Colorado River Colorado Fishing Report Today

Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025.

The Colorado River's still showing that classic spring personality we've been seeing all month. Flows have been up and down like a yo-yo with the recent temperature swings. As of yesterday, we were running around 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and I expect that's still climbing today with the warm weather we've had.

Water clarity remains the biggest challenge right now. After hot days, she's turning brown, but we're getting some decent clearing after the cooler nights. If you're heading out this morning, you might catch that sweet spot of decent clarity before today's heat kicks in and accelerates the snowmelt.

The fishing's been solid - I'd give it a 7 out of 10 right now. We've got excellent hatches happening with caddis in full swing. Those spring blue-winged olives and midges are also providing consistent action, especially in the mornings and evenings. Some folks have been reporting small green drake and PMD nymphs too, so keep an eye out for those.

For flies, you'll want to pack some Pats Rubber Legs, weighted worms, and caddis pupa patterns. A heavier first fly followed by a smaller offering has been the ticket. If you're into the streamer game, hit the banks hard or throw out to the middle and strip in on the swing. I've had good luck with articulated Dundgeons and Sculpzillas lately. Don't be surprised if you get hits as you're stripping in to cast again - that's been a pattern this past week.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The rainbow trout are still spawning. Please leave those spawners alone and respect the NO FISH ZONES. Those annual closures at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks remain in effect until June 1st.

Hot spots this week? The upper C has been fishing well since they lowered the flows, making it easier to find fish in pools and eddies. Focus on those slower sections where fish can hold without fighting the current. For the lower stretches, expect off-color water as we push deeper into runoff, but the fishing can still be productive if you adjust your technique.

For those willing to put in the work, the stretch below Glenwood has been producing some quality browns on streamers early in the morning. Just make sure you're geared up properly for the higher flows.

That's the report for today, folks. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!

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Howdy there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18, 2025.

The Colorado River is showing its typical spring personality right now, folks. We've been riding that seasonal roller coaster with flows currently running around 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs and still climbing since my last report two days ago. The warmer days we've had this week have been turning the water a bit brown, but those cooler nights have helped clear things up some.

The fishing has been pretty solid overall - I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Those caddis hatches are still going strong, and we're seeing good activity from blue winged olives and midges too. Some of you have spotted small green drake and PMD nymphs recently, which is right on schedule for mid-May.

For you fly anglers, I'm having the most luck with Pats Rubber Legs, weighted worms, and caddis pupa patterns when nymphing. If you're looking to throw streamers, the banks have been productive - try articulated Dundgeons or Sculpzillas. When you're stripping in to cast again, stay alert! I've had several strikes in that moment this past week.

The weather for today looks to be partly cloudy with temperatures climbing to about 65 degrees - perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 5:47 AM and we've got sunset coming at 8:13 PM, so plenty of daylight to work with.

Two hot spots I'd recommend today: First, try the stretch below Glenwood Springs if the clarity holds up - the fish have been holding in the slower eddies and deeper pools. Second, the upper C where they recently dropped the flows is fishing well if you're looking for easier wading conditions.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Those rainbow trout are still spawning, folks. Please respect the no-fish zones at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle and Elk Creeks until June 1st. These closures are critical for our fishery's health.

For those wanting clearer water options, don't forget about our tailwaters and some higher elevation spots that aren't blowing out yet. Bear Creek and Clear Creek are still offering decent fishing with good hatches.

That's all for today, anglers. Get out there and wet a line if you can - the fish are hungry after winter and those spring hatches won't last forever! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all!

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Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, May 17 Colorado River fishing report, coming at you from right here on the riverbank. The recent weather’s been a rollercoaster, swinging from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, and that’s got the river jumping between higher flows and the first hints of runoff. Today, we’re looking at a partly cloudy start with temps climbing from the mid 40s at sunrise to the mid 60s by afternoon. Sunrise hit at 5:48 AM and sunset will be at 8:14 PM, giving you a great stretch of daylight to get after it.

