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.

Lower Colorado River Fly Fishing Report Near Glenwood Springs 10/21/2024

Current River Conditions

The Lower Colorado near Glenwood Springs is in prime fall fishing mode right now. Flows are solid, and the water clarity is good, making it an ideal time for both wading and float fishing. The trout are highly active, feeding aggressively as they bulk up for winter. This section is known for its healthy population of browns and rainbows, and right now, they’re keyed in on midges, BWOs, and even the occasional streamer. The fall colors along the riverbanks only add to the experience, making this a fantastic time to be on the water.

Mornings can start slow due to cooler temps, but by late morning, the action heats up. Mid-afternoon hatches are giving anglers a good shot at dry fly fishing, while nymphing remains productive all day. Expect trout to be holding in deeper runs and near riffles, but don't hesitate to throw streamers into the mix—those big browns are more than happy to chase a well-presented fly this time of year.

Flow Rate: 2,500-3,000 CFS
Water Temperature: 50-55°F
Clarity: Clear to slightly stained after rain
Best Times: Late morning through mid-afternoon

Top Flies

• Nymphs
  • RS2 (Gray or Olive) (#18-22) – A strong choice for imitating BWO nymphs or emergers, especially effective in the fall. 
  • Pheasant Tail Nymph (#16-20) – A classic, imitating mayfly nymphs and matching a variety of small aquatic insects. It's a consistent producer year-round.
  • Zebra Midge (#18-22) – Effective all year and particularly useful during colder months when midges dominate the trout's diet.

• Dries
  • Blue Winged Olive (BWO) Parachute (#18-22) – A must-have for fall fishing, especially during midday hatches. Trout will rise for these small mayflies.
  • Elk Hair Caddis (#14-18) – This versatile fly mimics the caddisflies, which are still present and active in the fall. It's effective both dry and skating along the surface.
  • Griffith's Gnat (#20-24) – A great pattern to target midge hatches when fish are rising but picky.
  
  
  
•  Streamers
  • Thin Mint (#6-10) – Known for triggering strikes from larger trout, this streamer pattern works wonders when swung through deep pools.
  • Woolly Bugger (#6-10) – A go-to streamer that imitates baitfish or leeches, and it's highly versatile in varying conditions.

• • Sculpzilla (#6-8) – A smaller sculpin imitation that's perfect for targeting bigger, aggressive trout, especially browns.

River Flow Chart

source: Colorado Divison of Resources Station Flow Report

Hatches & Recommended Flies

Nymphs

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.

Dry Flies

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.

• • 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.

Streamers

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.

• • 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

Two Rivers Park (Glenwood Springs)

• 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.

Grizzly Creek (Glenwood Canyon)

• 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.

South Canyon (West of Glenwood Springs)

• 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.

New Castle Public River Access

• 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.

Rifle Public River Access

• 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.