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Flows steady, clarity improving, and trout stacking deeper as cold pushes winter structure into focus.
The Lower Colorado is sliding into its winter groove with stable flows and notably better clarity than last week, especially in side-channel ledges and slower bends. Temps dipped slightly, tightening the feeding window, but the river’s broader warmth still keeps trout more active here than upstream sections. Crowds are nearly nonexistent, creating a rare window for quiet, predictable nymphing water. Expect fish packed into softer, deeper lines along shale edges and mellow walking-speed troughs. If you go small and subtle, you’ll find active fish even in short sunlight windows.
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Conditions Summary
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• Flow: Slightly down from last week; stable day to day
• Water Temp: High 30s to low 40s; afternoons warm enough for light BWO lifts
• Air Temp: Low 40s; stable with small warming trend
• Clarity: Improving; 2–3 ft depending on section
• Crowds: Very low; winter solitude with occasional local angler
• Best Window: 12 pm to 3 pm
• Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are fully transitioned into deeper winter lanes and respond best to slow, subtle drifts.
Early frost gives way to mild afternoons, and cloud cover enhances both midge and light baetis movement. Expect soft water to outperform all other structure, with fish sliding tighter to depth transitions as shadows lengthen. Wind can pick up mid-afternoon, but not enough to shut down winter nymphing.
Recommended Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior in Clear, Low-Flow Freestones
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
• Zebra Midge Red 20–22
• Black Beauty 20–22
• Mercury Midge 20–22
• Shot Glass Baetis 20
• Sparkle Wing RS2 20–22
• WD40 Brown 20
• JuJu Baetis 20–22
• Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger 20
• Micro Leech Black 14
• Olive RS2 20
Pro Rig of the Week
Lower Colorado Slow-Water Winter Rig
• Leader: 10 ft 4x fluoro
• Tippet: 5x to 6x for the dropper
• Top Fly: JuJu Baetis 20
• Dropper: Mercury Midge 22
• Weight: One tiny split shot, 8–12 inches above the top fly
• Indicator: Yarn or small air-lock for delicate takes
• Target Water: Walking-speed troughs, deep inside bends, and slow ledges along shale shelves
Hatch Chart for December
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges | Most active on cloudy afternoons |
| Secondary | Baetis | Light but steady in mild midday temps |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones | Sparse but present along rock faces |
Download the Hatch Chart
Get the full monthly hatch chart with timing for midges, baetis, and low-elevation winter stones.
Access Points
Loma Boat Ramp Area
Long soft edges and deeper ledges that fish well in winter.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fruita State Wildlife Area
Slower water and predictable winter holding zones.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Blue Heron Access (Grand Junction)
Urban but productive soft seams and troughs.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Connected Lakes Area
Reliable slower runs as temps drop; good foot access.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
• Ice shelves form but melt by midday
• Be mindful of private land boundaries near Fruita
• Wading easier than upstream due to wider, slower water
FAQ
Q: Does the Lower Colorado fish better in winter than upstream sections?
A: Yes, lower elevation keeps trout more active.
Q: Are dries an option?
A: Occasionally during tight midge clusters but not consistently.
Q: What’s the best time to go?
A: Midday warmth; winter fish don’t feed early.
Q: Are streamers worth trying?
A: Small leeches work slowly; big streamers underperform.
Q: How’s wading access?
A: Generally good; watch morning ice on edges.
Q: Should I use 6x?
A: Yes when clarity jumps to 3 ft or more.
