Is Trout Fishing in the West Doomed This Season? episode artwork

EPISODE · May 6, 2026 · 42 MIN

Is Trout Fishing in the West Doomed This Season?

from The Outdoor Life Podcast · host Outdoor Life

Minimal snow pack and record heat this spring have created a bit of a doomsday scenario for Western trout fishing, especially in the Southwest. However, there are some bright spots. There will still be opportunities in the West but the timing of the season will be much different, and earlier. In this episode of the podcast we interview News Editor Dac Collins, who is a diehard fly fisherman and Colorado resident. He's done a bunch of reporting on how this trout season is lining up. Read the full story here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/colorado-trout-fishing-forecast-2026/ Colorado faces its worst snowpack in recorded history, impacting water resources and increasing drought concerns. Operating at 36% capacity, the river system’s over-allocation issues worsen, affecting millions in the Southwest. Spring snow and summer rain could help salvage the season. This episode is brought to you by SureFire. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson. Produced by Executive Editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Minimal snow pack and record heat this spring have created a bit of a doomsday scenario for Western trout fishing, especially in the Southwest. However, there are some bright spots. There will still be opportunities in the West but the timing of the season will be much different, and earlier. In this episode of the podcast we interview News Editor Dac Collins, who is a diehard fly fisherman and Colorado resident. He's done a bunch of reporting on how this trout season is lining up. Read the full story here: https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/colorado-trout-fishing-forecast-2026/ Colorado faces its worst snowpack in recorded history, impacting water resources and increasing drought concerns. Operating at 36% capacity, the river system’s over-allocation issues worsen, affecting millions in the Southwest. Spring snow and summer rain could help salvage the season. This episode is brought to you by SureFire. Hosted by Editor-in-Chief Alex Robinson. Produced by Executive Editor Natalie Krebs. Edited by Mike Pedersen / Eighty Five Audio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Is Trout Fishing in the West Doomed This Season?

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This episode was published on May 6, 2026.

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Minimal snow pack and record heat this spring have created a bit of a doomsday scenario for Western trout fishing, especially in the Southwest. However, there are some bright spots. There will still be opportunities in the West but the timing of the...

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