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The river is cold, broad, and settling into its winter personality, but the Colorado River never behaves the same way twice. From high-elevation bends near Kremmling, through the canyon-driven water of Glenwood Springs, down to the wider desert-influenced stretches near Grand Junction, winter reveals three very different fisheries tied together by the same river.
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Upper Colorado Near Kremmling
Middle Colorado Near Glenwood
Lower Colorado Near Grand Junction
Credit: Jeff West Slope Fly Fishing
Updated: December 15, 2025
Up high, the Colorado River near Kremmling fishes like a technical winter freestone. Flows are low and stable, clarity is good, and trout are holding deep in slow inside bends and broad winter troughs. Precision and patience define success here.
Through Glenwood Springs, the river gains volume and structure. Winter flows remain consistent, but depth and canyon influence create longer seams, deeper runs, and more forgiving holding water. This middle section often produces the most consistent winter action.
Downstream near Grand Junction, the river spreads out and slows down. Warmer air temperatures, broader runs, and softer edges extend feeding windows and introduce scuds and leeches as meaningful food sources alongside midges.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
Flow: Low to moderate winter freestone flows, increasing downstream
Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
Air Temperature: Cold mornings, milder afternoons at lower elevations
Clarity: Clear to lightly stained depending on section and weather
Crowds: Light in winter across most sections
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., slightly longer near Grand Junction
Fishing Type Focus: Winter freestone nymphing with midges, scuds, and selective leeches
Weather
Colorado River Corridor Weather
Expect cold overnight lows across the basin with modest afternoon warming. Upper sections stay colder and shut down earlier. Lower sections benefit from longer sun exposure and extended feeding windows. Calm days consistently outperform windy or stormy ones.
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Kremmling
This upper section fishes cold and technical in winter. Trout stack into deep inside bends, slower shelves, and winter troughs where they can feed efficiently without fighting current. Midges dominate, and long clean drifts matter more than fly selection.
Top Flies
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
- Scud 14 to 16
Pro Rig of the Week: Kremmling Winter Shelf Rig
- Indicator: Small yarn
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22
- Weight: Light split shot
- Target Water: Deep shelves and slow inside bends
Access Points
Pumphouse Recreation Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic winter structure with reliable holding water.
Radium Access ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Long glides and productive winter seams.
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Through Glenwood Springs
This middle stretch offers the most consistent winter fishing. Deeper runs, canyon structure, and steady flows create predictable holding lanes. Midges remain the core food source, but baetis and leeches play a larger role here.
Top Flies
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- Barrs Emerger 18
- Mini Leech 12 to 14
Pro Rig of the Week: Glenwood Winter Seam Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Barrs Emerger 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20
- Weight: Moderate
- Target Water: Long seams and deep walking-speed runs
Access Points
Two Rivers Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Easy access with consistent winter seams.
Grizzly Creek Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Classic canyon water with excellent depth and clarity.
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Grand Junction
The lower river fishes slower and warmer. Trout spread into broader runs, deep cutbanks, and soft edges. Scuds and leeches become important here, and feeding windows last longer than upstream sections.
Top Flies
- Midge Larva 18 to 22
- Scud 12 to 16
- Leech 10 to 12
- Pheasant Tail 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Junction Soft-Edge Rig
- Indicator: Small air-lock
- Lead Fly: Scud 14
- Dropper: Midge Larva 20
- Weight: Light
- Target Water: Soft edges, deep troughs, and slow winter runs
Access Points
Corn Lake State Park ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Broad winter water with excellent access and minimal pressure.
Connected Lakes Area ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Slower edges and deep winter lanes that fish well all season.
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
