Dolores River - Below McPhee Reservoir - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir - Water Flow Chart
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir - Weather report & radar
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-22 | Nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Legs | |
| February | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-22 | Nymphs, Pat’s Rubber Legs | |
| March | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| April | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae | |
| May | Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae | |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #6-14 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| June | Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae |
| Stoneflies | Evening | #6-14 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| Mayflies | Evening | #16-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| July | Mayflies | Evening | #16-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae | |
| August | Mayflies | Evening | #16-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae | |
| September | Mayflies | Evening | #16-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs |
| Caddisflies | Afternoon | #14-18 | Dry Flies, Pupae | |
| October | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| November | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs | |
| December | Midges | Morning | #18-24 | Zebra Midge, Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Dry Flies, Nymphs |
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir Access Points
The Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir is one of the premier fly fishing spots in the region. The best access points with respect to fly fishing enthusiasts are:
- Bradfield Bridge: This provides not just shore based access for fishing but also is the starting point for boating. This point can be accessed by heading north on County Rd 521 from Highway 160.
- Dove Creek Pump Station: Located near the town of Dove Creek, this access point is particularly good for wade fishing. Prospective anglers can reach there by turning north onto Rd 11 from Highway 491 to Dolores.
- Slick Rock: Located in the namesake town of Slick Rock, this access point is popular among native trout fly fishing enthusiasts. Access requires a four-wheel drive vehicle along the fourbyfour Slick Rock Trail.
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir Fishing Spots
The Dolores River, below McPhee Reservoir, offers some of the best spots for fly fishing. Enthusiasts will find a variety of species, including Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Cutthroat Trout.
- The Bradfield Bridge: A BLM recreation area that provides direct access to the river. The river here is known for its excellent streamer fishing.
- Dove Creek Pump Station: This is another great fishing spot with reliable aquatic insects. You’ll find plenty of Brown and Cutthroat Trout here.
- Slick Rock Put-in: The river around Slick Rock Put-in is teeming with Rainbow Trout and is great for those who enjoy dry fly fishing.
- Gypsum Valley: A famed spot for catching Rainbow Trout and Cutthroat Trout. This area has a mix of private properties and public lands, so be aware of trespassing issues.
- The Bedrock Store: Located right on the river, the area around the stor is perfect for hatches and large trout.
Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This species is the most commonly targeted on the river and can be found in high numbers in various sizes.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for its beautiful coloration, Rainbow Trout are a favorite amongst fly fisherman on the Dolores River.
- Brook Trout: Typically found in smaller sizes, Brook Trout offer a fun catch for anglers, especially in the upper sections of the river.
- Cutthroat Trout: Present in both pure and hybrid forms, catching a native Cutthroat is a special treat.
- Colorado Pike Minnow: While not traditionally targeted on a fly, the Colorado Pike Minnow is often caught on the Dolores River below McPhee Reservoir.
- Razorback Sucker: This endangered species is occasionally caught by anglers practicing catch and release.
- White Sucker: Often considered a nuisance by some fly fisherman, the White Sucker nonetheless offers a unique challenge.
- Mountain Whitefish: An underrated species, Mountain Whitefish can provide a good day’s catch especially in colder temperatures.
About the Dolores River – Below McPhee Reservoir
The Dolores River, Below McPhee Reservoir, is intricately woven into the rich tapestry of Southwestern Colorado’s history. Originally named Rio de Nuestra Senora de Dolores by Spanish explorers, it translates to ‘River of Our Lady of Sorrows’. This charming river winds its way through breathtaking canyons and verdant forests, offering a peaceful escape.
Let’s refresh our memories with some crucial highlights:
- In the 1800s, the Dolores River served as a pathway for European and American exploration.
- By the early 1900s, the river had become a significant source of irrigation for the region’s flourishing agricultural sector.
- McPhee Reservoir, completed in 1985, is now the second-largest body of water in Colorado and regulates the Dolores River’s flow.
- These days, the Dolores River is a favorite hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts, drawing in white-water rafters, hikers, and nature photographers.
In essence, a journey along the Dolores River is a remarkable, continuously unfolding history lesson!
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