Colorado River Fly Fishing Report – Middle Colorado Update for Winter

The Middle 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.

Updated: 12/3/2025

The Middle Colorado is settling into its early-winter rhythm with lower, clearer flows than last week and trout pushing into softer seams and mid-river depressions. Water temps dipped slightly, tightening the feeding window but improving predictability. Clarity has improved day-over-day, making presentations more technical but more rewarding. Crowds remain low due to cold starts and hunting season distractions. Expect a short but productive midday bite if you’re fishing small and slow.

Listen to the Audio Overview

Conditions Summary

• Flow: Stable but slightly down from last week
• Water Temp: High 30s early, low 40s mid-day
• Air Temp: Low 40s, trending slightly warmer this week
• Clarity: Improving; 2–4 ft visibility
• Crowds: Low, typical for early winter; afternoons see a few locals
• Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout have shifted into deeper winter troughs and respond best to small midges and baetis fished slowly.

Expect frosty mornings followed by a slow warm-up into a mild midday window. Cloud cover boosts midge and BWO activity, and the river gains clarity as colder nights reduce upstream melt and disturbance. Wind increases in the afternoon but rarely enough to shut things down.

---

Recommended Article

Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior in Clear, Low-Flow Freestones

Top Flies in Your Box This Week

– Black Beauty 20–22
– Zebra Midge Red 20–22
– Mercury Midge 20–22
– WD40 Brown 20–22
– RS2 Gray 20–22
– JuJu Baetis 20
– Shot Glass Baetis 20
– Micro Leech Black 14
– Sparkle Wing RS2 20
– Olive Tube Midge 20

Pro Rig of the Week

Middle Colorado Low-Flow Soft Water Rig
Leader: 10 ft 5x fluoro
Tippet: 6x to the dropper
Top Fly: Red Zebra Midge 20
Dropper: RS2 Gray 22
Weight: One micro split shot, 8–10 inches above the top fly
Indicator: Small yarn for sensitive takes
Target Water: Inside bends, soft mid-river troughs, and deep edge depressions where trout stack in early winter.

Hatch Chart for November

Access Points

Grizzly Creek Access
Wide runs and soft trenches ideal for winter nymphing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Shoshone Area (legal pull-offs)
Pocketwater turns into slow ledges; good once the sun hits.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

No Name Access
Easier wading, steady depth changes, reliable holding structure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two Rivers Park Downstream Edges
Urban but productive slower edges in cold weather.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Local Regulations and Notes

Ice shelves form overnight but melt by midday.
Flows remain stable and predictable.
Watch for passing commercial traffic at tight pull-offs.

Post-Fishing Stop

Glenwood Canyon Brewpub, Glenwood Springs
A go-to local classic right off the river with a warm, relaxed vibe and great post-fishing comfort food. Order the Adventure Beer, the Holy Mole Nachos, and a side of Sweet Tots. Perfect after a cold session on the Middle Colorado, and exactly the kind of spot where every wading boot in the room nods back at you.

FAQ

Q: Is the Middle Colorado still worth fishing in early winter?
A: Yes, especially with improved clarity and concentrated fish.

Q: Can I fish dries right now?
A: Only during rare midge clusters near slow edges.

Q: Are streamers working?
A: Small leeches fished slowly can move fish, but nymphs dominate.

Q: When is the warmest, most productive period?
A: Midday, especially 12–2 pm.

Q: How technical is the fishing?
A: Clear water requires 6x and small midges or baetis.

Q: Is wading safe?
A: Generally yes, but expect icy edges early.