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.



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Reporter: Ray Kyle

Report Date: September 18, 2018

Current Conditions:The Colorado River is in fall mode. The flows have drop a bit but still at a great level for fishing. Midges, Tricos, BWOs, and October Caddis have all been great flies to use on the surface. Using a dry-dropper setup is great for surveying both the top and the lower water columns. Midge, BWO, and larger caddis nymphs have been the go-to patterns for nymphing under an indicator. The streamer game is really starting to pick up and working on especially well on cloudy days or if the water is stained.

Guide Tip: Dry-dropper setups are working great with tungsten bead nymphs.

Hatches:  Midges, Tricos, Blue Winged Olives, and October Caddis

Recommended Flies:

NYMPHS:Tungsten Torpedos 14-16, Guides Choice Hare’s Ear 14-16, Nitro Pupa 14-16, Z Wing Caddis 14-16, Iron Sally 16-18, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Pat’s Rubberlegs 10-12

DRIES: Elk Hair Caddis 14-16, Front End Loader 14-16, Foam Caddis Tan/Black 14-16, Clacka Caddis 14-16, PMX 12-16, Stimulator 12-16, Chubby Chernobyl 10-12, Parachute Adams 16-22

STREAMERS:  Autumn Splendor, Cheech Leech, Barely Legal, Gonga, Baby Gonga, Sex Dungeon, Motor Oil