Flows are up and fishing might be a bit more difficult with high flows.
The higher stretches of the Dolores are opening up, but flows will be high and cold, so go nymphs or dry/deep dropper.
Patterns/Bugs:
Nymphs: Prince Nymphs 14-18, Pats Rubberlegs 8-12, Duracell 12-16, Rainbow Warrior 18-22, Pheasant Tail 16-20, Zebra Midge 18-22.
Buggers and streamers in olive, black, white.
Fishing has been pretty good (finally) on the lower D. This is a good early-season getaway when all other local rivers are blown out.
Clouds mean mayflies, so have a dry fly rigged with a BWO and ready for when the wayward cloud passes. Otherwise, light nymph rigs with mayfly nymphs and midge pupa are a good go-to.
Should we see hot days, have a hopper on hand, even in May
Patterns/Bugs:
Nymphs: Killer Mayfly 20-24, Pheasant Tails 18-22, Black Flash Midge Pupa 18-22, Tavs Big Mac Pupa, RS-2 18-22, Splitback BWO Nymph 18-22, Olive and Red Micro Mayfly 16-20, Juans Slim Shady 20-24.
Midges 20-26: Black Flash Midge Pupa, Tavs Big Mac, Bling Midge.
Dries: Vis-a-Dun Baetis 18-22, Smoke Jumper Baetis 18-22, Parachute Adams 16-22, Parachute Baetis 18-20.
Hoppers 12-14: Panty Dropper Hopper, Morrish Hopper, Tan Sweetgrass Hopper, Lil Hopper Juan.