Colorado River Colorado Fishing Report Today

# Colorado River Fishing Report - November 30, 2025

Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Sunday morning fishing report for the Colorado River here in Colorado. Let's dive right into what's happening on the water today.

**Current Conditions**

We're looking at some excellent fishing conditions this morning. The Colorado River below Glenwood Springs is running at a solid 1200 CFS with crystal clear water. The overall fishing rating is an 8 out of 10, which means we've got prime conditions out there. Water temperatures are in that sweet spot for late November—cool enough to keep fish active but stable enough for consistent feeding patterns.

**What's Biting**

The streamer bite has been absolutely hot in the fall season, especially from Glenwood Springs down to Rifle. This is prime streamer territory right now, and you'll want to have a solid streamer setup ready to go. For smaller presentations, you've got solid hatches of Blue Winged Olives and midges coming off the water. Sculpins and eggs are also key food sources the fish are keying on this time of year.

**What to Throw**

For streamer fishing, get yourself some Woolly Buggers in black, green, brown, and natural colors—sizes 12 down to 8. If you want something more refined, try Baby Gongas in brown and grey. The fish are definitely responding to bigger flies right now as we move deeper into fall. If you're going the nymph route, Perdigons work great as lead flies, followed up with something tiny and shiny like Rainbow Warriors or Zebra Midges.

**Hot Spots to Check Out**

The stretch from Glenwood Springs to Rifle is your money zone right now for streamer work. This is a premier fall fishery, and the clear water means you can sight-fish if you're patient. If you want a more technical challenge, head down to Cheesman Canyon near Colorado Springs—about 55 minutes away. It's a catch-and-release only zone with incredible pocket water and deep runs that hold large rainbows. The 1.5-mile hike is worth every step.

**Final Thoughts**

Get out there and make the most of these conditions. The water's clear, the fish are active, and the fishing rating is outstanding. Whether you're throwing streamers on the lower Colorado or working technical nymphs in Cheesman Canyon, you've got solid opportunities today.

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# Colorado River Fishing Report - November 29, 2025

Well folks, it's Artificial Lure here with your Saturday morning report for the Colorado River system. We're in late November, and conditions are shifting into that winter pattern we all know too well out here.

Let me be straight with you—the Colorado River float from Pumphouse to State Bridge is still fishable, though we're past that sweet spot that runs from late March through early November when the bite absolutely screams. Water temps are dropping, but that doesn't mean the fish are gone. The upper sections are still holding some solid browns, and if you know what you're doing, you can still put some quality fish in the net.

For lures, focus on what creates vibration and presence in cold water. Big Colorado blades on spinnerbaits are money right now—that pulsating hum cuts through the murk and gets fish reacting even when they're sluggish. Nymphing under indicators remains your bread and butter, especially with multiple fly rigs if you're a fly angler. Streamers work too if you're looking to target those bigger browns hiding in deeper runs.

The Blue Quill Angler out of Evergreen—just 25 minutes west of Denver—has shifted to their winter program on public water, offering 4 to 6-hour trips. They've got extensive permits and know these rivers like the back of their hand.

Best spots right now? Hit the major creek channels where they feed into the main system, and focus on the deeper holds. The north end of the river tends to have slightly warmer, more stained water this time of year.

Pack layers, keep your line fresh, and remember—November fishing is about patience and presentation.

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Hey folks, Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning Colorado River fishing report for November 28th, 2025.

Let me start with the conditions. We're looking at mild daytime temperatures with cold nights, which is perfect for fall trophy season. The Lower Colorado River near Glenwood to Grand Junction has winter conditions setting in, so dress in layers. Sunrise this morning hit around 6:12 AM, and we're looking at sunset around 5:30 PM, so you've got a solid eight-hour window to get on the water.

For the fish activity, trout conditions are excellent right now. Reports from across Colorado show lots of big trophy fish being caught from both shore and boat. The fall bite is absolutely firing. We're talking good to very good conditions, and this weekend weather looks favorable for shore action.

For lures and bait, egg patterns and san juan worms are absolutely crushing it right now. If you're throwing hardware, small tubes and spinners work great. Perch-colored Rapalas are producing solid results for pike. Dodgers with wiggle hootchies have been working magic in deeper water too.

