Surprises on the Colorado River:
Drifting and Flyfishing near Glenwood
Springs
by Karen
Christopherson |
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"I don't match the hatch; I give them a smorgasbord" - words
from our friend Pete Golden as we gear up for a drift boat
flyfishing trip on the Colorado River.
It's a gorgeous spring day - warm for March. We're putting in
at Grizzly Creek, an exit off I-70 east of Glenwood Springs. The
plan is to drift and fish to the Two Rivers Park in Glenwood,
about 6 miles. Driving by this section of water you might think,
"too muddy, too busy, no fish". But you'd be wrong - this
portion of the Colorado holds several surprises - some large
Rainbows, Browns, a few pesky Whitefish plus hot springs and
some peaceful spots.
Floating is the best way to get to the trout - there are
few places where you can fish from shore. Having a boat allows
you to fish for them wherever they may be holding - in the rocks
by the shore, in the seams and eddies, or down deep in the main
river channel.
 Karen
and Pete looking for Browns with coaching from Raider, the
black Lab. |
One beauty of fishing this stretch is that you
can use almost any type of fly you like. Dries, sure if you see
fish rising. Streamers - try to coax the browns into a chase.
Nymphs - put on different kinds and sizes. Almost every type of
bug is available from midges to mayflies, caddis to stoneflies.
I guess that's why Pete likes the Smorgasbord - at times he
would tie on three different flies. Let the trout select his
candy!
And the trout are fighters. You'll need a heavier rod - 6 or
7 wt with some strong leader and tippet. No point in messing
around! Having the big stuff will also aid if you get your fly
hooked on the bottom or rocks along the shore.
 Pete
tying on a variety of flies |
The drift is gentle - a few Class I and Class II rapids to
makes sure you're awake. There are some nice bars and beaches
where you can pull over for lunch or an opportunity to wade
fish. Best of all, just before Glenwood, there are some hot
springs on the side of the river. These offer a new opportunity
for your waders, sitting in warm water. I guess you could be
traditional and strip down but remember that I-70 is
watching....
 Beverage
stop at the hot springs on the river |
The Colorado River offers many miles of float
fishing for trout. This stretch is easy to get to, especially if
you're already in the area to fish the Fryingpan or Roaring
Fork. Floating provides a relaxing day yet opportunities to
catch lots of larger fish, especially in a stretch of river that
you might have not otherwise considered.
 Pete,
Jim and Raider with one of the nice browns |
You can camp right on the river at Rock
Gardens (No Name exit) - spots for RV's or tents with fishing
out your back door. You can put in either there or 2 miles upriver
at Grizzly Creek. Plenty of accommodations are also available in
Glenwood Springs
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