As of November 15, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the cooling weather. First, let's talk about the conditions: the Colorado River is a freestone fishery with no dams within the state, so water flow and clarity can vary significantly depending on the section you're fishing.

Currently, the flows are stable, with a flow rate of about 556 cubic feet per second near Kremmling and around 2,080 cubic feet per second near Glenwood Springs, which is slightly below normal levels but still manageable for both wading and floating. The water clarity is good, especially in the upper sections, with about 3 feet of visibility.

The weather is cooling down, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Sunrise today is around 6:30 AM, and sunset is about 4:45 PM. There are no tidal changes to worry about since this is a freshwater river.

Fish activity remains robust, particularly in the slower seams and eddies. Brown trout are in their spawning season, so it's crucial to respect the redds and give them a wide berth. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of trout, including large Browns and Rainbows, as well as some native Colorado River Cutthroats.

For dry fly fishing, patterns like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), Parachute Adams, and Elk Hair Caddis have been very effective. For nymphing, try using patterns like Pat's Rubber Legs, Pheasant Tails, and small midge nymphs. Streamer fishing has also been productive, especially with small flashy streamers like the Barely Legal or Sparkle Minnow.

If you're looking for hot spots, the Pumphouse area is an excellent section to wade fish right now. The meadow downstream of the parking area features braids, riffles, and undercut banks, while hiking upstream leads into the breathtaking Gore Canyon with powerful rapids and first-class trout fishing. Another great spot is the upper Colorado from Pumphouse to Dotsero, where trout are holding in the eddies and slow seams.

Remember to check the local fishing access points and respect the spawning areas to protect future generations of fish. Enjoy your day on the Colorado River