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

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

68

Roaring Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Get out there early as water temps are getting too high past noon.

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 7/14/26

Still good in the mornings with stonefly and BWO nymphs producing best. Early morning streamers getting some good action as well.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/14/26

Nymphing stoneflies with trailer nymphs matching Blue-Winged Olives, Red Quills and PMD's.

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):
Royal Wulff Royal 10-8
Stimulator Tan 10-8
Hairwing Western Green Drake Olive 10-8
TH 20 Incher Peacock 16-14
CDC Flash P-tail Natural 16-14
Pat's Rubber Leg Stone Brn/Blk 10-12
Elk Wing Caddis Tan and Olive 16-14
NBK Caddis Dry Black 16-14
Tung Stone Golden 10
Chubby Chernobyl Tan 10-8

Royal Wulff

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Item #0406

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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 Pale Morning Dun Stoneflies Streamers

Best Time to Fish:

6AM to Noon

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