Colorado River
Conditions
COLORADO RIVER CONDITIONS
The Colorado River is one of the most popular fishing destinations in Colorado, and the best way to ensure a successful fly fishing trip is to stay up to date on the current conditions of the Colorado River. This is your resource to learn more about current conditions on the Colorado River and where anglers are reporting success during their trips.
COLORADO RIVER
Most hatches occur in water conditions with a water temp above 40 degrees. Trout are predators programmed biologically with the bugs hatch to be most aggressive when the water reaches a temperature of around 55 degrees. Cold, clean, well oxygenated water is required year round for a trout & its food to thrive. Lastly, the river bottom needs to be stone not sand as larva have no place or protection to cling. Fortunately the headwaters of the Colorado river create such an environment & it is because of this stability the river is so popular with all fisher’s.
FALL CONDITIONS
The Upper Colorado River offers plenty of angling opportunities for fall fishing. In the fall around Oct.-Nov. when the water cools off again, Brown & Brooke trout begin their spawn all dictated by the patterns of the sun. With the changing color of the fall leaves trout begin to feast as winter draws near.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
UPDATED: 08/18/2021
COLORADO RIVER FLOW: 1,080 CFS
SUMMER DETAILS: Higher water levels than we have seen all season. You’ll see fish being pushed into shallower waters along the bank. Water temperatures are still fairly warm so now is the ideal time to go out and get your flies wet.
Spring
Every year around March or April anglers are anxious for the sun to warm the water to a temperature of about 44 degrees. Around this temperature Rainbow & Cutthroat trout begin their yearly spawn and another trouts life cycle continues. The early season brings excitement to fish size 22 midge patterns alone on the rivers edge.
The Best Time to Fly Fish the Upper Colorado River | Spring 2021
Summer
The days get longer, the water gets warmer & the trout get active. Summer rolls on as the water warms & the flows recede. A buffet of assorted larger bugs begin to hatch & the possibilities for better numbers & size of fish caught increase.
What to Expect on a Summer Guided Walk and Wade Fly Fishing Trip
Fall
With the changing color of the fall leaves trout begin to feast as winter draws near. The angler appreciates another years worth of knowledge & yet humbled at other lessons learned.
