As of November 16, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the cooling autumn weather. Here’s what you need to know for a successful day on the water.

First, let's talk about the conditions. The Colorado River is a freestone fishery with no dams within the state, meaning the water flow and clarity can vary significantly depending on the section you're fishing. Currently, the flows are stable, around 2,080 cubic feet per second near Glenwood Springs, which is slightly below normal levels but still manageable for both wading and floating.

The weather is cooling down, with crisp mornings and mild afternoons. Today, you can expect morning lows to be quite chilly, while daytime temperatures will be in the mid-50s to low 60s. Sunrise is around 6:30 AM, and sunset will be about 4:45 PM.

Fish activity remains robust, particularly in the slower seams and eddies. Brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout are all active throughout the river. Browns are especially active as they are in their spawning season, so be sure to leave these fish alone to allow them to spawn undisturbed.

Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of trout, with several large Browns and Rainbows landed. For dry fly fishing, patterns such as Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Caddis have been very effective. Specifically, BWO Comparadun and Christiansons BWO have been producing excellent results. For nymphing, try using patterns like Pats Rubber Leg, Trinas Tung Tied PMD, and Rainbow Warriors.

The upper sections near Dotsero and the lower sections below Glenwood Springs are both fishing well. However, the fishing tends to slow down a bit after 3:00 PM. Focus your efforts in the morning and late afternoon when fish activity is highest.

For hot spots, consider the areas around Glenwood Springs and Dotsero. These sections offer good flow rates and clear water, making them ideal for both wading and floating. Additionally, the slower seams and eddies in these areas are where you'll find the most active fish.

In summary, the Colorado River is in great shape for fishing right now. With stable flows, good water clarity, and active fish, you have a high chance of landing some quality trout. Just remember to respect the spawning fish and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.