Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Sunday, August 24, 2025.

We’re rolling into late August and the river’s giving anglers something to smile about. Twin Lakes started releasing a little extra water on Friday afternoon, so flows around Hecla Junction are sitting at 301 CFS and water temps are in the 60s. There’s a small push of dirty water moving through Nathrop around noon, but things clear up nicely downstream in Salida. Even with the bump in flow, waders will find the river extremely accessible in all basins. Float fisherman: technical lines are the name of the game. More water’s good for you too, especially below Salida, but you’ll want some navigating skills under your belt. Wade access is as good as it gets this time of year, with fish happily using just about every available bit of structure—the reduced velocities mean trout can spread out and feed where they please.

Weather has been warm but the forecast is calling for a cool-down and potential rain as we head into the back half of the weekend and into next week. Expect some clouds to build in the afternoons. Sunrise today was 6:20am, with sunset slated for 7:47pm. Not much tidal variation to worry about out here, so you can plan your hours around the hatch and the weather instead.

Fishing action remains solid, especially on nymph rigs in deeper troughs and anywhere with midstream structure. Fish are actively feeding—if you get your presentation right, you’ll be rewarded. According to ArkAnglers, the menu is chock-full of golden stoneflies (sizes 10-12), red quills (14-16), yellow sallies (14-16), caddis (14-18), midges (18-20), and tricos (22-24). Given the season, terrestrials are also hot right now, especially hoppers and ants. On warm afternoons, target those oxygen-rich zones—riffles, head of runs, or just below faster pocket water. Stick with 3x to 5x tippet for best results.

Recent reports have seen plenty of brown and rainbow trout caught below Salida, most running 12-18 inches, with the occasional bigger holdover. No massive numbers on the stringer, but steady, healthy fish—this time of year is about quality over quantity. The stretch from Salida down to Rincon continues to be reliable for both drifting and wading.

For lures, if you’re spin fishing, toss small spinners—Nickel Colorado Hex #3 is a strong performer—or Panther Martins in gold and black, especially on sunny days. Rapala floating minnows mimic the trout’s natural prey. Fly anglers should double down on nymphs: try a golden stone or red quill as your point, then trail with a trico, midge, or small caddis emerger. Terrestrial patterns—fat foam hoppers or ant patterns—can be deadly along grassy undercut banks.

Live bait anglers (where regulations allow) are sticking with worms or salmon eggs for trout, but check local restrictions—many areas are artificial only from now through the fall.

A couple of local hotspots to hit:
- The Salida Whitewater Park area: Consistent flows, lots of structure, and access points galore.
- Browns Canyon: Excellent pocket water and plenty of wade access, even with the extra water coming down.

For those venturing farther afield, Brush Hollow and Kenney Reservoirs are holding up well for bass, catfish, and trout. Deeper water is producing on spoons, jigs, and, as always, nightcrawlers for reservoir trout.

Final tip—revive your catch well before releasing, especially in the afternoon warmth. And don’t forget your rain jacket; looks like August wants to go out on a wet note.

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It’s Artificial Lure, reporting from the banks of the mighty Colorado River here in the heart of Colorado on Sunday, August 17, 2025. We’re sitting at the peak of summer and conditions are classic August: dry, warm, and sometimes downright toasty by midday. Today’s sunrise tickled the horizon at 6:13am, with a glowing pink that faded into a clear, blue sky, and sunset’s scheduled for around 7:57pm—giving you plenty of daylight to chase that bite.

Weather’s calling for highs in the upper 80s, light winds, humidity hovering below 30%, and haze from distant wildfires may settle in some valleys. Make sure you bring sun protection, lots of water, and keep an eye out for sudden wind gusts approaching midday, especially if you’re launching out on a raft or kayak.

River flows on the main Colorado near Glenwood Springs and through Grand Junction are holding steady, but smaller tributaries are seeing lower than average water. The snowmelt is behind us, and most stretches flow clean but a bit skinny. Water temps are creeping up, reaching the low 70s in the afternoons. Colorado Parks and Wildlife reminds us that trout don’t appreciate hot bathwater, so the best fishing is early dawn through mid-morning. If you land trout, handle them quick and gentle, and let ’em go without a victory pose to keep them healthy for future runs, per both recent CPW advisories and local biologists.

