Crystal River

October 3 , 2008

CRYSTAL RIVER    
                      
FLOW: 55 cfs in Carbondale

The Short and Sweet:

A true fishermans river. The Crystal River easily ranks as one of the best fishing tributaries of the Roaring Fork. Sitting at the base of Mt. Sopris, the Crystal offers not only a spectacular backdrop, but superb fishing.

The In Depth Review:
Look to nymphing for producing the most fish, though dry/dropper rigs are worthwhile in the pocket water. As far as dries go, fish some large Stimulators, Hoppers and foam attractor patterns. Dropper should be heavily weighted and include: Tungsten Princes, Tungsten P-Tails, Tungsten Z-Wing Caddis and Copper Johns. Space out your dry fly to your dropper to a length of about 3 feet. Cover water and concentrate on the "soft" pockets and seams. Because the Crystal has few deep pools, when nymphing put your indicator about 4-6' feet above your split shot. Some Caddis are present in the evenings and hatches of PMD's and a few sporadic drakes are present from Redstone up to Marble. Along the lower river the best fishing has been in the Staircase and through River Valley Ranch. Along the upper river focus your efforts around Redstone. If you've yet to venture up to the picturesque Crystal Mill above Marble, it's well worth it.

Note:
Do not curse the Whitefish!  Under appreciated, especially here in Colorado.  The mountain whitefish is more of a sub-surface feeder and is usually not thought of as aesthetically pleasing as trout. In other states they readily rise to dries and many anglers are disappointed after "working a pod of rising fish to hook and discover they have been fishing to "Whities"!  Here in colorado they rarely feed on the surface, but take nymphs readily.  Especially for kids and new comers to our great sport, the "whitie" is a great sport fish.  Once you locate them they can provide hours of enjoyment.  They are great to learn proper nymphing techniques, how to set the hook & how to fight, land and properly release fish. Also, on the  Crystal you never know when the indicator hesitates what my have eaten your offering!   Many times a 16 inch rainbow may explode on the surface or a Big Brown may just give you the fight of a lifetime!

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: PMD's, Caddis, sporadic Drakes (upper river)

Appropriate Patterns 

Flies:Tungsten Princes, Tungsten PT's, STD's, BLM's, P&E Caddis, Stimi's, Ethawing Caddis, Deep 6 Caddis, Yuba Pupa, Charlie Boy Hoppers, Daves Hoppers

Hints: Cover water!!!!!

Link to the USGS Real Time Flow Chart for the Crystal River