With flows recently lowered on the upper Colorado, fish are holding tight in pools and eddies where clarity is best. The lower river is running off-color as runoff picks up, but don’t let that scare you off. Fishing remains solid if you adjust your tactics and target the slower, sheltered water near the banks and inside bends. This time of year, nymphing is your bread and butter. Bring along Pat’s Rubber Legs, caddis pupa, San Juan Worms, and leeches for sub-surface work. Caddis and blue-winged olive (BWO) nymphs are especially hot right now. If you prefer swinging streamers, toss out big articulated patterns like Dungeons and Sculpzillas tight to the bank and give them a good retrieve for opportunistic browns.

On the dry fly side, afternoon caddis hatches are ramping up, so keep some Elk Hair Caddis and small BWO parachute dries on hand, especially if you spot risers in the softer seams or back eddies. Fish activity has picked up as water temps reach for the 50s, and hungry browns are common in the upper reaches, while the lower stretches downstream toward Grand Junction are producing some solid catfish. The cats are biting on cut bait and liver in the slower backwaters and along deep bends.

Recent reports have anglers hooking into chunky browns up near State Bridge and Dotsero, with a few rainbows showing in the mix—just be mindful that rainbow trout are spawning right now, so watch for spawning redds and avoid fishing to active spawners or in posted no-fishing zones.

If you’re looking for hot spots, try the Lone Pine area upstream for trout or focus on the backwaters and slower runs below Fruita for catfish action. Everywhere, focus on slower water out of the main current, especially after midday once the sun warms things up.

In summary, focus on nymphs and streamers early, switch to caddis dries as the afternoon kicks in, and don’t be afraid to go subsurface with worms and leeches when clarity drops. Water’s cold, fish are hungry, and with smart tactics, you’ll find success all day. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you out there on the Colorado!

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Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for this fine Friday morning, May 16, 2025.

The Colorado's been showing its spring personality lately, yo-yoing like it typically does this time of year. Flows are running around 2936 CFS below Glenwood Springs and still climbing[1]. Water clarity has been all over the place - turning brown after hot days but clearing up nicely after cooler ones[1]. Good news is if the river stays clean through the Canyon, the Fork isn't affecting the lower stretches too much.

The fishing's been solid - I'd rate it a 7 out of 10 right now[1]. We've got excellent hatches happening with a great caddis hatch in full swing, plus those spring blue winged olives and midges[1]. Some of you have reported seeing small green drake and PMD nymphs too.

Important reminder: those annual spawning closures are still in effect at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle and Elk Creeks until June 1st[1]. Rainbow trout are spawning, so please respect the no-fish zones and don't target those spawners[2].

For your tackle box today, I'd recommend weighted worms, Pat's Rubber Legs, caddis nymphs, leeches and streamers for the most action[2]. If you're hoping to fish dries, bring some Caddis, BWOs and Midge patterns[2]. The articulated Dundgeon or Sculpzilla have been producing nice strikes for streamer folks[2].

For nymphing, start with a heavier big first fly like a Pat's Rubber Leg or weighted worm, then trail a caddis pupa[2]. Streamer tactics have been working best when targeting the banks or, if wading, casting to mid-river and stripping on the swing. Many anglers are getting hits during that retrieve just before recasting[2].

Hot spots today: If you're wanting clearer water, the upper C is looking better since they recently lowered flows, making it easier to locate fish in pools and eddies[2]. The lower C remains a bit off-color as we're approaching peak runoff season, but don't let that discourage you - the fish are still there and hungry.

For those looking to avoid runoff issues altogether, check out tailwaters like the South Platte at Deckers or Cheesman where spring hatches are happening despite the seasonal high flows[5].

Quick tip from the locals: fish earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler for the best clarity. The river's been clearing up nicely after cooler evenings.

That's the word on the water today, folks. Remember to check your regulations, respect those spawning areas, and as we say around here - tight lines and wet nets!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

COLORADO RIVER FISHING REPORT - MAY 14, 2025

Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your mid-May fishing update for the Colorado River. It's shaping up to be an interesting week on the water!

Current conditions are typical for this time of year - we're in that transitional spring period with the river running at about 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs and climbing. The water clarity has been yo-yoing lately, with brown water after warm days and better visibility following cooler temperatures. This pattern should continue through today with the current warming trend.

