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Colorado River Fishing Report: Pre-Runoff Trout & Catfish Opportunities on the Mighty Colorado
Howdy folks, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest from the mighty Colorado River on this fine Friday morning, May 2nd, 2025.
Right now we're seeing the Colorado running at about 2530 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and it's still rising as the spring runoff starts to kick in. Water clarity has been varying day by day – after hot days it's running brown, but we get decent visibility following cooler days[1].
If you're looking to get out on the water before runoff hits full force, you better hustle! We're right in that sweet spot between now and mid-May that many anglers consider some of the best fishing of the year[2]. But make no mistake, this window is closing fast as the mountain snowpack begins its annual melt.
The trout have been mighty active lately. We're seeing nice Browns and Rainbows, and even some native Colorado River Cutthroats for the lucky anglers. Blue Winged Olives and Mother's Day Caddis hatches are happening right now, so be sure to pack those patterns in your box[2]. Streamers are always a solid choice this time of year – large woolly buggers worked through slack water areas have been producing some trophy fish[5].
For you float fishermen, both the upper and lower sections have been excellent. Boats are putting in good numbers with streamer techniques as those big browns are in chase mode[2]. If you're wading, focus on the calmer pockets, especially during the morning hours.
For hot spots, I'd recommend the section above Kremmling down through Rancho del Rio – call them at 970-653-4431 for the latest conditions at Pumphouse[2]. Another productive stretch has been through the scenic canyon areas that can only be reached by boat or hiking in – the extra effort is worth it for both the scenery and the fishing.
Down in the lower reaches near Grand Junction, some catfish action is picking up too. Standard baits like cut bait, livers, or catfish nuggets are getting it done if you're looking to change things up from trout fishing[5].
Just a heads up – we've got limited time before the big runoff hits. The snowpack is starting to move, so conditions will change quickly over the next few weeks[3]. Get out there while you can, because once that mountain snow really starts flowing, we'll be looking at blown-out conditions until things settle down in early summer.
That's the scoop for today, May 2nd, 2025. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!
Right now we're seeing the Colorado running at about 2530 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and it's still rising as the spring runoff starts to kick in. Water clarity has been varying day by day – after hot days it's running brown, but we get decent visibility following cooler days[1].
If you're looking to get out on the water before runoff hits full force, you better hustle! We're right in that sweet spot between now and mid-May that many anglers consider some of the best fishing of the year[2]. But make no mistake, this window is closing fast as the mountain snowpack begins its annual melt.
The trout have been mighty active lately. We're seeing nice Browns and Rainbows, and even some native Colorado River Cutthroats for the lucky anglers. Blue Winged Olives and Mother's Day Caddis hatches are happening right now, so be sure to pack those patterns in your box[2]. Streamers are always a solid choice this time of year – large woolly buggers worked through slack water areas have been producing some trophy fish[5].
For you float fishermen, both the upper and lower sections have been excellent. Boats are putting in good numbers with streamer techniques as those big browns are in chase mode[2]. If you're wading, focus on the calmer pockets, especially during the morning hours.
For hot spots, I'd recommend the section above Kremmling down through Rancho del Rio – call them at 970-653-4431 for the latest conditions at Pumphouse[2]. Another productive stretch has been through the scenic canyon areas that can only be reached by boat or hiking in – the extra effort is worth it for both the scenery and the fishing.
Down in the lower reaches near Grand Junction, some catfish action is picking up too. Standard baits like cut bait, livers, or catfish nuggets are getting it done if you're looking to change things up from trout fishing[5].
Just a heads up – we've got limited time before the big runoff hits. The snowpack is starting to move, so conditions will change quickly over the next few weeks[3]. Get out there while you can, because once that mountain snow really starts flowing, we'll be looking at blown-out conditions until things settle down in early summer.
That's the scoop for today, May 2nd, 2025. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!
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By Quiet. PleaseHowdy folks, this is Artificial Lure coming at you with the latest from the mighty Colorado River on this fine Friday morning, May 2nd, 2025.
Right now we're seeing the Colorado running at about 2530 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and it's still rising as the spring runoff starts to kick in. Water clarity has been varying day by day – after hot days it's running brown, but we get decent visibility following cooler days[1].
If you're looking to get out on the water before runoff hits full force, you better hustle! We're right in that sweet spot between now and mid-May that many anglers consider some of the best fishing of the year[2]. But make no mistake, this window is closing fast as the mountain snowpack begins its annual melt.
The trout have been mighty active lately. We're seeing nice Browns and Rainbows, and even some native Colorado River Cutthroats for the lucky anglers. Blue Winged Olives and Mother's Day Caddis hatches are happening right now, so be sure to pack those patterns in your box[2]. Streamers are always a solid choice this time of year – large woolly buggers worked through slack water areas have been producing some trophy fish[5].
For you float fishermen, both the upper and lower sections have been excellent. Boats are putting in good numbers with streamer techniques as those big browns are in chase mode[2]. If you're wading, focus on the calmer pockets, especially during the morning hours.
For hot spots, I'd recommend the section above Kremmling down through Rancho del Rio – call them at 970-653-4431 for the latest conditions at Pumphouse[2]. Another productive stretch has been through the scenic canyon areas that can only be reached by boat or hiking in – the extra effort is worth it for both the scenery and the fishing.
Down in the lower reaches near Grand Junction, some catfish action is picking up too. Standard baits like cut bait, livers, or catfish nuggets are getting it done if you're looking to change things up from trout fishing[5].
Just a heads up – we've got limited time before the big runoff hits. The snowpack is starting to move, so conditions will change quickly over the next few weeks[3]. Get out there while you can, because once that mountain snow really starts flowing, we'll be looking at blown-out conditions until things settle down in early summer.
That's the scoop for today, May 2nd, 2025. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!
Right now we're seeing the Colorado running at about 2530 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and it's still rising as the spring runoff starts to kick in. Water clarity has been varying day by day – after hot days it's running brown, but we get decent visibility following cooler days[1].
If you're looking to get out on the water before runoff hits full force, you better hustle! We're right in that sweet spot between now and mid-May that many anglers consider some of the best fishing of the year[2]. But make no mistake, this window is closing fast as the mountain snowpack begins its annual melt.
The trout have been mighty active lately. We're seeing nice Browns and Rainbows, and even some native Colorado River Cutthroats for the lucky anglers. Blue Winged Olives and Mother's Day Caddis hatches are happening right now, so be sure to pack those patterns in your box[2]. Streamers are always a solid choice this time of year – large woolly buggers worked through slack water areas have been producing some trophy fish[5].
For you float fishermen, both the upper and lower sections have been excellent. Boats are putting in good numbers with streamer techniques as those big browns are in chase mode[2]. If you're wading, focus on the calmer pockets, especially during the morning hours.
For hot spots, I'd recommend the section above Kremmling down through Rancho del Rio – call them at 970-653-4431 for the latest conditions at Pumphouse[2]. Another productive stretch has been through the scenic canyon areas that can only be reached by boat or hiking in – the extra effort is worth it for both the scenery and the fishing.
Down in the lower reaches near Grand Junction, some catfish action is picking up too. Standard baits like cut bait, livers, or catfish nuggets are getting it done if you're looking to change things up from trout fishing[5].
Just a heads up – we've got limited time before the big runoff hits. The snowpack is starting to move, so conditions will change quickly over the next few weeks[3]. Get out there while you can, because once that mountain snow really starts flowing, we'll be looking at blown-out conditions until things settle down in early summer.
That's the scoop for today, May 2nd, 2025. This is Artificial Lure saying tight lines and see you on the water!