Episode Details
Back to Episodes
Winter Wonderland on the Colorado River: Anglers Tackle Cold Temps and Icy Conditions
Published 1 year, 3 months ago
Description
As of December 21, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering a mixed bag for anglers, depending on the section you're fishing.
### Upper Colorado River
The upper sections of the Colorado River, from Pumphouse to State Bridge, are currently iced up and cold, making them less accessible for fishing[1][5].
However, the stretch between Kremmling and Parshall is flowing at a mellow pace of 400-500 CFS, with clear water and cold temperatures ranging from 34-38°F. This section is ideal for fly fishing, particularly for targeting wild brown and rainbow trout. Nymphing is the go-to technique here, with midges dominating the menu. Late morning to mid-afternoon offers the best chance to connect with feeding trout as the day warms slightly. For dry flies, Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24) can bring fish to the surface, while Zebra Midge (#20-24) is a consistent producer for nymphing. Streamers like the Olive Woolly Bugger (#8-10) can also coax strikes from larger trout[5].
### Lower Colorado River
Moving downstream to the lower sections, from Dotsero down, the river remains fishable. Here, you can still find some dry fly activity, although it has slowed down. Smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges are effective. For nymphing, try a Chubby Chernobyl to a Perdigon to an RS2 or Magic BWO. Streamers such as an articulated Cheech Leach or a Mini Dungeon can also attract bigger fish[1].
### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
Today, December 21, the weather is expected to be cold with partial cloud cover. Sunrise is at around 7:17 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:23 PM.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw moderate fish activity, especially in the deeper pools and slower runs of the upper sections. Anglers reported catching a mix of brown and rainbow trout, with the larger fish being more aggressive towards streamers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For fly fishing:
- Dry Flies: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24), BWOs (#20-22)
- Nymphs: Zebra Midge (#20-24), Perdigon (#16-18), RS2 (#20-22)
- Streamers: Olive Woolly Bugger (#8-10), articulated Cheech Leach, Mini Dungeon
For other types of fishing, especially in the lower sections where warm-water species are present, crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics can be effective for largemouth bass and other species[2].
### Hot Spots
- **Pumphouse**: A renowned fishing and rafting area with several access points to the Colorado River, known for brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasionally kokanee salmon[3].
- **State Bridge**: Excellent fishing access for float fishing, particularly popular for brown trout fishing between State Bridge and Catamount[3].
- **Glenwood Canyon**: Multiple access points through a breathtaking canyon, popular for both wade and float fishing targeting brown and rainbow trout[3].
Remember to check for any closures due to the Brown Trout Spawn and always follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy to protect the fish.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
### Upper Colorado River
The upper sections of the Colorado River, from Pumphouse to State Bridge, are currently iced up and cold, making them less accessible for fishing[1][5].
However, the stretch between Kremmling and Parshall is flowing at a mellow pace of 400-500 CFS, with clear water and cold temperatures ranging from 34-38°F. This section is ideal for fly fishing, particularly for targeting wild brown and rainbow trout. Nymphing is the go-to technique here, with midges dominating the menu. Late morning to mid-afternoon offers the best chance to connect with feeding trout as the day warms slightly. For dry flies, Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24) can bring fish to the surface, while Zebra Midge (#20-24) is a consistent producer for nymphing. Streamers like the Olive Woolly Bugger (#8-10) can also coax strikes from larger trout[5].
### Lower Colorado River
Moving downstream to the lower sections, from Dotsero down, the river remains fishable. Here, you can still find some dry fly activity, although it has slowed down. Smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges are effective. For nymphing, try a Chubby Chernobyl to a Perdigon to an RS2 or Magic BWO. Streamers such as an articulated Cheech Leach or a Mini Dungeon can also attract bigger fish[1].
### Weather and Sunrise/Sunset
Today, December 21, the weather is expected to be cold with partial cloud cover. Sunrise is at around 7:17 AM, and sunset is at approximately 4:23 PM.
### Fish Activity
Yesterday saw moderate fish activity, especially in the deeper pools and slower runs of the upper sections. Anglers reported catching a mix of brown and rainbow trout, with the larger fish being more aggressive towards streamers.
### Best Lures and Bait
For fly fishing:
- Dry Flies: Griffith’s Gnat (#20-24), BWOs (#20-22)
- Nymphs: Zebra Midge (#20-24), Perdigon (#16-18), RS2 (#20-22)
- Streamers: Olive Woolly Bugger (#8-10), articulated Cheech Leach, Mini Dungeon
For other types of fishing, especially in the lower sections where warm-water species are present, crankbaits, jigs, and soft plastics can be effective for largemouth bass and other species[2].
### Hot Spots
- **Pumphouse**: A renowned fishing and rafting area with several access points to the Colorado River, known for brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasionally kokanee salmon[3].
- **State Bridge**: Excellent fishing access for float fishing, particularly popular for brown trout fishing between State Bridge and Catamount[3].
- **Glenwood Canyon**: Multiple access points through a breathtaking canyon, popular for both wade and float fishing targeting brown and rainbow trout[3].
Remember to check for any closures due to the Brown Trout Spawn and always follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy to protect the fish.
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI