Colorado River Fly Fishing Report
Includes Gold Medal stretchesFour separately-gauged stretches: Hot Sulphur Springs, Parshall below the Williams Fork, Pumphouse / Radium using the upstream Kremmling gauge, and the legacy Dotsero reach. Use the reading for your destination, not a downstream substitute. Guides and local shops report preferred fishing-flow windows of roughly 600–1500 cfs on the Near Dotsero reach and 200–500 cfs on the Hot Sulphur Springs / Byers Canyon reach and 200–300 cfs on the Parshall (below Williams Fork confluence) reach and 600–1000 cfs on the Pumphouse / Radium (Kremmling gauge) reach (FlyGuysNLies; FishFlyWater (valley fishing guidance); Grand County angling study (2010)). Live gauge data below updates automatically.
Near Dotsero
Hot Sulphur Springs / Byers Canyon
Parshall (below Williams Fork confluence)
Pumphouse / Radium (Kremmling gauge)
What's swimming in the Colorado River
- The Kremmling-to-Dotsero reach is dominated by Brown and Rainbow Trout, supplemented by Mountain Whitefish and incidental Brook and Cutthroat Trout (CPW fishery survey).
- The Lyons Gulch reach nearest Dotsero can hold Brown Trout numbers exceeding 1,000 fish per mile; CPW stocked whirling-disease-resistant Rainbow Trout here after 2012 flash floods cut brown trout biomass by 81% (CPW fishery survey).
- Mountain Whitefish juveniles are abundant at Lyons Gulch; CPW set a statewide 4-fish daily whitefish bag limit in 2021 (CPW fishery survey).
- The 32-mile Gold Medal reach (Gore Canyon to Rock Creek near McCoy) sits upstream of Dotsero, not at the Dotsero gauge itself (CPW fishery survey).
Rivers and creeks that flow into the Colorado River
41 hold fish on Colorado Parks and Wildlife's records, listed from the headwaters down. Open one for where to fish and its rules.
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Baker Gulch Cutthroat trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 9 miles up the creek · About 2 miles by the Jack Creek Trail and the Baker Gulch Trail from the Jack Creek Trailhead
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 6 miles N of Grand Lake. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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North Inlet Cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
Rocky Mountain National Park - Wilderness
CPW access point · Difficult access
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Grand Lake. It flows year-round.
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Twin Creek Rainbow and brook trout
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 5 miles S of Grand Lake. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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Arapaho Creek Brown trout
Where to fish
Arapaho NRA
CPW access point · Medium access
CPW special rules
From Monarch Lake downstream to USFS 125
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Bag and possession limit for trout is 2.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 7 miles NE of Granby. It flows year-round.
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Willow Creek Brown and brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 17 miles up the creek · Forest Road 108.1
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 4 miles N of Granby. It flows year-round.
-
Fraser River Brown, rainbow and brook trout
Where to fish
Confluence Park and Arapaho National Forest
CPW access point
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 4 miles NW of Granby. It flows year-round.
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Kinney Creek Cutthroat trout
Where to fish
BLM land stretch
About 2.5 miles up the creek · BLM road 2755
CPW special rules
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Cutthroat must be returned to water immediately.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 4 miles NE of Hot Sulphur Springs. It flows year-round.
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Little Muddy Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 9 miles up the creek · Forest Road 134.1, high-clearance, open Jun 15 to Nov 15
CPW special rules
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Cutthroat must be returned to water immediately.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Parshall. It flows year-round.
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Williams Fork Brown, rainbow and brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 16 miles up the creek · Forest Road 138.1F, high-clearance, open Jun 15 to Nov 15
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Parshall. It flows year-round.
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Corral Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 11 miles up the creek · Forest Road 125.1
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Parshall. It flows year-round.
Show all 41
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Rock Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 3 miles W of Parshall. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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Reeder Creek Brown trout
Where to fish
BLM land stretch
About a mile up the creek · County Highway 33
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 5 miles W of Parshall. It flows seasonally along most of its length.
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Troublesome Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 24 miles up the creek · Forest Road 107.1, high-clearance
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 4 miles E of Kremmling. It flows year-round.
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Muddy Creek Brown and rainbow trout, plus 4 other species
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 55 miles up the creek · Forest Road 100.1
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Kremmling. It flows year-round. CPW also records mountain whitefish, channel catfish, common carp and smallmouth bass.
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Blue River Brown and rainbow trout, plus 2 other species
Where to fish
Blue River SWA - Sutton Unit and Blue River SWA - Blue River Unit
CPW access point · Medium access · Stocked with catchable trout
Breckenridge Satellite Parking
CPW access point · Easy access · Stocked with catchable trout
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Kremmling. It flows year-round. CPW also records cutbows and kokanee salmon.
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Blacktail Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
Radium SWA - Trail Creek Unit
CPW access point · Difficult access
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 10 miles NE of Bond. It flows year-round.
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Piney River Brown, cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
White River National Forest
CPW access point · Easy access
Eagles Nest Wilderness Area
CPW access point · Medium access
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 3 miles SE of Bond. It flows year-round.
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Rock Creek Brown, rainbow and brook trout
Where to fish
Rock Creek SWA
CPW access point · Medium access
About it
It joins the Colorado River at McCoy. It flows year-round.
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Cabin Creek Cutthroat trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 12 miles up the creek · About 2.5 miles by the Indian Cliffs Trail from Forest Road 610.1, high-clearance, open May 21 to Nov 22
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Burns. It flows year-round.
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Derby Creek Rainbow and brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 10 miles up the creek · Forest Road 612.1A, high-clearance, open May 21 to Nov 22
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Burns. It flows year-round.
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Red Dirt Creek Rainbow and cutthroat trout
Where to fish
BLM land stretch
About half a mile up the creek · BLM road 8458
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 7 miles SW of Burns. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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Sweetwater Creek Brown, cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
White River National Forest
CPW access point · Medium access
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 5 miles N of Dotsero. It flows year-round.
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Deep Creek Brook trout
Where to fish
White River National Forest
CPW access point · Medium access
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Dotsero. It flows year-round.
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Eagle River Brown, rainbow and brook trout, plus 1 other species
Where to fish
Eagle River SWA
CPW access point · Easy access · Stocked with young trout
Eagle River Preserve
CPW access point · Easy access
Gypsum Ponds SWA
CPW access point · Easy access · Stocked with young trout
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Dotsero. It flows year-round. CPW also records mountain whitefish.
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No Name Creek Brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
White River National Forest
CPW access point · Medium access
CPW special rules
From the confluence with the Colorado River upstream for ½ mile
- Fishing prohibited March 15–May 31 and Oct. 1–Nov. 30.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at No Name. It flows year-round.
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Roaring Fork River Brown and rainbow trout, plus 1 other species
Where to fish
Roaring Fork SWA - Gianinetti Easement
CPW access point · Medium access · Stocked with young trout
Jackson SWA
CPW access point · Easy access · Stocked with young trout
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. It flows year-round. CPW also records mountain whitefish.
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Mitchell Creek Cutthroat trout
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
CPW special rules
From the headwaters downstream to the upper boundary of the Glenwood Springs Fish Hatchery
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Cutthroat must be returned to water immediately.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Glenwood Springs. It flows year-round.
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Canyon Creek Brown and rainbow trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 13 miles up the creek · Forest Road 601.2A, high-clearance, open May 21 to Nov 22
CPW special rules
From the north side of the I-70 Bridge downstream to the confluence with the Colorado River
- Fishing prohibited March 15–May 31 and Oct. 1–Nov. 30.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Chacra. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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Rifle Creek Rainbow trout
Where to fish
Rifle Gap State Park
CPW access point · Easy access · Stocked with catchable trout
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Rifle. It flows year-round.
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Beaver Creek Brown and cutthroat trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 8 miles up the creek · Forest Road 824.1, high-clearance, open May 21 to Nov 22
CPW special rules
- Artificial flies and lures only.
- Cutthroat must be returned to water immediately.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 6 miles SW of Rifle. It flows year-round.
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Cache Creek Cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
National forest stretch
About 9 miles up the creek · About 4 miles by the Battlement Trail A from Forest Road 847.1, high-clearance, open May 21 to Nov 22
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 5 miles NE of Battlement Mesa. It flows year-round.
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Battlement Creek Cutthroat trout
Where to fish
BLM land stretch
About 4 miles up the creek · County Road 302
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Battlement Mesa. It flows year-round.
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Parachute Creek Brown trout
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Parachute. It flows year-round.
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Wallace Creek Cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 5 miles SW of Parachute. It flows year-round along most of its length.
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Roan Creek Cutthroat and brook trout
Where to fish
BLM land stretch
About 33 miles up the creek · County Road 204
About it
It joins the Colorado River at De Beque. It flows year-round.
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Plateau Creek Brown, rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout, plus 1 other species
Where to fish
Vega State Park
CPW access point · Medium access
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 7 miles NE of Palisade. It flows year-round. CPW also records Snake River cutthroat.
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Gunnison River Brown and rainbow trout, plus 8 other species
Where to fish
Delta SWA
CPW access point · Medium access
Gunnison River SWA
CPW access point
CPW special rules
Special CPW rules apply on parts of it; its guide lists them.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Grand Junction. CPW also records Snake River cutthroat, cutbows, kokanee salmon, channel catfish, common carp, green sunfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass.
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Persigo Wash Brown trout, plus 4 other species
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Redlands. It flows seasonally along most of its length. CPW also records black bullhead, common carp, green sunfish and largemouth bass.
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Hunter Wash Green sunfish
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 2 miles N of Redlands. It flows seasonally along most of its length.
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Adobe Creek Common carp and green sunfish
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River at Fruita. It flows seasonally along most of its length.
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Salt Creek Black bullhead
Where to fish
We found no CPW access point or public-land stretch on it. Check land ownership before you fish.
About it
It joins the Colorado River about 3 miles SW of Mack. It flows year-round.
Show 97 more named tributaries (no CPW fish data)
These also flow straight into the Colorado River. Colorado Parks and Wildlife has no fish data for them; some may still hold fish.
- Bennett Creek
- Specimen Creek
- Lady Creek
- Lulu Creek
- Sawmill Creek
- Little Dutch Creek
- Big Dutch Creek
- Lost Creek
- Opposition Creek
- Squeak Creek
- Beaver Creek
- Timber Creek
- Onahu Creek
- Little Columbine Creek
- Supply Creek
- Irving Hale Creek
- Ranger Creek
- Grouse Creek
- Roaring Fork Arapaho Creek
- Pole Creek
- Columbine Creek
- Soda Creek
- Stillwater Creek
- Coyote Creek
- Smith Creek
- Drowsy Water Creek
- Marietta Creek
- Sheriff Creek
- Gardiner Creek
- Ute Bill Creek
- Heimbaugh Creek
- Beaver Creek
- Jensen Creek
- Sheep Creek
- Canyon Creek
- Sheephorn Creek
- Sheep Creek
- Trail Creek
- Elk Creek
- Goodson Creek
- Yarmony Creek
- Antelope Creek
- Elk Creek
- Stifel Creek
- Tepee Creek
- Big Alkali Creek
- Posey Creek
- Alamo Creek
- Poison Creek
- Willow Creek
- Horse Creek
- Cottonwood Creek
- Spruce Creek
- Ike Creek
- French Creek
- Dead Horse Creek
- Cinnamon Creek
- Devils Hole Creek
- Deadmans Creek
- Bear Creek
- Grizzly Creek
- Grindstone Creek
- Cascade Creek
- Oasis Creek
- Paradise Creek
- South Canyon Creek
- Elk Creek
- Alkali Creek
- Garfield Creek
- Divide Creek
- Mamm Creek
- Dry Creek
- Porcupine Creek
- Spruce Creek
- Cottonwood Creek
- Allenwater Creek
- Dry Creek
- Pete and Bill Creek
- Spring Creek
- Little Alkali Creek
- Alkali Creek
- Horsethief Creek
- Little Horsethief Creek
- Cottonwood Creek
- Asbury Creek
- Jerry Creek
- Rapid Creek
- Watson Creek
- Sink Creek
- Lewis Wash
- Indian Wash
- Leach Creek
- Pritchard Wash
- Little Salt Wash
- Big Salt Wash
- Reed Wash
- McDonald Creek
Species and special rules are Colorado Parks and Wildlife's. Statewide rules apply everywhere. Before you fish, check land ownership, CPW's current regulations and its temporary closures for drought and low water.