The fishing has been decent overall - I'd rate it a 7 out of 10. The annual spawning closures remain in effect until June 1st at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks, so please respect those no-fishing zones and let those rainbows do their thing undisturbed.

The good news is these hatches are really picking up! We're seeing excellent caddis activity, along with spring baetis (blue winged olives) and midges. Some lucky anglers have also spotted early signs of PMDs and small green drakes.

For fly fishers, I recommend a two-fly nymph rig with a weighted worm or Pat's Rubber Legs as your lead fly, followed by a caddis pupa. If streamer fishing is more your style, focus on the banks or cast to mid-river and strip in on the swing. Articulated Dundgeons and Sculpzillas have been producing nice strikes, especially during that final retrieve.

Conventional tackle folks are having success with browns in the upper reaches, while catfish action is heating up in the lower reaches and backwaters. Cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared catfish nuggets are all working well.

Hot spots right now include the stretch just below the Glenwood Canyon where the water clears up a bit, and the deeper pools around Rifle. The confluence areas where tributaries join the main stem are also worth investigating.

Remember that this river fluctuates quickly with temperature changes this time of year, so check the latest flow data before heading out. Morning fishing has been consistently better than afternoon, especially as the mountain snowmelt increases throughout the day.

Dress in layers as we're still seeing cool mornings around 45 degrees with afternoon highs hitting the mid-70s. And don't forget your polarized glasses - they're essential for spotting fish in these variable water conditions.

That's all for now, folks. This is Artificial Lure wishing you tight lines and bent rods on the mighty Colorado. Stop by Taylor Creek Fly Shop or Vail Valley Anglers for the latest gear and local knowledge. See ya on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Howdy, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for this fine Monday, May 12th, 2025. The river’s been on a heater lately, rolling out welcome mats for trout and catfish alike from the high country clear down to the lower reaches.

Right now, flows are up and on the rise thanks to that sweet mountain snowmelt. Down below Glenwood Springs, we’re clocking around 2,936 CFS, and the water’s got a bit of color to it after a string of warm days. Don’t let the stain spook you—mornings and evenings are your best bet for clearer conditions and happy fish [1][4]. The river’s wide and lazy in spots, but don’t get lulled—there’s plenty of canyon runs to keep you honest and wildlife views to keep you inspired [2].

Weather-wise, mornings are crisp, warming to mild afternoons. Expect the odd patch of rain if those clouds roll in from the west. Sunrise today was around 5:50 AM, and the sun’ll tuck in about 8:30 PM—so pack snacks and sunscreen if you’re planning an all-dayer.

Fish are fired up! Browns are staging in the upper reaches, taking dries and nymphs as soon as the hatches get going. Bigger flies—think Woolly Buggers and articulated streamers—are slaying in the slack water, especially on overcast days or after a quick rain. Down low, catfish are chewing hard on cut bait, chicken livers, and catfish nuggets in the slow pools and backwaters. Drift bait anglers are also getting into the action, with plenty of solid catches reported in the Grand Junction stretch [5].

Recent catches are telling the story: good numbers of brown trout, the occasional rainbow, and channel cats in the lower stretches. The fish are holding close to structure—logjams, deep holes, and the heads of riffles. Dry fly fishing is picking up mid-morning as the bugs start to pop, but don’t overlook nymphs and streamers early and late when the water’s cooler and the fish are active.

For lures, tie on a size 6-10 San Juan Worm, a Prince Nymph, or a dark Woolly Bugger for trout. For cats, nothing beats a chunk of cut bait or a gob of chicken liver on a circle hook. Need a hot tip? Swing by the stretch below Glenwood Springs for trout—there’s plenty of public water and easy wading. For catfish, the backwaters and slow eddies near Grand Junction are your best bet. And don’t overlook the Pumphouse area up by Kremmling—big water, big fish, and plenty of elbow room.

