FISHING REPORT: COLORADO RIVER
OVERVIEW
The Colorado River originates in Rocky Mountain National Park. We generally fish the sections from Gore Canyon to the town of Rifle bridge. The Colorado is generally a wider and slower river with some faster canyon stretches and excellent hatches and beautiful scenery along the river corridor. The sections below Glenwood Springs are the first to be available in the early season for float fishing. As the spring gives way to summer the focus shifts from Glenwood Springs and Dotsero, upstream to State Bridge and just below Gore Canyon and the Pumphouse boat launch. The Colorado offers more remote stretches of water and a slower pace to the day with an opportunity to view wildlife and unique geology along the way.
Temperature
Discharge
Reporter: Brett Elkman
Report Date: October 9, 2021
Current Conditions: Things have slowed down a little bit on the C. Brown Trout are spawing. Underneath a Perdigon to a darth baetis or two bit hooker is still producing. Down deep, think small underneath, RS2 and tiny BWO Barr Emergers etc.. BWO and Midge action has picked up with the fall like weather. The Streamer BITE has too! Try a dry dropper with a chubby and a soft hackle PT about a foot below. CURRENTLY ON THE LOWER C: It is still dirty due to the work they are doing in the canyon. Fish can still be had for the diligent but for the most part we are not fising it.(call to check conditions before you go to the Lower C) Be on the lookout for spawning Brown Trout and leave them alone!! ATTENTION FISHERMAN: The Colorado River is open but be aware and carry a thermometer THANK YOU!
KEEP EM WET: Please follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet. If you must take a photo, leave the fish in the water.
SPAWNING ALERT: We are getting word that the Browns are starting to build redds near Pinball and Cottonwood. Please respect the process and let the fish be. ACCESS CLOSURES: Lower Radium Ramp.Guide Tip: Try a dry / dropper rig and fish close to the bank .
Hatches: PMD's, Tricos and Caddis
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Twenty Incher 8-16, Magic PMD 18-22, Zebra Midges Blk/Olv 16-18, WD40 16-22, Caddis Nymphs 14-18, Black/Maroon/Brown Leeches, Red Copper John 12-16, Two Bit Hooker 16-20
DRIES: Para Adams 12-18, Hopper Paterns 6-12, Christians GT 14-16, Foam Elk Hair Caddis 12-16, X Caddis 14-18, Chubby Chernobyl 8-14, Golden Stone Foam 10-12, Patriot 14-20,Trigger Belly Hopper 10-14
STREAMERS: This is a good time to go big or go home and fish those articulated streamers. Sex Dungeons, Wedgeheads, Heisenburgs, Sculpzillas