THE SPRING MELT: IMPACT ON RAFTING AND FISHING

Another late blast of snow across the Rockies can dump feet of wet spring snow in some locations. But that doesn’t stop the sun from shining, and temperatures will continue to climb back up into the 70s in many places across Colorado. The smaller creeks will fill up and the water will start to rise. In summary: the spring melt is underway, and that’s the best time to raft in Colorado!

Spring Weather and Rafting

Even as late as May, Colorado’s snowpack can stand at over 100%, leading to higher than average surges of water. This means when the runoff begins, there will still be a ton of snow up high. Depending on how rapidly summer temperatures arrive, runoff could last weeks longer than normal. At its peak, that means these weather conditions will bring some epic whitewater rafting conditions, making spring one of the best times for rafting in Colorado!

Pro tip: the Arkansas River and the Colorado River often give great insight into when to expect peak rafting conditions. If you don’t want to miss the excitement, give us a call at 970-476-3700 to reserve your spot. Or check out our rafting trips.

Early Spring Weather Impact on Fishing

While the rafting community will be celebrating outstanding whitewater conditions, fly fishing enthusiasts might be less enthralled with the prospect of an extended high-water spring season. However, many veteran anglers will tell you that runoff is not the time of year to sit on the sidelines.

Among many in the fly fishing world, runoff gets a bad rap. Water is high, often muddy and many of your favorite holes might be unrecognizable. But that doesn’t mean the fishing isn’t great. It just means you have to fish differently.

In some ways, runoff provides advantages that help offset the challenges. During high water, fish concentrate in predictable locations. They tend to get pushed out toward the banks and into any slack water where they can find reprieve. You may not be able to wade during runoff, but you probably don’t need to. With fish in these more reachable locations, they can be easily targeted from shore. Check out our fly fishing page for more information.

No matter what you find yourself doing this spring, whether you’ve got a paddle or a fly rod in your hand, have fun and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer! If you have questions about trips with Sage Outdoor Adventures, call us at 970-476-3700 or send us a message.