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: February 7th, 2025
Current Conditions: The Upper Colorado from Pumphouse - State Bride is iced up and cold. The Lower C from Dotsero down is still fishable but check the nightly temps. Temps have been warm and the fishing down low has been good. We are seeing some action on top with smaller flies like BWO's and Midges. Nymphing has been the most reliable but the ticket has been small flies. For nymphing try a perdigon to an RS2 or Demon Midge. The streamer bite has picked up with the warmer weather. Try an articulated Thin Mint or a Mini Dungeon. ATTENTION FISHERMAN: There are some closures on the river for the Brown Trout Spawn so be on the lookout and stop fishing.
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.
Guide Tip: Keep your rod tip almost in the water when stripping your streamer back in .Hatches: Midges, BWO's, Winter Stones
Recommended Flies:NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Black Copper Johns 16-20, 20 Incher 14-18, 2 Bit Hooker 14-18, Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Worm 10-14, Bling Midge, Demon Midge,
DRIES: Para Wulff 18-24, Para Extended Body BWO 16-18, Roys Emerger 18-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22 Parachute Adams 18-24, BWO Comparadun 18-22, Chubby 8-14, Christiansen GT Adams 14-18
STREAMERS: - Sex Dungeons, Bowlicious, Black Heisenburgs, Sculpzilla, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie