Episodes

  • Excellent Fishing on the Colorado River - Water Clarity, Trout Activity, and Top Flies

    Excellent Fishing on the Colorado River - Water Clarity, Trout Activity, and Top Flies
    Oct 3 2024
    As of October 3, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the absence of tidal reports since this is a freshwater river.

    ### Weather and Time
    The weather today is expected to be partly cloudy with cooler air temperatures, which should help maintain good water clarity. Sunrise is at around 7:00 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM.

    ### Water Conditions
    The river flows are currently stable, with water clarity being very good. The upper sections of the Colorado River, particularly from Pumphouse to Dotsero, are fishable, with trout holding in the eddies and slow seams. The water temperature is around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for trout activity.

    ### Fish Activity
    Yesterday saw a good amount of fish activity, with both brown and rainbow trout being caught. The fish are actively chasing streamers, and the midge hatches are still going strong. Blue Winged Olives and Mother’s Day Caddis have also been hatching, making for a lively day on the water.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For nymphing, flies like Barr Emerger BWO in sizes 16-22, Quill Jigs in sizes 16-18, and Pat’s Rubber Legs in sizes 8-14 are highly recommended. Dry fly fishing is also productive with flies such as Griffith’s Gnats in sizes 20-24 and Parachute Adams in sizes 16-20. Streamers like the Tequily and Cheech Leach are working well, especially in the tailouts of riffles or from an anchored boat.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the section above the town of Kremmling and extending to the Rifle area west of Glenwood Springs. This stretch offers over 80 miles of floatable and wadeable river with scenic areas and diverse fish habitats. Another good spot is the area around the Pumphouse boat launch and just below Gore Canyon, where the river offers slower stretches and excellent hatches.

    Overall, the Colorado River is in great shape for fishing right now, with plenty of fish to be caught and beautiful scenery to enjoy. Make sure to follow the "Keep Em Wet" philosophy to help conserve the trout population.
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    3 mins
  • Excellent Fall Fishing on the Colorado River

    Excellent Fall Fishing on the Colorado River
    Oct 2 2024
    As of October 2, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    Today, you can expect a mix of sun and clouds with a high in the mid-70s, but a significant cool-down is anticipated by the weekend. Sunrise is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:30 PM.

    ### Water Conditions
    The river flows are stable, with good water clarity, especially above Glenwood Springs. However, the section below Glenwood Springs is still a bit off color but remains fishable. Water temperatures are a critical factor; please carry a thermometer and stop fishing once the water reaches 67 degrees to protect the fish.

    ### Fish Activity
    The fish activity has been robust, with both nymphing and dry fly fishing producing reliable results. Dry fly activity has been particularly good, with smaller flies like the Peacock Para Wullf and Rendgades working well. Double dry fly setups, such as a size 16 Para Wulff followed by a size 18 Patriot, have been effective. You can still see some small stoneflies, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), and Caddis flies hatching.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For nymphing, recommended flies include Pats Rubber Leg (size 6-12), Trinas Tung Tied PMD (size 14-18), and Rainbow Warriors (size 18-22). For dry flies, Para Wulff (size 14-18), Parachute Adams (size 18-22), and Elk Hair Caddis (size 10-16) are good choices. Streamers like the articulated Cheech Leach or Mini Dungeon are also working well, especially when the water is off color.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best areas to fish is between State Bridge and just below Gore Canyon, particularly around the Pumphouse boat launch. This section offers more remote stretches of water and a slower pace, allowing for great opportunities to view wildlife and unique geology. Another good spot is below Glenwood Springs, which is one of the first sections available for float fishing in the early season.

    ### Tips
    Keep your rod tip almost in the water when stripping your streamer back in. Use a Hopper Dropper rig with the dropper about 2-3 feet below your hopper. Be mobile and move around, as the fish are spread out and occupying various parts of the river. Always follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy to ensure the fish remain healthy.

