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 1, 2022

Current Conditions: The C is starting to fish better but this all fluctuates with the rain. When its clearing, and even with a little bit of color, the water is cooling down enough to entice some eats. That being said, Hopper Dropper is a great option right now with a Chubby Chernobyl to a Perdigon or small baetis pattern. The fish are holding near the boulders and in the moving water. Hatches present are Tricos, Red Quills and when the clouds come in BWO's. Nymphing is still consistent but you have to get down to them. Try a Zebra Midge or a foam back emerger. For you streamer fisherman, the bite is good but make sure to hit the bank and strip all the way to the boat. ATTENTION FISHERMAN: The Colorado Parks and Wildlife has lifted all closures on the Colorado.

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:

ACCESS CLOSURES:Guide Tip:  Try going old school with old school patterns. Hares Ears, PT's and Copper Johns .

Hatches:  BWO's, Tricos, Cadddis, Quills

Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Barr PMD's 16-20, RS2 18-22, Zebra Midges Blk/Olv 16-18, WD40 16-22, Squirmy Worm, Magic BWO, Red Copper John 12-16, Two Bit Hooker 16-20, BH Bubbleback PMD 16-20

DRIES: Para Adams 16-24, Garcias Mavfly 16-22, Christians GT 14-16, Royal Chubby Chernobyl 8-14, Para Wulff 12-18, Griffiths Gnat 18-22, Elk Hair Caddis 14-18, Royal Stimi 8-16, Missing Link 14-18, Garcias Yellow Sally, Pink Hackle Stacker

STREAMERS:  THIS IS A GOOD TIME THROW MEAT - Bowlicious-Blk and Olv, Sex Dungeons, Wedgeheads, Heisenburgs, Sculpzillas