Upper Colorado River Fishing Report – May 29, 2025 By CRO Guide Matt Fletcher

Hey everyone, Matt Fletcher here with your latest Upper Colorado River fishing report, and let me tell you—it’s been nothing short of phenomenal out there lately. With a mix of hatches coming off throughout the day and solid water conditions holding, now is the time to be on the water.

Morning Bite: BWOs & Midges on the Move

Early mornings have been all about Blue-Winged Olives and midges, especially on those cooler, overcast days. When I’m out with clients early, I’m almost always starting with small BWO emerger patterns like the Pheasant Tail, 2 Bit Hooker, and Barr’s Emerger. These flies have been consistently getting eats in those slower morning drifts. Keep your drifts clean and don’t be afraid to go small if the takes are subtle.

Wesley with a great brown!

Late Morning to Afternoon: Caddis & Stonefly Action

As the sun gets higher and the temps start to warm up, the river transitions quickly. Caddis and stoneflies have been showing up mid-morning and staying strong into the afternoon. This is when I like to switch things up. A Walt’s Worm or HDA FAV Variant has been my go-to for subsurface or dropper setups. Fish are feeding with confidence, especially along the banks and inside seams, so don’t skip that soft water.

Trout are starting to look up for adult salmonflies!

The Big Show: Salmonflies are Here

It’s what we wait all spring for—Salmonfly season is on, and it’s fishing as good as it gets. We’re seeing strong hatches heading into June, and the big bugs are producing epic topwater eats. I’ve been throwing large foam patterns like the Rogue Stone, which not only draw explosive takes but also make a great indicator for your dropper rig underneath. If you haven’t experienced a Salmonfly hatch yet, this is your shot.

The Rogue Stone is a go-to pattern for several of our guides!

River Conditions

• Water Clarity: Still excellent for this time of year. We’ve got good visibility, especially with low flows as reservoirs fill from snowmelt.

• Flows: Low and very manageable, making wading a great option.

• Water Temps: Starting in the mid to high 50s and climbing to the low to mid 60s by late afternoon—ideal for active, feeding fish.

Whether you’re nymphing early, working dries in the afternoon, or throwing big foam bugs into the evening, the Upper Colorado is in prime form right now. If you’re looking for guidance, rigging help, or want to book a float, give us a call at Colorado River Outfitters—we’re happy to get you dialed in.

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See you out there and tight lines,

– Matt Fletcher, CRO Guide