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Fishing the Chilly Colorado River in Colorado
Published 1 year, 3 months ago
Description
For those planning to hit the Colorado River in Colorado today, here’s what you need to know:
First, let's clarify that the Colorado River in Colorado does not have tidal influences, as it is a freshwater river far from the ocean. So, we won't be worrying about tides here.
As of December 28, 2024, the Upper Colorado River from Pumphouse to State Bridge is iced up and cold, making it less accessible for fishing. However, the Lower Colorado River from Dotsero down is still fishable.
The weather is cold, with the river water temperatures being quite low. Sunrise today is around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM.
Fish activity has slowed down with the colder weather, but you can still catch some trout. Dry fly activity is minimal, but you can get some action with smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges. For nymphing, try using a Chubby Chernobyl to a Perdigon to an RS2 or Magic BWO. If you prefer streamers, an articulated Cheech Leach or a Mini Dungeon could attract a big brown trout.
For those looking to catch larger fish, the sections below Glenwood Springs and around Dotsero are good spots. However, be aware that there are some closures on the river for the Brown Trout Spawn, so make sure to check for any restricted areas before you start fishing.
Two hot spots to consider are the Pumphouse area near Kremmling and the stretch between State Bridge and Catamount. Pumphouse is renowned for its fishing and rafting, with several access points to the Colorado River where you can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasionally kokanee salmon. The stretch between State Bridge and Catamount is particularly popular for float fishing and is known for its productive brown trout fishing.
Remember to follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet, especially if you need to take a photo.
Good luck on the water
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
First, let's clarify that the Colorado River in Colorado does not have tidal influences, as it is a freshwater river far from the ocean. So, we won't be worrying about tides here.
As of December 28, 2024, the Upper Colorado River from Pumphouse to State Bridge is iced up and cold, making it less accessible for fishing. However, the Lower Colorado River from Dotsero down is still fishable.
The weather is cold, with the river water temperatures being quite low. Sunrise today is around 7:20 AM, and sunset will be at about 4:30 PM.
Fish activity has slowed down with the colder weather, but you can still catch some trout. Dry fly activity is minimal, but you can get some action with smaller flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Midges. For nymphing, try using a Chubby Chernobyl to a Perdigon to an RS2 or Magic BWO. If you prefer streamers, an articulated Cheech Leach or a Mini Dungeon could attract a big brown trout.
For those looking to catch larger fish, the sections below Glenwood Springs and around Dotsero are good spots. However, be aware that there are some closures on the river for the Brown Trout Spawn, so make sure to check for any restricted areas before you start fishing.
Two hot spots to consider are the Pumphouse area near Kremmling and the stretch between State Bridge and Catamount. Pumphouse is renowned for its fishing and rafting, with several access points to the Colorado River where you can catch brown trout, rainbow trout, and occasionally kokanee salmon. The stretch between State Bridge and Catamount is particularly popular for float fishing and is known for its productive brown trout fishing.
Remember to follow the Keep Em Wet philosophy and keep the fish wet, especially if you need to take a photo.
Good luck on the water
This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI