Colorado River
Middle (Pumphose to Dotsero)
Recent Guide Reports
Trending Flies in Recent Reports
- Parachute BWO
- BWO
- Prince Nymph
- Sex Dungeon
- Pheasant Tail
- Sparkle Dunn BWO
- Brook's Sprout Midge
- Autumn Splendor
- Parachute Adams
- Copper John
Current Conditions
Gauge Flow
High Water Warning
Gauge Height
Water Temperature
Water Temperature Over 68°F
Condition Graphs
Fly Shop Directory
Recent Guide Reports
Dec 08
Taylor Creek Fly Shop - Aspen
Posted on 26 November 2024
Colorado River ReportDecember 8, 2024FLOW: 1520 CFS below Glenwood SpringsWATER CLARITY: Clear
OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Blue Winged Olives, Sculpins, Midges
THE LOWDOWN: The Colorado is low and clear this time of year, with the exception of any strong snow + sun cycles that can add color from both the Canyon and the Fork. Ice may form overnight with colder temps, making fishing frustrating in the morning hours, but it usually clears up by ~2PM.
Fishing tends to start slow and heat up as the day continues. Mornings are best tackled with your small-fly box, but break out the heavy nymphs and streamers as the fish "wake up." Hatches have been weak, but sub-surface has been great. Most of you know that cloudy days are best, especially for a slow-release hatch, and especially for throwing streamers.
The Colorado is a big, brawling river- ideal for a drift boat but it can be accessed on foot. This river is a bit more of a quality than a quantity fishery, so be prepared to hook onto some pissed-off fish that will dump your reel in a few seconds.
Wade-fishers should exercise caution in the biggest river of the valley, but popular wading spots include the confluence with the Roaring Fork, Dino Boat ramp (both above and below the ramp) and upstream of South Canyon rapid.APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:DRIES: Irresistible Adams 18-24, Parachute Adams 16-18, TC Custom BWO Sparkledun 20-22, Roy's Special Emerger 20, Sprout Midge 20, Griffith's Gnat 20NYMPHS: Cat Poop Stonefly Nymph 6-12, Stott's Raisinette 20, Stott's Bad Carl 20, Magnymphico 16-18, Bead Head Swiss Straw Emerger 16-18, Tungsten Redemption 16-18, Iron Lotus 16-18, Double Down CDC PT 16-18, Prince Nymph 14-18, Jigged Tungsten Guide's Choice Hare's Ear 14-18, Hot Orange Bead Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail 16-18, Perdigon 16-18, Jigged Tungsten Blow Torch 14-18, Copper John 16-18, BTS Baetis 20-22STREAMERS: Double Dirty Hippy, Dali Lama, Autumn Splendor, Carlton Banks, Stott's Conehead Ziwi, Swim Coach, Meal TicketHINTS: Fish are likely to be holding deep where they can still find cover in the low and clear water.https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09085100/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D
Colorado River ReportDecember 8, 2024FLOW: 1520 CFS below Glenwood SpringsWATER CLARITY: Clear
OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Blue Winged Olives, Sculpins, Midges
THE LOWDOWN: The Colorado is low and clear this time of year, with the exception of any strong snow + sun cycles that can add color from both the Canyon and the Fork. Ice may form overnight with colder temps, making fishing frustrating in the morning hours, but it usually clears up by ~2PM.
Fishing tends to start slow and heat up as the day continues. Mornings are best tackled with your small-fly box, but break out the heavy nymphs and streamers as the fish "wake up." Hatches have been weak, but sub-surface has been great. Most of you know that cloudy days are best, especially for a slow-release hatch, and especially for throwing streamers.
The Colorado is a big, brawling river- ideal for a drift boat but it can be accessed on foot. This river is a bit more of a quality than a quantity fishery, so be prepared to hook onto some pissed-off fish that will dump your reel in a few seconds.
Wade-fishers should exercise caution in the biggest river of the valley, but popular wading spots include the confluence with the Roaring Fork, Dino Boat ramp (both above and below the ramp) and upstream of South Canyon rapid.APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:DRIES: Irresistible Adams 18-24, Parachute Adams 16-18, TC Custom BWO Sparkledun 20-22, Roy's Special Emerger 20, Sprout Midge 20, Griffith's Gnat 20NYMPHS: Cat Poop Stonefly Nymph 6-12, Stott's Raisinette 20, Stott's Bad Carl 20, Magnymphico 16-18, Bead Head Swiss Straw Emerger 16-18, Tungsten Redemption 16-18, Iron Lotus 16-18, Double Down CDC PT 16-18, Prince Nymph 14-18, Jigged Tungsten Guide's Choice Hare's Ear 14-18, Hot Orange Bead Jigged CDC Pheasant Tail 16-18, Perdigon 16-18, Jigged Tungsten Blow Torch 14-18, Copper John 16-18, BTS Baetis 20-22STREAMERS: Double Dirty Hippy, Dali Lama, Autumn Splendor, Carlton Banks, Stott's Conehead Ziwi, Swim Coach, Meal TicketHINTS: Fish are likely to be holding deep where they can still find cover in the low and clear water.https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09085100/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D