Right on man. I do hear ya on the dries. I didn’t see much hatch when we were out there but I’m sure there must be something. We were there around July 4.
Check in with a local fly shop, they’ll likely help you out. My buddy caught about 15 fish on the Animas one morning right in front of the doubletree in Durango after picking up 10 recommended flies from the shop. Mostly nymphing as I recall. We were staying a little outside of town at river bend ranch and the river there was muddy bottom with no structure. It seemed like there was a lot better structure through town.
Our ceo was directly asked about changing benefits in a recent town hall one day before Exxon’s announcement and he said they do not plan to change any benefits or other items.
Of course they always say that right up until they cut it, just like dividends. Ah well.
I would think your Best bet would be to visit a local fly shop up there Once you arrive and ask them to sell you a small assortment of what is hitting. You can also try to look up hatch charts but those are always kind of wacky for me because the hatch mix depends so much on the temperature and conditions in the last week or so, etc.
Regarding the spinners sometimes I really find that fish home in on a particular color. You’re on the right track with the lure selection. I would be sure to get an all gold panther martin and an all silver one along with a few other colors for variety. Don’t be afraid to go small too. Maybe 1/16 or 1/32 on up.
Spent the last couple days drifting the north Platte, gray reef section in Wyoming. Just crushed them on flies, nymphs only. But 10-15 trout each day for me and my buddy all 18”+. Some beautiful and very productive fishing up there.
I shipped my car from Houston to Denver a couple years back now. Ended up costing 600. I found a bunch of options online, but actually all these online guys are just brokers. The hauler that takes your car is always third parties.
Just do your research and try to get a decent price. I didn’t have any issues. Good luck.