Crested Butte Fishing Report
Fly fishing on one of the many small creeks near Crested Butte on August 31, 2023. Fly fishing this summer has been extraordinary, with a season we predict will extend well into the fall.
It’s September. YESSS!
Summer isn’t over (yet), but we can feel fall knocking on our doorstep.
Due to large snowpacks from this previous winter, we experiencing an extended 2023 fly fishing season. Freestone and tailwater trout streams have retained cold temperatures and higher-than-normal flows during the back half of the summer, resulting in some outstanding late August fishing. The East River, which is a freestone river, and many other high-elevation creeks, have been fishing exceptionally well for the time of year.
The East at Roaring Judy is getting a little low but remains fishable and an excellent option for approachable wading conditions.
Smaller rivers such as Spring Creek, Brush Creek, and the East River near Gothic are fishing well, although the stealthiest tactics must be practiced. The Gunnison is still floatable and fishing great. Floating conditions may change in the coming days, however, if/when the Taylor River experiences lower flows. We will see.
For a more in-depth look at the best times of year to fly fish in Crested Butte, check out this article.
Here are some noteworthy river flows as of 8:00 AM on Saturday, September 2nd:
Slate River at Baxter Gulch: 18 CFS
East River at Cement Creek: 88.1 CFS.
Taylor Below The Dam: 297 CFS (dropped from 334 CFS September 1 around 9:00 AM).
Gunnison River in Gunnison: 476 CFS.
Slate River Fishing Report
Fish can be caught in the Slate, but it won’t be easy. For the best success, use a light dry-dropper setup and either (A) watch for fish rising to cast at them or (B) fish in only the best zones. Skip all marginal water since fish likely won’t be there.
Small dry flies and light, realistic-looking nymphs (size 18-22) will be your best bet.
East River Fishing Report
The East is still fishing well. Fish will be in the best runs right now and less often in the faster riffles. Mid-day water temperatures have been steadily safe for fishing due to low overnight temperatures. If we begin experiencing warmer days and nights in early September, consider fishing a different river from noon to 5:00 PM. Water is clear, meaning fish can see or feel you coming without stealthy approaches.
Size down on nymphs (18-22), and use weight if you’re not getting deep. PMDs, Baetis, Midges, and Terrestrials are all solid choices. Dry-dropper rigs can be effective in some medium-slow water. Otherwise, get your nymphs deep using drop shot for your best chances at fooling ‘em.
Taylor River Fishing Report
In our opinion, the Taylor is about to enter its prime.
September is historically our favorite time to fly fish on the Taylor due to its ease of wading and approachability compared to the rest of the year. Further, hungry fish are still on the move and can be found in various types of water.
Read more about when to fly fish in Crested Butte here.
It’s important to note this river is still challenging to wade, with 297 cfs coming out of the dam. Flows dropped yesterday, and if history repeats itself, flows may continue to decline steadily over the coming days as the “powers that be” bring flows down into a fall rhythm.
Squeezing in another float on the Taylor River before flows become wadable only.
When flows out of the dam reach approximately 200 cfs, the Taylor River will be magnitudes easier to wade, and fish will be in all the predictable locations.
When in doubt, fish with a partner for safety.
The best rig for the Taylor is a light indicator suspending a size 16 bead head PMD 4 feet down. 16 inches below that, suspend a size 16 bead head BWO or perdigon pattern. If fish aren’t biting, add drop shot to the rig below the BWO by 6-10”. Cast into medium-slow water 2-3 feet deep for the best results.
There are several other ways to target trout right now, for which are detailed in our more specific Taylor River fishing report.
During yesterday’s outing, fish were also eating CDC Caddis imitations (size 14). The dry fly bite on the Taylor can be iffy right now. But if you see fish rising, give it a shot!
Gunnison River Fishing Report
There’s still enough water in the Gunnison to fish fast runs. However, watch for flow decreases on the Gunnison when the Taylor River slows. You can still float the Gunny, but it is boney-er than what we’ve experienced all summer thus far.
Dry fly and dry-dropper are our go-to tactics, with plenty of insects still on the menu.
Stone, BWO, Caddis, and Terrestrial patterns can all fool a fish. Be on the lookout for more BWO activity in the coming weeks as days get shorter and cooler. Nights with overcast skies can help the following mid-day BWO hatch be excellent. Drop shot rigs are a great tactic on the Gunnison River if you’re not getting your flies deep.
Streamers have also been productive on the Gunnison River, with sculpins being our favorite pattern.
Other Crested Butte Trout Streams
Spring Creek is still fishing well with cool temperatures (around 52-53 degrees mid-day) and enough water to provide anglers with cover from the fish. Dry-dropper and Euro Nymphing are productive methods on Spring Creek. Nymphs with a bead size of 2.8 mm have been working well.
Cement Creek is another great spot, but it’s not for beginners or people who don’t know the canyon well. A short, 7.5 foot 3 weight rod is the best tool for the job as casts must be fast, tight, and on target to keep your fly out of the bushes. Single dry fly and light dry-dropper are the best ways to catch trout here. Contact us at trout@jonesguides.com for more information on where to fish on Cement Creek.
Coal Creek, Tomichi Creek, and Cochetopa Creek are decent options as the days cool off and if we get more rain filling up the creeks. Please note these creeks will have minimal water flows right now and will be tougher to fish unless an angler targets only the prime locations.
Conclusion
Fall Fly Fishing in Crested Butte is one of this valley’s treasures. While many people have scratched their itch this summer and caught plenty of mid-July trout, the die-hards await this time of year with great excitement. For more information on Crested Butte angling or guiding fly fishing, contact us at trout@jonesguides.com.