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.
Stop by the shop, mention you saw our fishing report and pick up your FREE Umpqua 2018 sample fly pack. (Limit one per customer)
Reporter: Ray Kyle
Report Date: March 21, 2019
Current Conditions:The Colorado River is starting to transition out of winter mode and into the spring mode. The Upper Colorado River Basin is now at 138% for average snow fall, which is promising for the up coming summer. Much of the "Upper" river is frozen along the banks, if not all the way across. There has been some giant midge hatches throughout the day. Using a double or even triple nymph rig setup is ideal for surveying a few parts of the water columns. Midges and BWOs have been the go-to patterns for nymphing. Worms, stonefly and egg patterns are great first or attractor flies. The streamer game is hit or miss, but can produce some bigger fish if you stay committed.
Guide Tip: Double or triple midge rig behind a small split shot. Be sure to change the depth and the weight if you're not catching fish.
Hatches: Midges, Midges, Midges
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS:Juju Midge 18-20, Rainbow Warrior (Red, Black, or Rainbow) 18-22, Midge Bomb 18-20, Zebra Midge (Red, Black, Green) 18-22, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Pat’s Rubberlegs 10-12
DRIES: Parachute Adams 16-22, Griffith Gnat 16-20, Renegade 16-20, single midge dries.
STREAMERS: Autumn Splendor, Cheech Leech, Barely Legal, Gonga, Baby Gonga, Sex Dungeon, Motor Oil