As of November 10, 2024, the Colorado River in Colorado is offering some excellent fishing opportunities despite the cooling autumn weather. The river, a freestone fishery with no dams within the state, has stable flows currently around 2,080 cubic feet per second near Glenwood Springs, which is slightly below normal levels but still manageable for both wading and floating.

The weather is partly cloudy with a high of around 58 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 38 degrees. Sunrise is at 6:43 AM, and sunset will be at 4:53 PM, providing a good window to get out on the water. Morning lows are chilly, but the mild afternoons make for ideal fishing conditions.

Trout activity remains robust, with brown trout, rainbow trout, and cutthroat trout actively feeding, particularly in the eddies and slow seams. Browns are especially active as they are in their spawning season, so it's crucial to avoid disturbing spawning areas. Yesterday, anglers reported catching a good number of trout, including several large browns and rainbows.

For the best results, focus on using smaller dry flies like Blue Winged Olives (BWOs) and Caddis. Nymphing is also reliable, with patterns such as Pats Rubber Leg, Trinas Tung Tied PMD, and Rainbow Warriors producing well. In the colder weather, fish are seeking deeper water, so multi-nymph rigs with a fair amount of weight to achieve the appropriate depth are recommended. Midge and caddis larvae are key before lunchtime, while midge pupae and baetis nymphs become more important after lunch.

Hot spots include the upper sections near Dotsero and the lower sections below Glenwood Springs. The river around and below Salida is also worth exploring, as fish tend to congregate in deeper winter water with slow to walking speed currents.

Remember to find warm, sunny, well-lit areas to fish when possible, as the thermal energy can make a significant difference in fish and fish food activity. Always take the time to spot and avoid spawning areas to let the fish continue their natural processes undisturbed.