Colorado River Fishing Report

By manager. February 13, 2026 In River Reports.

Colorado River – Flow: 1,080 cfs/Glenwood Springs.

Conditions: The Colorado is fishing very well for mid-February, thanks to stable winter flows and relatively mild daytime temperatures. We are seeing clear water throughout the Glenwood Canyon and down through South Canyon, though keep an eye out for “floating slush” if we get a snap of overnight single digits. At just over 1,000 cfs below the confluence, the river is at a great level for both wade anglers and those brave enough to slide a raft in for a winter float.

The name of the game right now is depth and patience. Fish are holding in the deeper, walking-speed runs and the soft inside seams. You don’t need to cover a mile of water; find a productive winter “bucket” and pick it apart with different weights and fly depths. Midges are the primary hatch, but the fish are also looking for larger “protein” snacks like stones and worms to make the energy expenditure worth it. The best bite window is firmly between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM once the sun hits the water.

Flies

Dries: * Griffith’s Gnat #18-22

• Roy’s Special Emerger #20-22

• Trailin’ Shuck Midge #20-24

• Parachute Adams #20-22

Nymphs: * Pat’s Rubber Legs (Black or Coffee) #8-12

• Prince Nymph #14-18

• 20 Incher #14-16

• Zebra Midge (Red or Black) #18-22

• RS2 (Grey or Olive) #20-22

• Flash Back Pheasant Tail #16-20

• Perdigons #16-18

Streamers: * Sculpzilla (White or Olive) #4-8

• Black, White and Purple Buggers #6-10

• Thin Mint #8-10