Northern pike fishing is fair to good. Shore anglers are connecting with fish in the 26 to 34-inch range, particularly around Suckers Cove and North Shore areas. Ten feet of water is your sweet spot, and it's easily reachable from shore.

For hot spots, the Dream Stream between Spinney Mountain and Eleven Mile Reservoirs remains legendary. Also check out the stretch near Eleven Mile State Park Marina where anglers have been hammering trophy trout from the shoreline.

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Hey folks, this is Artificial Lure coming to you with your Colorado River fishing report for Thursday, November 27th. Great day to get out on the water if you've got some time off for the holiday.

Water temperatures are hovering right around the low 70s as we head into late fall, and the fishing has been absolutely stellar out here. The catfish bite is absolutely hot right now, especially in the lower stretches from Ruby Canyon down to the Fruita area. If you're targeting cats, you're gonna want to bring some fresh shad and get down to the bottom. These fish are aggressive and hungry heading into winter.

But here's the thing—it's not just catfish stealing the show. The trout are lively too, and we're seeing some really nice mixed bags coming in. For the trout, you'll want to focus on smaller presentations. Midge patterns are working great this time of year as we transition into winter. If you're throwing artificials, don't overlook small jerkbaits and finesse approaches. The water clarity is good, so precision casting matters.

I'd recommend hitting the lower river in the morning hours, and if you're feeling adventurous, stay through the afternoon. The fishing can turn on anytime right now. Ruby Canyon and the Fruita stretch are your hot spots—solid structure and deep holding areas where both the cats and trout are congregating.

Here's the bite breakdown: catfish are crushing it on live shad and fresh bait, but don't sleep on the trout. They're responding to smaller presentations, so bring your light tackle and some minnow imitations along with those midge patterns.

Thanks for tuning in to this fishing report! Make sure you subscribe for daily updates on Colorado River conditions and beyond. Get out there and make some memories this Thanksgiving.

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Artificial Lure reporting in for November 26, 2025, with your on-the-water scoop from the Colorado River and surrounding hot spots. Temps this morning started chilly, hovering in the low 30s, but it's shaping up to a clear, bluebird Colorado day. Expect highs to top out near 50°F by late afternoon. Winds are calm—ideal for floaters and shore anglers alike. Sunrise hit at 7:06 AM, and sunset will wind down the bite at 4:53 PM.

No tidal swings to worry about here; flows are steady with clear water conditions in most stretches. Recent reports show the river is running in fine shape—especially between Ruby Canyon down to Fruita and below Grand Junction. That’s where the catfishing action has been downright “good” according to local anglers and regional fishing reports.

The catfish bite is on in the lower river. Folks have been hauling in solid channel cats using cut bait, chicken livers, and commercial catfish nuggets. Pools and eddies are best, especially late afternoon into twilight when fish are pushing out of deeper holes to feed. Several anglers reported stringers of three to five channel cats per group, with most fish in the 2–5 lb range. The deeper the hole, the better, so be patient and work those current breaks hard.

Upstream, from Rifle through Glenwood Springs, trout fishing is staying lively. Dry fly activity is picking up, but anglers are still seeing the most action with larger streamers—think black or olive woolly buggers—in slack water and along undercut banks. Mile markers 55 to 58 near Silt and the islands above Rifle have been productive for rainbows and browns, with anglers landing 12–16 inchers just this week. Local fly shops recommend mixing in nymph droppers if the bite goes soft, especially midday.

For lure tossers, it’s crankbaits and spinnerbaits getting hits from both smallmouth bass and bonus trout in the warmer pockets. A white and chartreuse spinnerbait with a Colorado blade will call up bass—think submerged timber and rocky points when the sun gets high. Early morning, a suspending jerkbait in natural shad colors may produce some of your bigger fish—work it slow and don’t be afraid of long pauses. Glide baits and small swimbaits are also getting play, particularly around Ledgend’s Park in Grand Junction and the deeper bends near Loma.

Bait-wise, chicken livers and fresh cut bait are tops for cats. For trout, try nightcrawlers drifted near the bottom, or if fly fishing, classic nymphs like pheasant tails and small woolly buggers. Bass seem partial to soft plastics and spinnerbaits midday when the sun’s heating the shallows.

