San Miguel River - Placerville - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
San Miguel River – Placerville - Water Flow Chart
San Miguel River – Placerville - Weather report & radar
San Miguel River – Placerville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning | 20 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | 16 – 20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midday Baetis | Mid-day | 18 – 20 | RS2, Sparkle Dun |
| March | Early Black Stoneflies | Morning | 14 – 18 | Pats Rubberlegs, Tungstone |
| Blue-winged Olives | Afternoon | 18 – 20 | Parachute BWO, RS2 | |
| April | Blue-winged Olives | Afternoon | 16 – 18 | BWO Comparadun, Sparkle Dun |
| Caddis | Evening | 14 – 16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Golden Stoneflies | Morning | 8 – 12 | Rogue Foam Stone, Pat’s Rubberlegs |
| Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | 14 – 16 | Parachute PMD, Pheasant Tail Nymph | |
| June | Green Drakes | Mid-day | 8 – 10 | Green Drake Paradrake, Extended Body Drake |
| Caddis | Evening | 14 – 16 | X-Caddis, Elk Hair Caddis | |
| July | Green Drakes | Mid-day | 8 – 10 | Green Drake Paradrake, Extended Body Drake |
| Pale Morning Dun | Afternoon | 14 – 16 | PMD Barr Emerger, Parachute PMD | |
| August | Terrestrials | Morning | 12 – 16 | Hopper Juan, Ant Patterns |
| Tricos | Mid-day | 20 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | Morning | 12 – 16 | Hopper Patterns, Beetle patterns |
| Blue-winged Olives | Afternoon | 18 – 22 | BWO Barr Emerger, Comparadun BWO | |
| October | Baetis | Mid-day | 18 – 20 | RS2, Baetis Sparkle Dun |
| November | Midges | Morning | 20 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Morning | 20 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
San Miguel River – Placerville Access Points
The San Miguel River presents a wealth of opportunities for scenic and exciting fly fishing experiences. Here are the top access points in Placerville:
- Specie Creek: This feeder stream provides a good launch point with plenty of space for casting and riffles that are home to large brown trout.
- Down Valley Park: Located just outside Placerville, this area is often less crowded and boasts a variety of areas to cast and catch, including deep holes and fast currents.
- Illium Valley: Offering a mix of public and private land, this access point requires respectful navigation for fruitful catch.
- Sawpit: Just downstream of Placerville, it offers a diversity of fish species in the river.
- Beaver Creek: This feeder stream is home to both Browns and Rainbows, provides an ideal spot for fly fishing.
San Miguel River – Placerville Fishing Spots
The San Miguel River in Placerville, Colorado, USA, is an idyllic spot for fly fishing. Here are some renowned spots along its expanse:
- Norro Rapids: A popular location amongst experienced fishers due to its strong current and abundance of trout.
- Telluride: This town on the banks of the San Miguel offers multiple fishing spots teeming with rainbow and brown trout.
- Sawpit: This area is best known for its peaceful ambiance. It has a softer current, making it ideal for beginners.
- Specie Creek: A tributary of the San Miguel River, it is home to large populations of cutthroat and brook trout.
- Beaver Creek: This small tributary offers fishing in tranquil and secluded surroundings.
Before planning a trip, always check local fishing regulations and respect private property borders. Catch and release is encouraged to maintain healthy fish populations.
San Miguel River – Placerville Local Fish Species
- Trout: Very common in the San Miguel River. There are several species including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Cutthroat Trout.
- Mountain Whitefish: This is a species that thrives in clean, cold, fast waters like the San Miguel River.
- Pike: A species that usually thrives in colder water environments. They are quite aggressive and fun to catch.
- Brook Trout: This is an introduced fish species that now thrives in the San Miguel River.
- Golden Trout: This is a rare and beautiful fish species that can be found in the rivers around Placerville.
- Arctic Grayling: This species is found in very select parts of the San Miguel River.
- Sauger: Sauger can be found in the San Miguel River but they are not as common as other species.
- Yellow Perch: Another rare species to encounter but can bring great joy in a successful catch.
About the San Miguel River – Placerville
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating history of the San Miguel River flowing through Placerville, Colorado? Well, nestled in the rocky mountains enclosure, this river was a coveted gem during the 19th-century gold rush in the United States.
Let’s drive back in history! In 1859, prospector miners from around the country swarmed into Colorado, in hopes of striking gold or silver. The San Miguel River was a key spot as it was rich in placer deposits.
- After the mining boom, the beautiful river transitioned into a hub for recreational activities such as fishing, whitewater sports, and camping.
- Presently, it is considered a hotspot for adrenaline-packed approximately 90-mile expedition of whitewater activities.
The rejuvenating passage of the San Miguel River through scenic Placerville carries historical traces of prosperity, adventure, and tranquility – holding imprints of the past and promises of refreshing endeavors.
Community Contributions
Be part of the fishing community!
No updates submitted for this river.
