Colorado River - Below Shadow Mnt Reservoir | Overview
Just below Shadow Mountain Reservoir, the Colorado River begins its journey as one of the West’s most iconic waterways. In this upper section near Granby, the river flows clear and cold, fed by releases from the reservoir and the surrounding snowmelt of the Rockies. It’s a diverse and productive stretch of water, offering everything from riffles and pocket water to deep, slow pools that hold strong, healthy trout. This section of the Colorado is home to impressive brown and rainbow trout populations, with fish that grow fat on a steady diet of midges, mayflies, caddis, and the occasional terrestrial. The mix of public access points and scenic meadow settings makes it one of Grand County’s must-fish destinations, especially during late spring and early fall when flows and clarity align perfectly.
Colorado River - Below Shadow Mnt Reservoir: Current Discharge Loading...
Current Conditions
May 2026: Flows below Shadow Mountain Reservoir have dropped as they continue filling the reservoir, leaving much of this stretch extremely low. If you’re planning to fish here, your best bet is hiking down to the inlet at Lake Granby (it's way down there!), where fish moving in from the lake have stacked up to feed. BWOs continue to hatch during the mornings and on cloudy days, while caddis activity has been picking up during sunny afternoons and evenings. Much of the upper river is getting pretty thin at these flows, but the inlet area can still provide some very good fishing if you’re willing to make the walk.
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, Zebra midge black or olive size 18-22, Barr's Emerger BWO 18-22, Copper Ribbed RS2 20-22
DRIES: Parachute Adams 18-24, Para Wulff 18-24, Chubby (gold, royal) 8-14, Elk Hair Caddis 16-18
STREAMERS: - Leach (black, olive), Rusty T, Double Thin Mint, Goldie
