Crested Butte, Colorado Fishing Report
A healthy Rainbow Trout from the Taylor River; caught on March 7, 2023. I caught this trout using a nymph rig on my Scott Centric 9-foot, 5-weight from Scott Fly Rods.
The East River is still substantially frozen. Thus, this update will primarily be a Gunnison River and Taylor River Fishing Report.
The end of winter is near, and WHAT A WINTER IT’S BEEN!
Ice started melting on some of our favorite rivers, and better fly fishing opportunities are at our fingertips.
Locals get excited this time of year because we can more readily bring trout to the net, and we’re reminded why some of the best fly fishing in Colorado is in our hometown.
Our snowpack has grown substantially since our last fishing report, as we now have about 50% more snow in the mountains than we do during an average year. Should we continue receiving precipitation, we can expect full rivers and creeks come May and June.
A view down Spellbound Bowl at Crested Butte Mountain Resort from February 2023. At the bottom of the valley (top 1/3 of the photo), you can barely make out the meandering East River snaking through the flats. The snow in Crested Butte has been extraordinarily deep this season.
Unfortunately, overly full rivers do not necessarily mean we’ll have excellent fishing conditions in early summer. It does indicate, however, that we’ll slowly combat the extensive drought the American West has faced for the past two decades.
We’ve got to take it when we can!
Now, let’s talk fishing.
Colorado fly fishing is often overlooked during the waning weeks of winter. Fortunately, it’s one of our favorite times to fly fish and one of the best things to do in Crested Butte.
Coming out of winter, we expect fish to remain in their winter patterns until approximately mid-April when warmer weather and longer days promote more aquatic insect activity.
This means trout are still holding in deep runs with slow-moving water.
The Taylor and Gunnison rivers currently offer the best opportunities to find these deep, slow runs. Target trout in these zones by dead-drifting midges close to the bottom of the water column.
Further to the east, the Arkansas River and streams in the South Platte basin will begin offering similar conditions.
Fly fishing near Denver and all of the front range should start becoming more fruitful in the coming weeks, similar to what we’re experiencing in Crested Butte.
Pro Tip: When the ice starts melting, and temps are above freezing, break out your higher-end rods and get used to their feel before the summer starts.
But if temps remain below freezing, continue using a lower-end rod as the risk of breakage becomes higher when guides build up with ice. My go-to rod when temps are acceptable is a Scott Centric 9 foot, 5-wt from Scott Fly Rods. When it is colder, I’ll use an Orvis Clearwater 9 foot 4-wt.
Remember, when nymph fishing in the winter, drifts must be extremely precise, and your flies often require weight to get them deep.
I like to use a weighted fly, or a BB split shot on the point-end of my tippet to ensure the more realistic midge patterns drift right in front of a trout’s nose.
Also, please use extra caution when walking from the road to the river. The snowpack is several feet deep and natural hazards exist in many places. Note that parking along the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers can be challenging when the snowbanks are high.
The Taylor River on March 9, 2023. There is plenty of snow and ice on the banks, but some areas have thawed out, making fly fishing possible.
Summary: Most tourists are still focused on skiing powder, leaving us die-hard anglers to find late winter fly fishing one of the best things to do in Crested Butte.
Ice has begun melting on some rivers, and deep, slow runs are becoming more accessible. Target fish on the bottom of the river with midges and some weight of your choice. For our Colorado neighbors to the east, fly fishing near Denver and throughout state will be heating up in the next 3-4 weeks.
For fly fishing tips from Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, contact me at trout@jonesguides.com to learn more.
And stay tuned for the next Crested Butte Fly Fishing Report in the coming weeks!
Thanks for reading,
Dan
My favorite rig this time of year:
Ross Reels 4/5 Evolution LTX Reel paired with a Rio Elite Technical Floating Line.
9-foot 5x tapered Leader
San Juan Worm 15 inches above a size 20 RS2, weighted appropriately to get the flies deep.
About the author
Dan Jones of Jones Guides is an author and premier fly fishing guide based in Crested Butte, Colorado.
Dan specializes in walk-wade and float fishing on the East, Taylor, and Gunnison Rivers. Dan also provides tailored fishing trips to small, alpine trout streams in the Colorado backcountry.
For more information about fishing with Dan this year, contact him at 970-219-6388 or at trout@jonesguides.com.