to #24.

Caddisflies: Caddis activity increases as temperatures rise. Patterns like Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis, or Stimulators in sizes #14 to #18 can be effective imitations.

Stoneflies: Stonefly nymphs become more active as the weather warms up. Carry patterns like Pat's Rubber Legs, Hare's Ear Nymphs, or Prince Nymphs in sizes #10 to #14.

Attractor Patterns: Bright and flashy attractor patterns like San Juan Worms, Egg Patterns, or Rainbow Warriors can be effective in catching the attention of fish, especially during runoff periods.

Streamers: Larger fish might respond to streamers, particularly if the water is high and off-color due to runoff. Woolly Buggers, Sculpin patterns, and other streamers in various sizes and colors can attract larger fish.

As always, observe the water conditions, insect activity, and the behavior of the fish to determine the most effective patterns and presentations. Adjust your techniques throughout the day as conditions change.