Fall Fly Fishing Report: Glenwood Springs on the Colorado River

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.

If you’re the type who thinks “off-color” is just another word for opportunity, this stretch of the Colorado is your playground right now. The big river’s running a little stained from upstream activity, but that’s not a dealbreaker — it’s a green light for throwing meat and letting the big browns hunt. With cooler days, stable flows, and that late-fall calm settling in, Glenwood’s section of the Colorado is primed for those who like to swing big and dig deep.

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Conditions Summary

Flow Rate: 1,920 CFS
Water Temp: Mid 40s°F mid-day
Air Temp: 35°–60°F
Clarity: Slightly murky, 2–3 ft visibility
Best Time to Fish: 10 AM – 3 PM
Seasonal Notes: The river’s still pushing color below the confluence, but visibility is improving daily. Expect BWO activity mid-day and browns resting in deep, slow water post-spawn. Streamers are the ticket — darker patterns on cloudy days, olive or tan when the sun’s out.

Top Flies for Late October

Dry Flies:

• Parachute Blue Wing Olive #18–20
• Purple Haze #16
• Elk Hair Caddis (rust) #14

Nymphs:

• WD-40 #18–20
• Chocolate Thunder #18
• Flashback Pheasant Tail #18
• Egg Pattern (peach or pink) #16

Streamers:

• Mini Dungeon Olive #6–8
• Goldie #10
• Peanut Envy Black #6

Pro Tip: The fish are hunkered down but hungry. Swing a streamer low and slow through soft edges or behind structure. A sink-tip line makes all the difference here.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Colorado

• Target seams and inside bends where fish shelter from main current.
• Fish eggs and BWOs in tandem; trout are opportunistic post-spawn.
• Hit the softer edges late morning once temps rise a bit.
• Cloudy days = streamer days. Bring a few articulated patterns.
• Avoid wading mid-river — flows are strong even when visibility is good.

Access Points

1. Grizzly Creek Access – Easy to reach, solid for wading and streamer runs.
2. No Name Area – Productive for wading, good winter holding water.
3. South Canyon Access – Ideal for drift setups and throwing streamers from the bank.

Parking: Ample at Grizzly and South Canyon.
Wading: Moderate; best near edges and tailouts.
Trail Access: Excellent with roadside pullouts.

Local Regulations and Notes

• Watch for improving clarity as flows stabilize.
• Keep an eye on weather — Glenwood can swing 20°F in a day.
• No special restrictions, but fish handling is key post-spawn.
• Browns and rainbows mixed here — expect variety in takes.

FAQ

Q: Is the water still too dirty to fish?
A: Nope. It’s got color, but 2–3 feet of visibility is plenty for nymphing or streamers.

Q: Are there any caddis left?
A: Just a few stragglers mid-day, but BWOs and midges are now center stage.

Q: What’s the best section to wade?
A: Grizzly Creek and No Name — both have easy access and good depth transitions.

Q: Can I float this stretch right now?
A: You can, but watch flows and wind. Bank anglers are doing just fine right now.

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