The Colorado River finds its source in Rocky Mountain National Park,
flows through the Kewuneeche Valley on the western side of the park, then enters
Shadow Mountain Reservoir near the town of Granby. There is a tail water stretch
of about 2 miles below Shadow Mountain, then the river creates Lake Granby. The
river parallels US 40 to the town of Kremmling, then enters Gore Canyon. Take 1RD
to Pumphouse State Bridge. The river follows the Colorado River Road to Dotsero,
then parallels I-70 through Glenwood Canyon, through Glenwood Springs and on to
the Utah border.
Water:
The water types vary significantly from the small stream structure of the
headwaters, through the meandering meadows in the Park. The area from Granby
through Kremmling contains water that may be safely waded for much of the year.
After the confluence of the Blue River near Kremmling, the Colorado becomes a
floatable river for much of the season. The water textures throughout vary from
riffle/run to longer pools and flats.
Access:
There are many access points through the course of the Colorado. 1. RMNP in Kewuneeche Valley access from US34; many parking pull-outs and short hike
through willows: watch for moose! 2. Shadow Mountain tail water stretch of 2
miles. 3. Byers Canyon SWA accessed from Hwy. 40; 4. Paul Gilbert lease and Lone
Buck accessed from Hwy 40; 5. Kemp Breeze Unit – also from Hwy 40; 6. Sunset
Unit (Hwy 40) 7. Pumphouse 1RD after Gore Canyon; 8. Radium – 1RD; 9. Rancho
del Rio – 1RD; 10. State Bridge – 1RD and 131 Hwy. 11. Catamount Bridge –
131 Hwy; 12. Burns – Colorado River Road; 13. Grizzly Creek – I-70; Glenwood
Springs – Confluence Park off I-70; 15. New Castle – off I-70 at New Castle
exit.
Fish:
The brown trout population is very strong through most of the Colorado River
System. The fish will average 12-14 inches, but fish to 20 inches are not
uncommon. The rainbow population has been hurt by whirling disease, but nice
fish are still caught in many stretches of the lower river. In RMNP there are
both cutthroat and brookies present.
Bugs:
The river has it all. Most famous hatch is the Pteronarcys stonefly in May and
early June. There are wonderful and prolific caddis hatches during summer
months. June and July will see hatches of Green Drakes and PMD’s. The trico
hatch is active in August and there is a fine hatch of BWO’s in September.
Many parts of the river are ideal for fishing terrestrials.
Flies:
In addition to the patterns that imitate the above insects, in the larger parts
of the river try large streamer patterns and stone fly nymphs for big browns.
Attractor patterns are excellent.
Techniques:
When fishing streamers and large nymphs you have to do some deep dredging while
hitting the banks and anything that resembles cover. The float fishing below Pumphouse can be very good with dry fly fishing being excellent during much of
the year.
Seasons:
During winter months the upper river is unfishable due to ice, while the middle
and lower river may be fishable, depending on air and water temperatures. The
area around Glenwood Springs can be very good during the winter months. Other
than that, the river is pretty much open and fishable most of the season, with
runoff being a consideration depending on snowpack.
Rating:
Good to excellent. Expect to find some real trophy fish in the big canyon areas.
There are some very big brown trout in this river and once in a while, one will
show itself and even eat a large fly!
Back to
Fishing Reports