On the species front: rainbows and browns remain the main attraction. Recent days brought out some stellar catches—rainbows up to 18 inches and several chunky browns in the 14–16 inch range, especially in deeper pools and riffles near Rifle and Parachute. Mountain whitefish are schooling up as well, nipping at nymphs in pocket water. Bass and catfish reports are up at the reservoirs and slow sections near Fruita.

Lure selection is all about matching the hatch. Flies: try Elk Hair Caddis, Amy’s Ant, and stimulators during the early morning caddis and PMD hatches. Stonefly nymphs, San Juan Worms, Black Beauties, RS-2’s, and Murphy’s Bubbleback Midge are absolute killers beneath indicators. For spinning gear, small spinners—Panther Martins in black/gold, Mepps #2, or Rooster Tails in chartreuse—have hooked both trout and whitefish. Those targeting bass or catfish at the edges should toss soft plastics, live nightcrawlers, and cut bait in the slow water, especially sunset hours.

If you’re looking for a couple of hot spots—head upriver to the pools just below Glenwood Canyon for bows and browns sipping dries early, or find the riffle seams near Parachute for high nymph action and surprise whitefish. Downstream, the eddies near Fruita and connected pond inlets are holding feisty smallmouth and plump channel cats for those switching up from trout.

Anglers in the know are hitting the water before the heat builds, tossing dries and nymphs right at the seams and structure. By noon, fish are hugging the bottom and structure—time to switch to deeper presentations or call it and enjoy an iced drink on the bank. Note: voluntary closures on upper reaches are still in effect—especially for the smaller, hotter tributaries—so check with local CPW rangers or look for posted signs.

That’s it for this week’s Colorado River loop—from Glenwood to Fruita. Stay safe, watch the water temps, and treat every catch with respect. Thanks for tuning in to the River Report with Artificial Lure. Don’t forget to subscribe to get the latest bites, conditions, and fly picks delivered straight to your speaker.

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Good morning anglers, this is Artificial Lure with your August 16, 2025, fishing update for the Colorado River and its prime tributaries. Let’s dive straight into today’s local action across Colorado waters.

First light cracks just after 6am and you’ll want to be off the water by around 8pm, with sunset coming just before then. Weather overnight was mostly cloudy with cool lows—mid 40s early this morning near the Little Colorado, and scattered light showers brushed parts of western Colorado through sunrise according to the National Weather Service. While a few clouds and patchy fog may linger, expect a partly sunny day ahead and temperatures rebounding into the 70s by mid-afternoon.

The big talk across the basin is drought. Reports from the Colorado Climate Center indicate the Western Slope is in “exceptional” drought conditions—the dry heat continues, and most streams and reservoirs are running lower than average. Still, forecasters are a bit optimistic for more rain by the end of the month, but for now, plan your day with water conservation and fish well-being in mind.

Now for the fishing—flows have come up a bit in some tailwaters but remain below average and water temps are running hot by midday. That means it’s essential to fish early, especially in spots like the Dream Stream and Cheesman Canyon on the South Platte, both legendary feeder waters to the Colorado River. Both are fishing well in the mornings, but by noon, trout are stressed. Target the 6am to 10am window.

Let’s talk bugs and bait. Cheesman Canyon flows are ideal at 270 cubic feet per second and the trout are spread out and hungry, according to Angler’s Covey. The hatch chart is lively: PMDs, caddis, tricos, midges, and yellow sallies are all on the menu. Effective patterns right now include Cheesman Emergers #22-24, Amy’s Ants #10-14, hoppers in #8-10, and nymph rigs loaded with scuds, cranefly larva, worms, and small stones. Copper Johns, Sparkle Wing RS-2s, and Medallion Midges are consistent producers.

Over in the Dream Stream, water temps are reaching near 70 by midday. The hopper/dropper bite is strong and early dry fly activity is electric—look for tricos, caddis, and small yellow sallies. Once the sun climbs, switch to nymphs under a small indicator and focus on deeper slots and runs.

