The Lower Colorado River offers a variety of fly fishing opportunities, especially in the stretch between Glenwood Springs and Rifle, Colorado. Known for its larger fish and slower-moving waters, this section is ideal for anglers seeking bigger brown and rainbow trout. With numerous access points, including Two Rivers Park and Grizzly Creek, you can easily wade or float through prime trout territory.
October Fishing Report: Upper Colorado River (Pumphouse)
Current River Conditions
Fall is in full swing, and the Lower Colorado River is practically begging for your best casts. Flows are steady, water temperatures are ideal, and the trout are ready to dance. With the crisp fall air settling in, the river is offering a perfect mix of nymphing, dry fly, and streamer opportunities that’ll keep your line tight and your spirits high.
The real magic happens in the afternoon, when the water warms up just enough to wake the fish from their morning slumber. Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) and Caddis are the headliners right now, creating the perfect setting for a dry-dropper rig or some good old-fashioned nymphing. And if you’re in it for the big ones, break out those streamers—because the deep pools are where the trophies hang out.
Condition Summary
- Flows: 800-1,200 CFS – Like Goldilocks would say, these flows are "just right" for both wading and floating, making it easy to cover a lot of productive water.
- Water Temperature: 50-55°F – It’s chilly enough to keep the trout active, but warm enough that you won’t be freezing your fingers off. Afternoon fishing is prime!
- Air Temperature: 50-55°F – It’s chilly enough to keep the trout active, but warm enough that you won’t be freezing your fingers off. Afternoon fishing is prime!
Top Flies:
- Nymphs:
- RS2 (#18-22)
- Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16-20)
- Zebra Midge (#18-22)
- Dries:
- Parachute Adams (#18-22)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18)
- Blue Wing Olive (#18-22)
- Streamers:
- Woolly Bugger (#8-10)
- Sculpzilla (#6-10)
- Thin Mint (#8)
Hatches & Recommended Flies
Blue Wing Olive Nymphs (BWO Nymphs):
- Patterns: RS2, Pheasant Tail, Barr’s BWO Emerger.
- Sizes: #18-22.
- When to Use: Perfect for the fall BWO hatch, especially during late morning and early afternoon. Fish them in deeper runs and riffles when the hatch starts to pick up.
Stonefly Nymphs:
- Patterns: Pat’s Rubber Legs, Copper John, Golden Stone.
- Sizes: #8-14.
- When to Use: Stoneflies are effective throughout the year, but they shine in the spring and fall. Fish these nymphs in fast-moving water or deep pools where trout are actively feeding.
Midges:
- Patterns: Zebra Midge, Black Beauty, Mercury Midge.
- Sizes: #18-22.
- When to Use: A go-to pattern for colder months, midges are productive year-round. Focus on slower runs and deeper pools, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Blue Wing Olive (BWO): Fall BWO hatches are common and produce excellent dry fly action.
- Patterns: Parachute Adams, Sparkle Dun, Foam Wing Emerger.
- Sizes: #18-22.
- When to Use: Best in the early afternoon during hatch activity, especially in slower seams and riffles.
Pale Morning Dun (PMD): Common during warmer parts of the day.
- Patterns: Parachute PMD, Rusty Spinner, PMD Sparkle Dun.
- Sizes: #16-20.
- When to Use: Hatch happens late morning to early afternoon, ideal for slower-moving sections of the river.
Caddisflies: Consistent throughout late spring and summer.
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- Patterns: Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis.
- Sizes: #14-18.
- When to Use: Consistent through late spring and summer, evening hatches bring trout to the surface. Focus on pocket water or near structure.
Woolly Bugger: A versatile and effective fly for targeting larger trout.
- Patterns: Olive, Black, Brown.
- Sizes: #8-12.
- When to Use: Ideal for early morning or late evening when trout are more aggressive. Fish these streamers in deeper pools and near structure.
Sculpin Patterns: Great for imitating small baitfish.
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- Patterns: Sculpzilla, Baby Gonga.
- Sizes: #6-10.
- When to Use: Best used in deeper, faster-moving water where larger trout are hunting. Strip or swing through deeper pools.
Access Points
- Description: Located at the confluence of the Colorado and Roaring Fork Rivers, Two Rivers Park offers excellent access for wading or launching a float trip.
- Why Fish Here: This area is known for both rainbow and brown trout. You’ll find good riffles and pools, perfect for nymphing and dry fly fishing.
- Location: In Glenwood Springs, right off of Two Rivers Road.
- Description: This is a popular wading spot along I-70, with easy access from a well-marked parking area.
- Why Fish Here: Grizzly Creek provides access to some slower-moving sections, with large deep pools that are prime for streamer fishing and nymphing.
- Location: Located within Glenwood Canyon, just off I-70.
- Description: A less crowded stretch of the river that offers a mix of wade and float opportunities.
- Why Fish Here: Larger trout can be found here, especially in the deeper runs and slower pools. This spot is great for those looking to fish away from the crowds.
- Location: Off I-70, a few miles west of Glenwood Springs.
- Description: Public access with a boat launch for float trips or easy wading opportunities.
- Why Fish Here: This stretch features slower water, making it ideal for dry fly fishing during evening hatches. Expect larger trout in this quieter section.
- Location: In the town of New Castle, just off Main Street near the Colorado River.
- Description: Located near Rifle, this is a great access point for targeting larger fish further downstream.
- Why Fish Here: The water here slows down significantly, providing excellent streamer fishing and the chance to land trophy browns.
- Location: Near the town of Rifle, close to I-70 exits.