Colorado Basin

The Colorado River Basin is the lifeblood of the American West. For the fly angler, the "Upper C" and "Middle C" offer some of the finest float fishing opportunities in the Rockies. Unlike the smaller, technical tailwaters of the Front Range, the Colorado is a massive, broad-shouldered river that demands heavy oars and big flies.

Key Sections

• The Upper C (Pumphouse to Dotsero): Starts near Kremmling and flows through Gore Canyon (unfishable whitewater) before opening into the Pumphouse and Radium recreation areas. This is famous for its drift boat traffic, rugged desert-canyon scenery, and healthy population of Brown and Rainbow trout.
• The Middle C (Glenwood Springs): As it flows through Glenwood Canyon and picks up the Roaring Fork, the river doubles in size. This section is known for trophy potential, with heavy currents hiding massive Browns.
• Gunbarrel / Shoshone: A short, technical wade section near the hanging lake tunnel that stays ice-free and fishes well all winter.

Famous Hatches

The Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica) is the main event. These giant stoneflies (size #4-6) hatch in late May/Early June, creating a carnival atmosphere. Anglers travel from across the country to throw giant orange foam flies to rising trout.

• Caddis: Prolific in late spring and early summer.
• Streamers: In the fall (September/October), cloudy days trigger aggressive streamer bites from the river's largest residents.