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 mussel sampling in the area and wants anglers vigilant about cleaning gear. No changes to bag limits lately, but always best to double-check before you hit the water.

That’s the latest from your local waters. Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure. Subscribe for your next report, and keep those lines tight and licenses current.

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