    Overall, the Colorado River is in great shape for fishing right now, with plenty of fish activity and scenic beauty to enjoy.
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    3 mins
  • Colorado River Fishing Paradise - Autumn Anglers Delight

    Colorado River Fishing Paradise - Autumn Anglers Delight
    Oct 1 2024
    As of October 1, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the transitioning seasons.

    ### Weather and Time
    Today, you can expect a crisp autumn morning with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s. Sunrise is at around 6:57 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:33 PM. The weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy, making it a perfect day to be out on the river.

    ### Water Conditions
    The Colorado River is currently flowing well, with stable water clarity, especially in the sections above Glenwood Springs and around the Pumphouse boat launch. However, the river below Glenwood Springs is still a bit off color but remains fishable.

    ### Fish Activity
    Fish activity has been robust, with both dry fly and nymph fishing producing good results. Dry fly activity has been particularly good, with smaller flies like the Peacock Para Wullf and Rendgades performing well. Double dry fly setups, such as a size 16 Para Wulff followed by a size 18 Patriot, are highly recommended. You can also expect to see hatches of small stoneflies, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), and Caddis flies.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For dry flies, consider using Para Wulff, Para Extended Body PMD, and Parachute Adams. Nymphs such as Pat's Rubber Leg, Trina's Tung Tied PMD, and Rainbow Warriors are also effective. Streamers like the articulated Cheech Leach or Mini Dungeon are good alternatives when the water is off color.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the best areas to fish is between State Bridge and just below Gore Canyon, where the river offers more remote stretches and a slower pace. The Pumphouse boat launch is another excellent spot, especially for float fishing. The sections below Glenwood Springs are also worth exploring, particularly as the early season float fishing spots begin to open up.

    ### Fish Caught
    Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of large Browns and Rainbows, as well as some native Colorado River Cutthroats. The fish are holding in the eddies and slow seams, making them accessible to both wade and float anglers.

    In summary, the Colorado River is in great shape for fishing right now, with plenty of fish activity and a variety of effective lures and baits to use. Just remember to keep an eye on the water temperature and stop fishing if it exceeds 67 degrees to protect the fish. Enjoy your day on the river
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    3 mins
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Perfect Conditions for a Day on the Water

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Perfect Conditions for a Day on the Water
    Sep 30 2024
    For those planning to hit the Colorado River in Colorado today, here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the weather is looking pleasant with cooler air temperatures, which has slowed down the runoff from the higher elevations. Expect a mild day with temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-70s, perfect for a day on the water.

    Sunrise is at around 6:50 AM, and sunset will be at about 6:30 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river. There are no tidal reports to worry about since this is a freshwater river.

    The water conditions are stable, with flows that are currently steady and water clarity that is very good. The turbidity levels are low, making it an ideal time for spotting fish. The upper section of the Colorado River, from Pumphouse to Dotsero, is particularly fishable, with trout holding in the eddies and slow seams.

    Fish activity has been strong, especially for large Browns and Rainbows. Streamer fishing from a boat has been excellent, with trout actively chasing streamers. Blue Winged Olives and Mother’s Day Caddis have been hatching, making dry fly fishing a viable option as well.

    For lures, consider using streamers like Tequily, Mongrel Meat, or Cheech Leach. Nymphs such as Barr Emerger BWO, Quill Jigs, and Pat’s Rubber Legs have also been effective. If you prefer dry flies, Griffith’s gnats, Parachute Adams, and Royal Wulff are good choices.

    Hot spots include the areas around Kremmling and the stretch between Pumphouse and Dotsero. The backcountry sections, accessible only by boat or hiking, offer some of the most scenic and untouched fishing spots.

    Remember to stay mobile and adapt to the changing conditions. With the right gear and knowledge, you’re set for a great day on the Colorado River.
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    2 mins
  • Colorado River Fishing Update: Ideal Conditions, Trout Bonanza Await Anglers Today

    Colorado River Fishing Update: Ideal Conditions, Trout Bonanza Await Anglers Today
    Sep 29 2024
    For those planning to hit the Colorado River in Colorado today, here’s what you can expect:

    First off, the weather is looking pleasant with clear skies and a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal day for fishing. Sunrise was at about 6:54 AM, and sunset will be around 6:33 PM, giving you a full day on the water.

