San Miguel River Fishing Report: 12/18/24 (Bottom Of Page)
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery: We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Please see the bottom of this column for ordering options.
We also have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes. They make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone Stream
Species
Rainbow Trout (Wild)
Brown Trout (Wild)
Cutthroat Trout (Native)
Brook Trout (Wild)
Cutbows (Hybrids)
Size
Medium
Location
Southwestern Colorado
Nearest Towns
Telluride
Placerville
Season
Year-round
Access:
Good
Non-Resident License
State of Colorado
Weather
National Weather Service Link
USGS Real Time Stream Flow Data
Seasons:
The season last year-round
Spring:
Spring is a good time for fly fishing the San Miguel River provided you miss the runoff period which
usually occurs in late April, May and early June.
Summer:
Summertime fishing can be great with good caddisfly dry fly action
Fall:
Fall is probably the best time for fly fishing the San Miguel River
Winter:
Winter fishing can be good during nice weather periods
Recommended Tackle & Gear
Fly Line:
4, 5 or 6 weight
Leaders:
Dry fly: 9 to 12 ft., 5 or 6X Nymphing:
71/2 ft., 3 or 4X, Streamers 0-2X
Tippets:
Dry fly: 5 or 6X, Nymphing: 3 or 4X,
Streamer 0-2X
Best Fly Rods:
Perfect Fly Supreme Four, Superb Five
or Ultimate Six
Fly Reels:
For 4/5/6 fly line
Fly Floatants and Misc Items:
Floatants, KISS Strike Indicators
Tools & Accessories:
Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc.
Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:
Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
Copyright 2016 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the San Miguel River Colorado
Fly Fishing the San Miguel River in Colorado can be a very rewarding experience. It’s one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. It begins from small alpine lakes at an elevation of approximately 11,000 feet and flows for almost 90 miles before entering the Dolores River. Almost 50 miles of its water holds trout. It has several tributaries that holds trout as well as its South Fork. The San Miguel River falls from the high San Juan Mountains at a steep gradient through beautiful, red walled canyons. The river drops over 7000 feet in elevation from its beginning to its confluence with the Dolores River.
The San Miguel River runs through the city of Telluride and through the valley along highway #145. Access is easy and plentiful throughout most of the river’s length. It consist mostly fast flowing pocket water but there’s some pools and long riffles along its course.
Cutbows and rainbow trout are the most plentiful species but the river also hold cutthroats, and brown trout. Brook trout exist in its higher elevations.
There are few mayflies that inhibit the San Miguel River but recently it has been reported hatches of Green Drakes are occurring in some places. There’s also a few species of Blue-winged Olives but the aquatic insects consist mostly of caddisflies, although some of the caddisfly species hatch during the runoff period. Most are species of Spotted Sedges but there are some green sedges, little short-horned sedges and others. Stoneflies, consisting of several different species, are quite plentiful and a major source of food for the trout. Little Yellow Stoneflies, Golden Stoneflies represent the majority of them. Imitations of the terrestrial insects are important during the summer months.
Fishing Report:
05/01/21 The river is still flowing a little below normal levels and in good shape. We continue to get good reports from customers. There are Blue-winged Olives, March Browns, Little Black Caddis, Little Brown Stoneflies and midges hatching.
05/09/21 The river is still a little low but we continue to get good reports. Green Sedge caddis have started to hatch in addition to the above insects.
05/17/21 The stream is low considering the runoff has started. We are getting good reports but it is likely to end soon.
05/25/21 The river is still okay in the tailwater. Trout are still being caught in good numbers. The freestone section is in runoff and the discharges are likely to increase soon.
06/01/21 The tailwater discharges are allowing anglers some opportunity. It may be short lived as runoff is underway in the freestone section.
06/11/21 The river is in runoff and to high to fish. Stay in touch and we will keep you informed.
06/23/21 The stream level is down to near normal levels and the water clear. There are some very good hatches. Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations.
07/06/21 The stream levels are still a little below normal but should be fine. There are good hatches and we should start getting more good reports.
