Copyright 2010 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the Dolores River Colorado
The Dolores River is both a freestone and a tailwater
stream located in the Southwest corner of Colorado near
the small town of Dolores. Its headwater section contains
the Dolores and the West Branch of the Dolores River. It
starts out as a small alpine meadow type stream at an
elevation of about 10,000 feet. The headwaters has some
private property areas and a couple of campgrounds
located on the stream. The trout in the upper areas are
mostly smaller fish ranging from eight to twelve inches. Fly
fishing the Dolores River is best in its lower tailwater
section.
When people mention the Dolores River they are usually
referring to the tailwater section below McPhee Dam. The
river has a very good population of trout consisting of
rainbows, brown and cutthroat trout. These fish average
about twelve to eighteen inches. This isn't your average
tailwater; however, as the locals put it, it requires some
highly technical fishing methods.. It's more like a spring
creek and in fact, normal spring creek tactics work best
on the stream.
The Dolores has a very good population of aquatic
insects. Its waters are very fertile. It's best to wait until
after runoff, which takes place in June, to start fishing the
Dolores. Fishing continues to be great well on into
December. The regulations require the release of all trout
caught. Only artificial flies and lures can be used.
This isn't an easy stream to fish. You need to use long,
light leaders and tippets. Matching the hatch can be a
huge benefit. Good drag-free drifts and good
presentations are usually required if one is to expect very
much success.
Seasons:
Some of the river's access road is closed from the first of
December until April.
Spring:
Springtime can be a tough time to fish the Dolores River.
Summer:
The water usually gets into good shape about the middle
of June.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Dolores River can be great in the Fall. The
brown trout spawn during the Fall. Good fishing can last
into December.
Click Here For Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
The Dolores River is both a freestone and a tailwater
stream located in the Southwest corner of Colorado near
the small town of Dolores. Its headwater section contains
the Dolores and the West Branch of the Dolores River. It
starts out as a small alpine meadow type stream at an
elevation of about 10,000 feet. The headwaters has some
private property areas and a couple of campgrounds
located on the stream. The trout in the upper areas are
mostly smaller fish ranging from eight to twelve inches. Fly
fishing the Dolores River is best in its lower tailwater
section.
When people mention the Dolores River they are usually
referring to the tailwater section below McPhee Dam. The
river has a very good population of trout consisting of
rainbows, brown and cutthroat trout. These fish average
about twelve to eighteen inches. This isn't your average
tailwater; however, as the locals put it, it requires some
highly technical fishing methods.. It's more like a spring
creek and in fact, normal spring creek tactics work best
on the stream.
The Dolores has a very good population of aquatic
insects. Its waters are very fertile. It's best to wait until
after runoff, which takes place in June, to start fishing the
Dolores. Fishing continues to be great well on into
December. The regulations require the release of all trout
caught. Only artificial flies and lures can be used.
This isn't an easy stream to fish. You need to use long,
light leaders and tippets. Matching the hatch can be a
huge benefit. Good drag-free drifts and good
presentations are usually required if one is to expect very
much success.
Seasons:
Some of the river's access road is closed from the first of
December until April.
Spring:
Springtime can be a tough time to fish the Dolores River.
Summer:
The water usually gets into good shape about the middle
of June.
Fall:
Fly fishing the Dolores River can be great in the Fall. The
brown trout spawn during the Fall. Good fishing can last
into December.
Click Here For Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies
| Type of Stream Freestone Stream/Tailwater Species Rainbow Trout (Wild) Brown Trout (Wild) Cutthroat Trout (Wild) Brook Trout (Wild) Size Small to Medium Location Southwestern Colorado Nearest Towns Dolores Season Year-round Access: Good Non-Resident License State of Colorado Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies |
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| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |