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

Afternoon fishing has been good with nymph rigs running about 4-5 ft. down inside seam lines, eddies 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 5/27/25

River is muddy from spring runoff. Spring spawning closure in effect near tributaries of Grizzly, No Name, Canyon and Elk creeks Mar. 15 to May 15.

Techniques & Tips as of 5/27/25

Nymph rigs through the day with a Stone fly nymph and Blue-winged olive nymphs. Streamers getting some fish as well.

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):
TH Cased Caddis Natural 16-14
RS2 Gray 18-20
Bead Head Prince Peacock 16-14
Bead Head Brassie™ Black or White 8-6
Buckskin Tan 16-14
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
Zebra Midge Black 18-20

TH Cased Caddis

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Item #5E4P

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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:

Midges Blue Winged Olives Cased Caddis Stoneflies

Best Time to Fish:

11AM to 4PM

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