How we pick these
Species are CPW's records from its Fishing Atlas. A creek missing from this list may still hold fish; CPW simply has no record for it. The list runs in the order each one joins the Colorado River, from the headwaters down, and "joins" names the nearest town to where it does on the same side of the mountains: a Census place, or a town with its own post office. Flow is how USGS maps each channel, not a live reading.
Special rules are the ones CPW writes for each creek in its Fishing Atlas. Rules CPW writes for the river itself, such as closures around a creek's mouth, are not repeated on the creek, and no directions lead into water CPW closes all year.
A national forest stretch is one that both the Forest Service's and BLM's ownership maps show as national forest for at least half a mile of the creek, with a road on the Forest Service's motor vehicle map within 500 feet; directions go to that road. Where a line names a trail, the Forest Service trail comes within 500 feet of the creek instead, and directions go to its trailhead; from where the trail enters the forest, the whole way is national forest in both maps. A BLM or state park stretch is one that both BLM's land map and the USGS Protected Areas Database (which must record it as open access) show as that land for at least half a mile of the creek, with a public road within 500 feet; state parks charge an entry fee. Maps can be wrong and road seasons change. Away from CPW access points, check land ownership before you fish.
Getting to the Colorado River
Four gauges do not mean continuous public access. Hot Sulphur is upstream of the Williams Fork input; Parshall is downstream. Pumphouse / Radium uses the upstream Kremmling gauge as a flow reference, not a reading at every access point.
- Hot Sulphur Springs / Byers Canyon: CPW identifies the Paul F. Gilbert Fishing Area and Joe Gerrans Unit at the Highway 40 Colorado River bridge about three miles west of town, and Lone Buck Unit about 3.5 miles west. Follow signed SWA boundaries and designated access; visitors 16+ need the applicable license or SWA pass (CPW Hot Sulphur Springs SWA).
- Parshall: Kemp-Breeze SWA provides public fishing, with a license or SWA pass required for visitors 16+. The Breeze Unit hay meadow wetland is closed March 15 to July 15; Kids Pond has separate eligibility restrictions. Follow the agency map and signs rather than assuming all nearby banks are public (CPW Kemp-Breeze SWA).
- Pumphouse / Radium: Pumphouse has day-use parking, three boat-ramp sites and foot trails for wade-fishing access. Radium is a separate developed access downstream. Federal passes or day-use fees apply; a Colorado State Park pass is not a substitute. Stay within public boundaries and keep launch lanes clear (BLM Pumphouse; BLM Radium).
- Dotsero Landing (BLM, with Eagle County Open Space) has a concrete boat ramp and a seasonal restroom, May 15–Nov. 15 (BLM Dotsero Landing).
- Lyons Gulch Boat Launch (BLM), 3.8 miles up Colorado River Road from the Dotsero I-70 exit, has a boat launch, toilet and five campsites, no fee; restroom closed Nov. 15–May 15, no cat holes near the river, stay limits 7 days (Apr–Aug) / 14 days (Sept–Mar) (BLM Lyons Gulch).
