Dolores River
McPhee Tailwater · Cahone · SW Colorado
SW Colorado, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Rainbow and Brown.
Stream gauge: 09166500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
The Dolores is running a steady 243 cfs with prime summer conditions setting up nicely. Water temps are climbing into the sweet spot for PMD emergence, and terrestrial action is ramping up as grasshoppers become active in the canyon. Morning sessions before the heat builds and evening fishing as temps cool will be most productive. Focus on PMD patterns during midday emergence windows and terrestrials tight to banks during the warmer afternoon hours.
- Flow: 243 cfs — regulated and stable from McPhee Dam, providing excellent wading conditions and consistent fishing throughout the canyon
- Hatches: PMDs peaking during midday warmth, terrestrials active along banks. #16 PMD emergers and #10-12 hoppers are key patterns
- Water Temp: Rising into 58-68°F range — perfect for PMD emergence and increased trout activity as summer conditions arrive
- Best Window: Early morning before 9am and evening after 6pm as canyon heat builds. Midday PMD emergence 11am-2pm
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: May–Oct (when releases support fishing); check flows
The Dolores River below McPhee Dam in southwest Colorado is a desert tailwater of complicated history. When McPhee releases adequate water, the upper 12 miles below the dam are among the most productive trout fisheries in the Southwest — large rainbows and browns in cold, clear flows through red rock canyon. When releases are inadequate (which has been frequent in recent drought years), the fishery struggles. Anglers should check current flows before planning a trip. The downstream river through the canyon below Bradfield Bridge offers a dramatically different experience: float-only access, smallmouth bass, and a true desert wilderness setting.
The Dolores below McPhee remains one of the most controversial fisheries in the West — when flows allow, it's exceptional; in drought years, ongoing fish-flow disputes between irrigators and anglers have national policy implications.
January Outlook
January on the Dolores River tailwater below McPhee Reservoir in southwest Colorado is a cold but productive fishery. Regulated releases keep the river fishable year-round.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
- San Juan Worm
Tips
The Dolores tailwater below McPhee Dam is one of Colorado's hidden gems. January midge fishing in the canyon can produce excellent results for wild rainbow and brown trout. The canyon provides wind protection on cold days.
Water Notes
Regulated releases from McPhee. Water 42–50°F. Cold southwest Colorado canyon conditions.
February Outlook
February on the Dolores tailwater continues winter midge fishing. The canyon is quiet and the wild trout are accessible on most days.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Baetis Nymph
- Soft Hackle
Tips
February is the least-pressured month on the Dolores tailwater. The wild rainbow and brown trout are concentrated in the deeper slots. Nymph fishing with an indicator through the deeper runs is consistently productive.
Water Notes
Water 44–52°F. Cold. McPhee regulated flows. Canyon access via CO-141.
March Outlook
March on the Dolores River brings early Baetis hatches. The southwest Colorado canyon begins warming earlier than higher-elevation rivers. Pre-runoff conditions are excellent.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry
- RS2
- Hare's Ear
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March is one of the Dolores tailwater's prime months — Baetis hatches begin and the fish are hungry after winter. The reservoir regulation means stable flows even as the surrounding mesa country begins to warm.
Water Notes
Water 48–56°F. Regulated. Pre-runoff stability. Baetis hatches begin mid-month.
April Outlook
April on the Dolores River tailwater is prime fishing. Baetis and early PMD hatches are excellent. Wild rainbow and brown trout are actively rising.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Nymph
- Baetis Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Soft Hackle
Tips
April is one of the best months on the Dolores. McPhee regulation provides stable flows while the surrounding canyons are spectacularly green. The fish are in excellent condition.
Water Notes
Water 52–62°F. McPhee regulated. Spring conditions. Flows stable.
May Outlook
May on the Dolores River is excellent with PMD and Caddis hatches. The southwest Colorado canyon is at peak spring beauty.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Baetis Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
May is the Dolores tailwater at its finest. Multiple hatches through the day, wild trout actively rising. The canyon views of the red rock mesas above are exceptional. Fish the 4-mile tailwater section from the dam to the wilderness boundary.
