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.

Colorado River – Middle Basin (Glenwood Springs Area) Fly Fishing Report – September 4, 2025

Conditions are falling into sweet spot territory. Flows after recent rain hover around 1,770 CFS below Glenwood Springs, clarity is excellent, and daytime temps have cooled—perfect for chasing trout with nimble nymph presentations and switch-to-streamer tactics come afternoon. Expect Blue‑Winged Olives, PMDs, midges, caddis, yellow sallies, and stoneflies in your fly box. But land your gear before early afternoon—the sun heats the water quick.

Conditions Summary

• Flow Rate: ~1,770 CFS (below Glenwood Springs)
• Water Temp: Rising toward low‑70s°F in afternoon
• Air Temp: Cool mornings warming into the 70s
• Clarity: Very clear — ideal sight fishing
• Best Times: Sunrise to ~11 AM for hatches; streamer tactics work later
• Fishing Pressure: Moderate — access is easy, but river holds technical pockets

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Colorado River Hatch Chart – Middle Basin Near Glenwood Springs (Late Summer)

Notes:

• August: BWOs, PMDs, and Tricos dominate mornings; terrestrials are at their seasonal peak.
• September: BWOs linger, Tricos hold on, and caddis keep evenings alive.

Flies to Fish

Dries

• Outrigger or Variant Caddis (size 16)
• Sparkle‑Dun PMD or Parachute PMD (size 16–18)
• Polywing or Classic Adams (18–22)
• Yellow Sally or Hippie Stomper (12–14)

Nymphs

• PMD emerger (size 16)
• Perdigon or Prince (size 14–18)
• Stonefly or Cranefly nymph (size 10–12)

Streamers

• Double‑Vune streamer rigs with patterns like Thin Mint, Baby Gonga, or Woolly Buggers excel in low light or deeper runs 

Tactical Playbook

• Morning: Match the hatch—PMDs and BWOs in slicks and pockets with precise presentations matter more than fly pattern.
• Midday: Water temperature spikes—switch to deeper nymph rigs or start streamer work in shadowed riffles.
• Later Day: Streamer setups are most effective during cooler, overcast or low-light periods.
• Gear: Use long leaders (12–14 ft) and fine tippet (5X–6X) for tight water.
• Approach: Cover pocket water and mid-stream structure with varied retrieves and rig setups.

Access Highlights

FAQs – Colorado River (Middle Basin)

Q: What’s hatching now?
A: BWOs & PMDs dominate mornings; caddis, sallies and stoneflies emerge into mid-day.

Q: Are streamers working?
A: Yes—especially late or during cloud cover. Double streamer rigs throw shade into structure.

Q: Will trout tolerate afternoon heat?
A: Only briefly. Fish in cool pockets or slow it down—temperatures climb rapidly.

Q: Floater or wader?
A: Wading wins due to technical water and pockets; floating can be tricky at these flows.

Q: Best rod setup?
A: A 9’ 5-weight with a long fine leader gives the finesse needed here.

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