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.
Reporter: Brett Elkman
Report Date: January 17, 2020
Current Conditions:Snow is in the forecast today but dont let that stop you as it will be brief. Warmer weather is in the forecast through the weekend and into next week which should make for some great fishing. Be careful of ice flows. The upper Colorado River has some solid ice across the river. I would suggest sticking on the Lower Colorado from Glenwood down. Float Fishing is possible from Glenwood down but be careful of ice flows and watch the weather. Wade fishing is the preferred way to target fish. Target areas with nice drop-offs on the bank for both nymphing and streamer fishing. The Lower Colorado has been fishing better, but be wary of ice flows coming out of the Roaring Fork when those lows drop below 20. The nymphing had been better in this area than on the upper and there has been a decent amount of bug activity with the occasional fish rising to midges on warmer afternoons.
Guide Tip: Look for that slower, deeper water. If you can find one fish then there will be more in the area!
Hatches: Midges, midges, midges!
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS: RS2 18-20, Purple Slim Shady 18-20,Two Bit Hooker 16-18, Rainbow Warrior (Red, Black, or Rainbow) 16-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Zebra Midge 18-22, Formerly Prince Nymph 16-18, Egg and Worm flies.
DRIES: Parachute Adams 18-22, Hackle Stacker 20-22, Sprout (Midge or BWO) 18-20, Patriot 14-18, Griffith's Gnat 16-20.
STREAMERS: Baby Gonga, Cream and Olive Sex Dungeon, Motor Oil, Natural Sculpzilla 4.