07/15/21 The stream is still a little low but we continue to get some good reports from customers. There are very good hatches and our terrestrials are also working.
07/22/21 The stream is still low but did receive some rain recently. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/30/21 The stream is in very good shape flowing at a normal level with clear water. There are good hatches and we are getting good reports from customers.
08/04/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level and in good shape. There are good hatches taking place and we are getting good reports from customers.
08/13/21 The stream levels are still near normal and the water in good shape. We received two good reports from customers fishing the past week.
08/20/21 The stream levels are up above normal levels due to recent rain. That is good as it will fall back down fast and get in good shape.
08/23/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good hatches are taking place.
08/28/21 The stream is flow just a little below normal level and in okay shape. We received a couple of good reports recently. Good hatches continue to take place. There is some chances of rain starting the first of next week.
09/06/21 The stream is still below normal levels but we did receive a couple of good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/21/21 The levels are still below normal but we continue to get good reports. Good hatches continue to produce some good dry fly fishing opportunities.
09/29/21 The stream level is up near a normal level and the river in good shape. There are good hatches and we are getting some good reports from customers.
10/12/21 The stream is flowing at a normal level in very good shape. We are getting several good reports a week from customers. There are good fall hatches taking place.
11/01/21 Stream levels are at a normal level and the water clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week.
11/09/21 The stream is still flowing at a normal level and clear. We received one good report from a customer this past week.
11/17/21 More good reports have come in from customers. Blood or red midges and Blue-winged olives are hatching. Our articulated and non-articulated sculpin streamers are also working good.
11/25/21 The stream is at a normal level and in good shape. You should be able to catch plenty trout.
12/05/21 Yes, the water is cold but cream and red midges and blue-winged olives are hatching and our articulated sculpin streamers should work very good.
12/21/21 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week. The stream levels are a little low but very cold.
12/29/21 The stream isn’t offering much opportunity as the water is in the mid thirties and levels are a little low.
01/06/2022 The stream is cold but you can still catch trout on midges. We didn’t receive any reports again this past week.
01/14/22 We still didn’t receive any reports. There is a lot of slush ice in the water as well as bank ice.
01/22/22 No reports from the past week, so we recommend fishing a tailwater location.
01/29/22 Sorry, but still no reports. The water is very cold.
02/07/22 Still no reports from anyone fishing. Send us an email to sales@perfectflystore.com for a recommended fly list.
02/15/22 We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing. Skwala and Winter stoneflies are hatching as well as blood and cream midges.
02/23/22 We can’t recommend fishing the river due to the cold water. Fish a nearby tailwater. There is lots of slush ice in the water.
03/03/22 It should start warming us soon but for now, the water is still too cold to fish well.
03/11/22 We still didn’t get any reports. Fish the nearby tailwaters for better results.
03/19/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level in good shape. There are good hatches taking place. The water is almost 50 degrees right now. Conditions are good.
03/28/22 The stream is in good shape for this time of the year. Good hatches are taking place and we are getting good reports from customers.
04/04/22 Conditions remain pretty good. We received another good report from this past weekend. Stream levels are okay and some good hatches are taking place.
04/12/22 We didn’t get any reports this past week but conditions remain okay. Good BWOs, Midges, Skwala stoneflies and Little Black caddis hatches are taking place.
04/20/22 The March brown mayflies are starting to hatch. We still didn’t receive any reports from anyone this past week.
04/28/22 The stream is still flowing below normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place.
05/06/22 The stream levels are up to near a normal level and the water warmer. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/14/22 The stream is still in okay condition. We didn’t get any reports from anyone but you should be able to catch trout. Good hatches are taking place.
05/21/22 The stream level is back down to below normal. We received one good report this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/28/22 The stream level is up. We are not sure it is a sign of runoff starting or not. It is time for that to happen. Good hatches continue to take place.
06/05/22 The stream level is still up, too high to fish successfully.