Now, for what’s being landed: Browns, rainbows, cutthroats, and cutbows are the mainstay this summer. Streams feeding into the Colorado River, especially the upper tributaries, saw recent catches of browns in the 16–20 inch bracket and rainbows up to 22 inches. The Uncompahgre Cutthroat is making headlines; a rescue operation earlier this week netted over 260 of these native gems from the Upper Dolores, keeping this unique lineage safe at Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery, as Colorado Parks and Wildlife shared.

Spin anglers, don’t count yourselves out—success has come on willow leaf and Colorado blade spinners, as shown by the bite on #3 blue-and-silver patterns, and small jerkbaits in deeper runs.

Two hot spots worth a visit: Cheesman Canyon for technical dry fly enthusiasts and the Elevenmile Canyon stretch for consistent midday nymphing and sight casting to feeding trout. Both demand an early start, light tippets, and long drifts. Remember, stake your claim early—these stretches get busy on August weekends.

Quick reminders: Check regs for catch-and-release zones, handle trout gently, and reel in as water temps approach 68—that’s the cutoff for responsible, ethical fishing. No tidal swing here—Colorado’s inland, but river flows and water temps dictate action.

Thanks for tuning in to this August 16th Colorado River fishing report with me, your local expert Artificial Lure. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips and on-the-water updates every week. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for August 15, 2025. We’re sitting at the dog days of summer, and conditions are aligning for a classic late-summer bite up and down the mighty Colorado and its close-by lakes and reservoirs.

Let’s start with the weather: It’s shaping up to be a classic August day—mornings in the low 60s, climbing to the mid-80s by afternoon, and clear skies for most of the day. Winds are light, under 8 mph, and humidity is low—a perfect combination for both anglers and fish. Sunrise this morning came at 6:12 a.m. and sunset will wrap things up around 8:02 p.m.

No tides in the heart of Colorado, but river flows are steady, with mainstem levels around average for mid-August. Brush Hollow and Eleven Mile Reservoirs report good clarity and moderate flows right now, while Denver area bodies are typical for summer.

Now, for what really matters: the fish. Willow Beach on the Colorado River was just stocked yesterday with 900 rainbow trout at the fishing pier, meaning early risers today are almost guaranteed a strike or two. Bait anglers have done well there with salmon eggs, PowerBait, or Panther Martin and Mepps inline spinners. Fly fishers: break out your midges and hopper-droppers—these trout aren’t picky the morning after a stock, but a flashy streamer or a size 14 elk wing caddis gets results, especially as the sun climbs.

If you’re looking for multi-species action, Brush Hollow Reservoir is loaded up on rainbow trout, largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Bass are pushing deeper with the summer heat; they’re hitting Ned rigs, drop-shots with natural colors, and wacky-rigged senkos worked slow along the deeper weed lines. Early morning and dusk are absolute money for both bass and panfish, with shallow-running crankbaits and micro-jigs putting up numbers. For catfish, nightcrawlers on the bottom have been the consistent ticket.

Those seeking walleye–head to Chatfield Reservoir or the dam areas on smaller lakes connected to the main river. Bottom bouncers with leeches or slow-death rigs are the deal, especially as evening sets in. A 1/16 oz football jig tipped with a Ned Zone in “summer craw” has also produced quality bites.

For trout and fly anglers, Big Thompson River and upper Colorado stretches are prime in August. Terrestrials like hoppers or ants, PMDs, caddis, and midges are getting plenty of attention from rainbows, browns, and cutthroats. Double-dry setups and long leaders are the local pro tips here, as well as small streamers when clouds roll in.

Hot Spots:
- Willow Beach fishing pier for freshly stocked rainbows.
- Hobert to Goose Island shoreline at Eleven Mile for keeper trout and the occasional aggressive pike—mid to late morning is best.
- Riprap banks and gravel bars at Chatfield Reservoir early or late for big bass.
- Deeper weed lines at Brush Hollow for multi-species action.

Best Baits and Lures:
- Inline spinners (Panther Martin, Mepps), PowerBait, and salmon eggs for trout.
- Ned rigs, drop-shot, wacky worms, football jigs, and flashy crankbaits for bass and walleye.
- Nightcrawlers for catfish.
- Terrestrial dries, midges, and small streamers for trout on the fly.

