Colorado Fly Fishing Report 6/25/26 Eagle River • Upper Colorado River • Lower Colorado River • Roaring Fork River
- brianchilbert
- 6 hours ago
- 6 min read
Current Conditions, Hatch Guide & Pro Tips from Colorado River Outfitters Guides
Colorado’s peak fly fishing season is here, and despite a below-average snowpack, our rivers continue to produce exceptional fishing. Low, clear water has created outstanding dry fly opportunities across much our region, while hopper/dropper rigs are beginning to shine on our local rivers.
Our guides have spent another week on the water chasing trout from the Eagle River to the Roaring Fork and Colorado River, and here’s what’s working right now.
Eagle River Fishing Report
Flow: 162cfs (Edwards)
Flow: 203cfs (Gypsum)
Clarity: 4’+
Fishing Rating: 9/10
The Eagle River continues to fish exceptionally well despite unseasonably low water levels. Crystal-clear water has made stealth and presentation more important than ever, but anglers willing to fish light leaders and small flies are being rewarded with some of the best dry fly fishing of the summer. The lower Eagle around Gypsum is starting to see water temps in the 65-68 degree range. Be sure to keep an eye on temps when on the water!
Trico Hatch
Morning fishing belongs to the Tricos.
Consistent hatches have been beginning around 8:00 AM, and by 9:00 AM trout are fully keyed in on spinner falls. Rising fish can be found throughout long slicks, seams, and slower riffles.
CRO Guide Sam Kinney Pro Tip:
“Don’t rush your cast during the Trico spinner fall. Long leaders (9-12 feet), 5X or 6X tippet, and delicate presentations are everything. I’d rather make one perfect cast than ten average ones.”
Sam has been finding tremendous success fishing a double dry rig consisting of:
Eric’s Trico Spinner size 22-24
Angel Wing Trico size 22-24
This combination has fooled some of the Eagle’s most selective trout.
Yellow Sally, PMDs & Caddis
As the Trico hatch winds down, the river transitions beautifully into Yellow Sallies, PMDs and scattered Caddis activity.
Yellow Sallies have unquestionably been the star of the show.
Fish have been aggressively eating both adult and nymph imitations, making this hatch productive whether trout are feeding on the surface or below.
One particularly deadly setup on the upper Eagle has been:
The lightly weighted Sexi Top May hangs just beneath the surface film, perfectly imitating a struggling emerging PMD.
CRO Guide Sam Kinney Pro Tip:
“That Sexi Top May is one of those flies fish simply trust. It hangs naturally in the film and gets eaten with confidence. If trout refuse your dry, leave the rig in place—many fish will slide over and inhale the dropper instead.”
Eagle River Top Flies
Angel Wing Trico size 22-24
Eric’s Trico Spinner size 22-24
Iron Sally size 16-18
Hilbert’s Daysaver May (Gray Baetis) size 20-22
Hilbert’s Daysaver Midge (Cream) size 22
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 16-18
Upper Colorado River Fishing Report
Flow: 857cfs (pumphouse)
Flow: 927cfs (catamount)
Clarity: 1.5’-2’
Fishing Rating: 6/10
Recent flow increases from Green Mountain Reservoir have been a welcome sight for the Upper Colorado River. The additional water has helped reduce moss buildup while slightly improving afternoon water temperatures, creating much more favorable fishing conditions.
The river continues to fish best with hopper/dropper setups. Trout are looking up for terrestrials while readily taking nymphs underneath. Although there is still quite a bit of moss, anglers willing to constantly clean flies are having success.
The Royal Double Stack Chubby (#10) has become one of our favorite summer indicators thanks to its incredible flotation. It easily suspends heavier tungsten flies while remaining highly visible.
Our preferred setup has been:
Yellow Sallies and Caddis are certainly present, but most fish continue to prefer larger stonefly nymphs followed by smaller PMD imitations.
CRO Guide Matt Fletcher Pro Tip:
“Don’t immediately cast tight to the bank every drift. Many of the better fish have slid into faster mid-river seams where oxygen levels are higher. Fish every lane before moving the boat.”
Upper Colorado Top Flies
Another Pats Rubber Legs variation that CRO Guides have been having a ton of success with is the “Extended Body Pats”. Learn how to tie it here!
