Williams Fork
14 Day Forecast: Look for hatches of midges and blue winged olives
Effective Patterns: #14 San Juan Worms, #20-22 Jujubaetis, #22 Stalcup's Baetis, #18 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #16-18 Graphic Caddis, #16-18 Barr Emerger (PMD), #18 Mitchell's Split Case PMD, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #16 Mathew's Sparkle Dun (PMD), #16 Elk Hair Caddis, and #24 Stalcup's Trico.
Measurements
Fly Fishing Conditions & Tips from Pat Dorsey for the Williams Fork River
The Williams Fork River is a top-notch fishery of its own. This beautiful fishery is nestled between the Williams Peaks and Middle Park and is truly a fly-fishing paradise. The two-mile stretch between the upper boundary of the Kemp Unit and the confluence of the Colorado River is a mixture or riffles, runs, and pocket water with one of the best populations of brown trout in the “west”. A 30-minute hike to the river keeps the crowds to a minimum. Anglers can catch trout with a variety of methods including nymphs, streamers, and dry flies. The hatches include caddis, blue-winged olives, midges, Tricos, and red quills. Being a tributary of the Colorado River-spring and fall-spawn runs bring some “lunkers” into the stream. Ideal flows for the “Fork” are between 100 and 250 cfs. The regulations are flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
The Williams Fork is one of the prettiest places on the planet. This Williams Fork is proof that trout don't live in ugly places.
Tips & Other Information:
The Williams Fork River is fishing quite well if you can withstand the mosquitoes. Trust me…they are really bad this time of year! Make sure you wear a long sleeve shirt, Buff, sun gloves, and bring plenty of Deep Woods Off! Anglers can expect to find reliable midge hatches in the a.m., followed by mid-day PMD and caddis hatches. Look for some yellow sallies to “come off” as well. 7/21/23