Flows are slowly and surely coming down, and the river is looking like its summer self. Water levels have been dropping about 50-60 cfs between morning and afternoon, and water temperatures at Maroon Creek have been fluctuating from the mid/high 40’s early in the morning up to the mid/high 50’s in the afternoon (water temps are slightly higher at emma).
This flow and temperature range means that our approach to the river has been slightly different between morning and afternoon. Generally, Caddis and PMD nymphs have been our most productive patterns throughout the day. That being said, midges have been hatching in good numbers in the morning, so if you’re not having luck on bigger patterns early, midges could be the answer. We’re also seeing Stoneflies flying around in the morning (and throughout the day), so Stimulators and Foam Stones are good dry fly options earlier in the day. Stonefly nymphs have been effective in fast water.
