Colorado River Fly Fishing
The Colorado River offers some of the most beautiful stretches of water, making it a must-visit destination for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or an experienced angler, this iconic river will leave you in awe from the moment the boat hits the water. The fishing can be spectacular, and the scenery along the river is outstanding and worth the trip in of itself.
Divided into two sections, the Colorado River has something for everyone. The Upper Colorado River spans 60 miles of pristine, remote whitewater, traveling through several picturesque canyons. This section, which we access from Pumphouse to Dotsero, features 12 different boat ramps and access points. If you enjoy fishing in solitude, the Upper Colorado is the perfect spot for you, offering peaceful and scenic waters where you can truly connect with nature.
For anglers seeking the thrill of fast-paced action and technical precision, the Lower Colorado River spans around 40 miles from Glenwood Springs to outside of Rifle. This section is where we focus on finding trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout. With 7 boat ramps along this stretch, the Lower Colorado is an incredible fishery year-round, but the prime fishing times are in the spring and fall—March through May and September through November. Whether you’re casting nymphs, streamers, or dry fly patterns, the Lower Colorado is home to a diverse range of fish that will challenge even the most experienced anglers.
After your day on the river, take a moment to relax with a cold beverage by the water as our expert guides take care of your gear. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned fly angler, this unforgettable trip on the Colorado River is one you won’t want to miss.
Hatches & Seasons
Depending on water levels prior to runoff, the early Spring fly fishing on the Colorado can be excellent. Stoneflies begin to move around at this time and we also see good numbers of Blue Winged Olives on the river. June brings the arrival of run off and with it the famed Salmonfly Hatch. While this hatch is amazing, the river is generally very high and off-colored which can often make the fishing difficult. This does not keep us from trying to find trout that are willing to take large Salmonfly imitations off the surface. Once the Salmonflies have finished their cycle and the water begins to drop, fishing remains great until November when water levels start to fall.
The best known hatch on the Colorado River is the Salmonfly Hatch which starts around June. During this hatch, the river is off color and high, but the fish eagerly slam large salmon fly imitations. This hatch can run from June to July. With our Colorado River fly fishing guides, you’ll have experts dialed in to this hatch, picking the perfect spot, and waiting for you to make the cast.
In addition to the remarkable Salmon Fly hatch, spring brings excellent Blue Winged Olive (BWO) hatches, providing anglers with the opportunity to cast small dries for sizable trout. As the season progresses, larger bugs make their appearance, such as Green Drakes and Golden Stones, signaling the onset of summer. Throughout the summer months, Yellow Sallies, PMD’s, and Tricos become prevalent, offering a diverse array of insect activity to entice trout and ensuring a rewarding fishing experience.
Where We Go
The iconic Colorado River is an incredible river system that every angler should put on their bucket list. While there are multiple stretches to float, our guides spend most of their time on the beautiful upper Colorado River sections near Kremling, CO. The slower moving water of these sections flow along grassy cut banks offering excellent Dry Fly Fishing during the Summer, while the faster moving canyon sections are ideal for throwing big articulated streamer patterns. Due to the size of the Colorado River, floating is an ideal method to cover the water and our experienced Colorado River fly fishing guides know it well to ensure you get the full experience of fly fishing the Colorado River.
Early spring brings exciting fly fishing opportunities on the Colorado River. As water levels gradually rise through June and July, anglers witness the incredible Salmon Fly hatch, a spectacle not to be missed. After the Salmon Fly hatch concludes, the fishing remains excellent through November. Once conditions are just right, we set out on our float trips, skillfully navigating the river’s technical stretches. This provides anglers with the ideal chance to present a combination of streamers and various dry flies to fish that have limited pressure, ensuring an exciting and fulfilling fishing excursion.
Colorado River Fly Fishing
The Colorado River caters to anglers of all skill levels, making it an ideal destination for both novice and experienced fly fishermen alike. The river offers ample opportunities to test your skills and enjoy the thrill of angling.
Other Rivers
Eagle River
For a fast-paced, technical fishing experience, the Eagle River is perfect. Our cabin sits on a private stretch, so you can watch trout rise from the porch while you unwind. After fishing, relax with a cold drink while our guides handle the gear.
Roaring Fork
Roaring Fork Fly Fishing float trips and wade trips are an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're seeking technical pocket water or slow, meandering runs, fly fishing the Roaring Fork River offers it all.
All Trips
Colorado Corporate Fly Fishing Trips »
Escape the office and strengthen team bonds with a fly fishing retreat in Colorado, offering expert-guided trips on premier rivers tailored to your group’s needs and skill levels.
Colorado Winter Fly Fishing »
Escape cabin fever and fly fish with us in the winter. We typically enjoy sunny and above-freezing days, stunning wildlife, and a fully stocked cooler with beverages and snacks.
Family Fly Fishing Adventure Trips »
Create lasting memories with a family fly fishing adventure in Vail, where our expert guides showcase our beautiful rivers, teach fishing fundamentals, and inform you about the local ecosystem.
Vail Overnight Fly Fishing Trips »
Our Overnight Fly Fishing Trip gives you pristine fishing opportunities and exclusive access to our private riverside cabin that is about 14 miles downriver.
Cast & Taste »
Elevate your fly fishing experience with our Cast & Taste trips, combining gourmet riverside dining at our private Eagle River cabin with unforgettable fishing adventures, perfect for any celebration and fully customizable to your tastes.
Colorado Private Water Fly Fishing »
Exclusive Eagle River fly fishing trips. We offer the best Colorado Private Water Fly Fishing Trips in the Vail Valley. With exclusive access to private fly fishing water on the Eagle River, you can have the river all to yourself!
Vail Wade Fishing Trips »
Wade fishing is an excellent and easily accessible way to explore our beautiful Colorado Rivers year-round—great for anglers of all skill levels.
Colorado Float Fishing Trips »
Our Overnight Fly Fishing Trip gives you pristine fishing opportunities and exclusive access to our private riverside cabin that is about 14 miles downriver.