Water Notes
Water 56–66°F. Regulated flows. Caddis and PMD excellent. One of CO's finest May tailwaters.
June Outlook
June on the Dolores River tailwater continues with excellent summer hatches. Terrestrials begin. The canyon is warm but fishing is good morning and evening.
Productive Patterns
- PMD Cripple
- Hopper
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Stimulator
Tips
June is excellent on the Dolores. The flows are regulated and consistent. Morning and evening fishing are most productive as temperatures rise. The southwest canyon terrain is beautiful in June.
Water Notes
Water 58–68°F. Regulated. Summer warming begins. Fish morning and evening.
July Outlook
July on the Dolores tailwater is summer terrestrial season. Hoppers and terrestrials on hot days. Regulated flows keep fishing consistent.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Ant
- PMD
- Evening Caddis
Tips
July is terrestrial time on the Dolores. Fish the canyon sections early morning before the heat peaks. The McPhee regulated flows provide consistent conditions even during summer drought. Wild trout in good condition.
Water Notes
Water 62–70°F. Summer. Regulated. Morning fishing essential. Possible low water conditions.
August Outlook
August on the Dolores River tailwater is hot but fishable in the morning and evening. Terrestrials and evening caddis are the primary patterns.
Productive Patterns
- Hopper
- Beetle
- Evening Caddis
- Ant
Tips
August mornings on the Dolores can be exceptional. The regulated tailwater section holds fish well. McPhee Reservoir level in late summer can affect releases — check USGS 09166500 before visiting.
Water Notes
Water 64–72°F. Hot southwest summer. Check McPhee levels — low reservoir may affect flows. Fish early.
September Outlook
September on the Dolores River is one of the best months. Temperatures moderate, Baetis returns, and terrestrials continue. The canyon mesa country is spectacular.
Productive Patterns
- Baetis Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Hopper
- Soft Hackle
Tips
September is prime time on the Dolores tailwater — cooler temperatures, excellent hatches, and wild trout in peak condition. The drive through the canyon on CO-141 to Dolores is spectacular in fall.
Water Notes
Water 56–64°F. Cooling temps. Clarity excellent. One of the Dolores's finest months.
October Outlook
October on the Dolores River tailwater is excellent fall fishing. Baetis hatches are consistent, wild brown trout approach spawn, and the canyon is beautiful.
Productive Patterns
- BWO Parachute
- Streamer
- Hare's Ear
- Egg Pattern
Tips
October is prime on the Dolores — wild browns and rainbows in peak fall condition, reliable Baetis hatches, and the southwest Colorado canyon in autumn light.
Water Notes
Water 50–58°F. Excellent clarity. Regulated. Fall fishing at its best.
November Outlook
November on the Dolores tailwater is late fall with midge and Baetis activity. The canyon is quiet and the fishing is excellent for the dedicated angler.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- BWO Nymph
- RS2
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November on the Dolores is very productive with minimal pressure. The wild trout are feeding actively. The canyon is cold but often spectacularly clear-skied. Best months for solitude.
Water Notes
Water 46–54°F. Late fall. Regulated. Excellent clarity. Fewer anglers after October.
December Outlook
December on the Dolores River tailwater is winter but the regulated character makes it consistently fishable. Midge fishing in the cold southwest canyon.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
- San Juan Worm
Tips
December fishing on the Dolores is a commitment but the rewards are there. McPhee regulated flows and the canyon's windbreak make conditions manageable. Wild trout year-round.
Water Notes
Water 42–50°F. Winter. McPhee regulated. Canyon road accessible. Pack warm layers.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis tricaudatus |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–20 |
|
| Pale Morning Dun Ephemerella inermis |
May, Jun | Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug | #16–18 |
|
| Caddis / Terrestrials Hydropsyche spp. / Melanoplus spp. |
Jun, Jul | May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep | #10–16 |
|
Access & Approach
Dolores, CO is the primary base. Bradfield Bridge is the key access point. Colorado fishing license required. Flow conditions are highly variable — call McPhee Reservoir or check USGS gauge data before traveling.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Duranglers
Regulations & License
Fishing in Colorado requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Colorado fishing regulations & license →
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About Current
Dolores River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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