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.
Reporter: Ray Kyle
Report Date: Sept 17, 2019
Current Conditions:The Colorado river is flowing low and the fishing has been good. Cooler fall-like morning temperatures have set in and gives way to beautiful afternoons. The hoppers are still working along the banks, as well as PMDs, Stoneflies, and tricos. The go to rig is the hopper dropper set up with a quick dropping nymph below a foam hopper. Very small (size 20 and 22) midges have been working as the tricos begin hatching. Streamer fishing has been turning some of the larger trout in the river. Please practice safe fish handling.
Guide Tip: Try throwing hopper patterns close to the banks with a heavy tungsten beaded fly 18-24 inches below.
Hatches: Caddis, BWOs, PMDs, and Stoneflies
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS: RS2 16-20, Darth Baetis 18-20, Slim Shady PMD 18-20, Magic Fly PMD 16, Micro May 16-18, Electric Caddis Olive 14-18, Two Bit Hooker 16-18, Rainbow Warrior (Red, Black, or Rainbow) 16-20, , Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Pat’s Rubberlegs 10-12
DRIES: Parachute Adams 16-22, ComparaDun 16-18, Hackle Stacker 16-18, Brooks Sprout PMD 16-20, Parachute Ext. Body PMD 14-16, Found Link PMD 14-18, Patriot 14-18.
STREAMERS: Autumn Splendor, Cheech Leech, Barely Legal, Gonga, Baby Gonga, Sex Dungeon, Motor Oil