Where to fish in Colorado in September

[hankinsfly]

I don’t quite understand why when I talk to my wife about Colorado, we have all these bills to pay, but when her Talk about their great time in Colorado, she’s ready to go. I’m going to play my cards right on this one. No assholery, and absolutely NO verbal planning of fly fishing with her. That will kill this deal. Anyway, my mind tends toward September, thinking the Aspens will be awesome. What’s everyone’s opinion on the when? September or October? Also, where should we go? Where is good autumn fishing? Gunnison area? South Fork area? Conejos drainage? Estes? Any opinions and experience would be appreciated. Troutyuppie- no need to chime in on this one.

[hankinsfly]

Well we’ve decided on staying in a place called Fairplay. Will most likely fish th South Platte system from its upper forks/small stream water and down through Spinney, Dream Stream, etc.

[flyfishermann1955]

Are you going in Sep or Oct?

Tight Lines- Ken

[hankinsfly]

Ken, haven’t nailed down down the dates yet, but leaning toward mid to late September. Looks like tricos and baetis could be possible. Tying size 24’s is interesting. Don’t know if the fall runners are more prevalent in Sept or Oct. anybody have info on this? Would like to see the aspens in their glory also.

[flyfishermann1955]

Stephen,

Perhaps Golferjeff will reply about fall fish run.

Here is my experience with Aspen trees (all pictures taken in Sep before the 1st day of fall):

CO / NM border while riding C-T narrow-gauge train 



Henson Creek near Lake City



Rio Grande Reservoir



Tight Lines- Ken

[hankinsfly]

Nice. I’m thinking last week of Sept.

[golferjeff]

Water levels are going to be a major issue this fall. The creeks may not be holding up that far into September. Fairplay roads are still currently closed due to fires and flash floods, but should be open by fall.

Aspens - Sep 14 thru October 14 is the main time, but may be a bit later this year unless conditions change. SoCo is more early October. Not many aspens near Fairplay.

The Dream Stream lake run usually begins about 2nd week in October. Late sept is early, but you should see thousands of Kokanee and a few browns. The cutties will be eating eggs as well. If you are in Fairplay, head down to 11 mile canyon for sure. If water levels are OK, hit the water above Spinney (Tomahawk SWA).

They have been getting some good rain this week, which will help matters immensely. You want the upper platte below 100, the dream above 11 mile to be 100-150, and 11 mile canyon between 125-200.
www.dwr.state.co.us/SurfaceWater/data/division.aspx?div=1

[hankinsfly]

Thanks for the tips, Jeff. Planning on all of the above, also Spinney and Antero reservoirs. The Blue and Arkansas not all that far away either. Maybe we should push back into October.

[breeden3]

My favorite time of year in CO is 2nd week of September-End of September. Browns are in a bad mood, but aren't spawning like October.

[hankinsfly]

The Bad Mood Browns. Wasn’t that a movie about a baseball team?

[jonbo]

My ONLY time in Colorado is in late November, unfortunately. I will have the San Juan, luckily.

[flyfishermann1955]

Peter,

Will there be enough water to fish in mid-September this year in the Gunnison area?

Thanks- Ken