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Upper Colorado River Fishing Report with CRO Guide Matt Weldon 8/23/25

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The Upper Colorado River continues to fish incredibly well, and CRO guide Matt Weldon has been putting anglers on fish with a variety of exciting techniques. Cool water temps have trout spread across the river system—meaning opportunities are everywhere: right up against the bank, in foam eddies, along drop-offs, riffles, and in those deep green runs. Wherever you put your fly, chances are you’ll find feeding fish.



What’s Working Right Now



  • Morning: Tricos in size 22 are producing steady dry fly eats as trout sip spinners in the soft water.

  • Midday: Hopper fishing has been excellent, with trout willing to rise for larger meals throughout the afternoon.

  • Evening: Caddis are making their presence known, keeping the action strong into the later hours.



The hopper-dropper rig remains a tried-and-true producer. Matt recommends a size 8 Trigger Belly Hopper paired with a size 16 Duracell jig—a combo that’s been turning heads and bending rods.

The Trigger Belly Hopper From Montana Fly Company Has Been A staple For Matt For Years.
The Trigger Belly Hopper From Montana Fly Company Has Been A staple For Matt For Years.
The Duracell Is A Colorado River Staple That Works Seemingly Year Around.
The Duracell Is A Colorado River Staple That Works Seemingly Year Around.

Matt’s Approach – Double and Triple Dry Fly Rigs



While the hopper-dropper shines, Matt’s go-to program lately has been fishing multiple dries in tandem. His setup:


  • Lead Fly: Size 18 Ms. Tickle Cripple in PMD

  • Second Fly: Size 20 Parachute Adams

  • Third Fly: Size 20 Renegade


The Renegade Is Classic Dry Fly That Can Imitate Several Species Of Hatching Insects.
The Renegade Is Classic Dry Fly That Can Imitate Several Species Of Hatching Insects.

This lineup covers a wide range of mayfly and attractor profiles, keeping trout guessing—and eating.



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Pro Tips from Matt



  • Rigging: Keep your spacing between flies around 18–24 inches to prevent tangles while still giving each fly room to fish naturally.

  • Presentation: Focus on a dead drift first—let the current do the work and avoid over-mending. These fish are keyed in on naturals, so subtle drifts get the most eats.

  • Targeting Water: Don’t overlook the soft edges and foam lines. Even big fish will slide tight against the bank to sip a trico or grab a hopper.




The Brown Trout On The Colorado River Are Beautiful This Time Of Year!
The Brown Trout On The Colorado River Are Beautiful This Time Of Year!

Book Your Float Trip



Conditions are prime and the fish are hungry—this is one of the best times of year to experience the Upper Colorado River. Whether you want to throw hoppers, fish technical dries, or drift a nymph rig through a deep run, our guides will put you in the action.


👉 Call 970-236-1937 today to book your float trip with Matt Weldon or any of our CRO guides!


And don’t forget to follow along with daily reports and photos from the river on Instagram: @colorado.river.outfitters

 
 
 

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