Podcast Episode Details
Back to Podcast Episodes
High Country Hatch - Trout, Streamers and Pike as Summer Fades in Colorado
Sunrise kissed the Colorado River at about 6:53 AM, with sunset on tap for around 7:02 PM tonight. It’s early fall in the headwaters and midsections, and folks—today brought classic high-country weather: crisp morning lows in the high 30s and mid 40s, climbing into the mid 70s by afternoon, with afternoon clouds threatening scattered showers thanks to remnants of that monsoon surge.
The river’s running clear and steady—even in the tributaries like the South Platte near Cheesman Canyon, where flows hover near 190 CFS. Water clarity is gin-clear, which always means educated trout, so finesse is key. Dream Stream flows are a tad lower—122 CFS but dropping—with notably warm water. So if you’re targeting trout, get after them early and end before noon when the water hits 68°F. That’s not just ethical, it’ll help you avoid sluggish fish and keep the bite lively.
Fish activity has been best in the mornings across the system. Cheesman Canyon reports that Tricos and midges dominate dawn, and BWOs start sizzling when clouds roll in after lunch. Elevenmile Reservoir, meanwhile, continues to fish well, especially for persistent anglers working static nymph rigs off the west end flats. There, callibaetis and damsels are still coming off regularly, with fish gorging for about two hours per hatch in the AM. Afternoon pickings slow considerably.
As for the catch, it’s a mixed bag this week:
- Rainbow trout: Steady action in the river and reservoirs, with anglers fishing Antero and Elevenmile reporting healthy, fat bows—most running 14–18 inches, a few pushing into the low 20s.
- Brown trout: Numbers are up in Cheesman and Dream Stream, with average fish hitting the mid-teens and occasional bruisers.
- Cutthroat & kokanee: Some reports out of Elevenmile—smaller but fun if you get into them.
- Pike: The bite is slowing; Elevenmile’s best shot is around the brushy coves early, but expect mostly follows, not eats.
Best lures and bait? If you’re fly fishing—get technical:
- For Cheesman: RS2 (#22), Juju Baetis (#20), Amy’s Ant (#14) on a long leader; CDC Biot Trico Spinner for rising heads.
- For Antero and Elevenmile: Poxyback Callibaetis, Bubbas Callibaetis, Pearly Damsel, and balanced leech patterns below slip indicators at the right depth.
- Streamers like Baby Gonga (olive) and Bunny Leeches (red/white) are worth swinging in the deeper runs or structure near shore—especially if the light drops or clouds roll in.
Spin anglers: Small spoons, gold Kastmasters, or Panther Martins (silver, black/yellow) are producing in the faster water. In the reservoirs, use tube jigs or curly tail grubs for trout, and beef up for pike with bigger jerkbaits or flashy spinnerbaits.
Hot spots to try:
- Cheesman Trailhead (if you want a challenge and don’t mind a hike)
- Emerald Pools for classic sight-fishing and less pressure
- Elevenmile’s west flats and Witcher’s Cove on a calm morning—great for mixing nymph rigs and streamer tossing
Tips from the locals: Change depth before swapping patterns. Bring fluorocarbon tippet for those wary trout, and don’t sleep on terrestrials—grasshoppers are still falling in, especially along grassy banks during a breezy afternoon.
Today’s river and reservoir areas stayed busy but manageable—beat the crowds by starting early and working upstream. With water cooling and the bite shifting, this is prime time for technical fishing, hearty trout, and one last crack at lingering pike before the cold pushes them deep.
Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest on water conditions, fly picks, and on-the-water tactics! This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.
Great deals on fishing gear https://amzn.to/44gt1Pn
This content was created in partnership and wit
Published on 3 months ago