If you’re itching for a change of scene, don’t sleep on these hot spots:

- The Ruby-Horsethief section for a mixed bag and beautiful solitude.

- The confluence below Fruita for the best catfish action, especially evenings.

- The slack waters upstream of Rifle for trout and the occasional beefy smallmouth.

To sum up, catfish are biting well in the lower river, trout are feisty up top, and mixed

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Good morning, anglers—Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Tuesday, November 25, 2025. As we settle into late November, the Colorado River’s character has shifted firmly to winter mode. While tides aren’t a factor on this stretch, flows remain steady and clear—ideal for technical fishing with the recent flow holding around 120 to 130 cubic feet per second, according to the Dream Stream update. Water temps hover in the low to mid 40s during the midday window, with sunrise at 6:55 a.m. and sunset around 4:38 p.m. Expect chilly mornings in the low 20s, bumping into the 40s by mid-afternoon—dress for comfort and watch out for those classic quick wind shifts.

Fish activity ramps up from late morning through mid-afternoon, especially once the river warms up a bit. The bite’s been solid for resident rainbow and brown trout; the big lake-run browns have mostly slid downstream post-spawn, but pods of rainbows and a few kokanee are holding in deeper buckets and soft winter water. Recent catches have mostly been quality trout in the 14"–20" range, with reports of a few trophy browns hanging tight at drop-offs and wintering tailouts. Over the last week, anglers have seen steady action, particularly in the buckets and seams near the quiet bends and riffles.

If you’re fishing with lures or flies today, keep it subtle and compact. The top producers for trout are small mercury midges, top secret midges, zebra midges (sizes 20–24), RS2s, tiny baetis (JuJu Baetis, CDC BWOs in sizes 18–20), and egg patterns or San Juan worms (sizes 14–16). For streamers, opt for small leech imitations—work them slow and low in the deeper bends. Good angles and stealth are crucial, as clear water and defined seams give fish more time to inspect your presentation. For bait anglers (where legal), trout are chasing salmon eggs, mealworms, and occasionally small pieces of nightcrawler in slower pools.

Bass and catfish aren’t abundant on the upper Colorado in Colorado proper, but downriver toward Lake Mead and into warmer sections near Las Vegas, reports from Spreaker’s fishing update say largemouth, stripers, and channel cats are active—with mornings and late afternoons offering the best bite. Stripers hit swimbaits and deep-diving crankbaits, while catfish are after cut bait or chicken liver. If you venture further for multispecies action, panfish are tight to the reeds and biting on small jigs and live worms.

Let’s talk hot spots:

- Spinney Access Bend: defined seams and riffle-to-run structure—walk past the crowds for fresh buckets and fewer footprints.

- Big Meadow Bends: subtle undercuts and soft transitions make sight fishing stellar, especially on the quieter, windless midday windows.

- Elevenmile Side: consistent depth, deep wintering water, and lighter crowds—ideal for pro rigs and chasing those cold-stunned trout.

Remember, it’s artificial flies and lures only in most stretches, and protecting active redds is essential. Keep handling gentle and

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Artificial Lure here, bringing you your Colorado River fishing report for Monday, November 24, 2025. Cold air greeted anglers this morning, with lows hovering near freezing, but skies are mostly clear—so expect sun and crisp breezes out on the water. Sunrise was at 6:54 AM, and the sun will set tonight at 4:38 PM, giving you a good window to take advantage of peak fish activity.

According to FishingReminder, the major bite windows today are early—running 6:12 to 8:12 AM—and again in the evening from 6:27 to 8:27 PM. The Farmers’ Almanac says conditions are fair this evening, with tomorrow and Wednesday looking even better, so anglers should plan their outings around dusk for the best results.

Right now, river flows in the upper Colorado are healthy, but lower basin flows have dropped due to ongoing dry conditions, as reported by Coyote Gulch. Water’s chilly and clear—trout territory. Trout fishing has been consistent, with rainbows and browns especially active just after sunrise and before sunset. Fly anglers reported good action with woolly buggers, San Juan worms, and balanced leeches. Spin fishers have hooked several healthy browns using gold Kastmasters and smaller jerkbaits.

Recent catches have included limits of 10- to 17-inch rainbow and brown trout upstream near State Bridge and Pumphouse. Down towards Glenwood Springs, persistent anglers have nabbed fat rainbows on nymphs during the afternoon minor bite. Copeland Lake, up in the RMNP area, turned up a few three-pound browns last week for fly casters working near the inlets with olive and black leech patterns. A handful of kokanee salmon were also reported staging for their late run, and scattered northern pike activity picked up around deeper pools.

With the first quarter moon overhead, visibility is about 51%, meaning the bite may turn on fast at those peak solunar periods. Lure choice will matter with these clear conditions and cooler water. Fly folks: bring the classics—Woolly Buggers, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and San Juan Worms. Spinners, think Panther Martin in gold or silver, or Rapala Countdown minnows in natural trout patterns.

For bait, drifting natural salmon eggs and nightcrawlers is still producing strikes in slower-moving sections. If you’re after pike, large swimbaits, or mouse imitations like the Rabbit Fur Mouse streamer (check the local fly shop), can prompt an aggressive hit, especially at dusk.

For hotspots, you’ve got options:

- The stretch between State Bridge and Radium—lots of structure and riffles, prime for both fly and spin.

- Glenwood Canyon near No Name—the deeper pools hold browns and rainbows.

- If you’re feeling adventurous, Copeland Lake in RMNP has been quietly productive for bigger browns near the inlet.

Wind direction is swinging south-southwest this morning, so focus on windward banks and seams—fish hold tight there for drifting chow. Pressure is stable, so fish should be predictable today.

Reminder to check local regs—CPW continues heavy zebra mu

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Artificial Lure here, reporting from the banks of the Colorado River on Friday, November 21, 2025. It's another picturesque late fall morning—bluebird skies, crisp air, and the kind of scenery that makes you glad you brought an extra thermos of coffee. The sun rose at 6:53 a.m., and we're watching it paint the canyon walls with gold. Sunset will hit fast around 4:47 p.m., so plan your afternoon sessions accordingly.

Weatherwise, we're seeing a cold start. Early morning temps hovered near 25°F, climbing to the low 40s by midday. Light winds out of the west and bright, clear skies—great for spotting and stalking fish, though the bite can be a little stubborn on these bluebird days. No precipitation in the forecast.

Tides aren’t a major factor up here, but flows are—it’s a classic shoulder season pattern. According to the Snoflo Colorado River Flow Report, water at Lees Ferry is running average for late November, just shy of 9,500 cfs, with stable and clear conditions. That bodes well for both drift boaters and walk-waders, especially as water levels are predictable and access is solid.

Now, the bite: if you’re looking for trout, you’re in luck. Rainbows and browns are most active in the cool, steady flows, especially near riffles and tailouts just below deep runs. Word is, according to local outfitters, several rainbows pushing 18–22 inches came to net this week, with browns in the 15–18 inch range mixed in. This is classic streamer and nymph season—think olive or black Woolly Buggers, small leeches, and egg patterns. For nymphing, go with a two-fly rig: a size 16–18 pheasant tail or zebra midge behind a larger stonefly or scud. Action often picks up after the sun warms the water a touch, so linger on those nymph runs later in the morning.

If you’re after smallmouth or even a stray largemouth, focus on slower eddies, below rock piles, and backwater sloughs. Dean Rojas, who knows these waters well, swears by crawfish-pattern crankbaits this time of year, since bass tend to key in less on shad and more on bottom-hugging snacks as water temps drop. Vibration baits and chatterbaits fished with a lift-and-drop retrieve can get you that reaction bite, particularly in shallow rocky cover. Pike are quieter now, but a few reports of follows on big white streamers keep it interesting for folks tossing meat on a big rod.

Recent catch reports point to a solid mixed bag on the lower stretches near Rifle—rainbows, browns, the odd cutbow, and smallmouth all in play. Clarity is good, so don’t be afraid to downsize your tippet if the fish get picky.

If you're chasing numbers or looking to avoid crowds, hit the Cottonwood Island area above Grand Junction—plenty of good structure, deeper holding water, and a reliable late-season bite. Another hotspot is Pumphouse, where the river’s diversity and access shine brightest this time of year.

The Farmers’ Almanac rates today’s fishing as "poor" in the evening, but I’ve seen enough over the years to know that if you

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# Colorado River Fishing Report - November 20, 2025

Hey there, this is Artificial Lure with your Colorado River fishing report for today, November 20th.

