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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: February 11, 2026
The Colorado River in winter is not one decision. It is three. The Upper, Middle, and Lower all fish differently right now, and choosing the wrong stretch means long cold hours without much to show for it. Flows are steady, structure is obvious, and trout are predictable if you understand where to look.
This is not a roam and hope river in February. Commit to one section, fish depth first, and respect the short midday feeding window. Pick the right water and the Colorado still produces. Pick wrong and it feels empty.
Hatch Chart – February (Colorado River System)
| Bug Type | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Midges | 18 to 26 | Primary winter food source system wide |
| Baetis | 16 to 20 | Secondary during mild afternoons |
| Winter stoneflies | 12 to 16 | More prevalent on lower stretches |
Download the Colorado River Hatch Chart
Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Kremmling
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UpdateFebrurary 11, 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.
Upper Colorado River Conditions Summary
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Flow: 820 CFS. Winter flows concentrate trout into deeper runs and slow inside bends.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 45 °F
Wind: 5 to 12 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Medium
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Consistent winter fishing with room to move
Top Flies This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 gray 18 to 22
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
- Split Case BWO 18 to 20
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech olive 10 to 12
- Woolly Bugger olive 8 to 10
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
Access Points
Pumphouse | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Reliable winter structure and depth.
Radium Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Broad seams with defined holding lanes.
State Bridge Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Consistent winter water.
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.
Middle Colorado River Conditions Summary
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Flow: 2,050 CFS. Broader flows require targeting defined seams and soft banks.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 46 °F
Wind: 6 to 14 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Overall Rating: Lower pressure with structure driven opportunities
Top Flies This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 gray 18 to 22
- Top Secret Midge 20 to 24
- Miracle Nymph 20 to 22
Secondary Hatch: Stoneflies
- Pat’s Rubber Legs black 12 to 14
- Stonefly Nymph brown 12 to 14
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
Attractor and Streamer
- Woolly Bugger olive 8
- Sculpzilla tan 6 to 8
Pro Rig of the Week: Glenwood Canyon Seam Rig
-
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
Two Rivers Confluence | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Defined seams near tributary influence.
Glenwood Springs Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Urban access with consistent depth.
New Castle Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Lower pressure but broader water.
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.
Lower Colorado River Conditions Summary
Flow: 3,400 CFS. Larger volume limits effective water to defined slow edges and tailouts.
Water Temperature: No Data °F
Air Temperature: 48 °F
Wind: 7 to 15 mph
Clarity: Clear
Crowds: Low
Primary Hatch: Midges
Best Window: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Overall Rating: Big water winter fishing for anglers who know where to stand
Top Flies This Week
Primary Method: Nymphing | Primary Hatch: Midges
- Zebra Midge 18 to 22
- Black Beauty 20 to 24
- RS2 gray 18 to 22
- Thread Frenchie 16 to 18
- Mercury Midge 20 to 22
Secondary Hatch: Baetis
- Barrs Emerger 18 to 20
- Flashback Pheasant Tail 16 to 18
- Split Case BWO 18 to 20
Attractor and Streamer
- Mini Leech black 10 to 12
- Sculpzilla olive 8 to 10
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
Access Points – Colorado River
Pumphouse Recreation Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5.0
Premier access for Upper Colorado winter fishing.
Rancho Del Rio | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.5
Broad seams and consistent winter holding water.
Glenwood Springs Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Urban access with productive winter edges.
Rifle Area | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Defined winter seams and tailouts.
Silt Stretch | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4.0
Broad slow banks holding fish.
Cameo Reach | 📍 Locals Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3.5
Big water requiring careful positioning.
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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