Colorado River Fishing Report: March 19, 2026
Location: Glenwood Springs to Rifle
Current Flow: ~1,160 CFS (below Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: Good; Slight Emerald Tint
To put it plainly, the fishing on the Colorado River is sensational right now. With water temperatures reaching the mid-40s, we are seeing a level of trout activity and insect emergence that typically doesn’t arrive for another few weeks. Given our current low snowpack, anglers should take note: the best fishing of the year will likely occur before mid-July. Once the runoff peak passes early, we expect lower, warmer water later in the summer, making this spring window the prime time to be on the river.
The Return of the Caddis
We are officially seeing the first caddis hatches of the season. This week marked a significant shift as adult bugs began appearing on the water’s surface, bringing fish up from the bottom. While we are still weeks away from the heavy “Mother’s Day” blizzard, the trout are already keyed in on the emergence.
Tactics: You will find rising fish in the slicker water and along the edges of riffles. While the morning still belongs to the larvae and pupae, the afternoon is producing steady surface action.
Dry Fly Tip: An Elk Hair Caddis or a Goddard Caddis in size 14-16, fished with a slight twitch, can be very effective when the adults are active.
Afternoon Hatches: BWOs and Midgezilla
The most consistent dry fly action is occurring between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. We are seeing a healthy mix of insects that should keep the dry fly enthusiast busy.
Blue Winged Olives (BWOs): These have started appearing in earnest. Look for them on the softer seams and in the back eddies, especially on overcast afternoons.
Midgezilla: We are seeing a return of these larger, meatier midges in sizes 18-20. These offer a significant meal and are often what the larger fish are looking for when they rise.
Strategy: A standard dry-dropper rig is highly effective right now. Using a high-visibility BWO or midge adult as your indicator fly will help you track the take in the riffles.
Streamer Fishing & River Color
The streamer bite has been a highlight this week. We are seeing a bit of early snowmelt beginning to add some color to the main stem. This is a welcome development; that slight “green” tint to the water provides trout with a sense of security, encouraging them to move out of deep winter holds to hunt.
White, Tan, and Olive have been the standout colors:
White: Provides excellent visibility and flash in the slightly stained water.
Tan & Olive: These remain the most reliable choices for mimicking sculpins and juvenile trout along the cut banks and shelf lines.
Recommended Patterns
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