Upper Colorado River

The Upper Colorado River is a broad, powerful stretch of water that showcases the Colorado River in its purest, most fishable form. From the riffles and braids near Pumphouse to the deeper runs around Radium and the dramatic canyon water upstream, this section blends classic Western scenery with remarkably accessible trout fishing. Snowmelt-driven but forgiving, the Upper Colorado offers generous seams, long runs, and productive banks that suit both wading anglers and float trips.

With healthy populations of rainbow and brown trout, dependable stonefly and mayfly hatches, and room to spread out, the river balances productivity with approachability. Whether you’re prospecting big water with nymphs or matching surface activity on a summer evening, the Upper Colorado rewards solid fundamentals and thoughtful water reading—making it a favorite for anglers of all experience levels.

A big thanks to IdentaFly for providing the hatch chart information on the Upper Colorado.