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:  May 10, 2025

Current Conditions: The Colorado has been all over the place and will remain so with the coming warm and cold temps. They just lowered the flows on the upper C and this will make it easier to find the fish in pools and eddy's. Expect clarity to be the issue going forward. That being said, you can catch fish. Worms, Pats Rubber Legs, Caddis Nymphs Leeches and Streamers will bring the most luck. On top, Caddis, BWO's and Midges. The lower C will remain off color as we approach runoff.to be off color. Nymphing is still very reliable. A heavier big first fly like a Pats Rubber Leg or weighted worm to an caddis pupa is a good place to start. 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: 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, 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, BWO Comparadun 18-22, 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