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
May 2026: The Colorado River near Parshall has continued to fish well lately, with good flows and clear water throughout most of the stretch. As temperatures warm up, expect a little more color to start working into the river, but conditions have still been very good overall. The Williams Fork is only contributing about 10 CFS at the moment, though the river below the confluence has continued to fish well regardless. BWOs have been coming off consistently in the mornings, while caddis activity has really picked up during the afternoons and evenings. We’ve even started moving a few fish on hopper patterns already, making a Chubby Chernobyl a great option for a dry dropper setup. Fish are holding in seams, shelves, and intermediate runs, with the more aggressive fish sliding into riffles during active bug windows. Dry fly fishing has been good, especially during mornings and evenings, while nymphing has been more effective through late morning and afternoon hours.
Recommended FLies
NYMPHS: Pats Rubber Legs (coffee, olive) 10-14, Diabetis 18, Guide's Choice Hare's Ear 16-18, Thread Body Frechie (olive) 16-18), Flashback Pheasant Tail 16-18, Zebra midge black or olive size 20-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Chubby Chernobel 10-12 (gold, royal, purple), Para Wulff 18-20, Parachute Adams 18-20, Film Critic BWO 16-18, Peacock Caddis 16-18, Snowshoe Caddis 16
STREAMERS: Leach (black, olive), Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie
