As the river that gives the state its name, the Colorado River is one of the most iconic fly fishing destinations in the Rocky Mountains. From its headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park to the canyon country of western Colorado, the river supports healthy populations of wild brown, rainbow, and cutthroat trout across a wide variety of landscapes and habitats. Mountain Angler fishes productive stretches from Hot Sulphur Springs all the way downstream to Rifle, including some of the most renowned trout water in the state. Along the way, anglers can experience everything from smaller freestone water and scenic canyons to broad riffles, deep runs, and long stretches of classic Western trout habitat. With abundant public access, excellent hatches, and spectacular mountain scenery, the Colorado River offers outstanding fly fishing opportunities throughout the season.
Colorado River Headwaters
Hot Sulphur Springs to Kremmling
The Colorado River from Hot Sulphur Springs to Kremmling is a classic freestone river featuring shallow riffles, fast runs, long glides, and slicks that provide excellent trout habitat. Just downstream of Hot Sulphur Springs, anglers can access the river through the Hot Sulphur Springs State Wildlife Area. Farther downstream, the river flows through Byers Canyon, a spectacular four-mile stretch of deep pocket water known for its rugged scenery and productive fishing. While several highway pull-offs provide access, reaching the river often requires a steep scramble down boulder-strewn slopes. Below Byers Canyon, the river flows through Lone Buck State Wildlife Area and Kemp-Breeze State Wildlife Area near the confluence of the Williams Fork River. Additional public access is available near Parshall at the Sunset, Reeder Creek, and Kremmling BLM leases before the Colorado joins the Blue River and enters Gore Canyon.
Williams Fork Tailwater
Flowing below Williams Fork Reservoir near Parshall, the Williams Fork Tailwater is one of Colorado’s most consistent and productive trout fisheries. Cold, stable releases from the reservoir create ideal conditions for healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout, many of which reach impressive sizes. Unlike the larger Colorado River nearby, the Williams Fork offers a more intimate fishing experience with riffles, runs, undercut banks, and deep pools that reward careful presentations and solid nymphing techniques. Midges, Blue-Winged Olives, caddis, and PMDs provide year-round opportunities, while lower flows often allow for excellent sight fishing and technical dry fly action. With easy public access and dependable fishing throughout the season, the Williams Fork Tailwater is a favorite destination for anglers seeking quality trout and classic tailwater conditions.
Upper Colorado River AKA The “Upper C”
Pumphouse to Dotsero
Gore Canyon offers a scenic and adventurous fly fishing experience for anglers looking to explore one of the Colorado River’s most rugged stretches. Accessed from Pumphouse Recreation Area, the canyon features steep terrain, pocket water, riffles, and fast-moving rapids set within a dramatic wilderness landscape.
Downstream from Pumphouse to Catamount Bridge, the river can be successfully waded from several BLM public access points, but this section has become especially popular for float fishing. Colorado Parks and Wildlife surveys have documented trout populations of 4,000–5,000 fish per mile in this reach, making it one of the most productive fisheries in the state. When flows drop into the ideal floating range of 600–1,000 CFS, typically by mid-August, anglers can easily navigate the Class I and II rapids while accessing miles of otherwise difficult-to-reach public water. Popular launch and take-out locations include Pumphouse, Radium, Rancho del Rio, State Bridge, Twin Bridges, Yellow Dog Ranch (our private access site), and Catamount Bridge, making this an excellent section for anglers interested in their first float fishing experience.
Check out our River Float Trip
Below Catamount Bridge, the river enters a more challenging stretch featuring Rodeo Rapid, a Class III rapid that should be approached with caution. Farther downstream, additional access points at Pinball, Horse Creek, Cottonwood, Lions Gulch, and Dotsero provide opportunities to explore even more of the Colorado River’s outstanding trout water.
Lower Colorado River
Grizzly Creek to Rifle
This stretch of the Colorado River offers outstanding fishing opportunities and is best explored by boat, allowing anglers to efficiently cover miles of productive trout water. Numerous boat ramps and access points, including Grizzly Creek, South Canyon, Dino, New Castle, Silt, and Rifle, provide a variety of float options ranging from half-day trips to full-day adventures. Healthy populations of brown and rainbow trout can be found throughout the reach, holding along undercut banks, gravel bars, side channels, and deeper runs. Fishing can be productive throughout the summer season, but spring and fall are particularly rewarding as cooler water temperatures trigger increased trout activity, aggressive feeding behavior, and some of the year’s best streamer and dry fly fishing opportunities. The combination of excellent fishing, dramatic canyon scenery, and long, productive floats makes this one of Colorado’s premier float fishing destinations.
Check out our River Float Trip
