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Colorado River Fishing Report: Tailwater Trout, Reservoir Trophies, and Fall Hatches
Hey there, folks. Artificial Lure here—your go-to for the straight scoop on Colorado River fishing around the state, especially those legendary tailwaters and canyons. Let’s dive into what’s biting, where, and how to make your next trip a ripper.
First off, the “Colorado River” as we know it in Colorado means the Upper Colorado (west of the Continental Divide) and its tributaries, but most folks are asking about the top trout tailwaters like the South Platte (Cheesman and Elevenmile Canyons), and since you didn’t specify east or west, I’ll focus on those famous eastern canyons—Cheesman and Elevenmile—where the fall action is hot and the scenery is even hotter. These waters are clear, cold, and technical year-round, but early fall is pure magic.
Let’s tackle the daily stats. For tidal info—well, we ain’t got tides here in the Rockies, but flows matter big time. Angler’s Covey reports Cheesman Canyon’s flow is sitting pretty at 270 cfs, just about prime for autumn. Elevenmile Canyon is running lower, around 119 cfs, but the fishing remains strong for those who work the water. Cheesman Reservoir is nearly full at 94% and Denver Water is keeping it dialed in. If you’re chasing big, educated rainbows and browns—or the elusive cutthroat and cutbow—these tailwaters hold ‘em all, with Cheesman being the holy grail for technical dry fly and nymph junkies.
Weather’s been cool and damp thanks to a monsoonal pattern, but according to Angler’s Covey, things are drying out and warming up fast. Mornings have been chilly—think 38 degrees—but we’re heading for highs in the upper 70s and low 80s by early next week. Expect the usual afternoon breeze, and don’t forget your layers. Sunrise today is around 7:15 a.m. and sunset’s just after 6:00 p.m.—plenty of daylight to get after it.
Now, let’s talk fish. Cheesman Canyon remains one of the toughest—and most rewarding—stretches in the state. The rainbows are big, smart, and stacked in deep pocket water and undercut boulders. Nymphing’s the ticket right now, with bigger stoneflies, worms, and junk flies drawing strikes. Hopper and dry-dropper action has slowed but is still possible in the right spots. Hatches are diverse: PMDs, caddis, tricos, midges, yellow sallies, and cranefly larva are all on the menu. You’ll need your A-game—9- to 12-foot leaders, 5X or 6X tippet, and the patience of a saint. Classic patterns? Cheesman Emergers, Amy’s Ants, Murphy’s Bubbleback and Blindside Midges, Dorsey’s Top Secret, Medallion Midges, stonefly nymphs, caddis larva, and scuds. The further up-canyon you go, the fewer anglers you’ll see—trust me, it’s worth the walk.
Elevenmile Canyon is a little more forgiving, with solid dry fly action for tricos at first light, followed by PMDs, caddis, and a smattering of hoppers later in the day. Nymphing is still king, especially with small, subtle patterns like foamback emergers, RS2s, pheasant tails, Barr’s PMD emergers, short shank caddis, and zebra midges. Dries like Griffiths gnats, parachute Adams, elk hair caddis, and trico spinners round out the box. Streamer junkies can throw Baby Gongas, Slumpbusters, or wooly buggers for aggressive browns and rainbows. Elevenmile’s a great spot if you want a bit more solitude, and it’s open all year thanks to steady, cold releases from the dam.
If you’re on the lake (Elevenmile Reservoir), 11 Mile Marina’s report says trout action is good—some days great—with nightcrawlers, Power Bait, Tas Devils, and Kastmasters all producing. Color patterns that are hot: pumpkin pepper, greens, white, and the “Demented” and “Snake River” specials from Dry Creek. Northern pike are fair to good, with lures and spinnerbaits taking fish 34 to 38 inches—try the coves around Witchers and Denver Water boat dock mid-morning to mid-afternoon. Kokanee salmon are
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Published on 2 months, 1 week ago