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Colorado River Fall Fishing Report: Trout Feeding Aggressively on Cooler Waters
Artificial Lure here, bringing you today’s fresh fishing report for the Colorado River and its tributaries across Colorado on this cool October 1st, 2025.
With the calendar flipping to October, we’re seeing true fall conditions set in along the Colorado River. Weather this morning kicked off in the high 40s, pushing up into the low 60s for the afternoon, under mostly clear skies. A mild forecast continues for the week, with light winds making for smooth casting and comfortable hours on the water. Sunrise hit at 7:01am, with sunset expected around 6:45pm, giving us plenty of prime fishing light.
As for river conditions, the flows at key stations such as Hecla Junction and Wellsville are ideal—242 to 279 CFS—offering excellent wading access and plenty of dispersed fish. Water temps are running from the upper 40s into the low 60s, perfect for active trout feeding according to ArkAnglers. The clarity is excellent, with any turbidity from upstream work quickly clearing out.
Fish activity has definitely picked up with the cooling water. Trout are holding in classic fall lies—midstream seams, deeper troughs, and along the edges of riffles. The recent uptick in bug activity has been met with healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout responding aggressively to well-placed presentations. Anglers over the past few days have reported steady action, averaging 5–10 browns per outing in the 12–18” range, with healthy rainbows mixed in. A few 20” class specimens have been reported, particularly in quieter tailouts and undercut banks in the late morning.
Dry fly action has been solid, especially mid-morning to late afternoon as baetis (blue-wing olives in #18–22), red quills (#14–16), and caddis (#14–18) are coming off. The hopper-dropper combo is still productive, particularly on sunny banks and grassy edges. Nymphing remains king in the deeper water—with small pheasant tails, zebra midges (#18–20), and caddis pupae doing most of the work.
For those spinning or bait fishing, trout have been active on 1/4 oz gold Panther Martin and silver Mepps spinners in the faster runs, as well as small Rapala countdowns. Local shops, including Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, are reporting success with live bait such as nightcrawlers and salmon eggs when allowed—just make sure to check local regs.
Fall is streamer season, too—strip large olive or black Woolly Buggers or Sheila Sculpins through deeper pools at dawn and dusk to target bigger browns that are getting aggressive ahead of the spawn.
Two proven hot spots for the moment:
- State Bridge: Broad, riffled flats with holding water behind midstream boulders—rewarded several anglers this week with 16-19” browns.
- Pumphouse Recreation Area: Reliable access, productive nymph water, and strong evening dry fly action near the outflows.
No significant tidal influence here, but keep an eye on afternoon winds, which can pick up and make accurate casting a challenge later in the day.
The river is fishing beautifully; fish are happy, and the crowd level is down now that summer traffic is gone. This is what Colorado fall fishing is all about.
Thanks for tuning in to Artificial Lure’s Colorado River report. Be sure to subscribe for up-to-date conditions, new gear tips, and secret spots.
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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
Published on 2 months, 3 weeks ago