Lower Colorado Fishing Report 10/27/25 with Brian Hilbert

Fall is in full swing here on the Lower Colorado, and the fishing has been nothing short of exciting. The river is in great shape, the weather has been ideal, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect with quality fish. That said, this time of year, the bigger trout are out there—but you’ve got to work for them. Anglers willing to put in the time, adjust their rigs, and stay patient are being rewarded with some truly impressive catches.

My Philly Cheese Cranefly has big a winner for targeting big browns this fall.

Nymphing: The Most Consistent Game in Town

Right now, nymphing deep is producing the most consistent action across the board. The cooler fall temperatures and recent bump in flows have the fish hugging the bottom, and getting your flies down in the zone is key. The best producers have been:

• Hilbert’s Philly Cheese Cranefly (size 6) – This pattern has been the MVP lately. With the recent flow increase from 1550 CFS to 1900 CFS, the Cranefly bite has really turned on. Big fish are keying in on these larger meals, especially in deeper buckets and slower seams.

• Hilbert’s Daysaver Baetis (size 20) – When fish aren’t committing to the big meal ticket, this little pattern has been the perfect dropper. The baetis hatch is steady, and trout are taking advantage of the abundance of small mayflies drifting through.

• Peach Egg Patterns – Always a solid fall standby, especially when targeting deeper runs and tailouts where fish are staging up. The peach color seems to be the perfect match right now, providing that subtle pop without being too bright.

A well-weighted two-fly rig under an indicator has been the ticket. Don’t be afraid to add extra split shot or bump up your tippet size—getting down to the fish makes all the difference this week.

Streamer Fishing: Cloudy Day Opportunities

Streamer fishing has been decent, though definitely better on cloudy days or during early morning and late afternoon light. The larger trout are chasing, but you’ve got to show them something worth their effort. The top patterns have been:

• Black Sex Dungeon – A classic for a reason. The dark profile moves water and stands out beautifully in off-light conditions.

• Olive & White Barely Legal – A perfect combination of flash and movement. This pattern has been moving fish consistently, especially on those cloudy, overcast afternoons.

Vary your retrieve until you find the pace they want. Slow, deep strips have been effective when the water is cooler, while a slightly more aggressive retrieve can trigger reaction strikes when things warm up.

Flows and Conditions

That recent flow bump up to 1900 CFS has made a noticeable difference. It’s moved some fish around, created more holding water, and really energized the river system. The higher water has brought the Cranefly bite alive, and we’re seeing more active fish throughout the day. Expect these great conditions to hold steady through the week, making it an excellent time to be on the water.

Book Your Fall Float!

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect window to fish the Lower Colorado, now’s the time. The fish are healthy, the river is alive, and fall colors make every float a beautiful experience. Whether you’re looking to target those larger, hard-earned trout or just enjoy a great day on the oars, we’d love to get you out there.

Book your fall float today and come experience some of the best fishing of the season with the Colorado River Outfitters crew.

📞 970-236-1937

Follow along for daily reports, photos, and guide updates on Instagram at @coloradoriveroutfitters!

—

Written by Brian Hilbert, Colorado River Outfitters Guide

Here are some recent photos from trips in the past week: