20 APR 2025 · Good morning anglers, Artificial Lure here with your Colorado River fishing report for Sunday, April 20, 2025.
Spring is in full swing along the Colorado River, and we’re seeing classic April conditions. Overnight and early morning temperatures are still cool, but daytime highs are warming up fast, which is impacting the river. Flows are up and running high—right around 2,530 cubic feet per second below Glenwood Springs—and the water clarity is changing day by day. After a hot afternoon you can expect some brown water and stained conditions, while cooler nights bring improved visibility.
Sunrise was at 6:18 AM today, and sunset will be right around 7:46 PM, giving us a full day of fishing. It’s a mix of sun and a few clouds out there, with only a slight breeze this morning and highs climbing into the upper 50s and low 60s by mid-afternoon.
Fish activity has picked up with the warmer weather, and the recent hatches have been strong. We’re seeing blue winged olive nymphs, midges, and a nice pulse of caddis on sections of the river. The caddis hatch is starting to get quasi-decent, and the baetis (blue winged olives) are out in good numbers, so be ready for some surface action, especially late morning and into the afternoon as the bugs get moving.
As for the catch rates, anglers have been reporting solid numbers of rainbows and browns, with some quality fish in the net, especially when the water clears up after a cool night. Don’t be surprised if you pick up an occasional Colorado River cutthroat in the upper stretches. Best approaches right now are nymphing deep with small baetis and midge patterns (size 18 to 20), and trailing a caddis pupa or soft hackle. On overcast days or if you get a good hatch, switch to emergers or dries—parachute blue winged olives and elk hair caddis have been producing.
Streamer fishing can pick up, especially if the water gets a little off-color. Olive, black, or natural sculpin imitations are your best bet—strip ’em slow and close to the bank. If you’re using bait, which is more common below Parshall, worms and salmon eggs have put a few rainbows in the creel.
Hot spots to try today are the section just above State Bridge, where access is good and fish are stacked up in the deeper pools, and the run below Pumphouse, especially early before the afternoon flows rise. Just remember that annual spawning closures are in effect at Grizzly, Canyon, Castle, and Elk Creeks until June 1, so check posted signs and steer clear of those protected areas.
In summary, it’s a classic spring pattern: high, yo-yo flows, good bug activity, and some solid fishing if you hit the right windows. Bring your rain jacket, keep those flies small, and don’t be afraid to fish deep. Good luck out there, and tight lines.