06/13/22 The stream is in a very moderate runoff stage but still a little too high to fish well. Give it a little more time to drop and clear.
06/20/22 Stream levels are down and it can be waded with caution in most places. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
06/28/22 The stream is still in good shape. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/05/22 The stream conditions are about the same as last week. We received one good report from a customer.
07/13/22 The stream is down in good shape and the water clear. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good hatches are taking place.
07/20/22 The stream is a little below normal level but okay. There are very good hatches taking place. Fish the plunges, riffles and runs, not the slow water.
07/27/22 We didn’t get any reports from anyone fishing this past week. Water levels are still a little low but you should be able to catch trout.
08/03/22 The stream is flowing just a little below normal levels and clear. There are good hatches taking place. We received two good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
08/10/22 The stream is low and you need to use caution to stay hidden from the trout. Good hatches continue to take place and we are still getting a few good reports.
08/17/22 The stream is up to a normal level in good shape. Good hatches are taking place and we are getting some good reports from customers.
09/01/22 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Late summer hatches are taking placed and we are getting good catch reports from customers.
09/08/22 The stream is down to a little below normal but still okay. Stay hidden from the trout as best you can. They still eat in low water.
09/22/22 The stream levels are normal and the water clear. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Good late season hatches are taking place.
10/08/22 The stream is still in okay condition and turning out some good catches for our customers. There are a lot of October Caddis hatching among Blue-winged olives and midges.
10/21/22 Stream levels are a little low but okay. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
11/18/22 More good reports have come in from customers. Blood or red midges and Blue-winged olives are hatching. Our articulated and non-articulated sculpin streamers are also working good.
01/03/23 Conditions are not very good due to ice.
02/13/23 The stream has a lot of slush ice. Wait until it warms a little.
02/28/23 The stream is still too cold to fish well with slush ice in much of the water.
03/10/23 The stream is still too cold to fish. It should start to warm up some soon.
03/23/23 Hold off until it warms up a little.
04/04/23 The water is still very cold with lots of slush ice.
04/16/23 The water is a little warmer. Trout can be caught on midges.
04/26/23 We are still waiting on reports. The water is still very cold but okay for midge fishing.
05/08/23 The stream is very high from runoff. Keep in touch and we will keep you informed.
05/20/21 The stream is still high and muddy from runoff.
05/30/23 The stream is still too high to fish from runoff. Give it some more time to drop and clear.
06/11/23 The stream is still too high to fish. Check back with us. We will keep you informed.
06/27/23 The stream is flowing at a very high level and badly stained from runoff. Give is some more time and check back with us.
07/04/23 The stream is still too high to fish. Give it a little more time. It should be down and in good shape very soon.
07/12/23 The stream is down a lot and should be low enough to fish very soon. Good hatches are taking place.
07/19/23 The stream is flowing above normal but low enough to fish in most places. Good hatches continue to come off.
07/30/23 The stream is a good bit below normal level and clear. There are very good hatches taking place. We received one good report from a customer fishing it this past week.
08/06/23 The stream is flowing near an normal level and clear. There are good hatches taking place. We received two more good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
08/17/23 Conditions are good. The stream has good levels and clear water. Lots of insects are hatching.
08/23/23 Good conditions continue to exist. Stream levels are okay and good hatches continue.
08/29/23 The stream is still in good conditions in all sections. We received two more good reports from customers fishing it this past week.
09/06/23 The stream is in very good shape and we are getting some very good reports. Good numbers of trout are being caught. Good hatches are taking place.
09/13/23 The stream is still in good shape in all respects. We received two more good reports from customers fishing this past week.
09/20/23 Good conditions continue to exist. More good reports have come in.
09/27/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/03/23 The stream is in good shape and we continue to get good catch reports. October caddis and other insects are hatching.
10/11/23 The stream is flowing below a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place. We received one good report from a customer fishing this past week.
10/27/23 The stream is flowing below a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place. Stay low and as hidden as you can and you should catch good numbers of trout.
11/04/23 The stream is flowing below vert near a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place.
