Colorado River

The River That Defines Western Fishing

Flowing more than 1,400 miles through seven U.S. states, the Colorado River offers some of the most diverse fishing in North America. From cold, clear headwaters in Colorado’s high country to warm, slow-moving stretches along the Arizona–California border, this river is a paradise for anglers who crave variety and adventure.

Whether you’re chasing rainbow trout in the Rockies, jigging for striped bass near Lake Havasu, or casting topwater baits in the desert sun, the Colorado River delivers something for every kind of fisherman.  Fishing the Colorado River near Moab offers great opportunities to fish for rainbow and brown trout in a beautiful setting.

Upper Colorado River — Trout Country

The upper stretches of the Colorado River, from Rocky Mountain National Park down through Glenwood Springs, are known for world-class trout fishing.

• Target Species: Rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout

• Best Methods: Fly fishing with nymphs, dry-dropper rigs, and streamers

• Hot Spots:

  • Parshall to Kremmling — Gold Medal waters packed with wild browns

  • Glenwood Canyon — accessible pull-offs with deep runs and eddies

  • State Bridge — perfect for float trips and wade fishing combos

• Best Seasons: Spring and fall for dry fly hatches; summer for drift fishing

Middle Colorado — Power & Transition

As the river flows through Utah’s red rock country and into Cataract Canyon, it transitions into a warmer, more powerful system. Here, anglers find a blend of species and conditions that change with every bend.

• Species: Trout in cooler tributaries, smallmouth bass and channel catfish in slower runs

• Access Points: Moab and Green River offer great launching points for multi-day float-and-fish trips

• Tactics: Use crankbaits and soft plastics along rocky ledges and drop-offs where current slows

Lower Colorado River — Stripers, Bass & Big Desert Bites

By the time the river reaches Lake Mead, Lake Mohave, and Lake Havasu, it’s turned into a warm-water fishery that’s home to some serious predators.

• Target Species: Striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and carp

• Best Techniques:

  • Stripers: Vertical jigging spoons or trolling deep-diving plugs

  • Bass: Spinnerbaits and Texas rigs around brush and coves

  • Catfish: Cut bait or stink bait along the edges of current breaks

• Hot Spots:

  • Below Hoover Dam — clear, cold water supports both trout and stripers

  • Willow Beach — famous for trophy rainbow trout and big striped bass

  • Parker Strip — steady bass action year-round

  • Lake Havasu — arguably the best mixed-bag fishery on the entire river

 When to Fish the Colorado River

• Spring: Trout feed aggressively in high country waters; stripers start schooling near Havasu

• Summer: Topwater bite heats up in lower stretches; fish early mornings or evenings

• Fall: Prime time for both stripers and trout; cooler temps trigger active feeding

• Winter: Deep jigging and slow retrieves pay off for bass and catfish

Access

• Permits: Most stretches are public, but some require state fishing licenses (CO, UT, AZ, NV, CA).

• Boat or Bank: From drift boats in the Rockies to kayaks in desert backwaters, access options are endless.