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: August 4, 2021

Current Conditions: There is a voluntary closure from NOON to MIDNIGHT on the Colorado River from STATE BRIDGE downstream to RED DIRT CREEK. The full day voluntary closure remains in effect from RED DIRT CREEK downstream to Hwy 13 (Rifle). WE ARE NOT FISHNG OR GUIDING IT from Red Dirt Creek Down. PUMPHOUSE TO STATE BRIDGE IS OPEN. Please do your best to stay off the Lower C and preserve this natural habitat and the trout that we love. If you must fish below State Bridge, please be done by 12:00. We have gotten some much needed rain and it has dirtied up the water a bit so check the conditions. It is currently blown out below Sheephorn Creek. On the Upper we are seeing great eats on Chubby Chernobyls, Ants and some caddis. Underneath a Perdigon to a darth baetis or two bit hooker is good. Think small underneath, RS2 etc.. Caddis are still present. Trico hatch has been good! ATTENTION FISHERMAN: The Colorado River is at dangerous temperatures above 68 Degrees. Please do right by the fishery and STOP fishing it. Carry a thermometer and be responsible. 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: The spawn is done but do your best to stay off the Redds and give them a chance to develop.

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, Prince Nymph 12-16

DRIES: Para Adams 12-18, Hopper Paterns 6-12, Christians GT 14-16, Christians PMD 14-18. Foam Elk Hair Caddis 12-16, Missing Link 12-16, X Caddis 14-18, Chubby Chernobyl 8-14, Ext Body PMD 16-20, Patriot 14-20, Chubby Trico 18-22

STREAMERS:  This is a good time to go big or go home and fish those articulated streamers. Sex Dungeons, Wedgeheads, Heisenburgs, Sculpzillas