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: June 27th, 2025
Current Conditions: Despite the variance in flows, the Colorado has been fishable. We are seeing Yellow Sallies, PMD's, Midges, Caddis and when the clouds come out, some BWO's. The lower C will remain a litle off color as they continue to adjust the flows but it is still fishable. A Dry Dropper Rig has been the most consistent. Try a chubby on top and a Sally and PMD below. A caddis pupa is a good place to start as well. The dry fly action is picking up with Caddis and hoppers. For streamers, hit the banks and if wading, throw out to the middle of the river and strip in on the swing. Expect some hits as your are stripping in to cast again. Try an articulated Dundgeon or a Sculpzilla. ATTENTION FISHERMEN: We have seen a few days go above 68 degrees on the Pumphouse section. Please have a thermometer and check the temps daily. Please stop fishing when the water hits 68 Degrees.
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: Sallies, PMD's, BWO's, Caddis, Midges, Hoppers
Recommended Flies:NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Leg 6-12, Black Copper Johns 16-20, 20 Incher 14-18, 2 Bit Hooker 14-18, Rainbow Warriors 18-22, Psycho Prince Orange 14-18, Poxy Back Sally 12-18, Tung Tied PMD 14-18, Sparkle Pupa 14, Electric Caddis 14-18, Black, Olive or Brown Leech
DRIES: Para Wulff 18-24, Para Extended Body BWO 16-18, Stimi 10-16, Elk Hair Caddis 12-18, Parachute Adams 18-24, Sprouts PMD 16-20, Half Dun Pink 14-18, Chubby 8-14, Christiansen GT Adams 10-14, Para Slick Caddis 14-18
STREAMERS: - Sex Dungeons, Bowlicious, Black Heisenburgs, Sculpzilla, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie