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LOCAL WATER. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Williams Fork Fishing Report

Below Williams Fork Reservoir · Near Parshall, Colorado

Plan your visit to the Williams Fork tailwater with fishing conditions, reservoir-release flows, suggested flies, and practical advice from Blue Quill Angler.

ON THE WATER

Current fishing report

Report updated

The Williams Fork needs careful flow verification this week. A USGS reading near Leal on October 16 was only about 15 cfs, well below the typical mid-October level at that station; this is not the same gauge as the tailwater immediately below the reservoir. Do not assume adequate habitat throughout the drainage. Where releases support continuous current and fish are distributed normally, small midges, Baetis and general-purpose nymphs can be productive in defined seams. Low clear water favors a restrained approach and lighter rigs. If fish are crowded into the remaining deeper pockets, give that reach a rest. Brown trout spawning activity is also increasing, so avoid redds and actively spawning fish.

Fishing tips

Check the specific gauge for the tailwater reach, not just the near-Leal station. If flow is adequate, fish a Pheasant Tail with a Zebra Midge or RS2; use a Blue Wing Olive dry only during surface activity. Avoid isolated refuge pools and spawning gravel.
Pat Dorsey

FROM OUR HEAD GUIDE

Pat Dorsey's Guide Report

Pat's report revised

Tips & Other Information

Outflows below Williams Fork Reservoir are 91 cfs.  As you might imagine, the river is low and fishing is technical. Anglers should prepare themselves for hatches of midges, Tricos, and blue-winged olives.  Anglers are catching a few medium sized brown trout and the occasional “good sized” rainbow.  I’m not seeing the normal push of brownbs and there are very few redds. This all stems back from the East Troublesome Creek Fire which has impacted the return rate and recruitment on the Colorado River. Williams Fork Reservoir is at 24% capacity as of this morning.  Pray for a ton of snow…otherwise this drainage is in a world of hurts…

14-Day Hatch Outlook

Outlook from Pat's report dated October 19, 2026; not a live weather forecast.

Look for hatches of midges, Tricos, and blue-winged olives.

Effective Patterns

#20-22 Jujubaetis, #20-22 Top Secret Baetis, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #16 Hot Tail Flash Egg, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #24 Parachut Adams, #22 Pat's MIdge, and #18-20 Sparkle Dun.

Looking for flies for this river? Shop BQA's recommended flies ↓

Source: Pat Dorsey Fly Fishing · Read Pat's original report

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

River conditions

Flow readings update separately from the fishing report. Check the reading time shown below.

BUILD YOUR FLY BOX

Recommended flies for Williams Fork

Selected by the Blue Quill Angler team for fishing Williams Fork. See the fishing reports above for specific patterns, sizes, and techniques.

PLAN YOUR DAY

Fishing Williams Fork

The fishery

The Williams Fork below Williams Fork Reservoir offers tailwater fishing near Parshall before joining the Colorado River. Riffles, deeper runs, bends, and pockets provide varied holding water for trout. Its smaller scale rewards quiet approaches, accurate drifts, and deliberate depth adjustments. Reservoir releases influence the available habitat and wading conditions, so check the gauge before your visit. Fish accessible water carefully rather than relying on crossings to reach every promising seam.

Access & parking

Plan your visit using the Kemp-Breeze State Wildlife Area property map, paying particular attention to the Kemp Unit and the Williams Fork corridor. Use designated public parking and established walking routes, and respect adjoining private property. Allow time for the walk to the river and your return. Visitors age 16 or older need a qualifying hunting or fishing license or State Wildlife Area pass for access; anglers must also meet applicable fishing-license requirements.

View access map →

Seasons & techniques

Midges and small mayflies provide useful starting points during cooler periods, while warmer months can bring caddis and other seasonal insects. Nymphing is practical between hatch windows, with opportunities for dries when trout rise. Match your approach to observed feeding activity and the current release. Spring and fall spawning activity requires care around clean gravel; avoid actively spawning fish and choose other holding water.

Regulations & river care

Check current Colorado Parks and Wildlife fishing regulations and State Wildlife Area rules for the reach you plan to visit. Follow posted access restrictions and closures. We encourage catch and release, minimal handling, and keeping fish in the water while unhooking them. Avoid spawning trout and redds, use established paths, and give other anglers room. Changing releases, uneven footing, and deeper channels require cautious wading.