Colorado Fly Fishing Report: Eagle River, Colorado River & Roaring Fork River-Current Conditions | Low Water, Hot Weather & Ethical Summer Fishing
- brianchilbert
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Summer is officially here across Colorado, and while the fishing continues to be excellent, anglers need to adjust their approach to protect our wild trout fisheries.
Weeks of hot temperatures, intense sunshine, and extremely low flows have pushed afternoon water temperatures into dangerous territory on many rivers. Trout become increasingly stressed once water temperatures approach 68°F, and mortality rises rapidly as temperatures continue climbing. On several stretches of river, we’re now seeing water temperatures exceed 72–75°F during the hottest part of the day.
The good news? Morning fishing has been outstanding.
The key to success right now is getting on the water early, carrying a quality stream thermometer, and checking water temperatures throughout your day. If the water reaches 68°F, it’s time to call it a day and let the trout rest.
Eagle River Fishing Report
Current Conditions
Flow (Avon): 80 CFS
Flow (Gypsum): 123 CFS
Clarity: Clear (5+ feet)
Fishing Rating: 7/10 (Morning Bite)
Water Temperatures Reaching 68°F
Wolcott: Approximately 12:00 PM
Gypsum: Approximately 9:00 AM
Despite historically low flows, the Eagle River continues to fish surprisingly well during the morning hours in the upper sections of the river.
Unfortunately, the combination of record heat and low water has created dangerous conditions downstream. Water temperatures around Gypsum have been reaching 75°F during the afternoon, making this section unsuitable for trout fishing. Please avoid fishing the lower Eagle until temperatures cool.
The best opportunity remains from Wolcott upstream through Edwards, Avon, and Minturn, where cooler water continues to support healthy trout during the morning.
Trico spinner falls have been excellent, followed by strong caddis activity as the morning progresses. Fast riffles, oxygen-rich pocket water, and deeper pools continue producing consistent action.
Our guides have had outstanding success running:
The leech followed by a tiny baetis has been especially productive in deeper buckets and fast riffles where trout are seeking cooler, oxygen-rich water.
Learn to tie Hilbert’s “Summer Sally” on our YouTube page!
Dry fly opportunities continue to improve, particularly during caddis activity, with fish looking up well for tan X-Caddis patterns.
Pro Tip from CRO Guide Sam Kinney
“Right now it’s all about fishing oxygen. Don’t waste time on slow pools. Focus on broken riffles, seams, and faster runs where cooler water is constantly mixing. Even a few degrees makes a huge difference this time of year.”
Upper Colorado River Fishing Report
(Dotsero to Pump House)
Current Conditions
Pump House: 1,120 CFS
Catamount: 1,190 CFS
Dotsero: 1,360 CFS
Clarity: 3–4 feet
Fishing Rating: 7/10
Water Temperatures Reaching 68°F
Pump House: Not currently reaching 68°F
Catamount: Approximately 2:00 PM
Dotsero: Approximately 11:00 AM
The middle and upper Colorado continue to provide some of the best summertime fishing in western Colorado. Cooler water temperatures upstream have allowed trout to remain active throughout much of the day, although anglers near Dotsero should still closely monitor temperatures as they climb quickly by late morning.
Hopper season is beginning to gain momentum, and fish are starting to show interest in large attractor dries including:
Royal Chubby Chernobyl
Tan Chubby Chernobyl
Fishing these dries with a productive dropper has been the ticket.
Our favorite setup has been:
Royal or Tan Chubby
Size 18 Olive, Yellow, or Red Perdigon
Hilbert’s Daysaver May #20-22
Running the Perdigon and Day Saver May approximately three feet beneath the hopper has been producing exceptional numbers of trout.
Fast riffles, current seams, drop-offs, and structure continue to hold the majority of feeding fish. As water temperatures climb, trout are abandoning slower pools and moving into faster current where dissolved oxygen remains higher.
Pro Tip from CRO Guide Matt Fletcher
“Don’t be afraid to fish your hopper tight against the bank. Summer trout are opportunistic and will slide right under overhanging grass, willows, and cut banks looking for terrestrials. Make accurate casts and cover water efficiently.”
Lower Colorado River Fishing Report
(Glenwood Springs)
At this time, we strongly recommend avoiding the Lower Colorado River around Glenwood Springs.
Water temperatures are climbing too quickly and remaining too warm throughout the afternoon to responsibly target trout.
We’ll be the first to let everyone know when conditions improve following cooler weather, significant rainfall, or as we move into fall.
Until then, please give these fish a break.
Roaring Fork River Fishing Report
Current Conditions
Flow: 459 CFS
Clarity: 4–5 feet
Fishing Rating: 9/10
Water Temperatures Reaching 68°F
Approximately 2:00 PM
The Roaring Fork continues to be our top-producing river this week. While flows remain low and afternoon temperatures are climbing, anglers willing to get on the water early are experiencing phenomenal fishing.
Early starts have been the difference maker.
Our favorite rig has been:
The tiny Daysaver Midge has been producing fish consistently as trout mistake it for emerging midges, PMD nymphs, and small caddis larvae.
The hopper/dropper bite has remained extremely consistent throughout the morning hours, especially around riffles and shallow shelves transitioning into deeper buckets.
Attractor dries have also been producing.
One of our favorite patterns continues to be The Patriot, which has been fooling aggressive trout looking to capitalize on larger summertime meals.
If you’re willing to commit to fishing dries, there are some excellent opportunities for visual eats.
Remember to check water temperatures often, fight fish quickly, keep them in the water during releases, and call it a day once temperatures reach 68°F.
Pro Tip from CRO Guide Brian Hilbert
“As the season progresses and fish see hundreds of flies drift overhead, they become far more selective. One of the biggest mistakes I see anglers make is continuing to fish the same size flies and heavy tippet that worked earlier in the season. When trout start refusing your flies or you’re only hooking smaller fish, it’s usually time to downsize. 5x fluorocarbon and size 22 flies can be the difference between an average day and a banger day.”
Final Thoughts
Despite the challenging conditions, Colorado trout fishing remains excellent for anglers willing to adapt. Early mornings continue to provide phenomenal fishing across much of western Colorado. The key is respecting the resource by carrying a stream thermometer, monitoring water temperatures throughout the morning, and putting the rods away once temperatures reach 68°F.
Our wild trout depend on responsible anglers making good decisions during periods of extreme heat. Together we can help ensure these fisheries remain healthy for years to come.
Let’s all hope for some cooler temperatures, afternoon storms, and a healthy dose of rain.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for daily fishing reports, fly recommendations, river conditions, and weekly educational content.
Want to know exactly what’s hatching this month? Check out our Colorado July Hatch Guide for detailed information on current insects, timing, and the flies our guides are using.
Good luck out there, and we’ll see you on the river.
— The Colorado River Outfitters Team