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The lower Colorado River near Grand Junction offers a unique fly fishing experience amidst Colorado's high desert landscapes, blending mild winter weather with excellent fishing opportunities. Flowing through scenic stretches near Fruita, Connected Lakes, and the Colorado River State Parks, this section is characterized by its slower runs, deep pools, and clear water.
Down here, fall comes slow and stays long.
The cottonwoods are fading to silver, the mornings start cold, and the river feels like it’s taking a deep breath before winter.
The fish are still feeding, the crowds are gone, and every take feels earned.
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Conditions Summary
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Flows are around 700 CFS through town with excellent clarity and mild color below the Gunnison confluence. Water temps sit near 50 °F, perfect for active fish. The spawn has mostly wrapped up, and post-spawn browns and rainbows are sliding into softer water. Midges, BWOs, and small attractor nymphs are producing consistent action, especially mid-day.
- Flow: ~700 CFS (steady)
- Water Temp: 48–52 °F
- Air Temp: 35–70 °F
- Clarity: Clear with light green tint
- Pressure: Light
- Best Times: 10 AM – 3 PM
- Dry Fly Score: ⭐⭐☆
- Nymph Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Streamer Score: ⭐⭐⭐
Conditions Note:
Bright mornings make fish skittish, but once the sun hits the canyon, the bite turns on. Focus on mid-day BWOs and deep nymph drifts in seams and eddies.
October Hatch Chart
- Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) #20–22 10 AM–2 PM Emergers in riffles and tailouts
- Midges #22–26 All day Zebra or Mercury Midge under light indicator
- Egg Drift All day Trail behind small mayfly nymph for post-spawn feeders
Top 3 Dry Flies for October
- Parachute BWO #20 – Best mid-day hatch match
- Parachute Adams #18 – Reliable search pattern
- Griffith’s Gnat #22 – Cluster midge imitation for calm edges
Top 3 Nymphs for October
- RS2 (Gray #20–22) – Top BWO emerger imitation
- Zebra Midge (Black #22–24) – Drift deep through slow water
- Beadhead Pheasant Tail #18 – All-purpose attractor for mixed clarity
Streamer of the Month
Mini Leech #12 (Olive or Rust) – Short strips along drop-offs and shaded banks in the afternoon.
Support the Efforts and Look Cool Doing It
Tips for Fishing the Colorado Near Grand Junction
- Wait until late morning for temps to rise and fish to move.
- Focus on seams and slower edge water; avoid main current push.
- Use 4X–5X for nymphs, 5X–6X for dries.
- Carry both eggs and RS2s; fish are keying on small meals.
- Cloudy afternoons bring brief but excellent dry fly windows.
- Expect light wind through the canyon in early afternoon.
BOOK RIGS FLY FISHING FOR THE BEST TIME ON THE WATER!
Access Points
- Connected Lakes Area: steady riffles, good wade access, light pressure
- Fruita State Park: broad runs, consistent BWO hatch mid-day
- Palisade: clearer water upstream, ideal for nymphing and streamer work
- Island Acres: productive seams, accessible and quiet during the week
Local Regulations & Notes
- Artificial flies and lures only
- Catch-and-release recommended for post-spawn browns
- Avoid walking on visible redds in shallow gravel
- Check flows from the Gunnison confluence before heading out; clarity changes quickly with weather
FAQ on the Colorado River Near Grand Junction
Q: How’s the clarity now?
A: Clear to slightly green; 3 ft of visibility or better most days.
Q: Are browns still spawning?
A: Most are finished and feeding again in deeper water.
Q: What’s the best time to fish?
A: Mid-day, 10 AM–3 PM, when water temps rise.
Q: Are streamers worth throwing?
A: Yes, especially olive or rust patterns in shaded edges.
Q: Any closures or restrictions?
A: None reported; all major access areas open.
Q: What rig works best right now?
A: Egg to RS2 on 5X tippet under a small indicator.
Q: How’s boat traffic?
A: Very light; ideal time for wading anglers.
Q: What about wind?
A: Light canyon gusts midday, calm mornings and evenings.
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