Recent catch reports have included plenty of 14-17 inch cutbows at Eleven Mile, some big largemouth out of Brush Hollow, and limits of freshly stocked rainbows at Willow Beach. Bring a mix of gear—you never know what’ll key in at first or last light.

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This is Artificial Lure, bringing you your Colorado River fishing report for Sunday, August 10th, 2025. Grab your hat and sunscreen, because the day’s looking classic Colorado—plenty of sun early, temperatures warming up into the mid-80s to low 90s, with a chance of those afternoon thunderstorms rolling over the high country. According to the National Weather Service, the morning’s mostly clear, but keep your radar handy as isolated but potentially severe storms could spark up by noon, especially near the Palmer Divide and down through southern stretches. If you’re heading out after lunch, plan for wind in the 10–15 mph range and be ready to bail for cover if you see those anvil clouds brewing. Sunrise hit around 6:09 AM and sunset will set the mood just after 8:06 tonight.

Although the Colorado River in Colorado isn’t tidal, keep in mind flows can fluctuate due to upstream snowmelt and those fast-moving summer thunderstorms. With temperatures rising, water is running warmer, which means most species are active early and taper off as the sun climbs. Late afternoons and dusk are your best bets for action.

The fishing’s been pretty lively this week. Reports from across the basin, including Sloan Lake and reservoirs just off the main channel, highlight solid numbers of smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, channel cats, and even the occasional pike if you poke around the backwaters. On Lon Hagler, for example, northern pike have been taking big spoons, spinners, and spinnerbaits, especially later in the day. Bass are cruising shallow right at sunrise and just before sunset, smashing topwater baits, while panfish like bluegill and crappie are holding tight to submerged structure and rocky dams. Crappie, in particular, are getting fooled by chartreuse curly-tail jigs after dark.

For those targeting cats on the Colorado proper or in connected lakes—big hunks of cutbait, chicken livers, or shrimp drifted near the bottom are bringing in solid blue and channel cats. According to Snoflo, Sloan’s blue cats are best targeted along weed edges with both lures and classic cut bait.

If you’re wondering what’s hot in the tackle box, now’s the time to lean on versatile baits. Early mornings, tie on a topwater popper or a frog for bass—once the sun’s high, switch to deeper-running crankbaits, jerkbaits, or live worms for variety. If you’re after pike or big predator fish, large spoons and jointed swimbaits are the ticket—just remember, pike love some flash and vibration. Spinners in chrome or fire tiger will do damage in stained water. Trout seekers on cooler tributaries should stick to natural-colored nymphs and streamers; reports from Williams Creek Angler mention jigged hare’s ears, prince nymphs, and chubby dry flies pulling in rainbows and cutthroats.

A couple of hot spots you can’t miss: Near Parshall, the river’s classic riffle-run-pool structure is home to feisty browns and rainbows—try just downstream of the confluence with the Williams Fork. For stillwater action, target the back coves of connected reservoirs like Shadow Mountain or the northern fingers off Granby, working weed lines for bass and cruising the deeper channels for cats and walleye on live bait rigs or blade baits.

Overall, expect action to slow by midday, so set your alarm and focus your efforts in the first and last two hours of daylight. Keep one eye on the clouds and don’t be shy about moving if the bite dies; those fish will sometimes push tight against cover or seek deeper, cooler water as the heat builds.

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Today on the Colorado River, conditions are classic August — low and clear water, cool in the early morning, warming fast by midday, and fishing smack in the heart of summer rhythm. Sunrise hit at 6:07 am and anglers were out early, beating the heat and pressure with water temps starting in the upper 50s and reaching up into the 60s as the sun climbed. Sunset tonight is at 8:10 pm, so there’s plenty of evening action ahead.

There’s no real tidal influence on the Colorado River way up here, but water releases from upstream reservoirs can affect flow and temp. According to Taylor Creek Fly Shops, the river is running low right now — perfect for sight-fishing but demanding some tricky presentations. Weather’s stable: partly cloudy, with light morning winds and highs pushing to the mid-80s by afternoon. Patchy clouds could give us some streamer windows if we get any shade.

