Colorado River

About Colorado River

The Colorado River in its upper reaches presents a significant, yet wadeable, fishery. This giant river, originating in Rocky Mountain National Park and stretching 1450 miles in total, offers a Gold Medal section that is surprisingly manageable on foot below Parshall. Anglers will find fantastic and fairly easy public access options along Trough Road, which connects key points like Pumphouse and State Bridge. While Pumphouse is a busy hub for boaters, wade fishing is readily available directly below boat ramp 3, offering immediate access to productive water. Further upstream, the Gore Canyon trail head, accessed from Pumphouse, provides additional opportunities for those willing to walk. Moving downstream from Pumphouse, the river's character evolves, presenting a diverse range of holding water. Five miles south on Trough Road, a left turn leads to the Radium BLM access area, where the river features a prominent series of islands and sandbars, particularly noticeable above the bridge. A key feature here is the shelf on the left side of the river, which consistently holds fish. Further along Trough Road, anglers can pull off near Rancho Del Rio, cross railroad tracks, and find soft rapids in this area, providing varied current seams. State Bridge, located four miles below Rancho, requires a $5 parking fee but offers access upstream from the parking area, including the right side before the Piney River confluence. The Colorado River is home to a plentiful fish population, with hefty brown trout and rainbow trout being the main draw for anglers. These trout are particularly concentrated on the shelf at Radium, making it a prime target. When targeting these fish, consider the insect activity; PMDs and caddis typically hatch in early summer, while larger salmon flies emerge in late spring. While float fishing trips are popular on this large river, effective wade fishing is possible from the canyon mouth below Pumphouse all the way to Rancho. Successful wade fishing on the Colorado River often means focusing on specific structures and current breaks. Look for fish in the soft rapids around Ranch Del Rio, or work the islands and sandbars at Radium. The area below Pumphouse's boat ramp 3 is also a reliable spot. For those exploring State Bridge, concentrate your efforts upstream from the parking area, especially on the right side before the Piney River confluence, where the tributary adds cooler water and additional nutrients. Fishing is typically best between 11 AM and 4 PM, so plan your day to hit the most productive window.