08-18-2004, 03:04 PM
William's Fork River - August 15th, 2004
supplied by: [url "http://www.fisheyesoup.com/redir.php?recKey=92,re"]Blue Quill Angler[/url]
FISHING: Fair
Flow: 191
Clarity: Excellent
Water Temperature : Mid 40’s
Major Food Organisms: Midges, caddis, baetis, red quills, and tricos
Hatches: Midges, caddis, baetis, red quills, and tricos
14 Day Forecast: Now that Williams Fork Reservoir is full, look for consistent flows of 150-250 cfs for the remainder of the summer. The flow will vary depending on senior water right holders, and the recent weather patterns. If it dries out, look for Denver Water to increase the flow again.
Tips and Other Information: Fishing remains productive on the Williams Fork. Crowds are heavy, so pay close attention to good manners. I saw a real “bone head” move last week, when a guy cut me off. I just sat there shaking my head in disbelief. Williams Fork Reservoir is almost full (fifteen feet from the top), which is great new for both the Williams Fork and lower Colorado. Effective patterns include #18 Buckskins, #18 San Juan Worms, and #18 Mercury Flashback Pheasant Tails. Fish lots of weight and concentrate your efforts in the upper third of the prime runs. Look for strong hatches of baetis around 1:00 p.m. and expect lots of fish in the shallow riffles feeding hard on these mayfly nymphs. The dry fly fishing has been very good on the lower end of this property and near the confluence of the Colorado River. Both #20 Parachute Adams and Sparkle Duns have been the ticket. As far as nymphing is concerned, a two-fly rig consisting of a #20 Mercury Baetis, and a #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail is very effective between, 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. The mosquitoes are hardly noticeable at this time, which is great news.
Effective Patterns: #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #18 Bead Head Black Beauty, #20 Mercury Midge, #18 Buckskin, #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20 Sparkle Wing RS II, #22 Stalcup’s Trico, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, and #16 Red Quill.