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

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

46

Roaring Fork Anglers's Tip of the Week

Afternoons have seen heavy Caddis hatches from Glenwood to New Castle and evenings have seen phenomenal dry fly fishing.

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 4/28/26

Weather pattern starting to bring more moisture but still staying relatively mild as temps go. More overcast days should help the trout feeding activity.

Techniques & Tips as of 4/28/26

Swinging Caddis emergers at the end of traditional nymph drift in afternoons has been very effective. Also, evening dry fly fishing with adult Caddis imitations has been very good.

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):
Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Natural 16-18
Elk Wing Caddis Black 14-16
Bead Head Barr Emerger BWO 16-18
Bead Head Emerging Sparkle Caddis Pupa Tan/Olive 14-16
CDC Flash P-tail Natural 16-14
Pat's Rubber Leg Stone Brn/Blk 10-12
Tunghead Pheasant Tail Natural 16-14
NBK Caddis Dry Tan 16-14
Puterbaugh's Caddis Black 16-14
Flash Coachman Peacock 16-14

Tunghead Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail

Guides everywhere are amazed by these soft hackle Tunghead patterns.

2.99

Item #957P

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:

Caddis Blue-Winged Olive Stoneflies Streamers

Best Time to Fish:

10AM 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