- Cottonwood Site / Cottonwood Island (BLM), 5.9 miles north of the Dotsero exit, has a boat ramp, picnic site and vault toilet; camping is allowed only on the island, not at the parking area, picnic sites or ramp (BLM Cottonwood Site).
- Two Bridges (BLM, with Eagle County), upstream of Dotsero off Highway 131, has a boat ramp, ADA parking and restroom (BLM Two Bridges).
- CPW: "Public access is good throughout, with much of the river accessible and managed by the Bureau of Land Management" (CPW fishery survey).
- Gold MedalFraser River to Troublesome Creek: includes the Hot Sulphur and Parshall reaches. From Lake Granby Dam to the Highway 40 bridge about three miles west of Hot Sulphur, the trout bag and possession limit is two; from that bridge downstream to Troublesome Creek, artificial flies and lures only and all trout released. Gold Medal designation is not itself a catch-and-release rule (CPW special regulations).
- Gold MedalCanyon Creek (Gore Canyon) to Rock Creek near McCoy -- 32 miles, upstream of Dotsero itself; a 2-trout bag applies from Troublesome Creek down to I-70 exit 90 at Rifle (CPW fishery survey; CPW special regulations).
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What’s hatching on the Colorado River
12 insects, from the published hatch charts of 5 fly shops, guides and fishing sites. Tap an insect to see where its dates come from. Every river, month by month →
Chart for
Blue-Winged Olives (BWO)Mar – May and Aug – Nov · hook #16–228 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Blue Winged Olive (spring)”: Mar 15 – May 22 · #16-22
- Fly Shack “Blue Winged Olive (fall)”: Aug 23 – Sep 22 · #16-22
- Big Y Fly Co “BWO (spring)”: Mar 15 – May 15 · #16-20
- Big Y Fly Co “BWO (fall)”: Sep 1 – Oct 31 · #16-20
- FlyFishFinder “Blue-Winged Olive”: Mar – May (months only) · #18-22
- FlyFishFinder “Blue-Winged Olive”: Sep – Nov (months only) · #18-22
- Alpine Angling “Blue Winged Olives”: Mar – May (months only) · #16-20
- Alpine Angling “Blue Winged Olives”: Aug – Sep (months only) · #16-20
CaddisMar – Sep 30 · hook #10–184 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Caddis (various)”: Apr 15 – Sep 30 · #10-18
- Big Y Fly Co “Caddis”: Apr 15 – Sep 15 · #10-18
- FlyFishFinder “Caddis”: May – Sep (months only) · #14-18
- Alpine Angling “Caddis”: Mar – Sep (months only) · #10-18
Golden StonefliesMay – Aug 31 · hook #6–124 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Golden Stonefly”: Jun 15 – Aug 22 · #8-10
- Big Y Fly Co “Golden Stone”: Jun 1 – Aug 31 · #8-10
- FlyFishFinder “Golden Stonefly”: May – Jun (months only) · #6-10
- Alpine Angling “Golden Stoneflies”: May – Aug (months only) · #8-12
SalmonfliesMay 15 – Jul · hook #4–103 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Salmon Fly”: May 23 – Jun 30 · #4-6
- Big Y Fly Co “Salmonfly”: May 15 – Jun 30 · #4-6
- Alpine Angling “Salmonflies”: Jun – Jul (months only) · #6-10
Green DrakesJun – Aug · hook #10–142 sources
Where these dates come from:
- FlyFishFinder (Colorado statewide chart) “Green Drake”: Jul (months only) · #10-12
- Alpine Angling “Green Drakes”: Jun – Aug (months only) · #10-14
Pale Morning Duns (PMD)Jun – Sep · hook #14–203 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Pale Morning Dun”: Jun 23 – Aug 22 · #16-20
- Big Y Fly Co “PMD”: Jun 15 – Aug 30 · #16-18
- Alpine Angling “Pale Morning Duns”: Jun – Sep (months only) · #14-18
Red QuillsJun – Sep · hook #10–183 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Red Quill”: Jul 8 – Aug 22 · #14-18
