.png?width=300&height=100&name=Copy%20of%20Rise%20Beyond%20Logo%2012.31.24%20(300%20x%20100%20px).png "Rise Beyond Fly Fishing Co. logo featuring a cowboy riding a large trout, holding a fishing rod in one hand and a camera in the other, with stylized text in a rugged, outdoor-themed font")
.png)
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.
Updated: 11/26/2025
Flows slipped slightly this week, and clarity finally stabilized after last week’s color push, making the canyon and Glenwood stretches far more predictable. Water temps dipped into classic winter patterns, pushing trout tight to slower shelves, inside bends, and the bubble lines below structure. Midday midge and intermittent Baetis activity are the only consistent bug signals right now, but fish are eating well if you stay in slower winter water. Pressure is light, especially midweek, and the best fishing sits between sunlit canyon edges and deep seams near Glenwood. Expect small flies, careful weight adjustments, and slow streamer swings.
Listen to the Audio Overview
Conditions Summary
%20(4).png?width=800&height=175&name=Guide%20Rating%20(800%20x%20175%20px)%20(4).png)
Flow: ~1300 CFS at Glenwood Springs (slightly down week over week)
Water Temp: Mid 30s
Air Temp: High 20s to mid 40s
Clarity: Improving; 2–3 ft visibility
Crowds: Low
Best Window: 11 am to 3 pm
Weather
Classic Glenwood winter mix: frosty mornings, bluebird middays, and occasional afternoon cloud cover that bumps Baetis activity. Expect cold starts but improving comfort around noon.
Recommended Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Midges Rule Below 40 Degrees
Boosts winter understanding for anglers fishing Rifle, Parachute, and Junction water.
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
Ten proven flies for winter on the Middle Colorado:
- Black Beauty 20–22
- Mercury Midge 20–22
- Top Secret Midge 20–22
- Gray RS2 20
- WD40 Brown or Black 20
- Barr’s BWO Emerger 18–20
- Sparkle Wing RS2 20
- Mini Leech Black 12
- Thin Mint Bugger 8–10
- Rainbow Warrior 20
Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges, Mercury, Top Secret | Throughout slow edges and foam seams |
| Secondary | Baetis, RS2, WD40 | Best on cloudy afternoons |
| Tertiary | Winter Stones | Light and sporadic |
Pro Rig of the Week
Middle Colorado Canyon Midge–Baetis Combo
9–11 ft 5x leader
Top Fly: Mercury Midge size 20
Dropper: RS2 Gray size 20
One micro split shot
Micro yarn indicator for slow, winter-soft seams
Fishing Type Scores
Dry Fly: ⭐⭐
Nymphing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Streamer: ⭐⭐⭐
Access Points
Glenwood Canyon (No Name → Shoshone → Grizzly)
Deep canyon seams, soft inside bends, and slow winter banks.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Glenwood Springs Town Water
Consistent winter fishing with improved clarity this week.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
New Castle → Silt
Long, moderate flows with softer troughs ideal in cold weather.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Rifle Corridor
Lower pressure, bigger water, but colder temps slow behavior.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
Artificial flies only in designated sections
Watch for ice shelves early
Flows moderate and stable
Use extra caution near canyon walls after snowmelt cycles
FAQ
Q: Is the Middle Colorado worth fishing in winter?
A: Yes. Glenwood Canyon and town-water stretches get more sun and remain consistent.
Q: Best time of day?
A: Midday when temps rise and Baetis/midge activity bumps.
Q: Can I float it?
A: Possible but cold. Most anglers wade from Glenwood downstream.
Q: Streamers still viable?
A: Yes, but keep retrieves slow and close to structure.
Q: What weight should I run?
A: Enough to tick bottom occasionally in deep canyon seams.
Q: Is clarity reliable right now?
A: Yes, currently 2–3 ft visibility and improving.