Fish activity is up. The early hours were best for trout — browns, rainbows, and a few cutbows moving in riffled seams and tailouts. Most reports from the water above Glenwood Springs and near Kremmling mention good numbers caught this week, with anglers landing 10–15 fish per day in the best spots. Fish size is mostly 10–16 inches, though there’s always the chance at a fat wild brown behind the deeper rocks.

Recent catches also include some smallmouth bass, especially downstream thanks to warmer conditions and lower reservoir levels — a trend scientists at Canadian Science Publishing say is tied to drought and dam releases. That means the lower river stretches near Grand Junction are running hotter and hosting more bass, so keep an eye out for them mixing with big carp and the occasional channel catfish in the slack water.

Lures and bait recommendations for mid-summer Colorado River: top water dries are working early and late — big foam Chernobyl Ants and hoppers get loud grabs up top but for pure numbers, it’s all about going subsurface. Thin out your patterns: use small mayfly and midge nymphs like RS2s, Zebra Midges, and Flashback Pheasant Tails, size 18–22 on lightweight tippet. Dropper rigs under a hopper or Chubby Chernobyl are catching throughout the day. Caddis larva and beadhead emergers work in the faster water. If clouds roll in, streamer junkies are slinging black Woolly Buggers and olive Mini Leeches with good results, especially where the current breaks near structure.

For bait folks, drifting nightcrawlers or PowerBait in the deeper pools along bends brings in rainbows and, on rare occasion, a scrappy brown. Remember, live bait is restricted on some stretches — check regs.

Suggested hot spots:
- Pump House to Radium: Classic floats and walk-wade runs; best for numbers and variety.
- State Bridge area: Holds bigger browns and some chunky cutbows, especially early morning.
- Lower Glenwood Canyon: Mix of trout and smallmouth bass on sunny days.
- Near Kremmling: Consistent action on dries and nymphs with plenty of easy-access water.

Overall, best windows are early (6–10 am) and late (6:30 pm to sundown), when fish slide out from cover. The bite drops midday as the sun and traffic pick up. With the clear water, you’ll want to sneak up, shorten your casts, and make every drift count.

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Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Friday, August 8, 2025. If you’re up and ready with your rods in hand, you’re set for another stellar day on the water across Colorado’s stretch of the mighty river!

We’re seeing classic late-summer patterns taking hold. Weather through the upper basin this morning is shaping up clear with sunrise at about 6:07 AM and sunset rolling around 8:08 PM, so you’ve got a solid window of daylight to work those runs and pools. Daytime highs are reaching the upper 80s, and thanks to monsoon moisture, expect possible afternoon storms—keep an eye on those clouds and pack a light rain jacket just in case. Humidity will be climbing by mid-afternoon.

Flow and water clarity reports are positive. Water has cleared up nicely since this week’s rain, and temperatures are holding steady—ideal for both anglers and fish. According to Colorado Fisherman Forum, flows are now manageable post-runoff, and while anglers report “mixed success targeting rising fish,” those working the runs, seams, and deeper pockets are bringing in some nice catches.

Hot off the press from Arizona Fish Report—at Willow Beach, 900 rainbow trout were stocked just yesterday, so that portion of the river (near the state line) is absolutely loaded. If you’re fishing Colorado-side, rainbow action is still strong, with healthy browns and the occasional fat cutbow coming to net. Around Rifle and Glenwood Springs, brown trout are actively feeding especially early and late; streamer patterns are producing, and nymphing has been particularly strong this week.

For your best shot at success today:
- **Lure selection:** Early morning and cloudy windows have streamer action heating up—try woolly buggers in olive or black, slumpbusters in natural/darker colors, and white dungeons if the sun is bright.
- **Nymph tactics:** PMDs, caddis, tricos, and yellow sallies are still hatching. The nymph set-up is your workhorse—think Copper Johns, stonefly nymphs, caddis larva, and sparkle-wing RS-2s. Adjust depth and weight as flows dictate.
- **Dry flies:** Hopper time is upon us—don’t be afraid to toss big foam patterns close to grassy banks and structure, especially as wind picks up. Try pairing a hopper with a small midge or baetis nymph dropper.
- **Bait:** If bait is legal on your chosen stretch, nightcrawlers and shrimp are classic, but rainbow PowerBait will turn heads near any of the recent stocking sites.

