River guide · Colorado
Fly Fishing the Colorado River
The upper Colorado near Kremmling and Glenwood offers float and wade fishing for wild trout through dramatic canyon water.
- 28 shops nearby
- freestone
- July–October (after runoff)
- Colorado
- 5 key hatches
The best time to fly fish the Colorado River is July–October (after runoff). Key hatches include Blue, Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Golden Stonefly. 28 fly shops near the Colorado River can outfit your trip.
Fly shops near the Colorado River
Shops and guides that fish the Colorado River. See all 122 Colorado shops →
- Glenwood Springs OutdoorsWade tripsView shop →
- Alpine AnglingWade tripsView shop →
- Crystal Fly ShopWade tripsView shop →
- Harcourt Fly Fishing 3GWade tripsView shop →
- SOPRIS FISHING OUTFITTERSWade tripsView shop →
- Taylor Creek Fly ShopWade tripsView shop →
- Frying Pan AnglersWade tripsView shop →
- Colorado River OutfittersFloatView shop →
- Colorado Angling CompanyWade tripsView shop →
- Aspen Flyfishing IncWade tripsView shop →
- Vail Valley AnglersWade tripsView shop →
- Fly Fishing OutfittersOrvis-EndorsedWade tripsView shop →
Nearby towns
Hatches & seasons
When & what to fish on the Colorado River
River typefreestone
Best seasonJuly–October (after runoff)
AccessThe Upper Colorado near Pumphouse and through Gore Canyon is mainly a float fishery; Glenwood Canyon and the Roaring Fork confluence offer roadside wade access off I-70.
Key hatches
- Blue-winged Olive (spring & fall)
- Caddis (early summer)
- Pale Morning Dun (summer)
- Golden Stonefly (summer)
- Hopper / Terrestrials (Aug–Sept)
Gear up on the Colorado River
Everything you need before the next trip — rods, lines, leaders, and fly-tying materials.
Shop the gear Flies that workThe flies that work on the Colorado River
Find the most effective patterns for where you're fishing — and learn to tie them yourself, step by step.
Find your fliesUpdated June 2026