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Welcome to the Upper Colorado Near Kremmling, where the trout are hungry, and the water’s as wild as your casting arm! Flowing at a mellow pace between Kremmling and Parshall, this section is a fly fisher’s dream with its mix of slow runs, gentle riffles, and deep pockets perfect for sneaky nymphing or swinging streamers.
Spring is stretching its legs across the Colorado River near Kremmling, bringing the kind of moody conditions anglers love to puzzle out. The mornings are crisp and clear, with midges dancing across the surface and trout sipping softly in the seams. By midday, the sun warms the river corridor, prompting Blue Winged Olives to lift off in waves—and if you’re lucky, you’ll spot a few early stoneflies skittering across the surface.
This is prime time for those who like to fish a bit of everything. Nymph rigs in the deep runs, dry-dropper setups in the riffles, and streamers through the darker edges are all in play. The flows are stable for now, but with snowmelt looming, your window to fish this stretch before runoff is wide open—but not for long.
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Conditions Summary
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- Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5 – Productive fishing with seasonal hatches emerging)
- Flow Rate: 850–950 CFS
- Water: 42–46°F
- Air: 55–63°F
- Clarity: Clear to slightly tinted by afternoon
- Best Times: Late morning to mid-afternoon
- Fishing Pressure: Moderate, with increased activity on weekends
- Wind: Mild in the mornings, with potential gusts in the afternoons
River Flow Chart
Source: Colorado DWR Stations & US Geological Survey
Colorado River Hatch Chart
| Month | Primary Hatches | Effective Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| February | Midges, Winter Stones | Zebra Midge (#20–24), Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12) |
| March | Midges, Blue Winged Olives | RS2 (#20–22), JuJu Baetis (#18–20) |
| April | BWOs, Midges, Early Stones | Barr’s Emerger (#18–20), Pats Rubber Legs (#10–12) |
Top 3 Flies for the Month
- Dry Fly: Blue Wing Olive Parachute (#18–22) – Use on overcast afternoons when fish rise steadily in soft seams and back eddies.
- Nymph: Pat’s Rubber Legs (#10–12) – Best fished deep in the slots and pocket water; great for triggering larger trout.
- Streamer: Olive Slump Buster (#8–10) – Strip slow and deep in low-light or stained water, especially along cutbanks.
Tips Fly Fishing on the Colorado River
- Seasonal Tip: As water temperatures rise, trout begin to push into transitional zones. Target the slow edges of riffles and the seams that divide soft and fast water. Look for depth changes, drop-offs, and foam lines—these spots hold feeding fish in April.
- Dry Fly: Look for BWOs emerging mid to late morning, especially on days with cloud cover. Fish dries upstream with a slack-line presentation over slow water and soft current lines.
- Nymphing: A double-nymph rig is your best bet. Pair a heavier attractor (Rubber Legs or leech) with a trailing Baetis emerger or midge. Adjust your depth as the flows change through the day.
- Streamer Fishing: Focus your efforts early and late in the day or under cloud cover. Cast across and down, mend upstream, and let the streamer swing before adding a few erratic strips.
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Access Points
Pumphouse Recreation Area:
- Description: This is the main access point for the Upper Colorado River, known for its easy entry to the water. There’s a boat ramp, parking, and camping facilities available.
- Why Fish Here: It’s the starting point for many float trips, but also offers excellent walk-and-wade fishing. The water here has long riffles, pools, and excellent nymphing opportunities.
- Location: Google Maps Link
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Radium Campground:
- Description: Downstream from Pumphouse, with good access to runs, eddies, and spring risers.
- Why Fish Here: A good mix of boat and wade options, and often less crowded midweek.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sheephorn Creek Confluence:
- Description: A lesser-known spot near Parshall. Excellent structure and BWO activity in spring.
- Why Fish Here: Ideal for nymph and dry-dropper setups.
- Locals’ Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Hot Spots
- Island Channel at Radium: Side-channel with soft water and deep holding trout—perfect for sight fishing.
- The Long Bend Below State Bridge: Wide, sweeping bend with classic riffle-run-pool structure.
- Rock Shelf Below Pumphouse Launch: Great swing zone for streamers during early morning.
Local Regulations and Notes on LandOwner Rights
- Artificial flies and lures only in designated stretches—check signage.
- Barbless hooks are strongly encouraged.
- Respect private property boundaries—stay below the high-water mark and only access the river from designated public areas.
- No overnight camping outside of approved campgrounds like Pumphouse and Radium.
FAQ on this Spot
What’s the best time of day to fish the Colorado near Kremmling in April?
- Late morning to early afternoon offers the best window—warmer water temps get trout moving and hatches active.
Can I wade this stretch, or do I need a boat?
- You can do both! The Colorado near Kremmling is very wadeable at current flows. Pumphouse, Radium, and the islands near State Bridge are walk-in friendly. But a drift boat or raft expands access dramatically.
What gear do I need this time of year?
- A 9-foot 5- or 6-weight rod with floating line covers most techniques. Bring 4X–6X fluorocarbon tippet, an indicator setup, and a sink-tip line if streamer fishing. Waders and a wading staff are recommended—the riverbed can be slick and uneven.
🎣 River Whisper Section Ranker – Where to Fish