Lower Colorado River Fishing Report
Flow: 1880cfs (Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: 2’-3’
Fishing Rating: 7/10
The Lower Colorado continues to produce quality trout, although water temperatures have become the biggest factor each afternoon.
Early launches have become increasingly important.
Water temperatures have been approaching stressful levels by 2:00-3:00 PM during the hottest afternoons, making mornings by far the most productive window.
Both hopper/dropper and indicator rigs continue producing.
When bank-oriented fish become less active, switch to an indicator setup and concentrate on deeper drop-offs, faster oxygen-rich water, and transition seams.
Smaller PMD nymphs like the Hilbert’s Daysaver May and Hilbert’s Sexi Top May continue producing fish throughout the day.
CRO Guide Matt Fletcher Pro Tip:
“If you’re floating and the banks slow down, don’t keep forcing it. Slide out into the main current and fish the drop-offs thoroughly. Many of the biggest trout are leaving the shallows once the sun gets high.”
Lower Colorado Top Flies
Royal Double Stack Chubby size 10
Pats Rubber Legs (Coffee/Black) size 10
Iron Sally size 16-18
UV Sally size 16-18
Hilbert’s Daysaver May PMD size 16-18
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 16-18
Hilbert’s Sexi Stone size 10-8 (not available commercially)
Be sure to check out our latest YouTube video where CRO Guide and MFC signature tyer Brian Hilbert ties his “Sexi Stone”
Roaring Fork River Fishing Report
Flow: 749cfs (Glenwood Springs)
Clarity: 3’-4’
Fishing Rating: 10/10
The Roaring Fork has been outstanding this week.
Excellent flows, healthy water temperatures and active trout have created some of the best fishing of the season.
The downside?
Everyone knows it.
Expect significant angling pressure, especially on weekends. Early starts remain the best strategy for both avoiding crowds and finding aggressive fish.
CRO Guide Matt Weldon reports exceptional hopper/dropper fishing.
The Royal Double Stack Chubby has been drawing explosive surface eats throughout the day.
Matt’s favorite rig:
Around midday, Yellow Sallies and Caddis begin taking over.
Double dry rigs featuring:
have been producing exciting visual eats throughout the afternoon.
CRO Guide Matt Weldon Pro Tip:
“When it’s crowded, fish faster pocket water, and don’t overlook water people pass by. The fish are still there. Often times angling pressure will move the fish into faster water or structure.”
Roaring Fork Top Flies
Royal Double Stack Chubby size 10
Pocket Picker Olive size 18
Hilbert’s Sexi Top May PMD size 18
Butch Sally size 16
Butch Caddis size 16
Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail size 16
Water Temperatures Matter
As summer progresses, water temperatures become one of the most important factors affecting trout health. Cold water holds significantly more dissolved oxygen than warm water. As river temperatures rise, trout become increasingly stressed, especially after being hooked and fought.
At Colorado River Outfitters, we strongly encourage every angler to carry a quality stream thermometer and monitor water temperatures throughout the day.
Responsible Summer Angling Guidelines
Below 63°F: Excellent fishing conditions.
63–65°F: Fish normally but land trout quickly and minimize handling.
65–67°F: Fish early, target faster, oxygen-rich water, and release trout immediately. No pictures.
68°F and above: It’s time to reel up and call it a day.
When water temperatures reach 68°F, trout are under significant physiological stress. Continuing to catch and fight fish can dramatically increase delayed mortality, even if every fish swims away after release.
Practicing responsible catch-and-release ensures these fisheries remain healthy throughout the summer and helps protect the incredible wild trout populations we all enjoy.
Fish With Colorado River Outfitters
There has never been a better time to experience Colorado’s incredible summer fly fishing.
Both float trips and walk-and-wade trips are producing exceptional action across the Eagle River, Roaring Fork River and Colorado River.
With this year’s below-average snowpack, there is a very real possibility of voluntary or mandatory afternoon fishing closures later this summer due to elevated water temperatures.
Don’t wait until conditions change. Book your trip now while cold water and outstanding fishing are still here.
Book Online: https://www.coloradoriveroutfitters.net/book-now
Call or Text: 970-236-1937
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Good luck out there,
– The CRO Team
