It’s a promising day for anglers on the Colorado River, Colorado, as spring opens up excellent fishing opportunities. Here’s your narrative report for April 14, 2025.
Today, expect moderate fishing pressure across the river, with ideal conditions emerging as the day warms up. Sunrise was at 6:25 AM, and sunset will be at 7:41 PM. Morning temperatures hover in the low 40s, climbing to highs near 52°F by late afternoon. Flows near Glenwood Springs are steady, currently recorded at approximately 1,770 cubic feet per second (CFS), with water clarity remaining favorable for both wading and floating anglers.
Fish activity is ramping up with consistent hatches of Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), midges, and early caddis. Nymph fishing has proven most effective, with recommended setups including Pat’s Rubber Legs, Zebra Midges (#18–24), and RS2 emergers (#20–22). For dry fly enthusiasts, BWOs and Elk Hair Caddis (#16–18) are producing results during midday hatches. Streamer fishing has also seen a surge, particularly with patterns like Thin Mints and Sculpzillas.
Recent catches have featured healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, with some anglers reporting notable success at Grizzly Creek and South Canyon Recreation Area. These hotspots provide diverse water structures, such as riffles and pools, ideal for nymphing and occasional dry-fly strikes.
If you’re looking to explore, Two Rivers Park near Glenwood Springs offers excellent access and consistent hatches, with the chance to hook larger fish. Downstream at the New Castle Riffles, the slower water provides prime opportunities for targeting trout with nymph rigs.
For bait and lures, go small and natural today. Pair stonefly patterns with emerger nymphs or midges for better results. Keep your presentation deep and slow to mimic the natural drift of emerging insects. Streamers are recommended in deeper runs, with slow retrieves triggering aggressive strikes from fish in pre-spawn mode. Be mindful that rainbow trout are beginning their spawn—please avoid disturbing active spawning areas.
This April day is shaping up to deliver solid fishing conditions, with warming temperatures keeping fish active through late afternoon. Whether you’re nymphing, throwing streamers, or casting dries, the Colorado River promises rewarding action for those eager to wet a line. Tight lines!