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Trouts Fly Fishing

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Fishing Information

Colorado River - Grizzly Creek to Silt

COLORADO BASIN Fishing Report
Rating
3/5
Flow
1260 cfs
Wind
20 mph
Temperature
44 °F
Low/High
30/46
Weather @COLORADO BASIN - Updated March 30, 2023 - 11:06am by OpenWeather

Current River Flow Updates

Latest update: 3/29/23 --

Flows at Glenwood Springs are now at 1280 CFS.

Heavy nymphing rigs will be effective. Nymphing with a large stonefly size #8-12 followed by smaller bead head nymphs such as caddis, baetis, and midge patterns in sizes #16-20 will be great options. Double streamer rigs with a smaller single hook streamer trailed off the first hook of an articulated streamer can be very effective as well. Hot Head/Hot Spot nymphs #14-18 can also be good patterns to consider. Similar to the upper sections, a large dry fly as an indicator, trailed by a few nymphs and attractor patterns can be a good option through warmer months.

Historical River Flow

River Information

The lower section of the Colorado River flows through the town of Glenwood Springs as it makes it way westward. By the time flows reach this area of the state, countless tributaries have all contributed to making the river quite large. This stretch of river is very popular for float fishing, however wading can still be productive. Many fish hold along the rocky banks and nymphing or twitching a streamer around the boulders and pocket water will put fish in the net. This portion of the river is home to some very large Rainbow and Brown trout and covering water as you fish along will be key to success.

Seasonal Conditions

The lower portion of the Colorado is fishable year round. Like most rivers around the state, Spring through Fall will be most productive when the wide variety of aquatic insects that live here are most active. Stoneflies are a major part of a trout’s diet and the river sees some terrific dry fly fishing in mid-summer with Golden Stoneflies and the ever popular Salmonflies. Caddis and a smattering of mayflies will typically be found throughout the summer as well. The colder months will primarily be a nymphing game. Fishing the slower, deep pockets very thoroughly and diligently will be, through the winter. Considering the size of fish swimming in this stretch, spending a little time throwing a streamer will always be worth a try as well. The further west you head, the river will begin to warm and holds smallmouth bass, carp and some catfish.

RECOMMENDED FLIES

Winter/Spring: Midges, Baetis

Summer: Mayflies, Caddis, Terrestrials, Stoneflies, Streamers

Fall: Mayflies, Caddis, Terrestrials, Streamers

Additional River Information

Colorado River below Glenwood Springs

COLORADO BASIN River Gauge View Detailed Information

  • Flow 1260 cfs
  • Wind 20 mph
  • Temp 44 °F
  • High/Low 30/46

River access

In Glenwood there are two exits with most of the area between town and Canyon Creek (exit109) are public and great fishing. Dino is the rest area only accessible going eastbound between New Castle and Glenwood and is so named because there is a dinosaur protected in concrete on the south side of the river.

Float Trip Options: The river is accessed off of several exits off I-70. The river in this area is pretty tame, although Canyon Creek below Glenwood Springs is worth scouting.

Roaring Fork (Carbondale or West Bank boat launch areas) to Glenwood Park. Glenwood to Dino boat launch:
Glenwood to New Castle boat launch:
Dino to Silt boat launch:
Basalt to Battlement Mesa: This section has fewer trout but there are some true beasts. There is also amazing Carp fishing and you may catch some Smallies.

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