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: September 27, 2023
Current Conditions: The Colorado is clear and fishing well. Dries, Dries and more Dries!! Streamers and Nymphing are working well too. Dry fly fishing is fun and procducing. Small Dark Caddis, Small Stimis, Para Adams Blue Winged Olives are the ticket up top. Dont overlook the slow water but let it drift. FOAM IS HOME so look for sippers. If you want to nymph, mix it up and try a combo of dry dropper with a Chubby Chernobly sz 8-10 down to a perdigon down to a Two Bit Hooker or an RS2. When Nymphing, best to get a good slow drift and let them see it. Streamer fishing can be had as well and its picking up daily. We are seeing some Caddis, BWO's and Red Quills and Hoppers on the banks. ATTENTION FISHERMAN:
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: Look for Spawning Closures on the Lower C and DO NOT FISH FOR THEM! ACCESS CLOSURES:Guide Tip: Keep your rod tip almost in the water when stripping your streamer back in .Hatches: Caddis, PMD's, Red Quills, Baetis
Recommended Flies:NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Zebra Midges Blk/red 16-18, 2 Bit Hooker 14-18, Hares Ear 14-18, PT 18-20, Barr BWO, Red Copper John. Pedigons 14-18, Foamback Emergers 16-20
DRIES: Palomino Caddis 18, Elk hair caddis 18, Garcias Mini Mayfly 16-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22, Parachute Adams 18-22, Purple Para Adams 14-18, Yellow Garcia Mini Hot 16-20, Stimi 10-16, CHubby Chernobyls 8-16
STREAMERS: IT IS THAT TIME - Sex Dungeons, Wedgeheads, Black Heisenburgs, Sculpzilla, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie