Crystal River –
Flow: 38 cfs/Redstone, 64 cfs/Carbondale
Conditions: March is a temperamental month along the Crystal with feast-or-famine fishing conditions highly dependent upon the weather. Undoubtedly, the most reliable fishing is through town here in Carbondale – it’s still winter conditions above Redstone. Warm weather can get the midges hatching but it can also muddy the river. When the stars align though, the Crystal can see some of Valley’s best midge and BWO hatches. Nymphing is productive using small winter stoneflies, eggs and various BWO and midge patterns. Some of our favorites include: 20Inchers, Licorice Gumdrops, BH Cheesman Emergers, Foamwing Emergers and BH Sparklewing RS-2’s. Afternoons give way to daily midge hatches with warm, overcast days yielding the most numbers of rising fish. Leaders and tippets tapered down to 6/7x is needed when fishing the little #20-24 dries. Midges are the dominant hatch currently but prolific BWO hatches can be expected my months end.
The fly shop is loaded to the gills with a ton of new fly tying merch, new rods and reels, new logo apparel and so, so much more. Swing by and help support your local independant fly shop!
Our guides know the Crystal River intimately – let us give you the highlight of your vacation!
As always, feel free to give us a call for daily river conditions at 970.963.5741
Flies
Dries: Triple Doubles, Griffiths Gnats, Stillborn Midge, Slick Water Midge, Zelon Midge, Polywing Midge Adult, BWO Sparkledun, Roy’s Special Emerger, No Hackle BWO, Royal Stimi
Nymphs: Tactical Turds, Licorice Gumdrops, 20Inchers, Flashtail Mini Egg, BH Cheesman Emerger, Polywings, Foamwings, BH Sparklewing RS-2, Jig Zebra, Medallion Midge, WD-40, Bling Midge, Pheasant Tail Olive, 2Bits, Electric Caddis
Streamers: Mickey Finn, Royal Coachman Bucktail, Buggers, PSL’s
