Colorado is home to countless beautiful rivers and amazing fishing. Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start! Should you go to the mighty Colorado River? Or maybe should you try the picturesque banks of the Yampa River. Or maybe the bountiful Frying Pan River might be what’s right for you. We’re here to help you decide! We’re going to take a deep look at Colorado River fishing, along with four more of Colorado’s greatest rivers. We’ll give you quick facts, best locations, and guides for each river, so we can help you plan a fishing trip you’ll never forget.
Colorado River Fishing
Colorado River Fishing Quick Facts
River Length in Colorado: ~230 miles
Elevation Range: ~6,100–9,000 ft
Location: Central & Western Colorado (Rocky Mountain National Park to Utah border)
What to Catch While Colorado River Fishing
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Cutthroat Trout (including Colorado River Cutthroat Trout)
- Cutbow Trout
Best Colorado River Fishing Locations
- Upper Colorado River (Kremmling to Pumphouse Recreation Area)
For Colorado River fishing, this is one of the most well-known stretches. It has many opportunities for classic riffle-run trout water, along with amazing wade accessibility and productive float fishing. - Byers Canyon This is a majestic canyon stretch well known for large brown trout populations and other wonderful fishing opportunities.
- Gore Canyon
This stretch is a little tricky for beginners. The steep access and strong current makes this best suited for experienced fisherman due to fast currents and steep access.But for those willing to brave it, many trout are laying in store. - Radium to State Bridge
For Colorado River fishing with a float, look no further than this stretch. It’s well-supplied and offers particularly productive fishing, especially during the late summer and fall.
Colorado River Fishing Regulations
Each section of the Colorado River can have it’s own regulations. Many areas are designated as Gold Medal waters, which may allow artificial flies and lures only. A standard Colorado fishing license is also required, but check local regulations before you begin fishing.
When To Go Colorado River Fishing
Colorado River fishing is productive between late spring through fall. The peak runoff typically occurs in early summer, making the water murky and full. The best fishing conditions happen in late summer and early fall,as the trout will feed much more aggressively when the water clarity has improved..
Colorado River Fishing Conditions & Techniques
Fly fishing is the tried and true method for fishing on the Colorado River. Stonefly, mayfly, and caddis patterns are known to produce year-round. For brown trout, streamer fishing is particularly effective for Brown trout, especially during the fall. Floating the river will help grant access to more of the prime trout holding areas, while wade fishing can be very productive in its own right during lower flows.
How Colorado River Fishing Compares To Other Rivers
Now that we’ve taken an in-depth look at the Colorado River, here are four more Colorado Rivers that provide some of the best fishing in the state.
Green River
Quick Facts
Length in Colorado: ~40 miles
Elevation: ~9,000–10,000 ft
Location: Northwestern Colorado (Wilderness areas near Wyoming border)
What to Catch
- Brook Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
- Brown Trout
Best Trout Fishing Locations
- Upper Green River (above Flaming Gorge): Beautiful, remote, small-stream fishing
- Headwaters near Wyoming border: Excellent cutthroat hotspot
Regulations
The standard Colorado trout regulations apply. This is a particularly low-traffic area.
When to Fish
Due to the elevation, the prime season is short for the Green River. The best times are between Mid-summer and early fall, once the snowmelt subsides
Fishing Conditions & Techniques
The water is narrow and clear, so light tackle is critical. Try using dry flies, small nymphs, and terrestrials.
Yampa River
Quick Facts
Length: ~250 miles
Elevation Range: ~6,500–8,500 ft
Location: Routt & Moffat Counties, Colorado
What to Catch
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
Best Trout Fishing Locations
- Stagecoach Tailwater: Plentiful large trout and consistent flows make this a classic
- Steamboat Springs Stretch: Easily accessible from Urban areas
- Craig Area: A large swath of river with a healthy trout population
Regulations
The river is mostly standard limits, but certain tailwater locations have special regulations.
When to Fish
Prolific hatches make summer evenings prime fishing times for the Yampa River, but late spring through fall is all productive.
Fishing Conditions & Techniques
In the peak summer times, dry-dropper rigs reign supreme. In the fall, turn to streamers. And don’t be afraid to go wade fishing in the Yampa River as well.
Gunnison River
Quick Facts
Length: ~180 miles
Elevation: ~5,800–8,600 ft
Location: Western Colorado
What to Catch
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Cutthroat Trout
Best Trout Fishing Locations
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison (Gold Medal Water): This hotspot is home to many an angler’s trophy trout
- Gunnison Gorge: While only accessible by float, this stretch is well worth the travel
- Below Blue Mesa Dam – Tailwater conditions are consistent throughout most of the year, making it productive for a long stretch
Regulations
Many sections of the Gunnison River are Gold Medal, with restrictions to artificial-only fishing. Make sure to check local regulations.
When to Fish
Spring and fall are the peak seasons, though summer fishing can be productive as well in stretches.
Fishing Conditions & Techniques
The depth and current of the Gunnison favors Nymphing. Streamers will have great success with brown trout. It can be physically difficult to access some of the best locations on the river.
Frying Pan River
Quick Facts
Length: ~42 miles
Elevation: ~7,500–9,000 ft
Location: Pitkin County, Colorado
What to Catch
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
Best Trout Fishing Locations
- Below Ruedi Reservoir (Gold Medal): The tailwater fishing at this river is world-class
- Basalt Area: Lots of trout in this stretch for anyone willing to wade
Regulations
This is a high-volume river so many stretches require artificial lures only. Check each stretch for specific limits and regulations
When to Fish
The tailwater stability means this river is productive nearly year-round. The peak times are during the spring and fall.
Fishing Conditions & Techniques
Frying Pan River is excellent for fly fishing. Midges and flies will often yield great results. Dry fly fishing also shines during the summer hatches. Light tippet is recommended.
Conclusion: Your Next Colorado River Fishing Trip
Colorado’s rivers offer some of the greatest trout fishing in the country. From massive tailwaters like the Gunnison and Frying Pan to wild, remote headwaters like the Green River, each system provides its own challenges and come with their own amazing rewards. This guide has helped you to know where to fish, what species to expect, and how to catch them so you can be prepared next time you’re ready to go Colorado River Fishing or any of these other beautiful rivers.
