Colorado River Fishing Access Points

Most Popular Access Points

The Colorado River, originating in the Rocky Mountain National Park, flows through some of Colorado's most scenic landscapes, offering anglers a variety of fishing experiences from tranquil headwaters to exciting canyon rapids. Here’s a list of some of the most popular fishing spots along the Colorado River, starting from its headwaters and moving downstream toward the Colorado border:

Headwaters at Rocky Mountain National Park

• • Location: Near Grand Lake, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: The headwaters of the Colorado River begin in Rocky Mountain National Park, offering stunning mountain scenery and excellent fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. This area is less crowded, providing a peaceful fishing experience.

Shadow Mountain Lake and Grand Lake

• • Location: Near Grand Lake, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: Both lakes are connected to the Colorado River and provide great fishing for trout, especially during the spring and fall. The lakes are accessible by boat or from the shore.

Windy Gap Reservoir

• • Location: Near Granby, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: Located downstream from the headwaters, Windy Gap Reservoir is a popular fishing spot known for its healthy brown and rainbow trout populations. The area is easily accessible and family-friendly.

Parshall to Kremmling (Middle Colorado River)

• • Location: Between Parshall and Kremmling, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: This stretch of the river is well-known for fly fishing, with various public access points and excellent fishing conditions for rainbow and brown trout. The river meanders through a picturesque valley, making it a favorite among anglers.

Pumphouse Recreation Area

• • Location: Near Kremmling, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: Pumphouse is a renowned fishing and rafting area with several access points to the Colorado River. Anglers can fish for brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasionally kokanee salmon. The area is also popular for camping and hiking.

State Bridge

• • Location: Near Bond, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: This spot offers excellent fishing access to the Colorado River and is particularly popular for float fishing. The stretch of river between State Bridge and Catamount is known for its productive brown trout fishing.

Glenwood Canyon

• • Location: Near Glenwood Springs, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: Glenwood Canyon provides multiple access points to the Colorado River, which flows through a breathtaking canyon. This area is popular for both wade and float fishing, targeting brown and rainbow trout.

New Castle to Rifle

• • Location: Between New Castle and Rifle, CO
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: This section of the river is less crowded than the upper stretches but still offers excellent fishing opportunities, especially for brown trout. The river widens in this area, providing good spots for both wading and floating.

Debeque Canyon

• Location: Near Palisade, CO
• Google Maps Link
• Description: This canyon stretch is known for its clear waters and solid brown and rainbow trout fishing opportunities. It's a bit more rugged, which makes it less crowded but rewarding for dedicated anglers.

Grand Junction to Utah Border

• • Location: Grand Junction, CO to Utah state line
  • Google Maps Link
  • Description: The lower stretches of the Colorado River near Grand Junction offer various fishing access points. This area is known for its warm-water fishing opportunities, including bass, catfish, and trout.