Tight lines and tight knots, friends. Be safe, respect the river, and leave no trace. Artificial Lure signing off!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

This is Artificial Lure bringing you your Colorado River fishing report for Sunday, May 11, 2025. We are in the prime of spring runoff season, and the water levels are up with current flows running high across most stretches, especially near Kremmling, where flows recently clocked in at around 886 cfs. The runoff brings big changes, but the fishing action has been holding surprisingly steady.

Weather for today is mild, with a mix of clouds and sunshine and afternoon highs in the upper 60s. Expect a light breeze developing by midday, which might put a bit of chop on still water stretches. Sunrise this morning was at 5:51 a.m., and sunset will be at 8:08 p.m., so you have a generous window for casting lines.

Fish activity is good right now, with both trout and catfish being caught along different stretches of the river. Anglers are reporting healthy numbers of brown trout in the upper reaches, particularly above Glenwood Springs and up toward Kremmling. Browns are taking well to large streamers and classic woolly buggers. In those faster runs and deeper holes, try drifting a dark olive or black bugger through slack water for your best shot at a lunker brown. Dry fly activity is picking up too, especially on warmer afternoons, so keep an eye out for hatches and be ready to switch to a dry-dropper setup.

Further downriver, in the slower waters and back bays near Grand Junction, catfish action is on the rise. Cut bait, chicken livers, and store-bought catfish nuggets are the top producers for channel cats, especially as evening approaches and the water warms a bit more. Reports from this week confirm several nice cats being landed on these baits, with the best success right before dusk.

As for hot spots, consider targeting:

- The soft edges and backwaters between Parshall and Kremmling for brown trout—mornings and evenings have been especially productive there.

- The lower Colorado near Fruita and into the Grand Junction stretch is lighting up for catfish, especially in deeper pockets and slack water away from heavy current.

If you are fly fishing, bigger flies are working better right now. Woolly buggers, sparkling streamers, and stonefly nymphs are all solid choices. Spin anglers are catching fish on larger spoons, small crankbaits, and classic Panther Martins in gold or black. For catfish, stick to strong-smelling bait and fish it near the bottom where the current slows.

With water clarity fluctuating due to runoff, focus on spots where visibility is at least a foot or two. If the water is real muddy after a rain, let it clear a bit before fishing.

No tidal shifts to worry about in this part of Colorado, so your fishing success today is all about the flows and the weather.

That’s your Colorado River fishing report for May 11. Tight lines, and don’t forget your net—these fish are feisty this time of year.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Saturday, May 10, 2025. Spring has the river alive and anglers are enjoying some of the best conditions of the season.

Weather today is textbook Colorado River springtime. Early morning temperatures started in the mid-60s and are rising to the upper 70s by afternoon, all under mostly clear skies. Light breezes are expected, creating ideal casting conditions. Sunrise was at 5:38 am and sunset will be at 7:32 pm, so there is ample daylight for a full day on the water. The Colorado River isn’t tidal in this area, but water levels tend to rise gradually through the morning due to upstream releases, pushing fish into the current breaks and closer to shore and cover, especially in backwaters and coves[3][4].

The fishing action has been solid across the board. Striped bass are biting well, particularly early and late in the day. Anglers have reported consistent catches of stripers up to five pounds, with some larger fish possible if you put in the hours. Best results have come on cut anchovies, silver swimbaits, Jumpin’ Minnows, and Kastmasters. Covering ground and targeting deeper runs or drop-offs has been key for finding active schools. Community Park and the stretch below Davis Dam are both producing and are your best bets for hot striper action right now[4].

Brown trout are active in the upper reaches, responding well to larger flies and lures. Dry fly fishing is starting to heat up with the spring hatches, but if you’re after a trophy, large woolly buggers fished in slack water remain a top choice. For those targeting catfish, things have picked up in the lower river and backwaters. Standard offerings like cut bait, chicken livers, and catfish nuggets have all been putting channel cats in the basket. Look for catfish anywhere there’s a bit of current break or deeper holes in the backwaters[5].

