Upper Colorado River Fishing Report with CRO Guide Brian Hilbert

Fall is here on the Upper Colorado River, and with the cooler nights and crisp mornings, fishing conditions couldn’t be better. Our guides at Colorado River Outfitters have been finding consistent action from sunup to sundown, and CRO guide Brian Hilbert has been dialed in on the bite. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to the water, this is a great time to experience everything the Upper C has to offer.

Morning Bite – Hopper Dropper Magic

The early morning bite has been nothing short of excellent. Brian is still running his go-to hopper dropper setup, a perfect rig for covering water and targeting trout in all holding zones.

• Top fly: Size 8 Trigger Belly Hopper (Montana Fly Company)

• First dropper: Size 18 Frenchie

• Trailer fly: Size 22 Daysaver Baetis

This three-fly combo gives trout options, with the hopper pulling fish to the surface, the Frenchie working mid-column, and the baetis pattern picking off those selective feeders tight to the bottom. With fish spread out across banks, riffles, and deeper runs, this setup has been deadly.

Trout are still looking up for an opportunistic eat on top!

Brian’s Pro Tip: “Don’t be afraid to fish that hopper tight to the bank early. Even if you don’t see active risers, trout are opportunistic in the mornings and love to smash a big foam bug. Set the hook on any hesitation in the drift—half the eats are subtle.”

Late Morning – Blue Wing Olive Time

Around 11:30 a.m., the hatch begins to change the game. With the Blue Wing Olives popping off, trout start keying in on them quickly. Brian adapts by swapping out the Daysaver Baetis trailer for a Size 22 Sexi Top BWO, a subtle but highly effective imitation that fools even the pickiest fish.

The BWO hatch often brings trout into shallower water and softer seams, making it a great time to slow down, read the currents, and focus on presentation.

Brian’s “Sexi Top BWO” is commercially available with Montana Fly Company and an excellent blue wing emerger pattern.

Afternoon – Dry Fly Heaven

By afternoon, especially under some cloud cover, Brian transitions fully into dry fly fishing. This is often the most fun part of the day, with active fish aggressively feeding up top.

• Primary dry: Size 16 Peacock Caddis

• Trailing dry: Size 18 Elk Hair Caddis

Target fast water and drop-offs, where trout slide up in the water column looking for quick meals. Some days, attractors like Stimulaters or Royal Wulffs can make all the difference, pulling strikes when more traditional dries aren’t producing.

Brian’s Pro Tip: “When fishing multiple dries, give your flies a little twitch in the slower water. That subtle movement often triggers an eat when trout are following but hesitant. Just don’t overdo it—keep it natural.”

Fall on the Upper Colorado

Fall fishing on the Upper Colorado River is excellent right now. With strong hatches, aggressive trout, and stunning scenery, there’s no better time to get out and enjoy a float trip. Whether you want to throw hoppers, chase the BWO hatch, or watch trout explode on caddis dries in the afternoon, the action is hot from start to finish.

👉 Book your fall float trip with Brian or any of the CRO guides today and experience the magic of the Upper C.

BOOK HERE!

📞 970-236-1937

And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for daily reports and guide updates: @colorado.river.outfitters

Here are some photos from a float trip last week: