Episodios

  • Colorado River Fishing Report for May 23, 2025 - Caddis Hatches, Dirty Water, and Spawning Closures

    Colorado River Fishing Report for May 23, 2025 - Caddis Hatches, Dirty Water, and Spawning Closures
    May 23 2025
    COLORADO RIVER FISHING REPORT - MAY 23, 2025

    Howdy there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Friday morning fishing report for May 23rd.

    The Colorado River is continuing its spring runoff pattern, folks, with flows hovering around 3300 CFS below Glenwood Springs - up about 10% from last week's numbers. This morning's looking to be another classic late May day on the water.

    Water clarity remains the biggest challenge right now. After that stretch of warm days we've had, visibility is down to about a foot in most sections. Best fishing has been early morning before the daily melt really kicks in. If you're heading out today, get there for first light around 5:30 AM and plan to wrap up by early afternoon when clarity really deteriorates.

    Fishing has been decent but spotty - I'd rate it a 6 out of 10 overall. The caddis hatches continue to be the star of the show, with impressive activity in the evenings. We're also seeing steady blue winged olive and midge patterns, plus those green drake nymphs are getting bigger each day.

    For you nymphers, stick with the tried and true spring patterns - Pats Rubber Legs in coffee/black have been my go-to first fly, followed by caddis pupa patterns like the Sparkle Pupa in sizes 14-16. Don't forget a San Juan Worm in the dirty water - red or pink has been working best.

    Streamer fishing has been productive in the lower sections, especially along cut banks. Those articulated Dundgeons and Sculpzillas I mentioned last week are still producing, particularly in olive and black. Remember to pay attention during the retrieve - I've had several nice browns hit right as I was about to lift for another cast.

    If you're looking for hot spots, the stretch below State Bridge has been consistently productive, especially in the deeper runs. Another good bet is the section just downstream from Dotsero where some tributaries are adding slightly clearer water.

    REMEMBER: Those rainbow spawning closure areas remain in effect through June 1st, so please respect the no-fishing zones at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks. Let those rainbows do their thing so we have good fishing for years to come.

    For those wondering about the upcoming weekend forecast - looks like we'll get a slight cooling trend which should improve water clarity by Sunday. Might be worth waiting if your schedule allows.

    Until next time, this is Artificial Lure reminding you to keep your line tight and your hook sets firm. Tight lines, friends!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Spring Flows, Hatches, and Hot Spots

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Spring Flows, Hatches, and Hot Spots
    May 21 2025
    Howdy there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Wednesday morning fishing report for May 21, 2025.

    The Colorado River is definitely in full spring mode now, folks. We've been seeing flows continue to climb over the past few days, now running around 3200 CFS below Glenwood Springs. That's up from about 3000 CFS we recorded last Sunday. This warming trend we're experiencing has the snowmelt really kicking in, turning the water that classic spring brown color, especially in the afternoons.

    The fishing remains pretty decent despite the conditions - I'd still give it a solid 6 out of 10. Early mornings are your best bet before that daily melt really gets going. The water clarity is typically best at first light, so get out there early if you can.

    Those caddis hatches are still going strong, and the blue winged olives continue to make appearances, particularly on cloudy days. We're also starting to see more PMD and green drake activity right on schedule for late May.

    For you fly folks, I'm still having the most luck with those Pats Rubber Legs, weighted worms, and caddis pupa patterns when nymphing. Don't be afraid to add some weight to get down in that faster water. If you're throwing streamers, work those banks hard with articulated Dundgeons or Sculpzillas. I've had some nice hits on olive and black patterns this week.

    Remember those rainbow spawning areas remain off-limits until June 1st, so please respect those no-fish zones at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks. There's plenty of water to fish elsewhere.

    For hot spots, I've been having particularly good luck below the Shoshone Power Plant. That stretch has been producing some nice rainbows and browns in the 14-18 inch range. The stretch near Dotsero has also been fishing well early in the day before the clarity drops.

    Sunrise is around 5:40 AM and sunset near 8:15 PM, giving us plenty of fishing time. Just remember that afternoon thunderstorms have been rolling through almost daily, so keep an eye on the sky and have a backup plan.

    For bait anglers, nightcrawlers and salmon eggs have been producing, especially for those targeting the deeper holes.

    That's all I've got for today, folks. Get out there and wet a line if you can, but be safe with these rising flows. This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Hatches, Streamers, and Respecting Spawning Trout

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Hatches, Streamers, and Respecting Spawning Trout
    May 19 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Monday morning fishing report for May 19, 2025.

    The Colorado River's still showing that classic spring personality we've been seeing all month. Flows have been up and down like a yo-yo with the recent temperature swings. As of yesterday, we were running around 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs, and I expect that's still climbing today with the warm weather we've had.

    Water clarity remains the biggest challenge right now. After hot days, she's turning brown, but we're getting some decent clearing after the cooler nights. If you're heading out this morning, you might catch that sweet spot of decent clarity before today's heat kicks in and accelerates the snowmelt.

    The fishing's been solid - I'd give it a 7 out of 10 right now. We've got excellent hatches happening with caddis in full swing. Those spring blue-winged olives and midges are also providing consistent action, especially in the mornings and evenings. Some folks have been reporting small green drake and PMD nymphs too, so keep an eye out for those.

    For flies, you'll want to pack some Pats Rubber Legs, weighted worms, and caddis pupa patterns. A heavier first fly followed by a smaller offering has been the ticket. If you're into the streamer game, hit the banks hard or throw out to the middle and strip in on the swing. I've had good luck with articulated Dundgeons and Sculpzillas lately. Don't be surprised if you get hits as you're stripping in to cast again - that's been a pattern this past week.

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: The rainbow trout are still spawning. Please leave those spawners alone and respect the NO FISH ZONES. Those annual closures at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks remain in effect until June 1st.

    Hot spots this week? The upper C has been fishing well since they lowered the flows, making it easier to find fish in pools and eddies. Focus on those slower sections where fish can hold without fighting the current. For the lower stretches, expect off-color water as we push deeper into runoff, but the fishing can still be productive if you adjust your technique.

    For those willing to put in the work, the stretch below Glenwood has been producing some quality browns on streamers early in the morning. Just make sure you're geared up properly for the higher flows.

    That's the report for today, folks. Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water!
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    3 m
  • "Colorado River Fishing Report: Spring Flows, Hatches, and Hot Spots for May 2025"

    "Colorado River Fishing Report: Spring Flows, Hatches, and Hot Spots for May 2025"
    May 18 2025
    Howdy there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Sunday morning fishing report for May 18, 2025.

    The Colorado River is showing its typical spring personality right now, folks. We've been riding that seasonal roller coaster with flows currently running around 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs and still climbing since my last report two days ago. The warmer days we've had this week have been turning the water a bit brown, but those cooler nights have helped clear things up some.

    The fishing has been pretty solid overall - I'd give it a 7 out of 10. Those caddis hatches are still going strong, and we're seeing good activity from blue winged olives and midges too. Some of you have spotted small green drake and PMD nymphs recently, which is right on schedule for mid-May.

    For you fly anglers, I'm having the most luck with Pats Rubber Legs, weighted worms, and caddis pupa patterns when nymphing. If you're looking to throw streamers, the banks have been productive - try articulated Dundgeons or Sculpzillas. When you're stripping in to cast again, stay alert! I've had several strikes in that moment this past week.

    The weather for today looks to be partly cloudy with temperatures climbing to about 65 degrees - perfect for a day on the water. Sunrise was at 5:47 AM and we've got sunset coming at 8:13 PM, so plenty of daylight to work with.

    Two hot spots I'd recommend today: First, try the stretch below Glenwood Springs if the clarity holds up - the fish have been holding in the slower eddies and deeper pools. Second, the upper C where they recently dropped the flows is fishing well if you're looking for easier wading conditions.

    IMPORTANT REMINDER: Those rainbow trout are still spawning, folks. Please respect the no-fish zones at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle and Elk Creeks until June 1st. These closures are critical for our fishery's health.

    For those wanting clearer water options, don't forget about our tailwaters and some higher elevation spots that aren't blowing out yet. Bear Creek and Clear Creek are still offering decent fishing with good hatches.

    That's all for today, anglers. Get out there and wet a line if you can - the fish are hungry after winter and those spring hatches won't last forever! This is Artificial Lure signing off until next time. Tight lines, y'all!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Trout, Cats, and Changing Conditions

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Trout, Cats, and Changing Conditions
    May 17 2025
    Artificial Lure here with your Saturday, May 17 Colorado River fishing report, coming at you from right here on the riverbank. The recent weather’s been a rollercoaster, swinging from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, and that’s got the river jumping between higher flows and the first hints of runoff. Today, we’re looking at a partly cloudy start with temps climbing from the mid 40s at sunrise to the mid 60s by afternoon. Sunrise hit at 5:48 AM and sunset will be at 8:14 PM, giving you a great stretch of daylight to get after it.

    With flows recently lowered on the upper Colorado, fish are holding tight in pools and eddies where clarity is best. The lower river is running off-color as runoff picks up, but don’t let that scare you off. Fishing remains solid if you adjust your tactics and target the slower, sheltered water near the banks and inside bends. This time of year, nymphing is your bread and butter. Bring along Pat’s Rubber Legs, caddis pupa, San Juan Worms, and leeches for sub-surface work. Caddis and blue-winged olive (BWO) nymphs are especially hot right now. If you prefer swinging streamers, toss out big articulated patterns like Dungeons and Sculpzillas tight to the bank and give them a good retrieve for opportunistic browns.

    On the dry fly side, afternoon caddis hatches are ramping up, so keep some Elk Hair Caddis and small BWO parachute dries on hand, especially if you spot risers in the softer seams or back eddies. Fish activity has picked up as water temps reach for the 50s, and hungry browns are common in the upper reaches, while the lower stretches downstream toward Grand Junction are producing some solid catfish. The cats are biting on cut bait and liver in the slower backwaters and along deep bends.

    Recent reports have anglers hooking into chunky browns up near State Bridge and Dotsero, with a few rainbows showing in the mix—just be mindful that rainbow trout are spawning right now, so watch for spawning redds and avoid fishing to active spawners or in posted no-fishing zones.

    If you’re looking for hot spots, try the Lone Pine area upstream for trout or focus on the backwaters and slower runs below Fruita for catfish action. Everywhere, focus on slower water out of the main current, especially after midday once the sun warms things up.

    In summary, focus on nymphs and streamers early, switch to caddis dries as the afternoon kicks in, and don’t be afraid to go subsurface with worms and leeches when clarity drops. Water’s cold, fish are hungry, and with smart tactics, you’ll find success all day. Tight lines from Artificial Lure—see you out there on the Colorado!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Flows, Hatches, and Tactics for May 2025

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Flows, Hatches, and Tactics for May 2025
    May 16 2025
    Hey there, fellow anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for this fine Friday morning, May 16, 2025.

    The Colorado's been showing its spring personality lately, yo-yoing like it typically does this time of year. Flows are running around 2936 CFS below Glenwood Springs and still climbing[1]. Water clarity has been all over the place - turning brown after hot days but clearing up nicely after cooler ones[1]. Good news is if the river stays clean through the Canyon, the Fork isn't affecting the lower stretches too much.

    The fishing's been solid - I'd rate it a 7 out of 10 right now[1]. We've got excellent hatches happening with a great caddis hatch in full swing, plus those spring blue winged olives and midges[1]. Some of you have reported seeing small green drake and PMD nymphs too.

    Important reminder: those annual spawning closures are still in effect at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle and Elk Creeks until June 1st[1]. Rainbow trout are spawning, so please respect the no-fish zones and don't target those spawners[2].

    For your tackle box today, I'd recommend weighted worms, Pat's Rubber Legs, caddis nymphs, leeches and streamers for the most action[2]. If you're hoping to fish dries, bring some Caddis, BWOs and Midge patterns[2]. The articulated Dundgeon or Sculpzilla have been producing nice strikes for streamer folks[2].

    For nymphing, start with a heavier big first fly like a Pat's Rubber Leg or weighted worm, then trail a caddis pupa[2]. Streamer tactics have been working best when targeting the banks or, if wading, casting to mid-river and stripping on the swing. Many anglers are getting hits during that retrieve just before recasting[2].

    Hot spots today: If you're wanting clearer water, the upper C is looking better since they recently lowered flows, making it easier to locate fish in pools and eddies[2]. The lower C remains a bit off-color as we're approaching peak runoff season, but don't let that discourage you - the fish are still there and hungry.

    For those looking to avoid runoff issues altogether, check out tailwaters like the South Platte at Deckers or Cheesman where spring hatches are happening despite the seasonal high flows[5].

    Quick tip from the locals: fish earlier or later in the day when temperatures are cooler for the best clarity. The river's been clearing up nicely after cooler evenings.

    That's the word on the water today, folks. Remember to check your regulations, respect those spawning areas, and as we say around here - tight lines and wet nets!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report - May 2025

    Colorado River Fishing Report - May 2025
    May 14 2025
    COLORADO RIVER FISHING REPORT - MAY 14, 2025

    Howdy anglers, Artificial Lure here with your mid-May fishing update for the Colorado River. It's shaping up to be an interesting week on the water!

    Current conditions are typical for this time of year - we're in that transitional spring period with the river running at about 3000 CFS below Glenwood Springs and climbing. The water clarity has been yo-yoing lately, with brown water after warm days and better visibility following cooler temperatures. This pattern should continue through today with the current warming trend.

    The fishing has been decent overall - I'd rate it a 7 out of 10. The annual spawning closures remain in effect until June 1st at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks, so please respect those no-fishing zones and let those rainbows do their thing undisturbed.

    The good news is these hatches are really picking up! We're seeing excellent caddis activity, along with spring baetis (blue winged olives) and midges. Some lucky anglers have also spotted early signs of PMDs and small green drakes.

    For fly fishers, I recommend a two-fly nymph rig with a weighted worm or Pat's Rubber Legs as your lead fly, followed by a caddis pupa. If streamer fishing is more your style, focus on the banks or cast to mid-river and strip in on the swing. Articulated Dundgeons and Sculpzillas have been producing nice strikes, especially during that final retrieve.

    Conventional tackle folks are having success with browns in the upper reaches, while catfish action is heating up in the lower reaches and backwaters. Cut bait, chicken liver, and prepared catfish nuggets are all working well.

    Hot spots right now include the stretch just below the Glenwood Canyon where the water clears up a bit, and the deeper pools around Rifle. The confluence areas where tributaries join the main stem are also worth investigating.

    Remember that this river fluctuates quickly with temperature changes this time of year, so check the latest flow data before heading out. Morning fishing has been consistently better than afternoon, especially as the mountain snowmelt increases throughout the day.

    Dress in layers as we're still seeing cool mornings around 45 degrees with afternoon highs hitting the mid-70s. And don't forget your polarized glasses - they're essential for spotting fish in these variable water conditions.

    That's all for now, folks. This is Artificial Lure wishing you tight lines and bent rods on the mighty Colorado. Stop by Taylor Creek Fly Shop or Vail Valley Anglers for the latest gear and local knowledge. See ya on the water!
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    3 m
  • Colorado River Fishing Report: Trout, Catfish, and Stunning Scenery

    Colorado River Fishing Report: Trout, Catfish, and Stunning Scenery
    May 12 2025
    Howdy, anglers! Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for this fine Monday, May 12th, 2025. The river’s been on a heater lately, rolling out welcome mats for trout and catfish alike from the high country clear down to the lower reaches.

    Right now, flows are up and on the rise thanks to that sweet mountain snowmelt. Down below Glenwood Springs, we’re clocking around 2,936 CFS, and the water’s got a bit of color to it after a string of warm days. Don’t let the stain spook you—mornings and evenings are your best bet for clearer conditions and happy fish [1][4]. The river’s wide and lazy in spots, but don’t get lulled—there’s plenty of canyon runs to keep you honest and wildlife views to keep you inspired [2].

    Weather-wise, mornings are crisp, warming to mild afternoons. Expect the odd patch of rain if those clouds roll in from the west. Sunrise today was around 5:50 AM, and the sun’ll tuck in about 8:30 PM—so pack snacks and sunscreen if you’re planning an all-dayer.

    Fish are fired up! Browns are staging in the upper reaches, taking dries and nymphs as soon as the hatches get going. Bigger flies—think Woolly Buggers and articulated streamers—are slaying in the slack water, especially on overcast days or after a quick rain. Down low, catfish are chewing hard on cut bait, chicken livers, and catfish nuggets in the slow pools and backwaters. Drift bait anglers are also getting into the action, with plenty of solid catches reported in the Grand Junction stretch [5].

    Recent catches are telling the story: good numbers of brown trout, the occasional rainbow, and channel cats in the lower stretches. The fish are holding close to structure—logjams, deep holes, and the heads of riffles. Dry fly fishing is picking up mid-morning as the bugs start to pop, but don’t overlook nymphs and streamers early and late when the water’s cooler and the fish are active.

    For lures, tie on a size 6-10 San Juan Worm, a Prince Nymph, or a dark Woolly Bugger for trout. For cats, nothing beats a chunk of cut bait or a gob of chicken liver on a circle hook. Need a hot tip? Swing by the stretch below Glenwood Springs for trout—there’s plenty of public water and easy wading. For catfish, the backwaters and slow eddies near Grand Junction are your best bet. And don’t overlook the Pumphouse area up by Kremmling—big water, big fish, and plenty of elbow room.

    Tight lines and tight knots, friends. Be safe, respect the river, and leave no trace. Artificial Lure signing off!
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    3 m
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