Location: Basalt (Ruedi Reservoir to the Confluence)

Current Flow: ~76 CFS

Clarity: Gin Clear

The “winter” conditions of March are officially behind us. With flows recently bumping up to 100 CFS, the river has more life, more oxygen, and the fish are beginning to spread out from their deep winter holds into the riffles and faster seams. This is prime spring tailwater fishing.

The BWO & Caddis Transition

While midges are still a factor, we have transitioned into the meat of the spring hatch cycle.

• Blue Winged Olives (BWOs): This is the main event. Look for steady hatches between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. On overcast days, the dry fly fishing can be spectacular. The fish are looking for the #20–22 baetis duns and emergers in the surface film.

• Caddis Alert: We are seeing the first waves of Mother’s Day Caddis activity on the lower stretches of the Pan near the confluence.

• Tactics: With the flow increase, you can be a bit more aggressive with your approach, but 6x fluorocarbon remains the standard for success. In the upper miles, don’t forget the Mysis Shrimp—as flows fluctuate, more shrimp get pushed through the dam.

Recommended Patterns