Discover the latest fishing conditions and catch trends on the South Platte River in Waterton Canyon with our comprehensive fishing report for June 25th, 2024.
The river conditions at Cheeseman Canyon on the South Platte River are absolutely mind-blowing! With an average flow of over 800 CFS, nature's power is on full display in a truly breathtaking manner. Denver Water is on top of things, regulating water temperatures to ensure the well-being of the local fish population. The flow rate at Cheeseman Canyon is off the charts, providing visitors with a jaw-dropping sight, although it does present a bit of a challenge for fishing.
The tailwaters are teeming with scuds, worms, craneflies, and stoneflies, offering a lavish buffet for the fish in the South Platte. The increased flows have enticed out some larger bugs, giving anglers a thrilling opportunity to use bigger hooks and reel in some impressive catches.
The current scenario involves spills and regular releases, as the basin's reservoirs are overflowing, and runoff is in full swing further up the system. Despite the raging flows, the fishing conditions remain favorable. Anglers are advised to focus on fishing along the river banks and stay on the trail side, as the high flows have made river crossings unsafe.
USE EXTREME CAUTION! With the high flows and tricky footing, we've already had a few team members unintentionally floating down the river this season. Safety should be your top priority when heading out. Runoff conditions in Colorado are nothing to joke about. Over the years, runoff has unfortunately led to the loss or serious injury of too many guests on our rivers. Stay vigilant, watch your step when wading, and ALWAYS let someone know your plans if you're heading out alone.
In the midst of summer on the South Platte River in Wateron Canyon, anglers should look for several exciting hatches and fly patterns. These include a variety of insect species, such as mayflies, caddisflies, and stoneflies.
Mayflies are abundant during this season and can be mimicked with patterns such as the Blue Wing Olive or Pale Morning Dun. Anglers have successfully used these patterns in both nymph and dry fly variations.
Caddisflies are also on the scene, and patterns like the Elk Hair Caddis or the X-Caddis do a fantastic job of imitating them. These patterns can be fished on the surface or subsurface depending on how the fish feed.
Stoneflies are another key player in mid-summer. Patterns like Pat's Rubber Legs or the Kaufmann Stone are popular for imitating stoneflies. These patterns are best fished near the riverbed, where stonefly nymphs are commonly found.
Regarding fly fishing tactics on the South Platte River in Waterton Canyon, anglers have many effective strategies. Nymphing is a popular tactic involving fishing with subsurface flies that mimic aquatic insects in their nymph stage. Anglers have shared their success stories using various nymph patterns, including timeless classics like the Pheasant Tail, Hare's Ear, and Prince Nymph. These patterns can be fished with or without an indicator depending on factors like water depth and current speed.
Dry fly fishing is another effective tactic, especially during hatches. Anglers can present dry flies that imitate the emerging insects on the water's surface, leading to exhilarating visual encounters as fish rise to take the fly. This method can be thrilling and rewarding for anglers seeking a more interactive fishing experience.
Streamer fishing is a popular choice on the South Platte River for those aiming to target larger fish or cover more water. Streamers, being larger and more imitative flies, can be retrieved in various ways to mimic baitfish or other prey items. Patterns like the Woolly Bugger or the Sculpzilla have proven successful for anglers targeting predatory fish in the river.
Cheesman reservoir is currently 100% full and spilling. Run-off at higher elevations is also just now starting.
In Western Colorado, lower elevation snowpack was abundant, leading to significant early-season runoff in some basins. This resulted in observed flooding in the Yampa and Dolores basins, with more snowmelt expected. While Western Colorado saw above-normal April streamflow volumes, other parts of the state had different outcomes. NRCS Hydrologist Karl Wetlaufer noted the varying snowpack and streamflow forecasts for this year's April-July runoff period, with some basins expecting below-normal seasonal runoff volumes.
Reservoir storage is improving in basins with deficits, like the Gunnison and the San Miguel-Dolores-Animas-San Juan River basins. It's crucial to monitor forecasts and changing conditions closely in your local area throughout the spring and summer due to the variability in streamflow forecasts across the state. Snowpack statewide peaked on April 8th at SNOTEL sites, marking the start of the primary snowmelt runoff season. Wetlaufer emphasized the importance of closely monitoring water resources during this time of year, as conditions can change rapidly. While abundant streamflow is positive for water supply in the Colorado River Basin, all in Colorado must be aware of flood potential and associated hazards.
Tymothe Meskel is an avid fly fisherman who spends every week out on the water, rain, shine, or snow. He is an outdoor enthusiast who shares their experiences, tips, and insights on this fly fishing blog. With a wealth of knowledge about various techniques, equipment, and fly patterns, he helps anglers of all skill levels improve their fishing game. Join Tymothe on this journey as he uncover the joys of fly fishing and inspire others to appreciate the wilderness and preserve our natural resources.