The fishing pressure is up, particularly near access points and parking areas, so consider those early dawn starts or late dusk casts for a bit more solitude.

Hot spots to target today:
- **Glenwood Springs confluence:** Productive pocket water and frequent trout rises—work your way downstream for best action.
- **State Bridge area:** Stay mobile—work riffles and deep bends, especially with nymphs during mid-morning as insect activity picks up.

Some folks are even reporting success along the side channels and backwaters between Dotsero and Silt, especially for smallmouth bass and the occasional hungry pike. Don’t overlook those weedy edges!

That’s it for this run, folks. Thanks for tuning in to today’s Colorado River fishing report. Hook up, stay safe, and tight lines out there! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss out on our latest tips.

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This is Artificial Lure with your Colorado River Fishing Report for August 6, 2025.

We’ve made it to the dog days of summer, but if you’re up before dawn, you’ll be rewarded—sunrise hit at 6:05 AM and sunset’s at 8:10 PM. Today brought classic mid-August Colorado: warm afternoons scraping 88 degrees, light breezes, and those cool, crisp nights that trout anglers dream about. The skies stayed mostly clear, with just a hint of cloud building after lunch, which gave a little relief from the sun.

No tides here in the high Rockies, but the river’s running a touch low for this time of year after another dry summer—flows are still hanging on, but expect clearer water and skittish fish. Fire bans are in effect across much of the region, but currently, there’s no closure for angling on the Colorado below Kremmling or around Glenwood Springs.

Fishing’s been good if you know where to look and time it right. Mornings have been downright productive before the midday heat pushes both fish and anglers for cover. Trout are stacking in deeper holes and along shaded undercut banks. Locals report solid action on rainbow and brown trout from Parshall down to the Gore Canyon stretch, with a few bruiser browns landed on streamer patterns. Some anglers are even pulling fat cutthroats near Glenwood, where the Eagle dumps in cold water.

Prime lures right now: in-line spinners and small spoons for spin fishers. Consider tying on homemade spinners or store-bought Panther Martins and Rooster Tails in gold or silver—the flash is key in these clear conditions. Fly anglers are doing best with dry-dropper rigs, pairing a hopper with a small beadhead nymph or soft hackle. Don’t overlook terrestrial patterns: beetles, ants, and hoppers are all getting grabs, especially on the banks. For streamer fans, olive or black woolly buggers and flashy sculpin imitations stripped near mid-channel boulders are turning up some bigger fish, especially early and late.

If you plan on dunking bait (where legal), nightcrawlers and salmon eggs are the top picks, but remember that several stretches of the Colorado now allow artificial lures only. Double-check the regulations for your chosen reach.

Recent reports mention anglers landing 12–16 inch browns in the upper river, and a few rainbows pushing 18 inches were caught near Pumphouse last weekend. Good numbers of smaller trout are showing for patient anglers, and there’s the bonus of a rare Colorado River cutthroat in the mix.

As for hot spots, two can’t-miss locations stand out right now. First, the stretch from Pumphouse to State Bridge has been steady, especially in the mornings before rafting traffic picks up. Focus on deep runs under overhanging willows or anywhere you find broken water and depth combined. Second, the “Radium” area just downstream is producing, with fish hunkering down around submerged structure and boulders—bring your wading boots and a stealthy approach.

Boat anglers have also had luck drifting medium crankbaits through deeper channels, though shore fishing remains excellent given the accessible riverbank habitat and clarity.

With the river running cool at night, fish are healthy and active early; just keep an eye on water temps after lunch—if it rises much past 70 degrees, give the trout a rest and explore upland lakes or target warmwater species like smallmouth bass around quieter backwaters.

That’s your Colorado River update for August 6, 2025. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure—be sure to hit subscribe to get your next river report right on time. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more, check out quietplease dot ai.

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Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for June 22, 2025.

We’re in the sweet spot of the season right now—runoff is winding down, flows have dropped to a fishable 4,300 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and clarity ranges clear to hazy, making for prime conditions. The river's color is bouncing back after the muddy spell from earlier in June, and fish are responding with solid activity. Sunrise this morning was at 5:33am and sunset is slated for 8:36pm, giving you those long stretches of golden evening light that Colorado anglers live for. Weather’s holding mild and pleasant, with highs expected in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Bring a light jacket for early sessions; it’s brisk at dawn and cool in the shade, but warms up fast by midday.