Lure and bait recommendations for today include:

- For stripers: cut anchovies, silver swimbaits, Jumpin’ Minnows, and Kastmasters

- For brown trout: large woolly buggers, larger dry flies, and spinners

- For catfish: cut bait, livers, and commercial catfish nuggets[4][5]

For anglers looking for prime locations, Community Park, areas below Davis Dam, and the upper reaches near Grand Junction are fishing well. The backwaters and coves near Laughlin and below Davis Dam are also holding plenty of fish thanks to the recent water level fluctuations[4][5].

Best of luck out there. I always recommend an early start for stripers and a late evening session for catfish and trout. Tight lines from Artificial Lure!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Good morning, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for May 9th, 2025.

Folks, we've got ourselves a fantastic early May day on the Colorado! With runoff season in full swing, water levels are running higher than normal, especially after the past week's weather. Current flows are likely above the 2670 CFS we saw below Glenwood Springs in late April, and still rising with the spring melt.

Water clarity is following the predictable pattern - murky after hot days but clearing up nicely after cooler ones. This morning's clear skies should give us decent visibility for the first part of the day.

The trout action has been stellar lately! Browns are hitting consistently in the upper reaches, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Last week's reports showed excellent catches of rainbows throughout the river system. The May 5th stockings have those fish active and hungry.

What's truly exciting is the hatch activity - we're seeing some serious insect action, creating perfect conditions for dry fly fishing. This is the time of year when those big browns start looking up!

For those targeting catfish, the lower reaches and backwaters have been productive. Several nice cats were landed this past week using traditional baits - cut bait, chicken livers, and prepared catfish nuggets have all been effective.

Lure selection is straightforward right now: larger flies and lures are working well in the higher flows. Large woolly buggers fished in slack water are your best bet for trophy trout. If you're dry fly fishing, match the current hatches with medium-sized patterns. For spin anglers, small spinners and spoons in gold or copper are producing.

Hot spots worth checking out: The section near the Orilla Verde Recreation Area has been productive following the April stockings of rainbows. Also, try the upper reaches above Glenwood Springs where those big browns are holding in the deeper pools.

For those willing to venture to nearby waters, the Rio Grande from the Colorado border to Taos Junction Bridge has a two-trout limit and was running at 291 CFS earlier this week - slightly lower than previous readings, making for more manageable fishing conditions.

Remember, every day brings new opportunities on the water, especially this time of year. The fish are active, the hatches are popping, and the conditions are improving daily. Whether you're after trout or catfish, the Colorado River is fishing mighty fine right now.

This is Artificial Lure signing off. Tight lines, friends, and I'll see you on the water!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.

Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for May 7, 2025. It is shaping up to be a fantastic week for anglers in the area.

The weather today along the Colorado River is cool in the morning, warming up into the high 60s by midday, with partly cloudy skies and a mild breeze. Sunrise was at 5:55 am and sunset will be around 8:07 pm. Water levels are up a bit from runoff, with flows below Glenwood Springs measured at about 2670 cubic feet per second and rising. Water clarity is pretty good, especially following cooler nights, but keep an eye out for some color change in the afternoons if it warms up[3][5].

The bite has been on for both trout and catfish. Recent catches featured plenty of healthy brown trout in the upper stretches, with some rainbows showing up, too. Dry fly action is starting to pick up, especially in the afternoons during bug hatches. Large woolly buggers in slack water are landing some nice fish. Down closer to the backwaters and lower reaches, catfish are active and responding well to cut bait, chicken livers, and commercial catfish nuggets[1][5].

Anglers using traditional drift baits and still baits are doing well for both browns and catfish, and the fly fishers are seeing results with stoneflies, caddis, and big attractor patterns. When the water is a little colored up, try bigger, darker lures to help fish zero in on your presentation[3][5].

Hot spots to try today include the sections just below Glenwood Springs, where brown trout are thick, and the quieter stretches near Grand Junction, especially for catfish. The back channels and slack water areas are especially productive as flows fluctuate with the snowmelt[5].

Overall, fishing has been rated good to excellent, with nice numbers of both trout and catfish reported. Remember, with higher flows, wading can be tricky, so exercise caution.

That’s the scoop for today from Artificial Lure. Tight lines and good luck out there on the Colorado River!

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.