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:  April 19th, 2025

Current Conditions: The Upper C from Pumphouse down is open and Rancho is doing shuttles. The Colorado has been all over the place. We had warm weather and that muddied up the water. Currently, the colder weather has brought some clarity to the river but be sure to check conditions daily as it will vary. The lower C is still going to be off color. BWO's were out in force the other day which made for good dry fly fishing. Midges are still present. Nymphing is still very reliable. A heavier big first fly like a Tazmanian Devil or an olive perdigon to an RS2 or Zebra Midge is a good place to start. Fish can still be had on streamers as well. Try an articulated Thin Mint or a Mini Dungeon. ATTENTION FISHERMEN: The Rainbow Trout are starting to spawn. Be sure to leave them alone and DON'T FISH TO THEM. Look for the NO FISH ZONES.

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:  Midges, BWO's, Winter Stones

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, Worm 10-14, Bling Midge, Demon Midge, Barr BWO Emerger 16-22, Olive Micro Mayfly 16-20, JuJu Baetis 18-22

DRIES: Para Wulff 18-24, Para Extended Body BWO 16-18, Roys Emerger 18-22, Griffiths Gnat 18-22 Parachute Adams 18-24, BWO Comparadun 18-22, Chubby 8-14, Christiansen GT Adams 14-18

STREAMERS:  - Sex Dungeons, Bowlicious, Black Heisenburgs, Sculpzilla, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie