Colorado River - Catamount | Overview
Downstream of the Radium area, the Colorado River between the Two Bridges boat ramp and the Catamount access offers a spectacular mix of high-desert scenery, technical fishing, and solitude. This section marks the transition from canyon water to wider valley stretches, where the river meanders through sagebrush hillsides and red rock bluffs, offering anglers miles of classic western trout water. The river here is broad and powerful, with deep runs, soft seams, and mid-river shelves that hold strong populations of brown and rainbow trout. Hatches of caddis, mayflies, and yellow sallies keep fish active through the warmer months, while streamers and nymphs produce consistently year-round. This is an excellent stretch for both float and wade anglers, though floating is the preferred way to cover its long, varied water. Scenic highlights include rolling sandstone cliffs, quiet cottonwood bottoms, and glimpses of wildlife that make this section as visually rewarding as it is productive. The Two Bridges and Catamount boat ramps provide convenient put-in and take-out points, making it a perfect day float for anglers looking to experience the heart of the middle Colorado River.
Colorado River - Catamount: Current Discharge Loading...
Colorado River - Catamount: Water Temperature (°C)
Current Conditions
April 2026: The Colorado River at Catamount is running about 100 CFS higher than Pumphouse, which helps, but it’s still on the thin side and you’ll notice it in a few spots. Floating is generally the best way to fish this stretch, especially given the limited public access, though you may still bump through the occasional shallow section. Fishing has been solid overall. Nymphing continues to produce the most consistent results with fish keying in on BWOs and midges, while dry fly action has been showing up late morning into the evening. Streamers have also been a good option, particularly on cloudier days, and are a great way to target some of the better fish this stretch is known for.
Recommended FLies
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Squirmy Worm, Perdigons 16-18, Thread body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Zebra midge black or olive size 18-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Chubby (gold, royal) 10-14, Para Wulff 18-24, Parachute Adams 18-24, H&L Variant 14-18
STREAMERS: Goldie, Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Leach (black, olive)