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Colorado River Fishing Report: Icy Conditions, Productive Nymphing, and Streamers for Wary Browns
Published 1 year, 3 months ago
Description
As of December 13, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is presenting a mixed bag for anglers, given the current winter conditions.
First, let's address the weather and daylight. Today, sunrise is at about 7:15 AM, and sunset will be around 4:30 PM. The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year.
For the Upper Colorado River, from Pumphouse to State Bridge, the river is largely iced up and cold. However, the Lower Colorado River from Dotsero down remains fishable. Dry fly activity has slowed, but you can still catch fish using smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges. Nymphing has been the most reliable method, with small flies such as Chubby Chernobyls to Perdigons to RS2s or Magic BWOs working well. If you're looking to go bigger, streamers like articulated Cheech Leaches or Mini Dungeons can attract larger, aggressive brown trout[1][4][5].
There are some closures in effect due to the brown trout spawn, so be sure to check for any restricted areas before you head out. Specifically, areas 50 feet upstream and downstream of Grizzly Creek, No Name Creek, Canyon Creek, and Elk Creek are closed until December 1st, but since that date has passed, these areas should now be open[4].
In terms of fish activity, the mornings are generally slow, but as the day warms up, the fishing improves. Cloudy days are particularly good for throwing streamers and targeting pre-spawn browns. The river is clear, with a flow rate of about 1500 CFS below Glenwood Springs, making it ideal for both wade and float fishing[4].
For hot spots, consider the area around State Bridge, which is known for its productive brown trout fishing. Another good spot is the confluence with the Roaring Fork near Glenwood Springs, where wade-fishers can find good access points like the Dino Boat ramp and upstream of South Canyon rapid[3][4].
Remember to follow the "Keep Em Wet" philosophy to protect the fish and the ecosystem. Enjoy your time on the river, and be prepared for some challenging but rewarding fishing.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
First, let's address the weather and daylight. Today, sunrise is at about 7:15 AM, and sunset will be around 4:30 PM. The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to mid-30s Fahrenheit, which is typical for this time of year.
For the Upper Colorado River, from Pumphouse to State Bridge, the river is largely iced up and cold. However, the Lower Colorado River from Dotsero down remains fishable. Dry fly activity has slowed, but you can still catch fish using smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges. Nymphing has been the most reliable method, with small flies such as Chubby Chernobyls to Perdigons to RS2s or Magic BWOs working well. If you're looking to go bigger, streamers like articulated Cheech Leaches or Mini Dungeons can attract larger, aggressive brown trout[1][4][5].
There are some closures in effect due to the brown trout spawn, so be sure to check for any restricted areas before you head out. Specifically, areas 50 feet upstream and downstream of Grizzly Creek, No Name Creek, Canyon Creek, and Elk Creek are closed until December 1st, but since that date has passed, these areas should now be open[4].
In terms of fish activity, the mornings are generally slow, but as the day warms up, the fishing improves. Cloudy days are particularly good for throwing streamers and targeting pre-spawn browns. The river is clear, with a flow rate of about 1500 CFS below Glenwood Springs, making it ideal for both wade and float fishing[4].
For hot spots, consider the area around State Bridge, which is known for its productive brown trout fishing. Another good spot is the confluence with the Roaring Fork near Glenwood Springs, where wade-fishers can find good access points like the Dino Boat ramp and upstream of South Canyon rapid[3][4].
Remember to follow the "Keep Em Wet" philosophy to protect the fish and the ecosystem. Enjoy your time on the river, and be prepared for some challenging but rewarding fishing.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI