As of November 8, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities, despite the changing seasons.

First, it's important to note that the Colorado River is a freshwater river, so there are no tidal reports to consider. The flow rates are stable, which is ideal for fishing.

The weather forecast looks fantastic for fall, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Daytime temperatures are expected to be in the mid-50s to low 60s, while nighttime temperatures will dip into the 30s. Sunrise is around 7:30 AM, and sunset will be approximately at 5:30 PM, giving you a full day to enjoy the river.

Fish activity has been robust, particularly in the morning and late afternoon. The river tends to slow down a bit after 3:00 PM, so plan your day accordingly. You can expect to see hatches of Midges, Baetis, Blue Winged Olives (BWOs), Caddis, and Yellow Sallies. Dry fly fishing has been particularly good, with smaller flies like BWO Comparadun and Christiansons BWO seeing a lot of action. Nymphing is also reliable, with patterns like Pats Rubber Leg, Trinas Tung Tied PMD, and Rainbow Warriors producing well.

For those looking to float, the Pumphouse Recreation Area is a great spot. This area offers miles of river both downstream and upstream, featuring braids, riffles, and undercut banks. Downstream of the parking area, the river winds through a large meadow, while hiking upstream leads into the mighty Gore Canyon, known for its breathtaking spires and powerful rapids.

Another hot spot is the section from Gore Canyon to the town of Rifle, where the river is in good shape and fishing has been productive. Here, you can use hopper dropper rigs, such as a large Chubby Chernobyl with a Pats Rubber Leg underneath, or streamers like sculpin or buggers to target larger fish.

In terms of the types of fish caught, the Colorado River is home to a healthy population of trout, including browns and rainbows. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a mix of these species using the mentioned fly patterns.

Overall, the Colorado River is in great shape for fishing right now, with plenty of opportunities for both wade and float anglers. Enjoy your day on the water