- Big Y Fly Co “Red Quill”: Jul 15 – Aug 30 · #10-16
- Alpine Angling “Red Quills”: Jun – Sep (months only) · #12-16
Yellow SalliesJun – Sep · hook #14–162 sources
Where these dates come from:
- FlyFishFinder “Yellow Sally”: Jun – Aug (months only) · #14-16
- Alpine Angling “Yellow Sallies”: Jul – Sep (months only) · #14-16
Hoppers & terrestrialsJul – Sep · hook #6–184 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Terrestrials (various)”: Jul 8 – Sep 22 · #6-18
- Big Y Fly Co “Hoppers”: Jul 15 – Sep 25 · #6-12
- Alpine Angling “Hoppers”: Jul – Sep (months only) · #6-14
- Alpine Angling “Ants & Beetles”: Jul – Sep (months only) · #14-18
MidgesSep 1 – Mar 31 · hook #18–284 sources
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Midges (various, winter)”: Jan 1 – Mar 31 · #22-28
- Fly Shack “Midges (various, fall/winter)”: Sep 1 – Dec 31 · #22-28
- Big Y Fly Co “Midges”: Sep 1 – Oct 31 · #20-24
- Alpine Angling / Roaring Fork Anglers “Midges”: Sep – Mar (months only) · #18-24
Attractor patternsMay 1 – Sep 14 · hook #8–181 source
Where these dates come from:
- Fly Shack “Attractors (various)”: May 1 – Sep 14 · #8-18
Streamers & baitfishAll year · hook #2–121 source
Where these dates come from:
- Alpine Angling “Streamers”: Jan – Dec (months only) · #2-12
Some sources list only months, not days, so treat the dates as a guide and check conditions before you go.
17 fly pairings from real fishing reports
Browse 50 public pairings across the library. A Free account unlocks 5 more of your choice.
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Fly shops on the Colorado River
Colorado River fly fishing questions
What is a good flow (cfs) to fish the Colorado River?
Guides and local shops report ideal wade-fishing windows of roughly 600–1500 cfs on the Near Dotsero reach and 200–500 cfs on the Hot Sulphur Springs / Byers Canyon reach and 200–300 cfs on the Parshall (below Williams Fork confluence) reach and 600–1000 cfs on the Pumphouse / Radium (Kremmling gauge) reach of the Colorado River (FlyGuysNLies; FishFlyWater (valley fishing guidance); Grand County angling study (2010)). TroutTips shows the live current reading for each reach against its own range so you can check before you go.
Is the Colorado River designated Gold Medal water?
Yes, the Gold Medal designation includes these tracked stretches of the Colorado River: Hot Sulphur Springs / Byers Canyon; Parshall (below Williams Fork confluence); Pumphouse / Radium (Kremmling gauge). Check the access and regulations section for the exact boundaries; the designation does not cover the entire river.
What flies work on the Colorado River?
TroutTips tracks 17 fly pairings reported specifically on the Colorado River, each tied to a season and a real source. See the Fly Pairings section on this page for the full list.
Are there fly shops near the Colorado River?
Yes, Cutthroat Anglers, The Colorado Angler, Mountain Angler, Breckenridge Outfitters, Fly Fishing Colorado (Kremmling), Winter Park Flyfisher / Grand County Fly Fishing Co., Roaring Fork Anglers, Glenwood Hookers Fly Shop, Glenwood Springs Outdoors, Vail Valley Anglers, Fly Fishing Outfitters (Avon), Fly Fishing Outfitters (Vail), Gore Creek Fly Fisherman, Minturn Anglers (Minturn), Minturn Anglers (Vail), Taylor Creek Fly Shop, Frying Pan Anglers, Alpine Angling, Crystal Fly Shop, Aspen Flyfishing, Bucking Rainbow Outfitters guide this river. See the Nearby Fly Shops section on this page for details.