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: July 18th, 2024
Current Conditions: The Colorado River is fishing well. Fish are starting to push from the bank and into the moving water. We are still seeing some small stoneflies, PMD's, Sallies and Caddis fly's. Both Nymphing and Dry Fly Fishing has been good. Try a Hopper Dropper rig with the dropper about 2-3 feets below your hopper. Double dries like a Missling Link Caddis followed by a Double Duck is a good combo. Streamers are working as well. Try an articulated Cheech Leach or a Mini Dungeon. ATTENTION FISHERMAN: We are getting into that time of year when the water will start to warm, CARRY A THERMOMETER
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, Baetis, BWO's, Caddis, Yellow Sallies, PMD's
Recommended Flies:NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Trinas Tung Tied PMD 14-18, Trinas Jig Angel Case PMD 14-18, 2 Bit Hooker 14-18, Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Worm 10-14, 20 Incher 10-16, Cased Caddis 12-18, Yellow Copper John, Demon Stone 12-16, Tung Yellow Sally 10-16
DRIES: Garcias Yellow Sally 14-16, Para Extended Body PMD 14-18, Christians PMD 14-18, Parachute Adams 18-22, Elk Hair Caddis 10-16, BWO Comparadun 18-22, Stimi 8-16, Chubby 8-14, Yollow Madam X - 10-16
STREAMERS: IT IS THAT TIME - Sex Dungeons, Wedgeheads, Black Heisenburgs, Sculpzilla, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie