Fraser River - Tabernash | Overview
Just downstream of where Ranch Creek joins the Fraser River, the water gains volume, depth, and a wilder feel as it flows toward Tabernash and the upper reaches of the Fraser Canyon. This scenic stretch of river winds through open ranchland, cottonwood groves, and grassy meadows, creating a perfect blend of riffles, runs, and deep holding water that make for classic Colorado freestone fishing. The Strawberry Access, located just upstream of the canyon mouth, provides one of the best public entry points to this section. From here, anglers can explore miles of productive water leading toward the top of the Fraser Canyon—a beautiful mix of technical pocket water and long, smooth glides that hold strong populations of wild brown and rainbow trout.
Fraser River - Below Tabernash: Current Discharge Loading...
Fraser River - Below Tabernash: Water Temperature (°C)
Current Conditions
May 2026: The Fraser River near Tabernash continues to run low for this time of year but fishing has been good. Keep an eye on flows as we get deeper into runoff, although we’re still not expecting the big push of water we’d normally see this time of year. Water clarity remains good and we’ve been seeing solid BWO hatches in the mornings and on cloudy days, with caddis coming off in strong numbers during sunny afternoons and evenings. We’ve even found a few fish willing to eat hoppers! The best fishing has been in riffles dropping into deeper runs, pocket water, and softer seams. With lower flows, heavy nymph rigs can be a little clunky, so a dry dropper setup has been the better play. A high-floating dry like a Stimulator or Chubby Chernobyl with a weighted BWO nymph 18–24 inches below has been very effective. Keep an eye out for risers too, because dry fly fishing has been pretty solid lately.
Recommended FLies
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Thread Body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Perdigons 18 (olive, black), Guides Choice Hare's Ear 16-18, Zebra midge black or olive size 20-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Chubby Chernobyl 12-14 (gold, royal), Parachute Adams 18-24 (natural, purple), Stimulator (14-16), Para Wulff 18-24
STREAMERS: Leach (black, olive), Double Thin Mint, Goldie