    The river flow is currently at about 5000 cubic feet per second, which is relatively stable and favorable for fishing. The water clarity is good, with some shots of color due to the recent warm-ups, but it's still clear enough to spot fish.

    Yesterday's fishing was quite active, with anglers reporting a good mix of trout species. The most common catches were rainbow trout, cutbows, and some brook trout. The fish were particularly active in areas with depth and slow current velocity, such as the deeper pools and runs.

    For lures, midges are still performing well, especially in sizes 14-20. Using a dry/dropper setup or double midges under an indicator has been effective. Scuds, worms, and even buggers used as attractors with a midge pattern are also working well. For those preferring nymphing, midges, scuds, and buggers in mid-depths of 3-6 feet and deeper areas of 7-10 feet have been successful.

    If you're into spin fishing, maribou jigs, Kastmasters, and smaller Rapalas have been reliable choices. Targeting deeper water with jigs and bottom bouncing with glo bugs or beads is also recommended.

    As for hot spots, the area around the Glenwood Springs stretch of the Colorado River has been producing well. Another good spot is near the confluence of the Roaring Fork River, where the mixing of waters creates a rich habitat for trout.

    Remember to be mindful of the fish and avoid targeting spawning areas to help maintain the population.

    Overall, it's shaping up to be a great day on the Colorado River, so grab your gear and enjoy the fishing
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    2 mins
  • Brace for Storm: Colorado River Fishing Update and Safety Tips

    Brace for Storm: Colorado River Fishing Update and Safety Tips
    Sep 28 2024
    For those planning to hit the Colorado River today, here’s what you need to know:

    First off, the weather is about to take a significant turn. After a warm morning with highs in the mid-80s, a storm is expected to roll in around 2 PM, bringing rain that will continue through the night and into Sunday. Temperatures will drop significantly, with highs on Sunday expected to be in the 50s.

    Sunrise today is at about 6:45 AM, and sunset will be around 6:30 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

    The Colorado River, particularly around Lees Ferry, has been experiencing good fishing conditions. The water temperatures have been ideal, ranging from 52 to 55 degrees, which is perfect for trout activity. The river flows have been fluctuating, but they are generally within a manageable range for both wading and boating, with flows observed between 7,600 to 13,400 cubic feet per second on weekdays and 6,600 to 12,000 on weekends.

    Fish activity has been steady, with midge hatches still going strong. Trout are healthy and fat from feeding on midge pupa. While the spawn is mostly over, there are still some scattered fish on redds.

    For fly fishing, midge patterns from sizes 14-20 are highly effective, either as dry/dropper or double midges under an indicator. Scuds, worms, and buggers used as attractors with a midge are also good options. Nymphing from the boat in mid-depths (3-6 feet) and deeper waters (7-10 feet) with midges, scuds, and buggers is productive. Swinging a bugger or similar streamer on a sink-tip line in the tailouts of riffles or from an anchored boat can also yield results.

    For spin anglers, maribou jigs, Kastmasters, spinners, and Rapala-type minnows are reliable choices. Bottom bouncing with glo bugs or beads in deeper water is also effective.

    Hot spots include the areas around Lees Ferry, where the river offers a mix of riffles, runs, and deeper pools. The upper sections of the river, particularly where the water is slower and deeper, are good for targeting trout with spin gear.

    Remember to be mindful of the spawning fish and avoid targeting them to help replenish the population.

    Given the upcoming storm, it might be wise to plan your fishing trip for the morning or early afternoon to avoid the worst of the weather. Stay mobile, adjust your rigs, and pay close attention to the hatches and water conditions for the best results.
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    3 mins
  • Fishing the Colorado River: Navigating Murkiness and Transitional Conditions near Glenwood Springs and Rifle

    Fishing the Colorado River: Navigating Murkiness and Transitional Conditions near Glenwood Springs and Rifle
    Sep 27 2024
    As of September 27, 2024, the Colorado River in the Glenwood Springs to Rifle section is offering some promising fishing conditions, despite a few challenges.

