Skip to content

Your cart

Your cart is empty

River Info

Colorado River - Catamount

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 – Discharge (CFS)

Streamflow graph for Colorado River - Catamount

Colorado River - Catamount – Water Temperature (°C)

Water temperature graph for Colorado River - Catamount

Current Conditions

The Colorado at Catamount is in full winter mode with low flows, 30° temps, and plenty of ice and slush. Hatches are done for the season, so focus on any open water you can find. Nymph rigs are the go-to—lead with small stones, eggs, or leeches, and trail a size 20–22 midge or baetis for the best results.

Contact Winter Park Flyfisher for the latest conditions, fly picks, and access notes.


Recommended FLies

  • NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, 2 Perdigons 16-18, Thread body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Poison Tung 18, Mercury Black Beauty size 18-22, Zebra midge black or olive size 18-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
  • DRIES: Para Wulff 18-24, Parachute Adams 18-24, Chubby (gold) 8-14, Griffith's Gnat 18-22
  • STREAMERS:  - Leach (black, olive), Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie
GUIDED TRIPS

GUIDED TRIPS

LEARN MORE
LATEST PRODUCTS

LATEST PRODUCTS

SHOP NOW
HOSTED TRIPS

HOSTED TRIPS

REGISTER TODAY
OUR SHOP

OUR SHOP

LEARN MORE

Have Questions?Contact us today.