Note: The area rivers fishing report as of Aug. 17, courtesy of Duranglers Flies and Supplies.
Animas River: 367 cfs, falling; The Animas has been fishing good recently with hatches of mayflies and caddis. Mornings and evenings are the best time for dry-fly action, but midday can be good with dry dropper rigs or nymphs. Cloudy days are the best and a good time to throw a streamer. Watch for trico hatches, and hoppers are also out in full effect.
San Juan River in New Mexico: 610 cfs, recently increased; Sight fishing will be the key, and you should also expect to see lots of terrestrials around. Midge and baetis activity will be strong.
San Juan River in Colorado: 112 cfs, falling; Flows are low and fishing will be tough midday. Mornings and evenings will be your best bet. Look for hatches of PMDs and caddis. Hoppers may also make an appearance. Rains will cause discoloration.
Piedra River: 118 cfs, falling; The Piedra is dropping and fishing is good in mornings and evenings. Look for hatches of PMDs and caddis. If fish are not looking up, a stonefly nymph rig is a good option. Spruce Moth’s are also in full effect along with hoppers. Rain will cause discoloration.
Los Pinos: 550 below dam, steady; Summer flows are rocking on the Pine, and fishing will be consistent. Look for fish to be holding in the usual spots, but don’t overlook the heavy water. Above the reservoir, fishing is good with high country conditions.
Dolores Rive below McPhee: 59.6 cfs, recently dropped; BWO and midge hatches should hold strong. Hoppers are a must this time of year. Mice and streamers should also be considered. Lower flows will cause fish to be skittish.
Dolores River above McPhee: 139 cfs, dropping, fluctuating with rain; The flows are dropping right now, and fishing will be good. Rain may cause the river to discolor. Nymph rigs will be necessary unless you see fish rising to PMDs, stones or caddis. Spruce moths can also come into play this time of year.
Florida River: 33 cfs above, 170 cfs below, holding steady; Fishing the Lemon inlet will be good. Hike into the Florida will also be good above Lemon into the Weminuche. Below the dam, fishing will good with summer flows. Watch for hatches of PMDs and caddis. Hoppers will also be around. Mornings and evenings will be best.
Rio Grande: 140 cfs at 30 mile, 346 cfs at Wagon Wheel Gap, fluctuating with rain; The Rio Grande float season is coming to a close, and with that wading time is on. Make sure to have your box stocked with caddis, hoppers and PMDs. Mornings and evenings will be the best time to be on the water. Streamers are also a good option.
San Miguel: 134 cfs, falling; Fishing is good in mornings and evenings when the sun is not high in the sky. Look for hatches of PMDs and caddis and watch for terrestrials such as hoppers and spruce moths.
Creeks: Fluctuating with rain events; Creek fishing is in full swing. Grab your favorite attractor dries and prepare for a full day full of small creek fun!
Lakes/Ponds: Vallecito, Lemon, Navajo, Totten and Puett are all open. The Pike bite slowing down with warm temperatures, but trout are moving and grooving strong. Small and largemouth bass are also eating hard.
Duranglers
