.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
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The Colorado River does not behave like a single fishery in winter. From the open valley near Kremmling, through Glenwood Canyon, and into the wider lower river near Grand Junction, conditions shift steadily downstream. Water temperature, flow character, and feeding behavior all change, sometimes dramatically, within a single day’s drive.
This combined Colorado River report gives you a realistic read on what each section is doing right now, where winter fishing is most consistent, and how to approach the river without guessing.
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Upper Colorado Near Kremmling Report
Middle Colorado Near Glenwood Report
Lower Colorado Near Grand Junction Report
Updated: January 27, 2026
The Colorado River is locked into a stable winter pattern. Upper sections remain cold and technical, mid-river canyon stretches are the most consistent, and lower sections near Grand Junction offer the longest feeding windows. Midday remains the only dependable window across all stretches, with midges driving nearly all feeding activity.
This is a depth-and-drift fishery right now. Clean presentations matter more than fly selection, and sloppy drifts get ignored quickly.
Overall Colorado River Conditions
Flow: Stable winter flows, increasing downstream
Water Temperature: Upper 20s to low 40s depending on section
Air Temperature: Cold mornings with short afternoon warming
Clarity: Clear to lightly colored depending on canyon shade
Crowds: Light overall, heavier near town access points
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with small flies and precise depth
Expect predictable trout positioning. Feeding windows are short but repeatable, especially on calm, sunny days.
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Download the Colorado River Hatch Chart
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Kremmling
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Updated: January 27, 2026
The upper Colorado near Kremmling fishes lean in winter. Wide water, cold temperatures, and slow current push trout into deep troughs and subtle inside seams. Fish are present but selective.
Fishing Style: Long leaders, light weight, short controlled drifts
Best Water: Deep winter lanes, inside bends, slow mid-river troughs
Crowds: Very light
This stretch rewards patience and discipline, not aggressive coverage.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Stable winter valley flows
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings, mild midday bump
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Light
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with controlled depth
Top Flies This Week
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 18 to 22
- RS2 gray 18 to 22
- Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Pro Rig of the Week: Kremmling Winter Coverage Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
- Lead Fly: Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Dropper: Zebra Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Moderate, adjusted often
- Target Water: Walking-speed seams and inside bends
Hatch Chart – Winter
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary food source |
| Baetis nymphs | 18 to 22 | Sporadic on mild days |
| Scuds | 14 to 18 | Present in slower water |
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 21, 2026
This is the most reliable winter stretch of the Colorado River. Added volume, canyon shelter, and slightly warmer water extend feeding windows and create predictable holding water.
Fishing Style: Controlled nymphing through seams and glides
Best Water: Walking-speed runs, deep slots, canyon edges
Crowds: Moderate near town, light deeper into the canyon
If you want consistency without guessing, this is the strongest winter option.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Stable winter canyon flows
- Water Temperature: Mid 30s to upper 30s
- Air Temperature: Cold starts, mild afternoons
- Clarity: Clear to lightly stained
- Crowds: Light to moderate near town access
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Edge-oriented winter nymphing
Top Flies This Week
- Mercury Midge 18 to 22
- Juju Baetis 18 to 20
- RS2 18 to 22
- Mini Leech black 10 to 12
Pro Rig of the Week: Glenwood Canyon Seam Rig
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Indicator: Yarn
- Lead Fly: Juju Baetis 18
- Dropper: Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- Weight: Moderate
- Target Water: Canyon seams and deep edges
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 21, 2026
The lower Colorado River near Grand Junction is clear, quiet, and technical. Desert winter conditions create strong light contrast, pushing trout into deeper inside bends and slow-moving winter lanes. Fish are feeding, but presentations must be clean and patient.
This section fishes best for anglers willing to slow down and fish small.
Conditions Summary
- Flow: Low and steady
- Water Temperature: Low to mid 30s
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings, sunny afternoons
- Clarity: Clear
- Crowds: Very light
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Technical winter midge fishing
Top Flies This Week
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- Zebra Midge black or red 20 to 24
- RS2 20 to 22
- WD-40 20 to 22
Pro Rig of the Week: GJ Desert Winter Rig
- Indicator: Yarn or tight-line
- Lead Fly: RS2 20
- Dropper: Black Beauty 22 to 24
- Weight: Light and precise
- Target Water: Slow inside bends and deep desert runs
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
Companion Article for December
Colorado Winter Trout Fishing Strategy and Behavior Guide
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