    First, let's talk about the water conditions. The flow at Glenwood Springs is currently at 2,090 cubic feet per second, and the water is muddy but expected to clear soon. This murkiness can make fishing a bit tricky, but it's not uncommon for this time of year.

    The weather is transitioning into fall, with temperatures mild but not yet cool enough to trigger the full fall fishing patterns. Expect partly cloudy skies with a high in the mid-70s and a low in the mid-50s.

    Sunrise today is at around 6:55 AM, and sunset will be at approximately 6:45 PM, giving you a good window for both morning and evening fishing.

    Fish activity has been decent, with a mix of quality and quantity. The streamer bite has been fairly good, especially with colors like white, yellow, purple, and black. For dry flies, Chubby Chernobyls in tan, yellow, or gold, along with PMXs and Tarantulas, have been performing well. Hopper fishing is still effective, particularly with Foam Elk Hair Caddis and Rubber Leg Stimi.

    For nymphing, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) are a reliable choice, often fished below attractor nymphs such as San Juan Worms, Rubberleg Stones, and PMDs. Other effective nymphs include Jig Rubberlegs, Cheater Belly, and Zirdles.

    In terms of fish caught, anglers have been landing a variety of trout species, including browns, rainbows, and cutbows. The fish are not abundant but are of good quality, making this a fishery where patience and skill are rewarded.

    For hot spots, consider the areas around Glenwood Springs and Rifle. The stretch near Glenwood Springs has seen some epic eats on hoppers and streamers, while the Rifle area has been good for nymphing with BWOs and attractor patterns.

    Overall, it's a good time to be on the Colorado River, especially if you have a local guide to help navigate the conditions. With the right lures and bait, you can have a successful and enjoyable day on the water.
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    3 mins
  • Catch Trout on the Colorado River Tributaries with Nymphs, Dries, and Hopper-Droppers

    Catch Trout on the Colorado River Tributaries with Nymphs, Dries, and Hopper-Droppers
    Sep 26 2024
    For September 26, 2024, if you're planning to hit the Colorado River in Colorado, here's what you can expect:

    ### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
    Today, the weather is forecasted to be partly cloudy with a high of around 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 45 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:54 AM, and sunset will be at 6:43 PM.

    ### Fish Activity
    The Colorado River, particularly its tributaries like the Eagle River, has been seeing good fish activity lately. The cooler temperatures are keeping the fish active throughout the day. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of rainbow trout, cutbows, and some brook trout.

    ### Fish Caught
    On the Eagle River, which is a tributary of the Colorado River, anglers landed several trout, with many in the 12-14 inch range. The fish were found in slower water and at the tail ends of runs. About 25% of the catch were brook trout, with the remainder being rainbow trout and cutbows.

    ### Best Lures and Bait
    For the Colorado River and its tributaries, nymphs have been very effective. Patterns like the olive Hare's Ear, Pat's Rubber Legs, and RS2 Dun in sizes 10-22 are recommended. Dry fly fishing can also be productive, especially with Parachute Adams, Matthew's Sparkle Dun BWO, and CDC Morgan's Midge in sizes 16-22. Hopper-dropper rigs with a hopper or attractor pattern on top and a smaller nymph below have also been successful.

    ### Hot Spots
    One of the hot spots is the Eagle River, particularly the stretches between Minturn and Gypsum. This area offers good public access and is known for its pocket water fishing with dry flies and small nymphs. Another good spot is the Fryingpan River, where the upper sections are seeing consistent hatches of Pale Morning Duns, Blue Winged Olives, and Green Drakes. The middle river section of the Fryingpan also offers good fishing with fewer crowds.

    ### Additional Tips
    Be mindful of the water clarity, especially below Milk Creek on the Eagle River, as runoff can affect the water quality. Early morning and late evening fishing can be particularly productive due to the cooler temperatures and active hatches. Keep your presentations stealthy and use short drifts to avoid spooking the fish.
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    3 mins