We're heading into prime late fall conditions on the Colorado, and things are heating up nicely. Water temperatures are sitting in the upper 60s to low 70s depending on which stretch you're hitting, which means the fish are still actively feeding before winter really sets in.

**Recent Activity**

The Colorado River near Bullhead City saw solid rainbow trout stocking just two days ago, with 1,000 fresh rainbows planted at the Community Park. Up at Willow Beach, they dropped 2,000 rainbows last week, so if you haven't gotten out there yet, now's your window. These stockies are hungry and aggressive right after planting.

**Best Techniques & Lures**

For targeting these recently stocked rainbows, spinnerbaits are absolutely crushing it right now—go with white and chartreuse patterns if you can. If you prefer soft plastics, paddle tail swimbaits in natural colors are producing solid strikes. Crankbaits and small swimbaits also work well around structure and deeper drop-offs. Live minnows under a popping cork remain a deadly presentation for trout in 2 to 3 feet of water.

**Hot Spots**

Hit the Bullhead City Community Park first—those fresh stockies haven't learned the ropes yet. Willow Beach Fishing Pier is your second stop, especially if you want to target deeper water with more established populations. Both locations offer excellent bank and wade access.

**Conditions**

Water clarity ranges from 3 to 4 feet depending on recent flows, which actually helps with both artificial and live bait presentations. Fishing is best on days with cloud coverage, so if today gets overcast, get out there.

Thanks for tuning in to the Colorado River report! Make sure you subscribe for weekly updates on conditions and hot spots. This has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out quietplease.ai.

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Fishing this morning on the Colorado River saw a calm, cold dawn greet patient anglers, with the sun rising around 6:55 AM and setting tonight at 4:43 PM. No tide swings up here in the mountains, but steady, clear flows make things almost tidal in how trout behave: challenge comes in reading the subtle current seams and their feeding cycles.

River clarity is ultra-high, typical for November once irrigation releases drop off and water levels settle. This sharp clarity means fish see everything—your flies, your shadow, a missed drift—so perfection matters. According to Rise Beyond Fly Fishing, small flies are the ticket now: midges in #20–24, sparse Blue Winged Olives, and the occasional scud or leech drifting deep. The bite's not all-day; best window is from late morning through very early afternoon, when water temperature bumps up just enough to nudge trout onto the feed. If you’re hoping for numbers, reset your expectations—right now, it’s about quality fish pulled from deep runs and undercut banks, especially near structure and slow lanes.

Local Deckers reports confirm it’s been a “think micro” week: top patterns are black, olive, and brown midges in all life stages, mostly sizes 20 to 24, paired with a small egg or worm pattern like a size 16 San Juan worm as a lead, and a Top Secret Midge or Mercury Midge as a dropper. Go with a 9-10 foot leader, 5X or finer tippet, and keep your split shot light and just enough to get to depth. Fish are stacked behind boulders and in green seams. Clarity’s brutal—long leaders and gentle casts are the difference between a take or a spooked fish.

For spin anglers, focus on trout patterns with small Rapalas or inline spinners; cast upstream and let them swing naturally past boulders and through deeper holes, especially where the sun’s warming the surface come midday. The Connected Lakes area down by Grand Junction is pulling in decent largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and channel cats where water’s a degree or two warmer. Local anglers report topwater baits still moving bass in the afternoons, while nightcrawlers and cut bait tempt cats and bluegill near drowned timber or brushpiles.

Big news on the invasive species front: zebra mussels have extended their reach from the Eagle River confluence all the way to the Utah border. Parks and Wildlife crews found evidence of both adults and larvae in recent samplings. If you’re boating, make darn sure to clean and dry your gear before you move between stretches—the last thing we need is more spread. And New Zealand mudsnails have appeared as far upstream as the Roaring Fork, so double check those wading boots.

What’s biting lately? Most post-spawn browns have ducked for cover, but a few hefty rainbows and resident cutthroat have shown up in deeper holes, mainly fooled by size 22-24 midge pupae and tiny Baetis. Downriver, some Colorado River regulars near Rifle and Silt have reported a handful of late fall walleyes and a surprising stringer of channel cats, most

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