Fly Fishing Colorado River - Pumphouse to State Bridge

Overview

The Colorado River from Pumphouse to State Bridge combines broad riffles, rock gardens and deep canyon pools. Below Gore Canyon, the river winds through rugged slopes and willow-lined banks toward State Bridge. Cottonwoods mark the wider valley stretches, while canyon walls create shaded holding water and sheltered eddies. Brown trout, rainbow trout and mountain whitefish inhabit these varied runs.

Seasonal Fishing

Spring brings midges and blue-winged olives, followed by changing snowmelt conditions. Nymph rigs can work deeper pockets and sheltered seams when fish are feeding below the surface. Stoneflies, caddis and mayflies provide dry-fly opportunities as conditions settle, with afternoon emergers drawing rises in slower eddies. Summer hopper-dropper rigs suit grassy banks and willow-lined flats; smaller mayfly and midge patterns can be useful in shaded runs. Watch the insects and feeding fish to adjust the day's approach.

Fall brings crisp mornings and golden cottonwoods. Blue-winged olives and midges offer small-fly opportunities in slower runs, while streamers can cover deeper pools and undercut banks. Mountain whitefish also occupy riffles and gravel runs between Pumphouse and Radium.