Colorado River - Upper
CO
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River
About Colorado River - Upper
The Upper Colorado River, specifically the Pumphouse section, offers over three miles of easily accessible wade fishing renowned for its populations of rainbow trout, brown trout, and Colorado whitefish. This tailwater, which fishes like a freestone, presents varied water types including long riffles, braided sections for easy wading, and deeper pools, providing excellent opportunities even with limited visibility, allowing for lighter tippet sizes. Productive fly fishing techniques include nymphing, dry fly fishing, and streamer fishing, with key insect hatches to target being Caddis, Pale Morning Duns (PMDs), and Stoneflies. For anglers seeking solitude, hiking upstream into Gore Canyon presents a more challenging, yet rewarding, fly fishing experience.
Access
Seasons
Terrain
Water
Fish Species
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout
Regulations
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Catch & Release: All fish must be immediately released. Handle with care using barbless hooks.
Fishing Styles
undefined USGS Water Conditions
Water conditions for the last 7 days. You can gain insights to fishing activity based on these conditions, like water temperature and flow.
Data sourced from the USGS National Water Information System
Methods
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Wade Friendly
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Float Friendly
Land Ownership
Public Blm
Public Forest Service
Regulations
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Catch & Release: All fish must be immediately released. Handle with care using barbless hooks.
Trip Planning
Best fishing typically occurs during spring and summer. Check water conditions before heading out.
See what insects are emerging on Colorado River - Upper's hatch forecast — including active hatches, water temperatures, and which patterns to have in your box this month.