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.

Thanks for tuning in, anglers! Make sure to subscribe for more local fishing insight and river talk. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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