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)
Colorado River - Catamount – Water Temperature (°C)
Current Conditions
March 2026: The Colorado River at Catamount is starting to shake off winter and has been showing improving conditions compared to stretches farther upstream. Open water is becoming more consistent and this section has been fishing more comfortably as temperatures warm. Trout are still spending much of their time in deeper, softer winter water, but on warmer days some fish have begun sliding into intermediate runs and riffles that sit close to deeper holding water. Nymphing remains the most reliable approach, although streamers are starting to move a few fish as well. Focus on good depth, clean drifts, and covering water to find cooperative fish.
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: Para Wulff 18-24, Parachute Adams 18-24, Chubby (gold, royal) 8-14, Griffith's Gnat 18-22
STREAMERS: - Leach (black, olive), Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie