Colorado River - Hot Sulphur Springs - Colorado
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs - Water Flow Chart
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs - Weather report & radar
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | 11am – 2pm | 20 – 26 | Griffith’s Gnat, Black Beauty |
| Winter Stonefly | Early Afternoon | 14 – 16 | Black Stonefly Nymphs | |
| February | Midges | Early Afternoon | 20 – 26 | Zebra Midge, Mercury Midge |
| Winter Stonefly | Late Afternoon | 14 – 16 | Prince Nymph, Pheasant Tail | |
| March | Blue Winged Olives | Noon – 2pm | 18 – 22 | RS2, Sparkle Dun |
| Midges | 10am – 2pm | 20 – 26 | Rusty Midge, Flash Midge Pupa | |
| April | Blue Winged Olives | Late Morning | 18 – 22 | BWO Comparadun, CDC BWO Emerger |
| Midges | Early-Mid Afternoon | 20 – 26 | Mercury Midge, Top Secret Midge | |
| Caddis | Evening | 14 – 16 | Elk Hair Caddis, X-Caddis | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Morning-Afternoon | 16 – 20 | BWO Sparkle Dun, CDC BWO Emerger |
| Caddis | Morning-Late Evening | 14 – 18 | Peacock Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| Sulphurs | Afternoon | 16 – 20 | Sulphur Dun, Sulphur Emerger | |
| June | Stoneflies | Evening | 10 – 14 | Golden Stone, Stimulator |
| Caddis | Early Morning-Late Evening | 14 – 18 | Rogue Foam Caddis, Buckskin Caddis | |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon | 10 – 14 | Green Drake Comparadun, Paradrake | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | 20 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Tung Teaser |
| Caddis | Early Morning-Late Evening | 14 – 18 | X-Caddis, CDC Bubbleback Caddis | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | 20 – 24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Tiny Blue Winged Olives | Evening | 20 – 24 | CDC BWO Emerger, Sawyers PT Nymph | |
| September | Midges | Morning | 20 – 26 | Rusty Midge, Tung Teaser |
| Tiny Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 20 – 24 | BWO Emerger, Split Flag BWO | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 18 – 22 | Parachute BWO, Pheasant Tail |
| Midges | Morning | 20 – 26 | Black Beauty, Griffith’s Gnat | |
| Brown Caddis | Afternoon | 14 – 16 | X-Caddis, October Caddis Pupa | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Noon | 18 – 22 | Parachute BWO, BWO Emerger |
| Midges | 10am – 2pm | 20 – 26 | Flash Midge Pupa, Midge Cluster | |
| December | Midges | 11am – 2pm | 20 – 26 | Zebra Midge, Black Beauty |
| Winter Stonefly | Early Afternoon | 14 – 16 | Stonefly Nymph, Prince Nymph |
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs Access Points
Visitors to Hot Sulphur Springs have the opportunity to experience some of the best fly fishing spots on the Colorado River. This list compiles the stands out access points for an impressive fly fishing escapade.
- Paul Gilbert Fishing Site: Easily accessible year-round, offering the promise of Cutthroat, Rainbow and Brook trout.
- Byers Canyon: Just a short distance from town, here you’ll encounter a diverse range of fish in stunning surroundings.
- Himebaugh Creek: Perfect for intermediate and expert fly fishermen, this creek is teeming with Brown and Rainbow trout.
- Lone Buck Campground: Especially ideal during the summer months. Besides fishing, you can enjoy hiking trails within walking distance.
- Pioneer Park Access Site: This site is great for a family fishing trip. With ample space, you can comfortably accommodate everyone, even for multi-day trips.
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs Fishing Spots
Fly fishing enthusiasts will find great pleasure in the serene waters of the Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs. Several outstanding spots are favored for their aquatic abundance and breathtaking scenery.
- Byers Canyon: A steep, rugged canyon with excellent fishing opportunities. A ¼ mile stretch below the dam provides natural habitat for large trout.
- Parshall Diversion: Here, you can catch brown and rainbow trout. Promises abundant hatches of midges, baetis, and caddisflies.
- Pumphouse Recreation Site: A popular location due to easy access and facilities, offers a mix of brown and rainbow trout.
- Radium: It’s a little rugged to reach, but the yield of large and vibrant fish varieties make it well worth the effort.
- Rancho Del Rio: Home to diverse fish species, its steady current and deep pools provide great fly fishing experiences.
Always remember to respect private lands and abide by catch-and-release rules to maintain the river’s rich ecosystem.
Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: This fish is one of the most prevalent species in the Colorado River at Hot Sulphur Springs, making it a prime target for fly fishing.
- Rainbow Trout: These colorful fish are one of the favorites among fly fishers, offering a thrilling chase and fight.
- Brook Trout: The Brook Trout is another common sport fish found in the icy waters of the Colorado River.
- Mountain Whitefish: This cold-water fish is commonly found throughout the river and offers a satisfying catch for anglers.
- Cutthroat Trout: Colorado’s state fish, the Cutthroat Trout is a unique and exciting catch for fly anglers on the Colorado River.
- Colorado Pike-Minnow: Previously known as the Colorado Squawfish, this species thrives in the warm desert sections of the river.
- Common Carp: While not a traditional fly fishing target, the Common Carp is plentiful in the Colorado River, providing a new challenge for fly fishers.
- White Sucker: Another less common fly fishing target, White Suckers are available in abundance in the river and provide good practice for mastering fly fishing techniques.
About the Colorado River – Hot Sulphur Springs
Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Hot Sulphur Springs is a delightful highlight of the majestic Colorado River. This charming location has a rich history dating back to its discovery by a pioneer explorer, William Byers, in 1840.
- Byers, inspired by the springs’ healing powers, opened a health spa and resort, leading to establishment of the town Hot Sulphur Springs.
- The Ute Indians, native to this region, revered these springs long before settlers arrived, recognizing their therapeutic benefits.
- These natural hot tubs are not just for relaxation; they are also a unique geothermal occurrence. Hot mineral water emerges from the Earth’s crust and heats the spring water to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Community Contributions
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