Colorado River Fishing Report: April 23, 2026
Location: Glenwood Springs to Rifle
Current Flow: ~1,380 CFS (below Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: Good; Emerald Tint
To put it plainly, the fishing on the Colorado River is sensational right now. We have transitioned from the early signs of spring into the most anticipated window of the year. With water temperatures climbing and flows stabilizing at a very “fishy” 1,380 CFS, we are seeing peak activity. While runoff is always a looming threat this time of year, the current clarity is holding beautifully, making this the prime time to be on the big water before the high-country melt truly kicks in.
The Return of the Caddis: “Mother’s Day” Preview
We are officially in the thick of the caddis hatches. While the true “blizzard” typically hits in May, the lower Colorado from Glenwood down to Rifle is currently seeing heavy clouds of size 14-16 caddis. The trout have moved out of their winter lethargy and are looking up.
Tactics: You will find rising fish in the slicker water and along the edges of riffles, especially in the late afternoons. While the morning still belongs to the larvae and pupae, the afternoon is producing steady surface action.
Dry Fly Tip: Don’t be afraid to skate or twitch your fly. An Elk Hair Caddis or a Foam Caddis fished with a slight movement mimics the natural “flutter” of an egg-laying female and often triggers a violent strike.
Afternoon Hatches: BWOs and Midgezilla
The most consistent dry fly action is occurring between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. We are seeing a healthy mix of insects that should keep the dry fly enthusiast busy, especially on the overcast days we’ve had recently.
Blue Winged Olives (BWOs): On cloudy days, the BWO hatch can be even more prolific than the caddis.
Midgezilla: We are still seeing these larger, meatier midges in sizes 18-20. They remain a staple for the larger fish in the morning hours before the main hatches begin.
Strategy: A standard dry-dropper rig is highly effective. Using a high-visibility caddis as your indicator fly with a small BWO or caddis pupa trailing 18 inches behind will cover all your bases in the riffles.
Streamer Fishing & River Color
The streamer bite has been a highlight this week. The slight “emerald” tint to the water is a welcome development; it provides trout with a sense of security, encouraging them to hunt aggressively near the banks. This is the best time of year to move a big fish on a meatier fly.
White, Tan, and Olive have been the standout colors:
White: Provides excellent visibility and flash in the slightly stained water; perfect for the deeper canyon stretches.
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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