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The lower Colorado River near Grand Junction offers a unique fly fishing experience amidst Colorado's high desert landscapes, blending mild winter weather with excellent fishing opportunities. Flowing through scenic stretches near Fruita, Connected Lakes, and the Colorado River State Parks, this section is characterized by its slower runs, deep pools, and clear water.
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March on the Lower Colorado River near Grand Junction is a tale of two extremes—one day, you’ll find active trout crushing streamers, and the next, they’re hunkered down like it’s still mid-winter. With warmer days creeping in, fish are starting to move, and pre-runoff conditions mean flows are still manageable. But don’t get too comfortable—muddy pulses from upstream melt can turn this river into chocolate milk overnight.
Right now, nymphing with stoneflies, midges, and worms is the best bet, but on warmer afternoons, Blue Wing Olives (BWOs) can hatch in slower sections. Streamer junkies, take note—this is prime time to start moving big browns with slower, deeper retrieves. With pre-runoff fishing in full swing, this stretch is one of the best places in Colorado to hook into a serious trout before the flows spike.
Conditions Summary
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- Flow Rate: 1,500-2,500 CFS (Fluctuating but still manageable)
- Water Temperature: 42-48°F
- Clarity: Varies—clear in the mornings, potential stain after midday melt
- Best Times: Late morning to early evening
- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 – Solid pre-runoff action, but watch for muddy water)
River Flow Chart
Source: Colorado DWR River Station Reports
Lower Colorado Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Feb | Midges, Winter Stones | Zebra Midge (#20-24), RS2 (#20-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#12-14) |
| Mar | Midges, Baetis (BWO), Stoneflies | Black Beauty (#20-24), Blue Wing Olive (#18-22), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) |
| Apr | Baetis, Caddis, Midges | Elk Hair Caddis (#16-18), RS2 (#20-22), San Juan Worm (#12-14) |
Top Flies for the Week
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive (#18-22) – Best on cloudy afternoons in slower seams.
- Nymph: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10-12) – Deadly for stonefly nymphs—run it deep.
- Streamer: Goldie or Thin Mint (#4-8) – Slow strips along cut banks for big browns.
Tips for Fly Fishing the Lower Colorado in March
Seasonal Tip
Pre-runoff fishing is prime right now, but watch for stained water later in the day from snowmelt.
Dry Fly
Baetis hatches can bring fish up on cloudy days, but don’t expect too much surface action yet.
Nymphing
The most consistent producer—stoneflies, midges, and worms are all in play.
Streamer Fishing
Great time to start stripping bigger flies—slow retrieves will trigger aggressive strikes from pre-spawn browns.
Access Points
Palisade (Island Acres State Park)
- Description: Easier wading, good mix of riffles and deep pools.
- Why Fish Here: Less pressured, good dry fly water on warm afternoons.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grand Junction (Blue Heron Section)
- Description: Prime nymphing water with deeper holes.
- Why Fish Here: Great for targeting bigger fish holding deep.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fruita (James M. Robb State Park)
- Description: Good streamer and nymphing water with some access points.
- Why Fish Here: More potential for big browns.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes on Landowner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only in most sections—check signage.
- Some stretches run through private land—be mindful of access points.
- Flows fluctuate—keep an eye on the gauge to avoid fishing blown-out water.
The Lower Colorado River in March is one of the last chances to catch trout in clear(ish) water before runoff kicks in. If you hit it right, it’s some of the best big-fish fishing in the state.
