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

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

48

Roaring Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Afternoon fishing has been good with nymph rigs running about 4-5 ft. down along seam lines and tail outs of the slower moving pools.

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 11/19/24

River to remain clear with afternoons, say 11AM till 3PM fishing best. Fall fishing closures in effect at confluences of Grizzly, No Name, Canyon and Elk creeks.

Techniques & Tips as of 11/19/24

Nymph rigs through the day with larger Stonefly, BWO and Midge larva patterns. Streamer fishing is also good, especially on overcast days.

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):
Cone Head Marabou Muddler White 8-10
RS2 Gray 18-20
Bead Head Flash Bugger Black 8-10
Zonker Black or White 8-6
Sculpzilla Black 8
Pheasant Tail Natural 18-20
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail P-tail 18-20
TH 20 Incher Peacock 14-12
Rainbow Warrior Pearl 18-20
Autumn Splendor Tan 8-6

Cone Head Marabou Muddler

This muddler fly works well in big rivers and fast streams.

2.99

Item #083T

Buy Now

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:

Midges Blue-Winged Olives Stoneflies Streamers

Best Time to Fish:

11AM to 3PM

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