Colorado River
14 Day Forecast: Look for sporadic hatches midges, yellow sallies, PMDs, and caddis.
Effective Patterns: #20-22 Jujubaetis, #20-22 Top Secret Baetis, #18-20 Mercury Pheasant Tail, #20-22 Chocolate Foam Wing Emerger, #18 Micro San Juan Worm, #16 Bead Head Breadcrust, #10 Pat's Rubber Legs, #16 Trigger Nymph, #18-20 Buckskin, #20-22 Sparkle Wing RS 2, #16 Elk Hair Caddis, #14 Stimulator, #18 Barr Eemerger, #16 Graphic Caddis, and #16-18 Sparkle Dun.
Measurements
Stream Report, Effective Patterns, & Expert Information for Fly Fishing the Colorado River
The Colorado River begins its journey in Rocky Mountain National Park and heads west offering anglers several opportunities to sample this great stream. Near the small community of Granby is the confluence of the Fraser River. At this point the river is a meandering, meadow stream flowing through lush ranchland and the river remains this way until it hit Byers Canyon. Byers Canyon is only about 3/4 mile long and this section is tough to negotiate, especially during higher flows. Below Byers Canyon the river is “as good as it gets” with many access points including Paul Gilbert, Lone Buck, Kemp-Breeze, Sun Set Ranch, Powers Unit, Reeder Creek and the Pump House to Radium stretch. The Colorado is lined with cottonwood trees and willows and is a dry fly paradise. Anglers can expect to catch a mixed bag of both browns and rainbows. The regulations in this area are flies and lures only and all fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Fishing the Colorado River should be on everyone's bucket list. Whether you're a walk/wade fisherman or prefer float-fishing, this river has something for everyone!
Tips & Other Information:
The Upper Colorado River near Parshall is flowing at 382 cfs. In and around the Parshall area, the river is fishing fair right now. Anglers can expect to find sporadic hatches of midges, blue-winged olives, yellow sallies, and caddis. Below Kremmlling, the river is flowing at 731 cfs. If you opt to fish the Colorado, start early and quit early! The water is warming up quick, so be mindful of the water temps, carry a thermometer, check the river-temps frequently, and quit fishing when the water reaches 67 degrees. This is critical on the lower river with this latest warm weather trend. Revised 6/12/25