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Cutthroat Anglers Owner Trapper Rudd with fish

River & Lake Information

Colorado River

The Colorado River humbly begins in Rocky Mountain National Park. During its trek west, the Colorado forms one of the major waterways west of the Continental Divide until it reaches the Gulf of California. At Cutthroat Anglers, we focus our attention on the Colorado River from below Hot Sulphur Springs west to Glenwood Springs.

Current Fishing Conditions

Follow the links below for the current Colorado River fishing reports.

The Upper Colorado

Locally referred to as the Upper Colorado, the stretch between Byers Canyon and Kremmling offers exceptional walk-and-wade access. The Upper Colorado flows through exceptional ranchland and is lined with cottonwoods and willows. Many popular public access points include Paul Gilbert, Breeze Unit, and Sunset Ranch. The Williams Fork River joins the Colorado at the town of Parshall. This adds cold, clear water to the Colorado, which attracts large populations of trout and large crowds.

View the current fishing report for the Colorado at Parshall.

Gore Canyon

As you follow downstream, the river flows through Gore Canyon west of Kremmling. Gore Canyon boasts extreme rapids and attracts many world-class kayakers each season. This section is for professional use only and should be avoided. The Blue River dumps into the Colorado towards the middle of the canyon, which filters additional cold, clear water into the mix. Fishing access is available at the end of the canyon at the Pumphouse Recreation access.

Colorado River below Yarminy Rapid between Radium and Rancho
Colorado River below
Yarminy Rapid between Radium and Rancho

The Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad parallel the river through the middle stretch. Riparian vegetation includes cottonwoods and willows, and is interspersed with sagebrush, pinyon-juniper, and a variety of other mountain brush depending on the elevation. Archaeologists recently uncovered evidence that the Colorado River, near State Bridge, was home to humans over 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. The Ute Indians occupied the area until the late 1800’s until the railroad began to extend west past the Front Range.

At Pumphouse

Anglers can hike into the canyon to avoid the crowds. Pumphouse is a very popular boat launch for float trips and rafting trips. The turbid canyon waters surrounding Pumphouse offer the perfect habit for Pteronarcys californica, commonly known as the Salmonfly. These giant bugs hatch towards the end of May and can offer unparalleled action as long as run-off doesn’t wreak havoc on the river first.

View the most current fishing report for the Colorado at Pumphouse.

Floating the Colorado

Colorado River below Pinball Rapid
Colorado River below Pinball Rapid

Floating the Colorado is the most effective option for anglers fishing between Pumphouse and Dotsero. There is over 60 miles of river to float below Pumphouse. Combine that with almost a dozen boat ramps, and you have an unbelievable river to float. This is perfect Dry-Dropper water throughout the summer, and boasts banner streamer fishing in the fall. This float is an exercise in contrast. Anglers pass through ranchlands and slow moving water to canyons and white water. Bring your camera.

Walk-and-Wade Anglers

Walk-and-wade anglers will find numerous access points near Radium, Rancho del Rio, and State Bridge. This entire stretch’s fishing conditions are related to a stable flows and clear water.

The Lower Colorado

Below Dotsero, the Eagle River joins the Colorado boosting the flow. The river is relatively non-descript for a lengthy stretch until Glenwood Canyon. The entire west side of the canyon is public; however, parking access is limited and hiking the canyon can be difficult. We refer to this section of the Colorado near the Glenwood Springs area as the Lower Colorado. We primarily drift this stretch starting at Two Rivers Park and continue past Silt.

The Lower Colorado is big fish water! The Roaring Fork River joins the Colorado at Glenwood Springs, which increases the flow and helps create prime habitat for monster trout. The deep runs and pools are home to trout that can breach 20-inches in length. When its on, the Lower Colorado, while lesser known, will rival any river in the West as a prime trout fishery.

Colorado River Below Pumphouse
Colorado River Below Pumphouse