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 9th, 2025

Current Conditions: The Upper C from Pumphouse down is open and Rancho is doing shuttles. That being said, the water is cold especially near Pumphouse and the fishing is a bit slow, but every day is different. The lower C with the warmer weather, is fishing great but expect the water from State Bridge down to muddy up with warm weather into the forseable future. BWO's and Midge are the name of the game. A few fish can be picked off with dries but the Nymphing has been the most 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. The streamer bite has ramped up greatly with the warm weather settling in. 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,

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