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

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

66

Roaring Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Evening fishing still producing best dry fly action with some action on larger golden stones through the day.

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 9/2/25

River to remain clear with great fishing on BWO's and Stonefly nymphs through the day and evening Caddis emergers and dries.

Techniques & Tips as of 9/2/25

Nymphs throughout the day matching BWO"s and Stoneflies. Dry flies in the evenings matching Caddis and Stoneflies.

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):
Elk Wing Caddis Natural 16-14
Red Quill Rust 14-12
Troutmaster Nymph - Hare's Ear Green 16-14
Bead Head Emerging Sparkle Caddis Pupa Tan/Olive 16-14
CDC Flash P-tail Natural 16-14
Ginger Variant Ginger 14-12
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Natural 16-14
TH Duracell Jig Rust 16-14
Rusty Spinner Rust 16-14
Grasshopper Yellow 10-8

Elk Wing Caddis

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Item #0378

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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:

Blue-Winged Olive Stoneflies Grasshoppers Red Quills

Best Time to Fish:

8AM to 2PM and 7PM 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