Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Uncompahgre River - Below Ridgway Reservoir - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
February Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
March Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
Blue Winged Olives (BWO) Afternoon #18 - #22 BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph
April Blue Winged Olives (BWO) Afternoon #16 - #20 BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Caddis Evening #14 - #18 Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis
May Blue Winged Olives (BWO) Afternoon #16 - #20 BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Caddis Evening #14 - #18 Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis
June Caddis Evening #14 - #18 Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis
July Caddis Evening #14 - #18 Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis
August No significant hatches N/A N/A N/A
September No significant hatches N/A N/A N/A
October Blue Winged Olives (BWO) Afternoon #18 - #22 BWO Dry Fly, Pheasant Tail Nymph
Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
November Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge
December Midges Afternoon #18 - #22 Griffith's Gnat, Zebra Midge

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Uncompahgre River below Ridgway Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for fly-fishing. Some top spots include:

  • Paco-Chu-Puk : This is part of Ridgway State Park. It is easily accessible and is a perfect spot for rainbow and brown trout.
  • Dallas Creek : Located just outside Ridgway, it offers both public and private fishing opportunities. One can fish all year round, thanks to the creek’s lower transition waters.
  • Pa-Co-Chu-Puk Area in the North : This area of the river, near the reservoir, is renowned for large rainbow and brown trout. It offers accessible fishing platforms and pathways.
  • South Bridge to Delta: This sector of the river is less pressured than the tailwaters, offering opportunities to catch larger fish in a peaceful setting.
Remember, the best time to fly fish in these spots is late spring through early fall due to the river’s consistent flows.

Best Access Points

The Uncompahgre River below Ridgway Reservoir is one of Colorado’s prime fly fishing destinations. Here are the best access points for river-bound anglers:

  • Pa-Co-Chu-Puk: Located within Ridgway State Park, this portion of the river features tailwaters from the reservoir, providing optimum conditions for trophy trout.
  • Dallas Creek: This is the closest access point to Ridgway. Fishing just beneath the reservoir dam can be particularly rewarding.
  • River Park in Ridgway: An easily accessible portion of the river, it offers chances for small to medium-sized trout catching.
  • Rollans Park: This area provides plenty of river access with sections well-suited to fly fishing.
  • Billy Creek State Wildlife Area: Located further downstream, this offers extensive river frontage with ideal spots for fly fishing.

Remember to check current fishing regulations and seasonal closures before heading out. Happy Fishing!

Local Fish

  • 1. Rainbow trout: This popular game fish is abundant in the Uncompahgre River. It has a distinctive pink stripe, and its size varies from 10 to 30 inches.
  • 2. Brown trout: Known for its yellow-brown to green body, the brown trout can be quite a catch. It’s a slightly more challenging fish to catch than the rainbow trout.
  • 3. Brook Trout: The brook trout is known for its dark green to brown color with a distinctive marbled pattern. It’s smaller and a bit easier to catch than the rainbow or brown trout.
  • 4. Cutthroat Trout: This species of trout is native to the western U.S., featuring a distinct red or orange cutthroat mark under its jaws.
  • 5. Kokanee Salmon: Kokanee Salmon, known for their vibrant red color in spawning season, are an exciting species for anglers to catch.
  • 6. Mountain White Fish: This species is highly tolerant of various temperature ranges, creating a unique challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts.
  • 7. Green Sunfish: Found predominantly in slow-moving waters of the Uncompahgre River, it’s smaller but can be quite a fun catch.
  • 8. Rocky Mountain Sculpin: While not typically targeted by anglers due to their bottom-dwelling habits and small size, they add to the diverse ecosystem of Uncompahgre River.

About The River

The Uncompahgre River, below the Ridgway Reservoir, has a unique history that not only tells its tale but also of the communities that thrived alongside it. Originating in the San Juan Mountains of Southwestern Colorado, the river was pivotal in shaping the state’s iconic landscapes and nurtured diverse ecosystems.

The river’s course below Ridgway Reservoir is renowned for its priceless vistas and teeming wildlife. Native Americans, Utes (meaning ‘land of the sun’) to be specific, were the earliest known inhabitants of its shores, sustaining their community with its abundant resources.

  • The Uncompahgre Valley became a hub for mining in the 1800s, attracting settlers from afar.
  • From the 1940s, its flow was controlled and utilized for farming and power generation.
  • The river today is a popular spot for fly fishing and rafting while the reservoir is loved for boating and camping.

Intrinsically intertwined with human history, the Uncompahgre River continues to be a life-giving force with a role that evolves over time.

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