Fish are hot on the trail of food right now. Hatches are steady, with Yellow Sallies and PMDs thick across the river, and if you catch a bit of cloud cover, Blue Winged Olives start to pop. Caddis are also coming on strong as the water temperature rises. Downstream from Glenwood, drift boaters and waders alike are reporting healthy browns and the occasional rainbow—most taking big nymph patterns, caddis pupa rigs, and PMDs. Midge patterns in cream and red, especially in sizes 20–22, have been a steady ticket for numbers according to the crew at Perfect Fly Store. On overcast days, streamers like the articulated Dungeon or Sculpzilla thrown along the banks are tempting the bigger browns to bite, especially if you strip them on the swing.

Nymphing remains the most consistent approach with the slightly off-color water below Glenwood. Pair a big stonefly or caddis nymph up top with a PMD or Sally nymph dropper. Dry fly action is picking up too—try a chubby Chernobyl paired with a smaller Sally or caddis dropper, especially in the late afternoon and evening. If you’re feeling bold, run a big wooden Colorado River Cutthroat Trout lipless plug or a crawdad imitation jig near grassy edges and rock seams—bass and trout are firing up on these meaty offerings right now.

The Colorado is the definition of a quality-over-quantity fishery. That means you might not catch a ton, but the ones you do stick will fight hard and run deep. Watch your water temperature, especially in the Pumphouse section, where things have ticked above 68 degrees on a few warm afternoons. If that thermometer creeps up, give the fish a break during the hottest part of the day.

For hot spots, give the stretch below Glenwood Springs a hard look for both drift and wade access. The Pumphouse to Radium corridor is also reliable, especially for big browns searching for post-runoff meals. Hit the seams, soft edges, and any bank structure you can find—those trout are there and they’re chewing.

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Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River report for June 21, 2025, and let me tell you folks—the summer bite is heating up right alongside those Colorado afternoons. We’re in that sweet post-runoff stretch: flows are dropping, clarity’s improving daily, and the fish are shaking off the muddy blues. According to Taylor Creek Fly Shops, flows below Glenwood Springs are running around 4,300 CFS, still a touch brown in spots but with plenty of visibility for nymphs, dries, and streamers. Upstream near Kremmling, the water’s running clear and cool, with a reading around 773 CFS and 53 degrees on the gauge, so you’ll find ideal conditions up there for both floating and wading.

Weather’s just about perfect for a day on the river: highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s and a crisp morning chill that faded fast after sunrise at 5:33 am. Sunset lands late at 8:36 pm—so don’t pack up too early; those golden hour hatches can be magic.

Onto fish activity—it's on the upswing across the board. Vail Valley Anglers reports that Yellow Sallies and PMDs are thick in the air now, with good caddis pushes and Blue Winged Olives showing up whenever clouds roll in. Downstream from Glenwood, it’s mostly healthy browns with rainbows mixed in, especially if you’re drifting nymphs like stonefly, caddis pupa, or those meaty Green Drake imitations. Perfect Fly Store says cream and red midges (size 20/22) are your best bet for numbers—fish them in tandem below a strike indicator. Streamer bite is picking up, too: articulated Dungeons, Sculpzillas, and anything in olive or black should be stripped tight to the banks, especially on overcast afternoons.

For hardware anglers, it’s a great week to work those weed lines and rock-grass gaps. Jigs are still the top pick for bass—crawl them slow to mimic crawdads. Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, and even a 3-3/4" wooden Colorado River Cutthroat Trout pattern lure will get you bit by bass, pike, or even a stubborn walleye.

Hotspots to hit today: try the runs just below Pumphouse—those clear, bouldery pocket waters are holding plenty of quality trout right now. Downstream from the confluence with the Roaring Fork near Glenwood Springs is another tried-and-true stretch, especially for floaters and streamer chuckers.

One quick reminder: rainbow trout are starting to spawn, so watch for closed zones and leave those fish to their business. And as always, keep ‘em wet for a safe release.

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