Trout Still Biting: October Fly Fishing on the Colorado River

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. 

The desert stretch of the Colorado around Grand Junction is in that magical shoulder season where the crowds vanish, the air cools off, and the river slows into its moody, bronze rhythm. Clarity’s back, the browns are wrapping up spawn, and the rainbows are hungry. This is big, western water with big potential — a streamer junkie’s dream and a nymph addict’s playground rolled into one.

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Conditions Summary

Flow Rate: 440 CFS
Water Temp: Around 42°F mid-day
Air Temp: 45°–65°F
Clarity: Clear
Best Time to Fish: 11 AM – 4 PM
Seasonal Notes: With cooler water and stable flows, fish are active again post-spawn. Expect solid subsurface action on BWOs and midges. Streamers are also back in play — particularly in slower edge water and around structure near the bluffs.

Top Flies for Late October

Dry Flies:

• Parachute BWO #18–20
• Parachute Adams #18
• Griffith’s Gnat #20

Nymphs:

• Two-Bit Hooker #16
• Juju Baetis #18
• Frenchie #16
• Egg Pattern (pink or cream) #14

Streamers:

• Goldie #10
• Mini Dungeon Olive #8
• Sculpzilla Black #8

Pro Tip: Think “slow and low.” Fish a two-fly nymph rig under an indicator with split shot or drift a streamer on a light sink-tip line through soft seams.

Tips for Fly Fishing the Colorado (Grand Junction Section)

• Focus on slow inside bends and tailouts — fish are conserving energy.
• Use smaller tippet (5x–6x) for BWOs and midges; water clarity is high.
• Streamers work best in low light — early or late afternoon.
• Avoid wading deep; stay tight to shore and work parallel seams.
• The stretch through Connected Lakes offers reliable access and great structure.

Access Points

1. Connected Lakes Section – Prime late-fall holding water with long, soft runs and bank fishing opportunities.
2. Corn Lake State Park – Easy access and consistent flow; ideal for wading and short nymph sessions.
3. Fruita Section – Larger, slower water — perfect for streamers or light drift rigs from a raft.

Parking: Excellent at all three spots.
Wading: Moderate with soft gravel bottoms.
Trail Access: Simple and well-marked.

Local Regulations and Notes

• Watch for ice early mornings — the banks freeze fast in the shade.
• Artificial flies and lures only in state park access zones.
• Post-spawn ethics: stay clear of gravel redds in shallow water.
• Great wildlife viewing right now — bighorn sheep are active along the canyon.

FAQ

Q: Is the Colorado still fishable this far west in late October?
A: Absolutely. Cooler temps have improved clarity and fish are active in deeper holding zones.

Q: Are there still bugs hatching?
A: BWOs and midges are steady mid-day, with the odd caddis flutter late afternoon.

Q: Is this a wade or float section right now?
A: Wade fishing is prime with these flows, though floats from Corn to Fruita can be productive on mild days.

Q: What’s the best rig to use?
A: Nymph rig with a Two-Bit Hooker and Juju Baetis combo, 5x tippet, and a small split shot — can’t go wrong.

 

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