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: Ray Kyle
Report Date: November 11, 2019
Current Conditions:The Colorado river is flowing low and the fishing has been good. Early winter conditions have hit the mountains. Expect cold morning temperatures with chances of snow most days. Heavy winds have been blowing in around lunchtime some days. Very small (size 20 and 22) midges and baetis patterns are the name of the game now. A nymph rig with a mid sized stonefly nymph and small BWO pattern has also been productive. Streamer fishing has been turning some of the larger trout in the river and is the go to technique this time of year. Please practice safe fish handling.
Guide Tip: Now is the time to bust out your 6 and 7 weight rods and large articulated streamers. Throw the meat!
Hatches: Midges, Baetis, Stoneflies
Recommended Flies:
NYMPHS: RS2 18-20, Darth Baetis 18-20, Slim Shady BWO 18-20, Magic Fly 18-20, Micro May 16-18, Two Bit Hooker 16-18, Rainbow Warrior (Red, Black, or Rainbow) 16-20, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Pat’s Rubberlegs 10-12, Zebra Midge 20-22
DRIES: Parachute Adams 18-22, ComparaDun 18-22, Hackle Stacker 18-20, Brooks Sprout PMD 18-20, Parachute Ext. Body PMD 16-20, Found Link PMD 16-18, Patriot 14-18.
STREAMERS: Autumn Splendor, Cheech Leech, Barely Legal, Gonga, Baby Gonga, Sex Dungeon, Motor Oil