[garaffer]

I am driving through Colorado in late April, and was wondering the best techniques and patterns to fish the Eagle and the Roaring Fork Rivers. Assuming the run-off holds off, I am planning to fish one day on each river. Advice is appreciated.

GARAFFER

[birdman]

garaffer,

Late April could be a hit or miss time to fish the Eagle or Fork rivers. It will all depend on run-off and daily temperatures. This typically is a pretty good time of year to fish though if water levels aren't fluctuating too much. If temps are high and rivers begin to rise significantly and become muddy, you're not too far off from two or three of the states best tailwater sections. If this is the case, fish the Blue River downstream of Lake Dillon. The bows should be spawning like mad! You can also hit the Dream Stream (S. Platte between 11-mile res. & Spinney res.) but due to crowds, I don't recomend going on a weekend. You have a very good chance of hooking up a 20+ inch trout here. A lesser known tailwater still close to this area is the Williams Fork. This nice little stretch of tail water is about a 2 mile section of public access (20 min hike in) that dumps into the Colorado. This is located near Parshall Colorado. In terms of patterns / techniques to use, water clarity will dictate this. If water is clear, you'll need to go very small (20-24's) with midges / nymphs being main focus. I would suggest using a double nymph rig. If water is stained, go bigger. Most important aspect though is to make sure you're getting your flies to the right depth by adding weight. My go to flies in this area are Hare's ear, pheasant tails, WD-40's in black, juju B's, mercury midge, blue poison tung.

Hope this helps

[garaffer]

I certainly hope that by late April on a Colorado freestone stream I will not have to go down to sz 24! Dependig on the weather, I was hoping to see some baetis or caddis activity, with the distinct possiblity that the stone fly nymphs will be on the move amongst the rocks in the faster pocket water. Sounds like Beadhead Hares Ear with a smaller pheasant tail dropper would be a good "searching set-up." With the Bows spawing, maybe some egg patterns as well. Do you concur? GR

[birdman]

Right on with the hare's ear / PT dropper. Also, egg patterns are always a good idea during this time. Even if fishing an egg, I would plan on dropping a nymph off it. Baetis activity might be picking up during this time, but depends on weather of course. You might have some sporadic Caddis hatches, but my experience is weekend before mothers day is generally about time when the hatch picks up. The stone flies should be abundant while your here. Make sure and have a healthy supply of hare's ears in multiple sizes. I prefer tan / gold ribbed. I generally fish a dry / dropper rig this time of year. For your dry, tie on a stimmi, caddis, parachute adams, or royal wulf.

Good Luck.....