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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!
Updated: Today
Flows near Kremmling have stabilized into predictable winter levels, and week-over-week clarity has improved as cold nights lock in the river and reduce upstream sediment. Trout are sliding into softer middle channels and deeper buckets, feeding conservatively on midges with a few baetis drifters mixed in on overcast afternoons. Angler pressure is light right now, giving you long stretches of river to work methodically. Expect small flies, long drifts, and fish that reward patience more than aggression. This is a great window for technical nymphing before deeper winter truly settles in.
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Conditions Summary
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- Flow: Low, stable winter baseflows
- Water Temp: Upper 30s
- Air Temp: Mid 40s midday
- Clarity: Clear to slightly tinted
- Crowds: Light
- Best Window: 10:30 am to 3 pm
- Fishing Type Focus: Nymphing, because trout are feeding low on midges in slow, cold winter water with minimal surface activity.
Weather Context
Cold early with icy edges. Bright mid-day sun opens a solid midge window before temps drop sharply again mid-afternoon.
Recommended Companion Article
Colorado Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Why Micro Nymphs Matter in Cold Water
Top Flies in Your Box This Week
- Black Beauty 20–22
- Mercury Midge 20–22
- Zebra Midge Red or Black 20
- RS2 Gray 20–22
- WD40 Gray 20
- Olive Sparkle Wing RS2 20
- Red JuJu Midge 20
- BWO Emerger 20
- Shot Glass Baetis 20
- Mini Leech (Black or Olive) 14
Pro Rig of the Week
Colorado River Winter Shelf-Line Rig
Leader: 9–11 ft, 5x or 6x fluoro
Top Fly: Zebra Midge 20
Dropper: RS2 Gray 20–22
Weight: One small split shot placed 7 inches above top fly
Indicator: Yarn or small air-lock for soft landings
Best Water: Shelf edges, long slow glides, and deep depressions below riffles where trout stack in cold water
Hatch Chart for November
| Hatch Type | Bugs You’ll See | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary | Midges | Strongest mid-day in sunny stretches |
| Secondary | Baetis | Light pulses on cloudy days |
| Tertiary | Micro caddis remnants | Sparse but possible |
Access Points
Pumphouse Recreation Area (downstream approach)
Classic winter holding water with deep runs and slow shelves.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Radium Recreation Area
Broad glides and riffle transitions; fishes best mid-day.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Trough Road Pull-Offs (BLM access)
Lower pressure with productive winter slots; colder early.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Blue River Confluence Corridor
A mix of pocketwater and deeper buckets where winter fish stack tightly.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Local Regulations and Notes
Watch for ice shelves forming midday
Flows remain low until spring melt
Artificial flies only in certain upstream stretches (check signs)
FAQ
Q: Does the Colorado at Kremmling fish well in winter?
A: Yes, especially mid-day when midge activity ticks up.
Q: Is this stretch crowded?
A: Very light pressure right now.
Q: What tippet should I run?
A: 5x-6x fluoro depending on clarity.
Q: Can I fish dry flies?
A: Rarely. Only during brief midge clusters.
Q: Are streamers productive?
A: Slow presentations in deeper structure can move a few fish.
Q: How far should I walk for good water?
A: Anything beyond the main Pumphouse footpaths spreads anglers quickly.