11/11/23 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to come off.
11/28/23 The stream has a lot of bank and slush ice in the water.
12/31/23 The water is very cold bu you can still catch trout on light green or red (blood) midges.
01/15/24 Midges and Winter stoneflies are hatching good. Stream levels are a little below normal.
01/24/24 The stream is in okay shape level wise with clear water. Good Light Green midges and Winter stoneflies are hatching. You should be able to catch trout.
02/06/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level with clear water. Good hatches continue to take place.
02/20/24 Conditions remain good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Light Green midges and Winter stoneflies are hatching.
03/07/24 The stream is very cold but trout can be caught on light green midges and Skwala stoneflies.
03/20/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place.
03/27/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Fish the lower section where the water is the warmest. Good hatches continue to come off.
04/03/24 The stream is still in good shape level wise, but still very cold. Good Skwala stonefly and midge hatches continue to take place.
04/13/24 Conditions are fair. We still didn’t get any reports but you should be able to catch trout on March Browns, Skwala stonefly nymphs, and Cream Midge larvae and pupae.
04/19/24 The stream is still in okay shape with some good early season hatches. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
04/24/24 The stream is still flowing at a good level and mostly clear. Good early season hatches are taking place.
05/01/24 The stream is still flowing at a good level with good hatches coming off.
05/08/24 We didn’t receive any reports from anyone fishing, but the condition remain good.
05/15/24 The stream is in okay condition with good hatches. Let us hear from you.
05/22/24 The stream is still in okay condition with okay stream levels. Good hatches continue to take place.
05/29/24 The stream is flowing above a normal level with stained water.
06/05/24 The stream is still very high and badly stained from runoff.
06/12/24 Runoff conditions continue to exist.
06/19/24 The stream level is down to near normal levels and the water clear. There are some very good hatches.
06/26/24 Conditions are good. We received a good report from a customer fishing this past week. Good hatches continue to come off.
07/03/24 We received another good report from a customer. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear.
07/10/24 Conditions remain very good. Stream levels are find and hatches continue to take place. We received another good report from a customer fishing this past week.
07/18/24 The stream is flowing well below a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to take place.
07/28/24 The stream is still flowing well below a normal level and clear. The low stream levels hasn’t hurt the anglers fishing recently as we are still getting good reports. Very good hatches are coming off.
08/03/24 The stream is still well below a normal level and clear. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
08/10/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level, thanks to some recent rain. Good hatches are still taking place. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
08/18/24 Good conditions exist. We received a good report from a customer fishing it yesterday.
08/28/24 We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good hatches continue to occur.
09/05/24 Conditions remain good. We received another good report from a customer fishing yesterday.
09/12/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good hatches continue to come off.
09/19/24 Conditions remain good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches are still taking place.
09/26/24 The stream is still flowing near a normal level and in good shape. Good hatches continue to take place. We received a good report from customer fishing yesterday.
10/03/24 Conditions are okay. The stream level is low and the water clear. Late season hatches are still taking place.
10/10/24 The stream is flowing a little below normal and clear. Good hatches are still taking place. We received a good report from a customer fishing this past week.
10/19/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. We received a good report from a customer fishing yesterday. Good hatches continue to take place.
10/28/24 Good conditions exist. The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
11/02/24 The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. Good hatches are taking place.
11/12/24 Good conditions exist. The stream is flowing at a normal level and clear. You should be able to catch good numbers of trout.
11/23/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good late season hatches are taking place.
12/02/24 Conditions are good. The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good hatches continue to come off.
12/09/24 The stream is flowing near a normal level and clear. Good Cream midge, Winter stoneflies and BWO hatches are taking place.
12/18/24 The stream is still flowing near a normal level and clear. It is cold but still capable of turning out good catches.
Perfect Flies are designed and tied to to imitate and behave like the natural foods the trout rely on to survive as much as possible. The more your fly looks like and moves through and on the surface of the water like the real things, the higher your odds of success.
Write us at sales@perfectflystore.com for a recommended fly list.