Top 5 Colorado Rivers Fishing This Week | February 2026

The Arkansas River is currently flowing at 105 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 42-60°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.

Insect Activity: February brings prime midge fishing to the Pueblo Tailwater. Look for heavy midge activity from 10am through early afternoon, with fish keying on emerging pupae in the slower runs and tailouts. Blue-winged olives make sporadic appearances on overcast afternoons—when you see risers, switch to a small BWO emerger (#20-22) trailing behind your midge. The cold, nutrient-rich dam releases keep insect populations thriving year-round, making this one of Colorado’s most consistent winter fisheries.

Where to Fish: Focus your efforts on the first four miles below Pueblo Dam—this is the trophy stretch where rainbows regularly push 16-20 inches. The Arkansas Riverwalk provides easy access with multiple parking areas. Work the deeper pools and seams along the rock structures in the morning, then shift to the slower tailouts as midges start emerging mid-day. The Nature Center section offers good wading but remember: trout over 16 inches must be released immediately.

Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only

The Blue River is currently flowing at 135 cfs (normal) with a rising trend. Flows are fishable today. Water Temperature: 37°F (cold). The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 25-43°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.

Insect Activity: The Blue below Dillon is experiencing excellent midge activity with consistent hatches throughout the midday hours. At current flows of 135 cfs, fish are holding in predictable lies and actively feeding on midge pupae and larvae. Expect the best surface activity between 11am and 2pm when water temperatures peak. Small baetis (#20-22) may appear on cloudy days—watch for subtle rises in the slower water along the banks.

Where to Fish: The stretch from the dam down through Silverthorne offers the most consistent action. Focus on the deeper runs and pocket water near the outlet mall area where fish stack up in winter. With crystal-clear water, long leaders (12-15 feet) and stealthy approaches are essential. Wade carefully and work upstream, targeting the soft seams and tailouts where trout conserve energy while waiting for drifting insects.

Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only; Catch and release required

The Gunnison River is currently flowing at 383 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 29-47°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.

Insect Activity: The Black Canyon section is seeing solid midge and small mayfly activity in the accessible tailwater portions. February conditions favor subsurface patterns, with fish responding well to midge clusters and small pheasant tails drifted deep. The nutrient-rich flows from the Aspinall Unit keep insect populations healthy even in the coldest months. Expect the best feeding windows during the warmest part of the day.

Where to Fish: Access the upper reaches via the East Portal road for the most wadeable water. The gorge sections require careful navigation, but the reduced fishing pressure means less educated trout. Focus on the larger pools and slower runs where fish congregate in winter. The water below Crystal Dam offers excellent opportunities with easier access. Work the deep runs methodically with a tight-line nymphing setup for best results.

Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only; Catch and release required

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 make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.

Insect Activity: Deckers is fishing well with classic February patterns—midges dominate the menu. The reliable tailwater flows create ideal conditions for year-round insect activity. Expect heavy midge emergence from late morning through early afternoon, with fish feeding subsurface on pupae before switching to emergers and adults. The occasional baetis hatch adds variety on warmer afternoons. Small patterns (#20-24) are essential.

Where to Fish: The catch-and-release section between Deckers and Trumbull offers the best winter fishing. Park at the Wigwam Club access and work your way upstream through the classic pocket water and runs. The Dream Stream section above Spinney requires a longer drive but sees less pressure. In the Deckers canyon, focus on the deeper pools and undercut banks where larger fish hold. Stealth is critical in this clear water.

Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only

The Taylor River is currently flowing at 81 cfs (normal) with a stable trend. Flows are fishable today. The Verdict: Excellent Fishing Conditions This week’s forecast shows temperatures ranging from 15-33°F. Calm winds make subtle nymph takes easier to detect.

Insect Activity: The Taylor’s catch-and-release section is experiencing excellent midge activity with fish feeding actively throughout the day. February brings consistent hatches in the 11am-3pm window when dam releases stabilize temperatures. Small baetis patterns become increasingly important as the month progresses. The tailwater’s productivity ensures reliable insect populations even in harsh winter conditions. Match the hatch with small patterns (#20-24) and fine tippet.

Where to Fish: Focus on the designated catch-and-release water between the dam and the lower boundary markers. The upper section near the dam outflow offers the warmest water and most active fish. Work the deep runs along the canyon walls where trout stack up in winter. The pocket water and riffles fish best during peak insect activity. Bring felt-soled boots for the slick rocks and be prepared for cold morning temps that give way to pleasant afternoon fishing.

Regulations: Artificial flies & lures only; Catch and release required