Colorado River

     How ‘bout catching nice browns and big rainbows in the headwaters of the same river that forms the Grand Canyon?  I’m describing the famous Colorado River high in the Rocky Mountains.  With abundant wildlife (including bald and golden eagles) and awesome views, the setting here is as good as it gets.  When fishing this freestone river, you’ll be constantly reminded that you’re in beautiful Colorado.  I concentrate my angling efforts on the stretch near the town of Parshall and the confluence with the William’s Fork River, but this river fishes great in many places.  The variety of aquatic insects (including midges, red quills, PMD’s, BWO’s, trico’s, caddis, stoneflies, and terrestrials) is what keeps me coming back.  You can truly use every bug in the box.  Another plus is that, perhaps due to its distance, this river doesn’t get the fishing pressure that the South Platte and Blue rivers do.  That’s not to say you’ll be alone on the water, but you’ll usually be able to fish a couple hundred yard stretch without too much interference.   

     Whirling disease has affected this river more dramatically than just about any other river in the state.  Very large rainbows used to prowl the runs and undercut banks.  There are still a few monsters lurking about, but they are very wary and seasoned, providing for a tough catch.  The majority of the fish you’ll land here will be of the brown trout variety and there is certainly nothing wrong with that.  The browns here will hit aggressively and test your terminal tackle with the best of ‘em.  A good drag system will come in handy as these fish, once hooked, know how to use the current to their benefit.  Unlike the tail waters discussed on this site, this river is broader and you won’t be doing much high-stick nymphing here.  Longer casts are in order and may be a little tricky with the varying currents and afternoon winds.  It may be necessary to play around with your position and mends until you get that perfect, drag-free drift.

     Although the Colorado can be fished year-round below the confluence with the William’s Fork, the river doesn’t get a lot of winter pressure.  Midge patterns will work best if you’re up here during the cold season.  In the spring, as the first mayflies (BWO’s) begin to hatch, anglers and guides begin to come out in force.  Nymphing pheasant tails and loop-wing patterns during this time should produce fish.  After run-off, mid-late June, the insect activity really picks up. Stoneflies and caddis are the primary insects during this time.  I have had success with golden stone nymphs from July through mid-September.  Evening caddis hatches on the Colorado can be hit and miss, but if you catch one, it is a blast.  Standard elk hair patterns in brown and olive and breadcrust's and buckskins should fool a few hungry trout.  Other prevalent insects during June and July are the pale morning/evening dun (which can appear pink or red when hovering above the water) and the red quill.  Umpqua feather merchants produces a very effective crippled PMD pattern (check your local fly shop).  For the red quills, rusty spinner patterns with cellophane wings work well.  If your on the Colorado during the summer/early fall months, don't leave without throwing terrestrials.  There are lots of over hanging tree limbs and shrubs which provide the perfect opportunity for a grasshopper or flying ant to fall into the water.  In the fall, tricos make an appearance and the blue-winged olive returns.  Of all the insects found on the Colorado, the mosquito is the most prevalent.  Bring a bottle of good bug repellent and keep it in your vest because you'll need a new coat about every 30-45 minutes!

Directions

From Denver, take I-70 west to Silverthorne.  Take Highway 9 north to Kremmling then head east on Highway 40.  Just past Parshall turn right on dirt road that leads to William's Fork Reservoir.  About a half-mile up you will see a dirt parking lot and portable toilet.  From there, walking the trail to river takes about 20-25 minutes thru heavy mosquito country.  You may also take highway 40 from eastbound I-70. This route takes you over Berthoud pass and thru Granby and Hot Sulphur Springs and, in my opinion , adds about 15-20 minutes to the drive.

Travel Time Approx 95 minutes.                  

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