Fishing Season: Year Round

Colorado River - CO

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

65

Fly Fishing Outfitters's Tip of the Week

Thanks to cooler weather the conditions on the Colorado are much better! Float fishing is the best way to see water you can't normally reach. We are under a voluntary river closure from Red Dirt creek to Rifle.

Directions open in app

Map of Colorado River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Fly Fishing Outfitters
Sunrise Anglers
Breckenridge Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 8/31/26

A bunch of rain Mon-Tues then drying out for Labor day weekend. Water temps are falling on the Colorado, which we needed to have happen.

Techniques & Tips as of 8/31/26

Tricos, PMDs, Caddis, and Tactical nymphs are working best. Some mid to late day dry/dropper with PMD /Caddis. The Colorado is famous for it's Hopper/dropper fishing in August into September. Terrestrials are the most popular surface flies

Local Species Available Year Round

  • Fish Icon

    Trout

Fly Fishing Outfitters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Adams Parachute Dry Fly Natural 14-16
Hopper tan/Yellow 6-10
Fly Formerly Known As Prince Peacock 14-18
I Can See It Midge Fly olive 14-16
Elk Wing Caddis Peacock/Black 16-18
Flashback Hares Ear Nymph Brassie 18-22
Amy's Ants red/Olive/purple 8-12
Jiggy Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Natural 12-16
Chubby Chernobyl Peacock/Purple/Yellow 6-12
Hippy Stomper Red/Black 10-14

Adams Parachute Dry Fly

The light-colored post on the classic Adams Parachute Dry Fly pattern ensures good visibility in a variety of conditions.

2.49

Item #0356

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Fly Fishing Outfitters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Colorado River

A beautiful stretch of water that begins near Kremmling and flows down stream 40 plus miles to Dotsero. Tons of float and wade access available. A great stretch of river if you are looking to get away from the crowds and maybe do the camp/fish thing. This stretch has some of the states best Gold Medal water. We have have access to private put-ins and take-outs on this stretch of the famous Colorado.

Nearest Airport:

Eagle County Regional Airport

Hatches:

Tricos Terrestrials Caddis PMDs Midges treamers

Best Time to Fish:

Early morning until 12:00

Best Stretch:

State bridge to Rifle

Best Access:

over 75 miles of access!