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Updated Upper Colorado River fly fishing report near Kremmling with winter flows, conditions, hatch chart, best flies, access points, and tactics fishing the Colorado River right now.
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Upper Colorado Near Kremmling Report
Middle Colorado Near Glenwood Report
Lower Colorado Near Grand Junction Report
Updated: January 8th, 2025
The Colorado River from Kremmling to Dotsero to Glenwood to Grand Junction "GJ" offers some of the most consistent and versatile fly fishing in the state, especially during winter and shoulder seasons. This stretch covers everything from wide open upper valley water near Kremmling, to the structured canyon sections through Glenwood Springs, to slower, warmer winter water approaching GJ. Together, it forms one continuous fishery with distinct personalities, predictable seasonal patterns, and year-round opportunity.
This combined Colorado River fly fishing report breaks the river down by section while keeping conditions, tactics, and access in one place. Whether you are planning a winter trip, tracking flows for timing, or deciding where to fish based on pressure and weather, this page is designed to answer that question quickly and accurately. All conditions are built from public data and on-the-ground reporting, with a focus on what matters most right now.
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Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Kremmling
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Updated: January 7, 2026
The Upper Colorado River is settled into a stable winter pattern. Flows are low and steady, water clarity is excellent, and trout are holding deep in walking-speed current. Feeding windows are short but consistent, centered on late morning through early afternoon when water temperatures stabilize.
This week’s Upper Colorado River fly fishing report favors mobility and patience. Midges dominate the food supply, with trout spread across longer runs rather than stacked tightly. Clean drifts, proper depth, and covering water matter more than pattern changes.
Conditions Summary
Flow: Low and stable winter baseflows
Water Temperature: Near freezing mornings with slight midday improvement
Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing in slower seams and deep runs
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge (black) 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (gray) 18 to 20
- Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Mini Leech (black or olive) 10 to 12
Pro Rig of the Week: Kremmling Winter Shelf Rig
- Zebra Midge (black) 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 (gray) 18 to 20
- Small Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Mini Leech
Access Points
Kremmling Town Section ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Easy access and consistent winter holding water.
Pumphouse to Rancho Del Rio ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Long runs and soft seams ideal for winter coverage.
Radium to State Bridge ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
More water to cover but excellent solitude and structure.
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Blue Winged Olive Nymphs | 18 to 20 | Limited movement on mild afternoons |
| Stonefly Nymphs | 10 to 14 | Present but largely inactive |
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Through Glenwood Springs
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Updated: January 7, 2026
The Middle Colorado River near Glenwood Springs is running clear under stable winter flows. Trout are holding in deeper runs, inside seams, and slow tailouts, with feeding activity peaking during midday when water temperatures stabilize.
This week’s Middle Colorado River fly fishing report favors clean nymph rigs fished at proper depth. Midges dominate the food supply, but larger nymphs and small streamers can move fish when light levels are low or water temperatures rise slightly.
Conditions Summary
Flow: Stable winter baseflows
Water Temperature: Cold mornings with slight midday improvement
Air Temperature: Teens to low 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low to moderate depending on access
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing in slower seams and deep runs
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge (black) 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 22
- RS2 (gray or black) 18 to 20
- Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- San Juan Worm (red or brown) 12 to 14
- Mini Leech (black or olive) 8 to 10
Pro Rig of the Week: Glenwood Winter Seam Rig
Indicator: Small yarn or light pinch-on
Lead Fly: Pheasant Tail or San Juan Worm 16 to 18
Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 20 to 22
Weight: One small BB placed 10 to 14 inches above the lead fly
Target Water: Inside seams, deep winter runs, and soft tailouts
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Blue Winged Olive Nymphs | 18 to 20 | Minor movement on mild afternoons |
| Stonefly Nymphs | 8 to 14 | Present but largely inactive |
Access Points
Glenwood Springs Town Section ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent winter holding water with multiple public access points.
Two Rivers Park Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Consistent seams and deeper runs with moderate pressure.
South Canyon Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
More water to cover but excellent structure and winter solitude.
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Grand Junction
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Updated: January 7, 2026
The Lower Colorado River near Grand Junction is running clear under stable winter flows. Trout are holding in deep bends, softer edges, and slower tailouts where current speed drops significantly. Feeding windows are longer here than upstream sections, especially during calm afternoons.
This week’s Lower Colorado River fly fishing report emphasizes covering water efficiently. Midges remain the primary food source, but larger nymphs and small streamers consistently move fish due to the river’s size and energy.
Conditions Summary
Flow: Stable winter baseflows
Water Temperature: Cold but slightly warmer than upstream sections
Air Temperature: Teens to mid 30s
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Best Window: Late morning through mid afternoon
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with occasional streamer opportunities
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge (black or red) 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- RS2 (gray) 18 to 20
- Pheasant Tail 14 to 18
- San Juan Worm (red or brown) 10 to 14
- Mini Leech (black or olive) 6 to 10
Pro Rig of the Week: Junction Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Medium yarn or pinch-on indicator
- Lead Fly: Pheasant Tail or San Juan Worm 14 to 16
- Dropper: Zebra Midge or Black Beauty 18 to 22
- Weight: One to two small BBs placed 10 to 14 inches above the lead fly
- Target Water: Slow edges, deep bends, and broad winter tailouts
Hatch Chart for January
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 24 | Primary winter food source |
| Blue Winged Olive Nymphs | 18 to 20 | Minor activity on warm afternoons |
| Stonefly Nymphs | 8 to 14 | Present and effective as attractors |
Access Points
Palisade to Clifton Stretch ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent winter structure and easy public access.
Riverfront Trail Sections ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Consistent holding water with urban convenience.
Below Grand Junction ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
More water to cover but excellent solitude and winter opportunity.
Photo of the Month
Credit: Colorado Trout Hunters
Book West Slope Fly Fishing for the Colorado River and Grand Mesa Fly Fishing
Hatch Chart for December
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Best on mild cloudy days |
| Scuds | 12 to 16 | Important downstream protein |
| Leeches | 10 to 14 | Effective in deeper winter water |
Download the Colorado River Hatch Chart
Companion Article for December
Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy and Behavior Guide
