Top 5 Colorado Rivers Fishing This Week
This Colorado rivers fishing report highlights the top 5 Colorado rivers this week with excellent fishing conditions based on our live flow data and condition ratings. Each river featured below has optimal flows, good water quality, and active hatches. These best Colorado rivers provide diverse fishing opportunities with current Colorado river conditions that favor active feeding. The top 5 Colorado rivers this week represent the best fly fishing opportunities across the state. Whether you’re targeting tailwaters or freestone streams, these top 5 Colorado rivers this week provide exceptional fishing.
All five picks this week are dam-controlled tailwaters, which is exactly what you want in early December — stable winter flows and cold, clear water where trout stay active even as freestone streams shut down for the season. Front Range anglers get three options within easy driving distance of Denver, while the Gunnison adds a Western Slope alternative for anyone willing to make the drive for less crowded water.
Updated: December 8, 2025 with live condition scores from FlyGuysNLies.com
Front Range Colorado
The Arkansas River is currently flowing at 97 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 39-57°F. Calm winds create ideal conditions for dry fly fishing.
Insect Activity: Dam releases create stable tailwater conditions ideal for winter fishing. Midges and small nymphs remain active throughout the season, with streamer patterns effective in deeper runs. Unseasonably warm temperatures may trigger increased insect activity. Nymph patterns (#18-24) are most productive.
Where to Fish: Higher tailwater flows create more holding water. Target deeper runs, tailouts, and slower side channels where fish can hold out of the main current. The tailwater’s southern, lower-elevation setting also keeps road access easier through the winter than the higher-elevation stretches on this list.
Southwest Colorado
The Gunnison River is currently flowing at 352 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 25-43°F. Calm winds create ideal conditions for dry fly fishing.
Insect Activity: Tailwater conditions maintain consistent insect activity year-round. Midges and small nymphs are the primary insects active, with streamer fishing providing additional opportunities. Nymph patterns (#18-24) are most productive.
Where to Fish: Higher tailwater flows create more holding water. Target deeper runs, tailouts, and slower side channels where fish can hold out of the main current. The Black Canyon’s steep walls also cut the wind, a real advantage on a blustery winter day.
Northern Colorado
The South Boulder Creek is currently flowing at 80 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 30-48°F. Calm winds create ideal conditions for dry fly fishing.
Insect Activity: Consistent tailwater temperatures support year-round insect activity. Midges and small nymphs are key patterns, while streamer fishing can be productive when targeting larger fish. Nymph patterns (#18-24) are most productive.
Where to Fish: Higher tailwater flows create more holding water. Target deeper runs, tailouts, and slower side channels where fish can hold out of the main current. This smaller Front Range tailwater also fishes technical, and the lighter crowds make it a good change of pace from the bigger-name water on this list.
Front Range Colorado
The South Platte River is currently flowing at 157 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 38-56°F. Calm winds create ideal conditions for dry fly fishing.
Insect Activity: Dam releases create stable tailwater conditions ideal for winter fishing. Midges and small nymphs remain active throughout the season, with streamer patterns effective in deeper runs. Unseasonably warm temperatures may trigger increased insect activity. Nymph patterns (#18-24) are most productive.
Where to Fish: Higher tailwater flows create more holding water. Target deeper runs, tailouts, and slower side channels where fish can hold out of the main current. The hike-in access here naturally thins the crowds compared to the roadside stretches downstream.
Front Range Colorado
The South Platte River is currently flowing at 167 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 39-57°F. Calm winds create ideal conditions for dry fly fishing.
Insect Activity: Dam releases create stable tailwater conditions ideal for winter fishing. Midges and small nymphs remain active throughout the season, with streamer patterns effective in deeper runs. Unseasonably warm temperatures may trigger increased insect activity. Nymph patterns (#18-24) are most productive.
Where to Fish: Higher tailwater flows create more holding water. Target deeper runs, tailouts, and slower side channels where fish can hold out of the main current. Easy roadside access makes Deckers a convenient option when you’re short on time.
Top 5 Colorado Rivers This Week: Fishing Outlook
All five rivers featured above are fishing well with favorable conditions. Flow stability and active hatches make this an excellent week for Colorado fly fishing. The top 5 Colorado rivers this week continue to provide consistent action for anglers. Whether you’re targeting different water types or species, these top 5 Colorado rivers this week offer something for every angler.
Winter tailwater fishing rewards patience over volume. Slow your presentation down, fish the warmest hours of the day when midges are most active, and don’t be afraid to downsize tippet in the gin-clear water these rivers run in December. Crowds thin out considerably this time of year, so the technical, well-pressured runs you’d normally share with a dozen other anglers in summer often fish quiet and undisturbed.
General Tips for This Week
- Focus on mid-day hatches when temperatures are warmest
- Carry variety in your fly box – conditions can change quickly
- Check each river page for detailed flow updates and access information
- Respect private property and follow all fishing regulations
- Flow trends are updated daily – verify current conditions before your trip
Before You Go
- Check current conditions on each river’s detail page (links above)
- Review Colorado fishing regulations
- Track real-time flows in the FlyGuysNLies app
- Bring layers — weather can change throughout the day
- Verify access and parking availability
Have a recent fishing report or tips for these rivers?
We’d love to hear from you. Share your observations and help fellow anglers!
Tight lines!
— The FlyGuysNLies Team
Additional Resources
- Fly Fishing Arkansas River – Pueblo Tailwater
- Fly Fishing Gunnison River – Black Canyon Gorge
- Fly Fishing South Boulder Creek – Below Gross
- Fly Fishing South Platte River – Cheesman Canyon
- Fly Fishing South Platte River – Deckers
- Colorado Fishing Regulations
- FlyGuysNLies App — Real-time Flow Data
Data sourced from FlyGuysNLies.com condition scoring system. Conditions can change rapidly—always check current data before your trip.
