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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 21, 2026
The Colorado River remains one of the most dependable winter fisheries in the state when you know which section to fish and why. From the open valley water near Kremmling, through the canyon stretches around Glenwood Springs, and down into the desert tailwater character near Grand Junction, the river is fishing in distinct lanes right now.
This consolidated report breaks down current Colorado River conditions by section, highlights where the river is most forgiving this week, and focuses on tactics that match winter reality instead of optimism.
If you are choosing between elevation, clarity, and crowd pressure, start here.
Overall Colorado River Conditions
- Flow: Stable winter flows across all sections
- Water Temperature: Low to upper 30s depending on elevation and sun exposure
- Air Temperature: Cold mornings with modest midday warming
- Clarity: Clear to lightly stained depending on recent wind and snow events
- Crowds: Light overall, localized pressure near easy access
- Best Window: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Fishing Type Focus: Winter nymphing with midges and precise depth control
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 21, 2026
The Colorado River near Kremmling is holding in a classic winter valley pattern. Broad seams, soft inside bends, and deeper mid-river troughs are carrying the bulk of the trout right now. Flows are stable, water clarity is good, and fish are positioned predictably when wind stays manageable.
This stretch rewards anglers who stay mobile. Covering water and adjusting depth frequently is more productive than camping on any single run. Feeding windows are short but repeatable, centered around midday warmth.
Conditions Summary
- 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 7, 2026
Updated: January 21, 2026
The Colorado River through Glenwood Springs is the most forgiving section of the river right now. Canyon structure retains warmth, feeding windows last longer, and trout hold tight to predictable winter lanes along edges and drop-offs.
While clarity can fluctuate slightly, fish remain set up consistently. This section fishes best when presentations stay tight to structure and depth is managed precisely.
Conditions Summary
- 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
-
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
