Colorado River Report December 14, 2025

Colorado River Report December 14, 2025

FLOW: 1200 CFS below Glenwood Springs

WATER CLARITY: Clear

OVERALL RATING: 7 out of 10

FOOD SOURCES PRESENT: Stonefly Nymphs, Midges, Sculpins, Eggs

THE LOWDOWN: Water levels are stable, clarity is great, and the days have been warm enough to get on the boat. Now is the best time to get out before the real throes of winter.

Larger food sources like eggs and stonefly nymphs can trigger strikes, but it's best to trail with a small, flashy midge or mayfly nymph for good measure. Fish are bound to be holding deep and slow, so break out that indicator and split shot. 

The Colorado is a big, brawling river- ideal for a drift boat but it can be accessed on foot. This river is a bit more of a quality than a quantity fishery, so be prepared to hook onto some pissed-off fish that will dump your reel in a few seconds.

Wade-fishers should exercise caution in the biggest river of the valley, but popular wading spots include the confluence with the Roaring Fork, Dino Boat ramp (both above and below the ramp) and upstream of South Canyon rapid.

Hatches: Midges 16-26

APPROPRIATE PATTERNS:

DRIES: Parachute Adams 18-24, Bill Fitzsimmons' Trailing Shuck Midge Emerger 22-24, Sprout Midge 20-22, Antonio's Hi-Vis Midge 22-24, McCannel's Massacre Midge 22-24, Dorsey's Midge Emerger 22-24

NYMPHS: Cat Poop Stonefly 6-12, Stott's Raisinette 20, BTS Baetis 20-22, Stott's Bad Carl 20, Double Down CDC PT 18-20, Soucie's Swidge 18-22, Soucie's Beau-Nator 18-20, Flash Egg 18

STREAMERS: Craven's Double Dirty Hippy, Dali Lama, Tim Heng's Autumn Splendor, Carlton Banks, Stott's Conehead Ziwi, Craven's Swim Coach, Hansen's Meal Ticket

HINTS:  Don't be afraid to drift your flies through some riffles or faster sections!

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/09085100/#parameterCode=00065&period=P7D