Colorado River near Parshall | Overview
Just below the confluence of the Colorado River and the Williams Fork River, the Parshall section offers some of the finest year-round trout fishing in Grand County. This productive stretch flows through wide meadows and cottonwood-lined banks, providing a mix of riffles, deep runs, and long, gentle glides that make for classic western fly-fishing. The steady flows from the Williams Fork tailwater help keep this water cool and fishable even through the heat of summer and into the heart of winter. Public access is excellent thanks to the Kemp–Breeze State Wildlife Area and Sunset access points, both managed by Colorado Parks & Wildlife. The Kemp–Breeze unit features several miles of restored stream habitat, with improved structure and deeper holding water for trout. Just upstream, the Sunset access offers easy wading and a quieter experience for anglers looking to explore away from the crowds. Together, these access points provide some of the best public fishing on the upper Colorado.
Current Conditions
January 2026
The Colorado River at Parshall is settled into mid-winter conditions, with good flows and open water below the confluence with the Williams Fork. Nymphing remains the most reliable approach, with trout holding in softer winter water such as deeper riffles, slow pockets, and longer tail-outs. While a few larger rainbows are still willing to eat stonefly patterns, most of the consistent action has been on small midges in the 20–22 range. Size 18 perdigons in olive and brown also picked up a handful of fish, especially when fished deeper through slower seams. If the bite feels subtle, focus on depth control and take time to methodically cover the softer water.
Recommended FLies
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Hollow Point Perdigon 18, Thread Body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Poison Tung 18, Mercury Midge 20-22, Zebra midge black or olive size 20-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Para Wulff 18-24, Parachute Adams 18-24, Griffith's Gnat 18-22
STREAMERS: - Leach (black, olive), Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie
