Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Colorado River - Below Williams Fork Confluence - Colorado

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Morning to Mid Afternoon 18-24 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
February Stoneflies, Midges Morning to Afternoon 14, 18-24 Zebra Midge, Pat’s Rubber Legs
March Blue Wing Olives, Midges Morning to Afternoon 16-22, 18-24 Pheasant Tail, BWO Comparadun
April Blue Wing Olives, Midges, Stoneflies Afternoon to Evening 14-22 RS2, Pat’s Rubber Legs
May Caddis, Stoneflies, Midges Afternoon to Evening 14-18 Elk Hair Caddis, Pat’s Rubber Legs
June Pale Morning Dun, Stoneflies, Caddis Afternoon to Evening 14-22 Parachute PMD, Elk Hair Caddis
July Pale Morning Dun, Caddis, Terrestrials All Day 14-20 Parachute PMD, Elk Hair Caddis, Fat Albert
August Terrrestrials, Caddis, Tricos All Day 14-20 Hopper Juan, Elk Hair Caddis, Trico Spinner
September Trico, Blue Wing Olives Afternoon to Evening 18-22 Trico Spinner, Pheasant Tail
October Blue Wing Olives, Midges Morning to Afternoon 16-22, 18-24 Pheasant Tail, Zebra Midge
November Midges Morning to Afternoon 18-24 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty
December Midges Morning to Mid Afternoon 18-24 Zebra Midge, Black Beauty

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Colorado River is a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. Particularly, the stretch below the Williams Fork Confluence is teeming with excellent spots for enticing your next big catch. Here are a few noteworthy ones:

  • Radium: This area is accessible via a boat ramp and is known for its larger fish sizes.
  • Rancho Del Rio: This section of the river offers a great fishing experience due to its steady flow and easy wading. Perfect for those looking for a relaxed fishing outing.
  • Pumphouse Recreation Site: This site offers deep runs and pools that are home to brown and rainbow trout. Access is easy with a boat launch site and large parking area.
  • State Bridge: This stretch is perfect for experienced anglers looking for a challenge with its swift currents and, deeper runs.
  • Two Bridges Boat Launch: It’s an ideal spot for float fishing, with several productive eddies and holes.

Keep in mind to check local reports for specifics on hatches and fill your fly box accordingly.

Best Access Points

The Colorado River, below the Williams Fork Confluence, offers some of the finest Fly fishing spots. Some highlighted ones include:

  • Kremmling: A well-known access point, offering plenty of opportunities for catching brown and rainbow trout.
  • Pumphouse Recreation Area: A popular spot for anglers due to its diverse fish species including brown, cutthroat and rainbow trout.
  • Radium: This location provides both great fishing and beautiful scenery, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate a good catch amidst stunning surroundings.
  • State Bridge: This is an ideal spot for fishing due to the variety of fish and easy access to the river.
  • Two Bridges Boat Launch: This spot is not just confined to launching boats but is quite popular for fly fishing too.
  • Cottonwood Island: Popular for its fast-running channels and deep pools, perfect for catching large trout.

Local Fish

  • Brown Trout: Known for their prominent spots and reddish hues, Brown Trouts are some of the most popular targets for fly fishers in the Colorado River.
  • Rainbow Trout: Second only to Brown Trouts, Rainbow Trouts are also common in the Colorado River. These fish are well-regarded for their beautiful multi-colored streak down their body.
  • Brook Trout: Although not as abundant as the previous species, Brook Trouts are still highly targeted in the Colorado River due to their unique markings and aggressive nature.
  • Cutthroat Trout: Named for the slash of red beneath their jaw, Cutthroat Trouts are a local favorite, particularly for fly fishers searching for a challenge.
  • White Sucker: These bottom feeders are not typically targeted in fly fishing, but they provide a hearty fight when hooked and add variety to the fly fishing experience.
  • Mountain Whitefish: Native to the Colorado River, the Mountain Whitefish is known for its torpedo-shaped body and voracious feeding habits.
  • Kokanee Salmon: While not native to the river, these landlocked Salmon have flourished in the Colorado River’s conditions, becoming a well sought after target for fly fishers.
  • Artic Grayling: These fish, named for their distinctive dorsal fin, are usually targeted by advanced fly fishers because they are often found in difficult to reach areas and are known for their elusive nature.

About The River

The Colorado River below Williams Fork Confluence is worth exploring, especially after learning about its history. Flowing through seven U.S states and Mexico; it’s over 1,450-miles long!

  • The Ute Indians, the native inhabitants of Colorado, called it Haŋkwpapȟa translating to ‘River of the West’.
  • The river once flowed into the Gulf of California but due to extensive damming, it now ends in Mexico’s Sonoran Desert.

The river is home to several endangered species, like the humpback chub and pikeminnow. The river’s ecosystem constantly changes due to human activities and natural causes like erosion and climate change.

Boasting rafting adventures, spectacular canyon views and diverse wildlife, the Colorado River below Williams Fork Confluence offers innumerable attractions. Yet, its historical narrative makes the journey down this river even more enthralling!

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