Podcast Episode Details

Zebra Mussels Invade Colorado River, Trout Spawn Heats Up - Fishing Report 10/10

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Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Friday, October 10th.

The Colorado River system is experiencing some significant changes this fall. Colorado Parks and Wildlife recently confirmed zebra mussel infestations in the stretch from east of Grand Junction to the Utah border, marking the first time these invasive species have been found in the main stem. While this is concerning for the long-term health of the fishery, it's not affecting current fishing conditions.

Water conditions across the basin remain excellent. The Arkansas River, a major tributary system, is running crystal clear at ideal flows - around 80 CFS in the upper sections and climbing to nearly 300 CFS in the lower stretches. Water temps are holding in the 40s to 50s, which is perfect for fall fishing. Wadeability is outstanding right now with these lower flows.

The brown trout spawn is in full swing, and the fish are absolutely on fire. These aren't your polite spring risers - fall browns are aggressive and hungry. Streamers are producing big strikes, especially the Thin Mint Bugger and the Sculpzilla. The Thin Mint's combination of peacock herl, brown, and olive is fooling fish on every major tailwater. For deeper water and fast runs, tie on a Sculpzilla and swing it through pools and tailouts.

The dry fly action has been productive too, particularly late morning through afternoon once things warm up. Midges in sizes 18-20 and baetis in 18-22 are your primary hatches. Fish are also feeding opportunistically on golden stonefly nymphs and caddis larvae. Egg patterns work well near spawning areas, just avoid walking through active redds.

For hot spots, focus on the Arkansas River near Salida and the Frying Pan below Ruedi. Target structure - log jams, boulders, and undercut banks. Big trout don't live in flat water. Early morning and late evening produce the best action when low light gives fish more confidence.

Use 4x to 5x tippet for these conditions. Don't be afraid to mix up your retrieve - strip, swing, twitch, or dead drift your offerings.

Thanks for tuning in, and make sure to subscribe for more local fishing intel. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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Published on 2 months, 2 weeks ago