Fishing Season: Year Round (Prime: March 1 - October 31)

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

42

Roaring Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Spring Caddis hatch has begun and will continue through the week. Swinging caddis emergers in the evening can be productive even in muddy water.

Directions open in app

Map of Colorado River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Breckenridge Outfitters
Fly Fishing Outfitters
Sunrise Anglers

5-Day Outlook as of 4/23/24

Warm weather has muddied up the river, may be looking at the start of runoff. Fishing closures are now in effect near the tributaries of Elk, Canyon, No Name and Grizzly Creeks.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/23/24

Tough conditions right now!!

Local Species Available Year Round (Prime: March 1 - October 31)

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Roaring Fork Anglers's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Natural 16-18
RS2 Gray 16-18
Micro Egg Orange 16-14
TH Duracell Jig Purple 18-16
Flashback Pheasant Tail Natural 18-16
Buckskin Natural 16-14
Bead Head Barr Emerger BWO 18-16
Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail P-Tail 16-18
Zebra Midge Black 20-18
Rojo Midge Red 20-18

Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

Wet fly patterns don't get any better than this.

2.49

Item #164J

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Roaring Fork Anglers's Recommended Gear

Description: About Colorado River

The Colorado River flows for many miles through the state of Colorado, a large portion of which is prime trout habitat. The Lower Colorado included in these reports begins at Dotsero and ends at the town of Rifle, which could be considered the lowest end of prime trout fishing. This length encompasses some 40 river miles in western Colorado that meanders through wide mountain valleys and numerous canyons, including the spectacular Glenwood Canyon, until it becomes a large, sprawling western river winding its way amongst the hay fields and cattle ranches. Within this lower stretch, there are nearly 15 small tributaries and 2 large rivers (Eagle and Roaring Fork rivers) that enter the Colorado changing its identity as it picks up volume. Rainbow trout and Brown trout, some of exceptional size, dominate the trout population, however; Cutthroat trout exist throughout the entire length, especially in close proximity to a tributary. The size of the river combined with large swaths of private property make this an ideal river for floating by raft or drift boat. In Glenwood Springs and upstream into Glenwood Canyon the bike path runs for 13 miles adjacent to the river making for ample public access via walk-wading.

Nearest Airport:

Eagle County Airport & Garfield County Airport

Hatches:

Caddis Blue-Winged Olives Stoneflies Egg patterns Streamers

Best Time to Fish:

10AM to 3PM and 6:30 to dark

Best Stretch:

Glenwood Springs, New Castle and Silt

Best Access:

Grizzly Creek and No Name exits in Glenwood Canyon, Devereaux Road in Glenwood Springs, Dinosaur to New Castle areas